Characteristics of the main characters are undersized according to quotes. Characteristics of the main characters "Undergrowth

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“Undergrowth” is a play in five acts, written by Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin. iconic dramatic work XVIII century and one of the most striking examples of classicism. It entered into school curriculum, was repeatedly put on theater stage, received a screen embodiment, and its lines were disassembled into quotes that today live independently from the original source, becoming aphorisms of the Russian language.

Plot: a summary of the play “Undergrowth”

The plot of “Undergrowth” is well known to everyone since school years, however, we still recall summary plays to recall the sequence of events.

The action takes place in the village of Prostakov. Its owners - Mrs. and Mr. Prostakov and their son Mitrofanushka - live a quiet life of provincial nobles. Also, the orphan Sofyushka lives on the estate, whom the lady sheltered in her house, but, as it turns out, not out of compassion, but because of the inheritance, which she freely disposes of as a self-proclaimed guardian. In the near future, they plan to give Sophia for Prostakova's brother Taras Skotinin.

The lady's plans are shattered when Sophia receives a letter from her uncle Starodum, who was still considered dead. Stradum is alive and well and goes on a date with his niece, and he also reports a fortune of 10 thousand income, which he inherits from his beloved relative. After such news, Prostakova begins to court Sophia, whom she still has little complained about, because now she wants to marry her to her beloved Mitrofan, and leave Skotinin with nothing.

Fortunately, Starodum turned out to be noble and honest man wishing the niece well. Moreover, Sophia already had a betrothed - officer Milon, who had just stopped with his regiment in the village of Prostakov. Starodub knew Milon and gave the young people his blessing.

In desperation, Prostakova tries to organize the abduction of Sophia and forcibly marry her to her son. However, even here the treacherous mistress fails - Milon saves her beloved on the night of the abduction.

Prostakov is generously forgiven and not put on trial, however, her estate, which has long aroused suspicion, is transferred to the state guardian. Everyone is leaving, and even Mitrofanushka leaves her mother, because he does not love her, as, in general, he does not love anyone in the world.

Characteristics of heroes: positive and negative characters

As in any classic work, the characters in "Undergrowth" are clearly divided into positive and negative.

Negative heroes:

• Mrs. Prostakova - the mistress of the village;
• Mr. Prostakov - her husband;
• Mitrofanushka - the son of the Prostakovs, undersized;
• Taras Skotinin is the brother of the Prostakovs.

Goodies:

• Sophia is an orphan, lives with the Prostakovs;
• Starodum is her uncle;
• Milon - an officer, Sophia's lover;
• Pravdin is a state official who came to control the affairs in the Prostakov village.

Secondary characters:

• Tsyfirkin - teacher of arithmetic;
• Kuteikin - teacher, former seminarian;
• Vralman - a former coachman, pretends to be a teacher;
• Eremovna is Mitrofan's nanny.

Mrs. Prostakova

Prostakova - the brightest negative character, and indeed the most outstanding actor plays. She is the mistress of the village of Prostakovs and it is the lady who, having completely suppressed her weak-willed spouse, establishes the lordly order and makes decisions.

However, she is completely ignorant, devoid of manners, often rude. Prostakova, like other members of the family, cannot read and despises science. Mitrofanushka's mother is engaged in the education only because it is supposed to be so in New World society, but true value does not understand knowledge.

In addition to ignorance, Prostakova is distinguished by cruelty, deceit, hypocrisy, and envy.

The only creature she loves is her son Mitrofanushka. However, the mother's blind, absurd love only spoils the child, turning him into a copy of himself in a man's dress.

Mr. Prostakov

The figurative owner of the Prostakovs' estate. In fact, everything is led by his imperious wife, whom he is madly afraid of and does not dare to say a word. Prostakov has long lost own opinion and dignity. He cannot even say whether the caftan sewn by the tailor Trishka for Mitrofan is good or bad, because he is afraid to say something different from what the lady expects.

Mitrofan

Son of the Prostakovs, undersized. In the family, he is affectionately called Mitrofanushka. And, meanwhile, it's time for this young man to go out into adulthood but he has absolutely no idea about it. Mitrofan is spoiled maternal love, he is capricious, cruel to servants and teachers, pompous, lazy. Despite many years of studying with teachers, the young gentleman is hopelessly stupid, he does not show the slightest desire for learning and knowledge.

And the worst thing is that Mitrofanushka is a terrible egoist, nothing matters to him except his own interests. At the end of the play, he easily leaves his mother, who loved him so unrequitedly. Even she is empty space for him.

Skotinin

Brother of Mrs. Prostakova. Narcissistic, limited, ignorant, cruel and greedy. Taras Skotinin has a great passion for pigs, the rest is of little interest to this narrow-minded person. He has no idea about family ties, heartfelt affection and love. Describing how well his future wife will live, Skotinin only says that he will provide her with the best lighter. In his system of coordinates, this is where marital happiness lies.

Sofia

Positive female image works. A very well-mannered, kind, meek and compassionate girl. Sophia received a good education She has an inquisitive mind and a thirst for knowledge. Even in the poisonous atmosphere of the Prostakovs' house, the girl does not become like the owners, but continues to lead the lifestyle that she likes - she reads a lot, thinks, is friendly and polite with everyone.

Starodum

Sophia's uncle and guardian. Starodum is the voice of the author in the play. His speeches are very aphoristic, he talks a lot about life, virtues, mind, law, government, modern society, marriage, love and other pressing issues. Starodum is incredibly wise and noble. Despite the fact that he clearly has a negative attitude towards Prostakova and her ilk, Starodum does not allow himself to stoop to rudeness and overt criticism, and as for light sarcasm, his narrow-minded “relatives” cannot recognize him.

Milon

Sophia's beloved officer. The image of the hero-defender, ideal young man, husband. He is very fair, does not put up with meanness and lies. Milo was brave, and not only in battle, but also in his speeches. He is devoid of vanity and base prudence. All the “suitors” of Sophia spoke only about her condition, but Milon never mentioned that his betrothed was rich. He sincerely loved Sophia even before she had an inheritance, and therefore, in his choice, the young man was by no means guided by the size of the annual income of the bride.

“I don’t want to study, but I want to get married”: the problem of education in the story

Key problem works is the theme of the provincial noble upbringing and education. Main character Mitrofanushka gets an education only because it is fashionable and "so wound up." In fact, neither he nor his ignorant mother understand the true purpose of knowledge. They should make a person smarter, better, serve him throughout his life and benefit society. Knowledge is hard-earned and can never be forced into someone's head.

Mitrofan's home education is a dummy, a fiction, a provincial theater. For several years, the unfortunate student did not master either reading or writing. The comic test that Pravdin arranges, Mitrofan fails with a roar, but because of his stupidity he cannot even understand this. He calls the word door an adjective, because they say it is attached to the opening, he confuses science with stories that Vralman tells him in abundance, and Mitrofanushka cannot even pronounce the word “geography” ... too tricky.

To show the grotesqueness of Mitrofan's education, Fonvizin introduces the image of Vralman, who teaches "in French and all the sciences." In fact, Vralman (a surname that speaks!) is not a teacher at all, but a former coachman of Starodum. He easily deceives the ignorant Prostakova and even becomes her favorite, because he professes his own teaching method - not to force the student to do anything by force. With such zeal, as in Mitrofan, the teacher and student are simply idle.

Hand in hand with the acquisition of knowledge and skills goes education. For the most part, Mrs. Prostakova is responsible for it. She methodically imposes her rotten morality on Mitrofan, who (here he is diligent!) perfectly absorbs mother's advice. So, while solving the problem of division, Prostakova advises her son not to share with anyone, but to take everything for himself. Talking about marriage, mother only talks about the wealth of the bride, never mentioning emotional affection and love. Mitrofan is not familiar with such concepts as courage, courage, valor underage. Despite the fact that he is no longer a baby, he is still taken care of in everything. The boy cannot even stand up for himself during a skirmish with his uncle, he immediately starts calling for his mother, and the old nanny Eremeevna rushes at the offender with his fists.

Name meaning: two sides of the coin

The title of the play has a direct and figurative meaning.

The direct meaning of the name
Undergrowth in the old days was called teenagers, young men who had not yet reached the age of majority and had not entered the public service.

The figurative meaning of the name
Undergrowth was also called a fool, an ignoramus, a narrow-minded and uneducated person, regardless of his age. WITH light hand Fonvizin, it is precisely this negative connotation that has become attached to the word in modern Russian.

Every person is reborn from a minor youth into an adult man. This is growing up, the law of nature. However, not everyone turns from a dark undergrowth-half-educated into an educated self-sufficient person. Such transformation requires effort and perseverance.

Place in literature: Russian literature XVIII century → Russian dramaturgy of the XVIII century → Creativity of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin → 1782 → The play “Undergrowth”.

“Undergrowth” - a play by D. I. Fonvizin. Analysis of the work, main characters

Three centuries ago, the genius of satire created his famous comedy "Undergrowth". This classic text was written at a time when the Russian state lived according to the laws introduced by Peter 1. The tsar's decree was that uneducated youths under the age of 21 could not serve either the army or the state, or create their own family. Such undereducated people were called "underage". This term was used by Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin for the title of his text.

The main character of Fonvizin is an undersized named Mitrofan. He is about 16 years old and he is stupid, lazy, greedy and cruel. He is quite mature and independent by age, but behaves like a capricious child. He causes laughter in the reader and at the same time is a negative character.

Based on the foregoing, we turn to detailed analysis this literary hero.

Looking at the system of characters in the play, it is easy to see that the image of Mitrofanushka is closely interconnected with other characters. This relationship is based on solving the problem of upbringing and education.

Let's turn to Mitrofan's parents. His mother is a selfish, ill-mannered woman; in one word - ignorant.

In accordance with her warehouse, she brings up her son and, as a result, receives the one whom the people call "mama's boy." He completely copies her behavior and attitude towards others: he is cruel, prudent, mercantile. Denis Ivanovich reveals this especially clearly in the finale of the work, when Mitrofan leaves his mother for nothing for the sake of money and power.

It is also worth considering what is the influence of the father on Mitrofan. The father, in fact, is nobody in his own family. It is these qualities that Mitrofanushka copies. As they say, you reap what you sow.

Mitrofan's uncle, Skotinin, is the one Mitrofanushka will turn into when he becomes an adult.

For him, pigs are better than human society.

Fonvizin not only reveals the vices of Mitrofanushka's upbringing. An important role is played by its education, or rather the process of obtaining it. Mother hires teachers for her beloved son. But these people are accidental in pedagogy, one is a retired sergeant, the other is a dropout, the third is a former groom. What can such teachers teach?

In contrast to such unfortunate teachers, the image of Starodum is introduced, through whose remarks and monologues the ignorance of both the son and mother of the Prostakovs, as well as the “nearness” of teachers, is revealed and condemned.

Denis Ivanovich shows such a learning process consciously. He doesn't fantasize at all. Such a turn of events took place in Russia in the 18th century.

Why is Mitrofan one of the main characters? Let's try to figure it out.

In general, this character is opposed to Sophia. He is stupid and she is smart. He is uneducated, and she is brilliantly educated.

Why such an arrangement of actors? The answer is obvious. It was just that for Russia of that period it was the norm that the young offspring of the nobles were mentally and morally behind the times. They lived by the old laws.

Thus, the image of Mitrofanushka is collective. It combined stupidity, greed, passivity and infantilism. This is a symbol of how the likeness of a person who has forgotten about eternal values ​​can be formed.

Characteristics of Mitrofan in the comedy Undergrowth

The key figure of the comedy is the son of the Prostakovs - Mitrofan. He is a "undergrowth" - a young man who has not received an education. At that time, the decree of Peter I introduced compulsory education for noble children. For greater motivation for the implementation of the decree, without obtaining a written certificate of education, young people were forbidden to marry. If you want to get married - gnaw on the granite of science. Our protagonist also faced such an obstacle.

Mitrofanushka became a victim of the excessive love and ignorance of his mother, Mrs. Prostakova. Growing up in an atmosphere of permissiveness, he became selfish and cruel. Disrespect for others, unwillingness to learn, deceit, stupidity - these are his main qualities. He is cunning, manipulates his mother with might and main, flatters her for his own benefit, puts pressure on pity.

Maybe Mitrofan could have learned at least something, but he listens to his mother and the German Vralman, that science is useless and dangerous for him, and you need to study only for the sake of appearance. He despises the rest of his teachers Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin.

Mitrofanushka treats her nurse Eremeevna in a terrible way. He calls her an "old bastard" and threatens to complain to her mother to punish her.

Mitrofan is cowardly. When there is a skirmish with Skotinin, he hides behind Eremeevna's back, and then complains to Prostakova that his uncle threatened to kill him, and that it would be better if he himself goes into the river and drowns himself.

At the end of the play, when Pravdin takes away the estate from the Prostakovs, Mitrofan's real attitude towards his mother is visible. After his mother was deprived of power, he has nothing more to do there and he agrees to go to serve.

Composition The image and characteristics of Mitrofan in Griboyedov's comedy

Mitrofan is one of the main characters in Fonvizin's play "Undergrowth". Due to the classicist direction of the work, the play has a clear division of characters into positive and negative. Mitrofan is a negative character, along with his parents, the Prostakovs, and Skotinin, his mother's brother, respectively, his uncle.

In addition, in classicism it is customary to use speaking surnames for characters in order to expose their vices. The name "Mitrofan" in Greek means "given by the mother", "representing the mother." His name once again confirms the fact that the character's mother, Mrs. Prostakova, did not have the right influence on her son, or rather, made him a hostage to her own goals and desires. Therefore, Mitrofan is the fruit of the improper upbringing of Prostakova's own son. Mitrofan's surname is Prostakov (from the word "simple", in the time of Fonvizin - this word also had the meaning of "empty"), which characterizes this family as well as possible as people without spiritual and higher values ​​​​and goals.

Mitrofan is a selfish and spoiled young man who is incapable of feelings of love for his mother and for anyone else. He well feels the power of his mother in the house over the servants and his own father, while he knows that his mother loves him without memory and is ready to do everything for him, so he allows himself to curry favor with her, but this is only as long as Prostakova herself has some meaning in one's own home. This once again proves that Mitrofan is a cunning character who does not have to pretend to get what he wants.

All of it life goals and landmarks are aimed at satisfying their physical needs (whether it be sleep, food, walks on the dovecote). As for education or simply the development of spiritual qualities, here Mitrofan appears as a real ignoramus, who cannot only be taught to understand the highest values ​​of life, but also simply taught the basics of grammar and arithmetic.

With all this, Mitrofan is a static character who does not develop in any way throughout the work, but also does not have an independent field of action. He is forced to marry - he agrees, why not. The same is with absolutely everything that happens in the plot of the work. At the same time, Mitrofan remains only an indirect cause of all conflicts, without taking part in them himself.

The meaning of the title of the work also refers to Mitrofan. He is undersized, and in several meanings of the word at once. Firstly, he is an undergrowth intellectually: in all those subjects that are taught to Mitrofan, he is a complete layman, and he cannot even distinguish a noun from an adjective. Secondly, he is a moral undergrowth: he does not put the feelings of other people (especially his own mother) in anything. Thirdly, he is a minor in the social (civilian) sense: Mitrofan, in the literal sense, did not grow up to enter the public service (in the time of Peter I, young men under 15 years old did not have the right to serve the fatherland, which is why they were called “undersized”). Of course, in the time of Fonvizin, the word "undergrowth" had only a direct meaning, but after the release of his play, in which this concept becomes a metaphor for satire and ridicule, a figurative meaning enters into the everyday life of people's speech.

Thus, Mitrofan is the result of the wrong upbringing of his mother. Who knows what might have become of him if his mother herself had good upbringing. What can Mitrofan be taught by a woman who herself has never learned anything, and who does not have at least some rudiments of morality in her soul?

I really liked the story of Paustovsky with beautiful name"Warm Bread" It looks like a fairy tale, and a parable, and a story from life. The story is very instructive. We all know, they say, bread is the head of everything. And it’s also clear that you can’t laugh at the pain

Pushkin highly appreciated the work of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin, who wrote under Catherine II. He saw Gogol as his successor. The main character of Fonvizin - the undergrowth Mitrofanushka - brought Alexander Sergeevich into complete delight.

Herzen and Belinsky spoke highly of the artistic and social style of this comedian. Gogol immortalized the image of his teacher, Fonvizin (albeit without indicating the name), in the story "The Night Before Christmas". Remember, when the blacksmith Vakula turned to the empress, she turned the conversation to a middle-aged man with a full pale face and suggested that he reflect in her next essay “this popular innocence”. The man was wearing a poor caftan with pearl buttons. This is what Fonvizin looked like.

So, a comedy created according to the classical canons (Fonvizin, "Undergrowth"). The characterization of the heroes, however, turned out to be innovative for the 18th century. This article is devoted to the characters of the play.

Negative images

Undoubtedly, the characterization of the heroes presented by Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin lays down the traditions of Russian national comedy. The "undergrowth" boldly and openly castigates the tyranny of the feudal landlords. Most in a negative way Comedy is Mrs. Prostakova. She manages her serfs with a firm hand, rather, even cruelly. The heroine does not disdain, she is ignorant and vindictive. And talking in raised tones with servants is a common thing for her. Habitually, the landowner refers to her serf Trishka: "cattle", "thieves' mug", "blockhead", "swindler". To the nanny of her son, Eremeevna, who is in this blockhead, the “grateful” mother says “scoundrel”, “dog daughter”, “beast”. And this - to the closest, "yard" people! With the rest, her conversation is even shorter. Prostakova threatens to "flog them to death." She is self-confident, because the laws are always on the side of the landowners.

True, this vixen has an outlet in her soul: she loves her 16-year-old son. True, this feeling is blind, for which Mrs. Prostakova paid the price at the end of the comedy. The author's, "Fonvizin's" characterization of the characters is truly original. "Undergrowth" is a comedy where each character uses his own unique vocabulary and a certain vocabulary.

Mr. Prostakov is a quiet, calm henpecked man. He obeys his wife in everything; not having his own, follows her opinion. However, he is not cruel, he loves his son. But in fact, it does not affect anything in the house, including raising a child.

Originally and interestingly, with the observance of individual vocabulary, Fonvizin created a characterization of the characters. It is not by chance that the undergrowth wears it. After all, it sounds in Greek as “mother-like”. By the way, regarding the name of the comedy. In Rus', undergrowths were called young nobles who did not have a written certificate of education.

Mitrofanushka eschews studies, he is rude to people who treat him kindly. Eremeevna says: "Old bastard." Teacher Tsifirkin - "garrison rat". The crown phrase of the young dunce - that he does not want to study, but wants to get married - is undoubtedly Fonvizin's creative find, she really became winged. The undergrowth is narrow-minded, rude and ignorant. His laziness is indulged by everyone in the house.

Prostakova's brother, Mr. Skotinin, is caricatured in the comedy. He treats the lower class with contempt, but for him it is a real passion and purpose of life. His whole outlook is limited to the problems of the pigsty. He does not get tired of talking about these animals. On top of that, he wants to marry Sophia.

good comedy characters

However, no less in comedy positive images. The state official Pravdin, sent to check the estate of Prostakova, is the embodiment of justice, law and reason. He is outraged when people "having power" over serfs use it "evilly and inhumanly." He seeks to help "worthy people", to promote proper education. As a result of his check, Prostakova's property is requisitioned by the state.

Starodum is also positive, having absorbed an honest attitude to service since the time of Peter I. Service in the army, and then the bureaucratic share, not only brought him a fortune, but also formed him an honest, decent person. Equally, he considers both the pleasing of those in power and the violation of the human rights of the disadvantaged to be unacceptable.

Honest and educated is his niece Sophia. She has a penetrating mind, so she is going to build her life in such a way as to earn the trust of "worthy people." Honest, modest and open fiancé Sophia - a young officer Milon. He showed his bravery in combat. The young man has a truly chivalrous upbringing. The war did not turn him into a martinet. He considers his love for Sophia the greatest wealth.

Among secondary characters there are also positive ones - decent and direct Tsyfirkin, a former soldier; and negative ones - the cunning and greedy Kuteikin, the seminarian - half-educated, Adam Adamovich Vralman - with a vile lackey essence, praising Mitrofan in order to earn mercy from Prostakova.

conclusions

Fonvizin was undoubtedly a wise and observant person. In comedy, they are given a devastatingly accusatory characterization of the heroes. "Undergrowth" makes you think about the need to stop bullying serfs. Therefore, Fonvizin's comedy is not abstract, not for the amusement of Catherine's nobles and favorites, but sharply satirical, socially oriented. Work on such works for the comedian himself was ungrateful, required nerves. Denis Ivanovich resigned due to a serious illness - paralysis. Even Empress Catherine II, a progressive woman, did not like biting satire Fonvizina did not always meet the petitions of the classic.

Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" was written in the best traditions of Russian classicism. In accordance with the classic canons, the characters in the work are clearly divided into positive and negative, and their names and surnames concisely characterize and reveal the main features of the characters. However, unlike the traditional images of classic plays, the heroes of The Undergrowth are devoid of stereotypes, which is what attracts modern readers and viewers.

The positive actors are Pravdin, Sofia, Starodum And Milon. Each of them supports the ideas of the Enlightenment, considering the main human values virtue, honesty, love for the motherland, high morality and education. Their complete opposite depicts negative characters - Prostakovs, Skotinin And Mitrofan. They are representatives of the "old" nobility, which with all its might clings to the outdated ideas of serf and feudalism. Their core values ​​are money, position in the social hierarchy, and physical strength.

In Fonvizin's play "Undergrowth", the main characters are divided into peculiar dual pairs, in which the author portrays people with similar social roles, but depicting them in mirror distortion. So, in addition to a couple of "children" - Sophia and Mitrofan, one can distinguish "educators" - Starodum and Prostakov, "grooms" - Milon and Skotinin, as well as "owners" - Prostakov and Pravdin.

Mitrofan- the undergrowth and the main character of the comedy - a spoiled stupid youth of sixteen years old, for whom everything has always been done by his mother, nanny or servants. Having adopted from her mother the love of money, rudeness and disrespect for relatives (Prostakova is ready to deceive sibling, just to settle a marriage that is beneficial for her), and from his father complete lack of will, he behaves like a small child - he does not want to study, while he finds marriage a fun fun. The complete opposite of Mitrofan is Sophia. This is an educated, intelligent and serious girl with difficult fate. Bereft of early age parents and living in the care of the Prostakovs, Sophia does not adopt their values, but, in fact, becomes a "black sheep" in their society (Prostakova even resents that the girl can read).

Prostakov appears before readers, on the one hand, as an uneducated, cunning woman who is ready for almost anything for the sake of profit, and on the other, as a practical housewife and loving mother, for which the happiness and carefree future of her son is above all. Prostakova brought up Mitrofan the way she was brought up, and therefore she could convey and show own example obsolete, long-expired ideas and values.

At Starodum a completely different approach to education - he does not treat Sophia as little child talking with her on an equal footing, instructing her and advising her on the basis of own experience. In the matter of marriage, a man does not undertake to finally decide for a girl, because he does not know whether her heart is free. In the image of Starodum, Fonvizin portrays his ideal of a parent and educator - an authoritative strong personality who has come a long way on her own. However, analyzing the character system of "Undergrowth" from the point of view of modern reader, it is worth noting that the image of Starodum as an educator is also not ideal. All the time he was away, Sophia was deprived of parental care and left to herself. The fact that the girl learned to read, appreciates morality and virtue is rather the merit of her parents, who instilled this in her at a young age.

In general, the topic of kinship is important for both goodies plays "Undergrowth", and negative ones. Sofia- the daughter of worthy people, Milon- son good friend Starodum. Prostakova received this surname only after marriage, in fact she is Skotinina. Brother and sister are very similar, they are both driven by greed and cunning, they are not educated and cruel. Mitrofan is depicted as a real son of his parents and a pupil of his uncle, who inherited all their negative traits, including a love for pigs.

Characters whose relationship is not mentioned in the play - Prostakov and Pravdin. Prostakov is fundamentally different from his wife, in comparison with the active and active Prostakova, he looks weak-willed and passive. In a situation where he must show himself as the owner of the village, the man is lost in the background of his wife. This leads to the fact that the more active Pravdin, who was able to pacify Prostakova, becomes the owner of the lot. In addition, Prostakov and Pravdin act as some kind of "auditors" of what is happening. Pravdin is the voice of the law, while Prostakov is the opinion of a simple (remember the “speaking” names of the play) people who do not like how the “old” nobility in the person of his wife and brother-in-law behaves, but is afraid of their wrath, therefore he speaks only aside and not agreeing.

The last couple of characters are Skotinin and Milon. Men represent old and new ideas about marriage and family life. Milon has known Sophia since childhood, they love each other, and therefore their relationship is based on mutual respect and friendship. Skotinin does not even try to get to know the girl better, he is only concerned about his dowry, while he is not even going to equip her good conditions after marriage.

In addition to the main characters, there are secondary characters in the play - the teachers and educators of Mitrofan the underage. Characteristics of the heroes of the second plan - Eremeevna, Tsyfirkin, Kuteikina And Vralman- associated with them social role in the play. The nanny is an example of a serf who faithfully serves his mistress all his life, enduring beatings and injustice. On the example of the images of teachers, the author exposes all the problems of education in Russia in the 18th century, when children are taught by retired military men who did not graduate from the seminary or even grooms.

For the 18th century, Fonvizin's innovation consisted in the fact that the author portrayed the characters in The Undergrowth without excessive pathos and stereotypes inherent in many works of classicism. Each comedy hero is undoubtedly a composite image, but created not according to a ready-made “stencil”, but with its own individual features. That is why the characters of the work "Undergrowth" even today remain the brightest images of Russian literature.

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“Undergrowth” is a play in five acts, written by Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin. Cult dramatic work XVIII century and one of the most striking examples of classicism. It entered the school curriculum, was repeatedly staged on the stage, received a screen embodiment, and its lines were dismantled into quotes that today live independently from the original source, becoming aphorisms of the Russian language.

Plot: a summary of the play “Undergrowth”

The plot of “Undergrowth” is well known to everyone since school years, however, we still recall the summary of the play in order to restore the sequence of events in memory.

The action takes place in the village of Prostakov. Its owners - Mrs. and Mr. Prostakov and their son Mitrofanushka - live a quiet life of provincial nobles. Also, the orphan Sofyushka lives on the estate, whom the lady sheltered in her house, but, as it turns out, not out of compassion, but because of the inheritance, which she freely disposes of as a self-proclaimed guardian. In the near future, they plan to give Sophia for Prostakova's brother Taras Skotinin.

The lady's plans are shattered when Sophia receives a letter from her uncle Starodum, who was still considered dead. Stradum is alive and well and goes on a date with his niece, and he also reports a fortune of 10 thousand income, which he inherits from his beloved relative. After such news, Prostakova begins to court Sophia, whom she still has little complained about, because now she wants to marry her to her beloved Mitrofan, and leave Skotinin with nothing.

Fortunately, Starodum turned out to be a noble and honest man, wishing his niece well. Moreover, Sophia already had a betrothed - officer Milon, who had just stopped with his regiment in the village of Prostakov. Starodub knew Milon and gave the young people his blessing.

In desperation, Prostakova tries to organize the abduction of Sophia and forcibly marry her to her son. However, even here the treacherous mistress fails - Milon saves her beloved on the night of the abduction.

Prostakov is generously forgiven and not put on trial, however, her estate, which has long aroused suspicion, is transferred to the state guardian. Everyone is leaving, and even Mitrofanushka leaves her mother, because he does not love her, as, in general, he does not love anyone in the world.

Characteristics of heroes: positive and negative characters

As in any classic work, the characters in "Undergrowth" are clearly divided into positive and negative.

Negative characters:

• Mrs. Prostakova - the mistress of the village;
• Mr. Prostakov - her husband;
• Mitrofanushka - the son of the Prostakovs, undersized;
• Taras Skotinin is the brother of the Prostakovs.

Goodies:

• Sophia is an orphan, lives with the Prostakovs;
• Starodum is her uncle;
• Milon - an officer, Sophia's lover;
• Pravdin is a state official who came to control the affairs in the Prostakov village.

Secondary characters:

• Tsyfirkin - teacher of arithmetic;
• Kuteikin - teacher, former seminarian;
• Vralman - a former coachman, pretends to be a teacher;
• Eremovna is Mitrofan's nanny.

Mrs. Prostakova

Prostakova is the most striking negative character, and indeed the most prominent character in the play. She is the mistress of the village of Prostakovs and it is the lady who, having completely suppressed her weak-willed spouse, establishes the lordly order and makes decisions.

However, she is completely ignorant, devoid of manners, often rude. Prostakova, like other members of the family, cannot read and despises science. Mitrofanushka's mother is engaged in the education of Mitrofanushka only because this is how it should be in the New World society, but she does not understand the true value of knowledge.

In addition to ignorance, Prostakova is distinguished by cruelty, deceit, hypocrisy, and envy.

The only creature she loves is her son Mitrofanushka. However, the mother's blind, absurd love only spoils the child, turning him into a copy of himself in a man's dress.

Mr. Prostakov

The figurative owner of the Prostakovs' estate. In fact, everything is led by his imperious wife, whom he is madly afraid of and does not dare to say a word. Prostakov has long lost his own opinion and dignity. He cannot even say whether the caftan sewn by the tailor Trishka for Mitrofan is good or bad, because he is afraid to say something different from what the lady expects.

Mitrofan

Son of the Prostakovs, undersized. In the family, he is affectionately called Mitrofanushka. And, meanwhile, it is time for this young man to enter adulthood, but he has absolutely no idea about it. Mitrofan is spoiled by maternal love, he is capricious, cruel to servants and teachers, pompous, lazy. Despite many years of studying with teachers, the young gentleman is hopelessly stupid, he does not show the slightest desire for learning and knowledge.

And the worst thing is that Mitrofanushka is a terrible egoist, nothing matters to him except his own interests. At the end of the play, he easily leaves his mother, who loved him so unrequitedly. Even she is empty space for him.

Skotinin

Brother of Mrs. Prostakova. Narcissistic, limited, ignorant, cruel and greedy. Taras Skotinin has a great passion for pigs, the rest is of little interest to this narrow-minded person. He has no idea of ​​family ties, cordial affection and love. Describing how well his future wife will live, Skotinin only says that he will provide her with the best lighter. In his system of coordinates, this is where marital happiness lies.

Sofia

Positive female image of the work. A very well-mannered, kind, meek and compassionate girl. Sophia received a good education, she has an inquisitive mind and a thirst for knowledge. Even in the poisonous atmosphere of the Prostakovs' house, the girl does not become like the owners, but continues to lead the lifestyle that she likes - she reads a lot, thinks, is friendly and polite with everyone.

Starodum

Sophia's uncle and guardian. Starodum is the voice of the author in the play. His speeches are very aphoristic, he talks a lot about life, virtues, mind, law, government, modern society, marriage, love and other pressing issues. Starodum is incredibly wise and noble. Despite the fact that he clearly has a negative attitude towards Prostakova and her ilk, Starodum does not allow himself to stoop to rudeness and overt criticism, and as for light sarcasm, his narrow-minded “relatives” cannot recognize him.

Milon

Sophia's beloved officer. The image of a hero-defender, an ideal young man, husband. He is very fair, does not put up with meanness and lies. Milo was brave, and not only in battle, but also in his speeches. He is devoid of vanity and base prudence. All the “suitors” of Sophia spoke only about her condition, but Milon never mentioned that his betrothed was rich. He sincerely loved Sophia even before she had an inheritance, and therefore, in his choice, the young man was by no means guided by the size of the annual income of the bride.

“I don’t want to study, but I want to get married”: the problem of education in the story

The key problem of the work is the theme of provincial noble upbringing and education. The protagonist Mitrofanushka gets an education only because it is fashionable and “so established”. In fact, neither he nor his ignorant mother understand the true purpose of knowledge. They should make a person smarter, better, serve him throughout his life and benefit society. Knowledge is hard-earned and can never be forced into someone's head.

Mitrofan's home education is a dummy, a fiction, a provincial theater. For several years, the unfortunate student did not master either reading or writing. The comic test that Pravdin arranges, Mitrofan fails with a roar, but because of his stupidity he cannot even understand this. He calls the word door an adjective, because they say it is attached to the opening, he confuses science with stories that Vralman tells him in abundance, and Mitrofanushka cannot even pronounce the word “geography” ... too tricky.

To show the grotesqueness of Mitrofan's education, Fonvizin introduces the image of Vralman, who teaches "in French and all the sciences." In fact, Vralman (a surname that speaks!) is not a teacher at all, but a former coachman of Starodum. He easily deceives the ignorant Prostakova and even becomes her favorite, because he professes his own teaching method - not to force the student to do anything by force. With such zeal, as in Mitrofan, the teacher and student are simply idle.

Hand in hand with the acquisition of knowledge and skills goes education. For the most part, Mrs. Prostakova is responsible for it. She methodically imposes her rotten morality on Mitrofan, who (here he is diligent!) perfectly absorbs mother's advice. So, while solving the problem of division, Prostakova advises her son not to share with anyone, but to take everything for himself. Talking about marriage, mother only talks about the wealth of the bride, never mentioning emotional affection and love. Mitrofan is not familiar with such concepts as courage, courage, valor underage. Despite the fact that he is no longer a baby, he is still taken care of in everything. The boy cannot even stand up for himself during a skirmish with his uncle, he immediately starts calling for his mother, and the old nanny Eremeevna rushes at the offender with his fists.

Name meaning: two sides of the coin

The title of the play has a direct and figurative meaning.

The direct meaning of the name
Undergrowth in the old days was called teenagers, young men who had not yet reached the age of majority and had not entered the public service.

The figurative meaning of the name
Undergrowth was also called a fool, an ignoramus, a narrow-minded and uneducated person, regardless of his age. With the light hand of Fonvizin, it was precisely this negative connotation that was attached to the word in modern Russian.

Every person is reborn from a minor youth into an adult man. This is growing up, the law of nature. However, not everyone turns from a dark undergrowth-half-educated into an educated self-sufficient person. Such transformation requires effort and perseverance.

Place in literature: Russian literature of the 18th century → Russian drama of the 18th century → The work of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin → 1782 → The play “Undergrowth”.

“Undergrowth” - a play by D. I. Fonvizin. Analysis of the work, main characters