An essay on the topic of the image of Molchalin in Alexander Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit.” The actions of Molchalin in the comedy Woe from Wit

The work “Woe from Wit” by A.S. Griboyedov belongs to the comedy genre, the events took place at the beginning of the 19th century, in it the author showed images of Moscow nobles. The main theme of the work can be identified as the confrontation between the present century and the past, the difficult change of old ideals to new ones. On the side of the last century there was a significant number of people in comedy, one of them was a young nobleman who did not yet have any ranks of Molchalin. His task was to serve influential people.

Molchalin himself was a poor nobleman, born in Tver. In the comedy, he lived in Famusov’s house, who in turn took Molchalin as his secretary. Molchalin falls in love with Famusov's daughter and secretly meets with her. Famusov is an opponent of such relationships, because he believes that his daughter needs an influential husband with ranks. Although Molchalin does not meet these requirements, he has another quality that was appreciated by the inhabitants of Famusov’s house. He tried his best to serve in every possible way, and this attracted attention. That is why he managed to get the position of secretary, where business qualities are important, not honor.

In the work "Woe from Wit" the image of the protagonist can be called the standard behavior of a young nobleman surrounded by him. We see how he tries to serve, and if necessary, even humiliate himself in front of the influential guests of Famusov’s house, all this goes with the expectation that they can be useful in life and further service. Molchalin even took it for granted to praise the fur of Khlestova’s dog. To describe the hero, a quote is suitable that says that while “we are small in rank,” “we must depend on others.” He believes that while you are young, you don’t have to have your own opinion.

Famus society was famous for its boasting trait; at every opportunity it was common to praise new successes, and Molchalin was the same. He was a frequent guest of Princess Tatyana Yuryevna. Although Molchalin’s character and behavior were the same as everyone else in society, although he agreed with everyone and supported ideas, this did not stop him from resorting to meanness. For example, his love for Sophia was only a fiction and he did it for his own benefit. In fact, he opens up sincerely when communicating with the maid Lisa, whom he liked. And then another character is revealed to the reader, you see that there is duplicity in him, which means such a person is dangerous.

There is not a drop of respect or warmth in his soul and heart for Sophia. He takes a great risk when he begins to secretly see Famusov’s daughter, because he was constantly in a state of fear that they would be noticed. This expresses cowardice. For Molchalin, an important role was played by the fact that he was worried about the opinions of others, and he was also afraid of what others would think of him. This meanness and deceit of his destroys him, because he begins to harm those with whom he has been surrounded for a long time. He remembered the words of his father, which said to please everyone without exception, which Molchalin followed. Based on this, we can draw a conclusion about the hero’s attitude towards the description of the ideal of the last century, despite the fact that he is still young.

The author showed Molchalin as a worthy continuation and example of conservative nobles. Such a society is characterized by the fact that for them rank and money come first; these two categories allow them to evaluate others. As already mentioned, Molchalin was cunning and two-faced, these are the two main qualities that describe the hero.

Griboyedov touched upon a problem in his comedy that is still relevant today. After all, many cases are known when there were the same people who did not see anything in their way and were ready to go through everything for the sake of their goals. This topic will be relevant as long as there are people among us with the same values ​​as Molchalin and his society.

Essay on the topic Molchalin

The comedy “Woe from Wit,” written by Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov from 1822 to 1824, tells the story of secular society and life of those times. One of the central characters of the work is Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin, a man from the common people, striving for career growth.

Molchalin seems to be a decent young man, distinguished by his kindness and modesty. But in fact, all these qualities are just a mask that the hero uses to achieve his goals. His dream is a career, high rank and wealth. Respect among high society is the limit of his happiness. There are many different ways to achieve these goals. But Molchalin chooses the fastest and most negative one. He takes steps towards his dream with the help of flattery, hypocrisy and duplicity. He does it so subtly and imperceptibly that many may envy.

The hero worked as a secretary for Famusov, a rich and respected man. He did all the work conscientiously, spoke kindly and carefully, which is why Famusov liked him. He treated his master's daughter, Sophia, even better and even dared to play a young man in love. Naturally, he does not experience any high feelings towards the girl. On the contrary, he despises her and establishes relationships solely for his own benefit. Once, having offended a girl, he throws himself at her feet. The reason for this was far from repentance, but the fear of losing the trust of his master Famusov. Another person who was lucky enough to hear lies from Molchalin was Khlestova. He kindly played cards with her and complimented her dog. In fact, people are very pleased with such behavior towards them. Molchalin showed hypocrisy and helpfulness towards everyone living in the house: from servants to management. This was the hero's plan, which he strictly adhered to.

Thus, Molchalin in Griboedov’s comedy is a negative character. The reader cannot see any positive traits of the hero, but sees only hypocrisy and the desire to achieve a dubious goal through dirty means. With the help of this character, the author reveals a serious problem that still exists today. People who do not strive for anything high, but for fame and money, are ready to go over their heads and put on a mask of sincerity. Usually, having achieved their goals, such people live unhappy and lonely.

Option 3

In his comedy "Woe from Wit" Griboyedov talks about the nobles of Moscow in the 19th century, it was then that society split into conservatives and those who were impressed by the ideas of the Decembrists. The main idea of ​​the work is the contrast between the present century and the past century, the replacement of outdated ideals of the nobles with completely new ones.

There are a huge number of supporters of old ideals in comedy. Admirers of the old principles are weighty and significant people in society, such as the landowner Famusov, Colonel Skalozub, and the younger generation, who are simply forced to serve the “old men,” also serve the old nobles. Molchalin is one of these young people who is forced to serve the old nobles with their orders.

Molchalin himself is a poor nobleman, born in Tver, he lives in the house of Famusov, who gave him the rank of assistant and hired him as a secretary. Molchalin is also the lover of Famusov’s daughter, but Famusov himself does not know about this. The father does not want to have a son-in-law like Molchalin, because in Moscow it is customary to have rich relatives. Famusov appreciates in people the desire to serve him, and this is how Molchalin, with the help of his helpfulness, receives such positions.

In this play, the image of Molchalin very accurately corresponds to the nature of the command of a young, fragile nobleman in an influential society. Molchalin tries to curry favor with distinguished guests in Famusov’s house as much as possible, because they can be useful for his further career growth. The young nobleman has sunk to the point where he begins to praise the fur of Khlestova’s dog. He believes that lower-ranking nobles should thus earn respect from their elders.

He, like all the characters in this comedy, considers it his duty to brag and be proud of his successes in career advancement. Molchalin is excellent at establishing connections with the people he needs, who can help him in his career. Molchalin brings enormous damage to the society in which he is located. He also deceives Famusov’s daughter, because he is courting her only for the sake of service to her father. He is the kind of person who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, and is capable of causing enormous damage to the society in which he is located.

Woe from Wit is a famous comedy by A. S. Griboyedov, which features nobles living in the early 19th century. During this period, the ideas of Decembrism and conservative views began to provoke disagreements. The basis of the theme is the confrontation between modern times and a bygone century; ideals were replaced by new ones, which had a deplorable effect on people. At the same time, most of the representatives of comedy belong to the supporters of the bygone century; this category includes both individuals with weight in society and those who try to serve. And Molchanov is one of those who serve not of their own free will.

Characteristics of the hero

Molchalin Alexey Stepanovich is a man, he is young and works as Famusov’s secretary. Among his main traits are stupidity, meanness combined with cunning, his goal is to gain advantages for himself. To do this, he adapts to the opinions of others and meets not with the woman he loves, but with Sofia Famusova.

Among the positive qualities are:

• modesty. As can be seen from his reaction to drunken behavior, humiliation and affectation, the hero can withstand any quirks;
• tact. Alexey hides his emotions and does not show inappropriate actions towards the owner’s daughter;
• ability to remain silent;
• politeness. Knows how to correctly formulate phrases and present himself correctly;
• ability to make friends;
• calm perception. Even in the most unpleasant situations he does not show his emotions.

There are also negative qualities:

• shyness is only a mask, in fact the hero is two-faced, he behaves depending on his environment;
• pleases and ingratiates for profit. Novels are also built for the purpose of profit; even the smart enough Sofia is ready to be with him, but Molchalin is only pretending;
• He doesn’t have his own opinion, he’s silent more.

Mochalin’s psychological mindset defines a whole category of people; they are ready to do anything for a promotion and forget about their opinion for the sake of this. Alexey gradually lost the ability to judge logically and simply agreed with the public, reaching the maximum in his flattery.

The image of the hero in the work

Alexey is not rich and is a nobleman from Tver, lives in the owner’s house and secretly has a love relationship with his daughter. Molchalin cannot reach the status of a son-in-law, because he has no ranks and stars; society likes him because he is professionally helpful. He fully corresponds to the image of a young nobleman, since he tries to please everyone who can somehow influence his career. He himself believes that small ranks do not provide the opportunity to have one’s own judgment.

Role in society

In public, Molchalin’s true face is hidden, but when communicating with Liza, he shows himself, because the bright contrast of a modest and quiet man with a rake is simply impossible not to notice. This person is dangerous because he is two-faced. He has no love or even respect for Sophia, he is afraid to open a relationship, while at the same time he is building a real performance. He believes that evil tongues are worse than a pistol, but Sophia, on the contrary, does not worry about the opinions of others. Molchalin lives as his father advised him - he pleases everyone.

Alexey is proud of his success, the presence of important connections, and even gives advice to behave similarly to Chatsky, because he believes that his behavior is correct. Although the views of the hero and the conservative nobles are the same, he is harmful to society. Having deceived Famusov's daughter and being her lover more as a job than out of feelings, he ruins the girl's life. Molchalin has an exact correspondence to the ideals of the bygone century; he easily adapts to the situation and values ​​only wealth and titles.

What does Molchalin show?

The basis of the character's character is duplicity and cunning, such people can be blissful, and reach known degrees, since people like such silence. The relevance of the affected feature of the hero remains, his image has been preserved to this day; promotions and enrichment for many are much more important than such eternal concepts as dignity, honesty or love for the homeland. Molchalin clearly divides people by status and treats them accordingly.

In the comedy, Molchalin is not very important for the development of the storyline; he personifies the general spirit of the people of that time, showing their humiliation before the higher ranks. The image also allows you to show Chatsky more clearly, because he is opposite in character, and stands out for his strong soul, pride and confidence.

The epithets that are awarded to Alexei Molchalin are a flatterer, a sycophant and a heartless rogue. The anti-hero of the comedy “Woe from Wit” appears before readers as a truly grotesque figure, whose description is full of sarcastic clichés. And according to the law of the genre, the unpleasant guy who stole the heart of a naive girl will be exposed. Alas, such a plot is most often only possible in plays.

History of creation

Molchalin is a colorful and vibrant character, with the help of whom he exposed the typical secular society of the times of serfdom. The writer created the first sketches of the comedy “Woe from Wit” back in 1820.

The results of the work, which lasted for four years, did not satisfy the author. In 1824, Griboyedov, while editing the resulting work, partially rewrote the character of Molchalin. The writer adds final scenes to the comedy, thereby exposing the secretary to the other characters.

The first attempts to publish “Woe from Wit” took place in December of the same year. Alas, censorship softened the characters’ remarks, smoothing over the acute social issues that Griboyedov raised. For example, Molchalin’s phrase “After all, you need to depend on others” was replaced with “After all, you need to keep others in mind.”

The comedy, not burdened by censor edits, was published only in 1831, and the play was specially translated into German. The Russian-language version of the poetic work appeared in Moscow in 1833.

Critical remarks about the play mainly affected the confrontation and Molchalin. Despite the secretary’s numerous censures, the hero’s life values ​​are clear and correspond to the spirit of the times. This was subtly noted:

“Chatsky says about Molchalin that he used to be so stupid that he is the most pitiful creature. Molchalin took it as a rule: moderation and accuracy. Let’s ask: what’s stupid and funny here?”

"Woe from Wit"

The plot of Alexander Griboyedov's comedy develops on the territory of a landowner's estate. The elderly man’s household has long been established; the man is assisted in his work by a secretary, whose full name is Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin.

The man lives in his employer’s house, so he easily starts a relationship with Sofia Famusova. Young people spend a lot of time alone, talking about personal topics. Molchalin's biography undergoes drastic changes when Chatsky returns to his homeland.

The men disliked each other from the first minutes. Chatsky intends to understand the reasons for his beloved’s strange behavior. Molchalin is afraid that the secret affair will be revealed. The secretary does not want to lose his advantageous position, but the opportunity to become the son-in-law of a wealthy aristocrat is too tempting.

The girl herself has long lost interest in Chatsky and can hardly restrain herself from revealing her secret. When Molchalin falls from his horse, the younger Famusova cannot cope with her emotions. People around them begin to suspect that there is a secret connection between the heroes.

Having ridiculed the secretary's views on life, Chatsky incurs the girl's wrath. Gossip, intrigue and class prejudice surround people's relationships. Molchalin's well-fed life ends at the moment when, succumbing to feelings, the secretary opens his hands and confesses his insidious plans to the maid Liza.

The intimate conversation and unpleasant statements are heard by Sophia herself and the angry Chatsky. At this moment, the social problems of Russian officials and the love drama are mixed together. Molchalin is expelled from a rich house, and his rival bitterly concludes:

“Silent people are blissful in the world!”

Image and character

The debate about whether Molchalin is pitiful or terrible does not subside among connoisseurs of classical literature. A quotative description of the character will put everything in its place, because Griboedov expressed his attitude towards the character through the remarks of Molchalin himself and the people around him.

The hero of the comedy grew up in Tver and moved to Moscow in adulthood. The young man is poor, grew up in a middle-class family. His father also worked in service, so from childhood Molchalin was accustomed to groveling before the powers that be:

“My father bequeathed to me: firstly, to please all people without exception - the owner where I happen to live, the boss with whom I will serve.”

The secretary follows his father’s precepts, so he settles into Famusov’s house with ease and comfort. Officially, the young man is listed in the “archives,” but in fact, he performs the duties of the landowner’s personal assistant. During his service, the man managed to receive three awards, which Molchalin is boastfully proud of.

Part of the secretary's characteristics are revealed through the character's appearance. An attractive young man with a slender figure. A man dresses neatly and takes care of his own manners:

“Helpful, modest, with a blush in his face...”

The suit is a unique way for Alexei Stepanovich to achieve his own goals in life. A modest frock coat, colored vest and light trousers help Molchalin move up the career ladder. After all, the status of a creeping servant allows you to achieve a promotion faster. And it’s easier for a quiet young man to gain the favor of the boss’s daughter.

The image of a modest and reserved person is exploited by Griboyedov even through the hero’s surname. This is what Chatsky thinks about the unpleasant hero:

“Have you not yet broken the silence of the seal?<...>However, he will reach the well-known levels, because nowadays they love the dumb.”

New sides of Molchalin’s character are revealed in the context of the secretary’s relationships with women. Ambition forces a man to look after Sophia, while Alexey is interested in the maid Lisa. The hero is not embarrassed that such actions are a sign of hypocrisy and duplicity. After all, in the struggle between aristocracy and bureaucracy, any methods are good.

Misbehavior has consequences for a liquid and resourceful person. Alexey Stepanovich was caught red-handed, and various subterfuges will not save the bureaucrat. However, even after excommunication from a rich house, Molchalin will easily arrange his own life, because, as he wrote:

“Molchalin is devilishly smart when it comes to his personal gain.”

Film adaptations

In 2000, a video version of “Woe from Wit” was released, directed by. The play was included in the 5 most expensive stage projects in Moscow. The image of Molchalin was embodied by the actor.

Quotes

“Often we find patronage there where we don’t intend.”

“This frankness would not harm us.”

“What can’t you do to please the daughter of such a man.”

“Ah, evil tongues are worse than a pistol!”

“I dare not pronounce my judgment.”

In Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit" several typical characters were created that are well recognizable regardless of the era. Molchalin belongs to such images, so now it would be appropriate to briefly consider the characteristics of Molchalin, paying attention to the features that Griboedov endowed this character with.

Biography of Molchalin from the comedy “Woe from Wit”

The play says very little about Molchalin’s life before Famusov’s appearance in the house. The reader learns that Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin is of humble origin, a poor young man.

Famusov took Molchalin as his secretary from Tver and was able to “get” him the rank of assessor, which was highly valued and equated to the army rank of major. Meanwhile, the hero is still listed in the Archives of the College of Foreign Affairs and manages to receive three awards. During Griboedov’s time, the “archive youths” were treated with some contempt, since young people who wanted to avoid military service in this way were enrolled there. This information already helps to create a characterization of Molchalin from the comedy “Woe from Wit.”

In the house of his patron, Molchalin lives on the first floor, where there are servants’ rooms and utility rooms. For the sake of his career, Molchalin starts an affair with Sophia, Famusov’s daughter, while simultaneously caring for the maid Lisa.

Molchalin and Sophia

What else is interesting about Molchalin’s characterization? He admits that he is not interested in Sophia. No matter how hard Molchalin tries to awaken his feelings for her, nothing works, the hero still remains cold: “As soon as I meet, I’ll leave the sheet.” He is chasing the boss's daughter, hoping to benefit. Knowing Sophia’s inconstancy (“they loved Chatsky once, they will stop loving me like him”), he is not worried, he is more worried about Famusov’s reaction to their relationship.

Literary scholars have repeatedly asked the question: what attracted Sophia to Molchalin, why did she choose him over the intelligent and noble Chatsky? Probably the answer is in the words of the heroine herself. Talking about Molchalin, she highlights his qualities such as helpfulness, attentiveness, shyness; he is ready to predict Sophia’s every desire and shows her his tender feelings.

Another quality that is important in Molchalin’s characterization is his hypocrisy and duplicity: pretending to love Sophia, he courts Lisa, seducing her with gifts and not hesitating to quite brazenly and obsessively express his feelings. In Famusov’s house, Molchalin wears the mask of a timid man in love until an accidental revelation occurs.

Characteristic qualities of Molchalin from the comedy “Woe from Wit”

Griboyedov uses a telling surname. Molchalin is silent, quiet, he does not dare to have his own opinion, for fear of not pleasing important people. His main goal is to gain the trust of those who can provide patronage through helpfulness and subservience to them. Chatsky notes bitterly: “The silent ones are blissful in the world.”

To understand the characterization of Molchalin in the comedy “Woe from Wit” by Griboedov, it is necessary to remember what kind of covenant his father gives to Molchalin. The young man says that his father advised him to “please all people without exception”: the owner of the house where he lives, the boss, the boss’s servant, “the doorman, the janitor to avoid harm, the janitor’s dog to be affectionate.” The hero follows this principle. He tries to please Famusov, the “old men” at the balls. For this reason, he gives up dancing and fun, and spends the entire evening playing cards with elderly but noble gentlemen. Through helpfulness and modesty, Molchalin achieved good relations with the influential Tatyana Yuryevna and even the grumpy Khlestova.

Molchalin considers his main talents to be “moderation and accuracy.” Griboyedov in his comedy “Woe from Wit” shows: Molchalin is stupid, his mind is aimed only at searching for advantageous behavior, he is low, has no self-esteem, is capable of meanness and lies.

We hope that our article, which briefly presented the characterization of Molchalin from the comedy “Woe from Wit” by Griboedov, helped you get to know this character better. Also read on our literary blog

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In Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit" the main opposing array of events occurs in the images of Chatsky and Famusov. The remaining acting characters help reveal the true state of affairs and the depth of the conflict.

Origin and occupation

One of these characters, with the help of which the tragedy of what is happening is enhanced, is the image of Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with A. Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit.”

Molchalin does not belong to the aristocracy - he is a man of ignoble origin, but thanks to his service, he has access to high society.

Alexey Stepanovich has not yet managed to rise to significant heights - he currently only holds the position of Famusov’s secretary, but he holds out hope for a quick career advancement, which arouses Famusov’s special love.

Pavel Afanasyevich allocated a room in his house for Molchalin, although it is difficult to call it a full-fledged room: it is most likely a small closet, but Molchalin, deprived of fate, is quite happy with this.

Alexey Stepanovich has been working as Famusov’s personal secretary for three years now, however, he is registered in a completely different position - based on official data, Molchalin works in the archives department, but in practice this is a fictitious thing, he is just listed there. However, not without benefit for himself - during such service he received three awards.

Of course, this was Famusov’s exceptional work. This situation is also beneficial to Famusov and allowed him to get out of a difficult situation - he provided himself with a good secretary and, moreover, he had to pay out of his own pocket.

The text mentions Molchalin's rootlessness, but there is no exact explanation. Based on this, several assumptions can be made regarding the essence of such a statement. The first is that Molchalin is a man of simple origin, the second is that he is an orphan, that is, a person without a family.

The writer portrays Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin as an adult man. At the same time, Molchalin rejects even the possibility of his infantility. Famusov, for whom the hero serves, takes advantage of Alexei’s position. Officially, the hero works in the “Archives” because Famusov agreed so. However, this is a simple formality for obtaining ranks. Molchalin’s real place of work is Famusov’s house. The latter provides its employee with food, drink, shelter, and career advancement. Molchalin, apparently, knows how to please Famusov.

Before working with Famusov in Moscow, the hero lived in Tver. Molchalin, of course, is not a rich man at all. The simplicity of the hero’s origin makes us make the assumption that Molchalin is a tradesman. According to the Table of Ranks, the hero holds the rank of collegiate assessor. This rank gives the right to nobility, which is what Molchalin achieves. The man even manages to receive awards, in which Molchalin was probably helped by his master.

Symbolism of the surname

The image of Molchalin carries symbolic features. This is primarily due to his last name. It is based on the verb “to remain silent.” And indeed, this word is an accurate reflection of the essence of Molchalin. He is Famusov's silent and faceless servant. Even his step is devoid of any sounds. It seems that he wants to be as unnoticed and quiet as possible.

From time to time, Alexey Stepanovich moves on tiptoe so as not to disturb his household. This behavior is one of the ways to achieve his life goal.

The purpose of life

While most aristocrats are devoid of purpose in life and lazily live their lives without filling it with any meaning, Molchalin’s life has a pronounced character. His goal is to succeed and achieve significant achievements in life. Achievements in the eyes of Molchalin are in no way connected with improving the lives of ordinary, ignoble people or promoting the development of morality of the aristocracy. Alexey Stepanovich’s highest goal is to become a full-fledged representative of high society.

Molchalin is ready to die for the next promotion, so he serves Famusov with all his might - it is Pavel Afanasyevich who can help him achieve this goal. And Molchalin had already overcome the first step on this steep ladder - thanks to his ability to suck up and please the Famusovs, he was given the rank of collegiate assessor. Thus, Alexey Stepanovich turned from a commoner into a poor nobleman. Molchalin found a special charm in the fact that his rank tended to be inherited.

Molchalin and Sofya Famusova

You can further improve your position in society through a profitable marriage. For this, girls needed to have a charming figure and an equally charming face. In the case of the male half of society, it was enough to have a helpful character. It is the ability to serve well that becomes the criterion for favor. Despite his low origins and financial insolvency, in the eyes of Famusov, Alexei Stepanovich looks like a more attractive son-in-law than the noble aristocrat Chatsky. The fact is that Pavel Afanasyevich believes that such wealth and diligence, which Molchalin possesses, can compensate for his origin and achieve an advantageous position in society. To achieve a final advantage over other young people, Molchalin can only accumulate significant capital or start attacking Famusov from another front - if Sonya falls in love with Alexei Stepanovich, then she will be able to convince her father to make a decision in his favor.

Alexey Stepanovich accelerates this process by beginning to show interest in Famusov’s daughter, Sophia.

The relationship between young people follows the best traditions of platonic love - Molchalin does not allow anything unnecessary in relation to the girl.

Thus, he demonstrates his respectful attitude towards Sophia and the seriousness of his intentions. In addition, such behavior contributes to achieving his goal with marriage - Molchalin does not need to possess Sonya, he needs to become her husband, so debauchery is an unacceptable thing for him.

We offer a comparison in A. Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit.”

In communicating with Sophia, Alexey Stepanovich adheres to the same principle as with her father - he pleases her all the time. Naturally, Molchalin’s behavior differs sharply from the behavior of other aristocrats towards her. Young people of noble origin are not ready to grovel before Sonya the way Molchalin does, which is why they do not arouse such interest in her.

To some extent, Famusova’s attachment to Molchalin was caused by the lack of proper candidates - after Chatsky’s departure, the girl chooses the least evil from the remaining ones. At the time of the emergence of attachment and the beginning of communication, Sonya did not experience enthusiasm and love attraction for Molchalin, her act could be regarded as revenge on Chatsky, but as a result, such an act did not bring the desired effect, Sonya eventually got used to Molchalin’s oddities and began to perceive them as ordinary things . In Molchalin, Sonya has found a wonderful “living toy”; he not only treats her with adoration (which, as it turned out, was feigned), but is also ready to fulfill any of her desires.

Chatsky and Molchalin

The conflict between Chatsky and Molchalin was a priori predetermined - an honest and noble aristocrat cannot understand and accept the position of Famusov and his society, Alexey Stepanovich, who is not only dependent on Famusov, but also strives to become like them, could become an excellent opponent to Chatsky , if he had more persistence and individuality, however, since Alexey Stepanovich is used to being a silent observer and never revealing his attitude to certain situations, there is no heated discussion between the characters.

In addition, the insightful Chatsky notices Alexei Stepanovich’s strange attitude towards Sonya Famusova. Over time, he discovers Molchalin's true attitude towards the girl and his ghostly love. Chatsky is amazed by Molchalin’s double standards - on the one hand, he is ready to flatter immensely, but, on the other hand, he immediately does not neglect to publicly announce his disdain and even disgust for those whom he idolized just a couple of minutes ago.

Attempts to open the eyes of others to the fallacy of their opinions do not lead to anything good - it is more flattering for others to perceive their superiority than to realize that all the respect towards them was a farce.

Molchalin and Lisa

No matter how two-faced Molchalin may be, he still sometimes reveals his true feelings and intentions. This state of affairs is not exposed in discussions or small talk (since he tries in advance not to take part in them).

So, for example, Alexei Stepanovich develops a feeling of affection and love towards the maid in Famusov’s house, Liza. The hero of the story is faced with a choice - to play his role as Sonya's lover to the end or to confess his feelings to Lisa.

Unfortunately, as a dishonest person, Molchalin is not limited to this state of affairs and cares for two girls at once.

Thus, Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin is a classic version of a character playing a double game. This trend continues in the case of Molchalin in all types of activities. He is hypocritical towards Famusov and plays with Sonya’s feelings.

Alexei Stepanovich is characterized by resigned and silent servility. For the sake of moving up the social ladder, he is ready to do even the most immoral acts. The image of Molchalin has become a household name and is used in relation to a dishonest, hypocritical person.

Character of Molchalin

The hero makes a double impression. On the one hand, Molchalin pleases everyone (the man is a real master at this), he is shy, helpful, timid, calm, timid, modest, quiet, “wordless.” He is characterized by accuracy, moderation, and lack of criticism of others. This is probably why they love him. But on the other hand, the hero is also characterized by duplicity and hypocrisy. Molchalin is considered a well-mannered and polite person; the hero evokes sympathy among those around him. Society does not see the true nature of the hero. On the contrary, in Molchalin they see a selfless person, ready to forget about his own interests for the sake of others.

However, Molchalin pleases and remains silent for the sake of self-interest, in order to achieve his goal. This was the parting word the father gave to the hero. The hero's behavior depends on the circumstances. For example, with Famusov’s daughter, the man behaves emphatically politely and modestly. But Molchalin does not truly love Sophia. The hero is in love with Lisa. However, there is no need to behave decently with a simple girl. The true face of Molchalin is seen, perhaps, only by Chatsky, who considers the assessor a stupid, cowardly and pathetic person. However, Vyazemsky, on the contrary, emphasizes the hero’s prudence and rational approach to life. Molchalin's soul is cold and callous. The maid Lisa later speaks about this.