The characters in the story are a man in a case. Composition “Belikov

"Man in a Case." Greek teacher, lonely elderly man, closed from outside world, cowardly and timid.

History of creation

Anton Chekhov wrote the story “The Man in a Case” in 1898, and in the same year the text was published in the literary and political magazine “Russian Thought”. The story became the first part of the “Little Trilogy” series, which also included Chekhov’s texts “Gooseberry” and “About Love”.

The author conceived the series in the spring and summer of 1898, when he lived in the village of Melikhovo, Moscow region. Chekhov wrote his first story in a month, and at the beginning of June it was already being prepared for publication. Chekhov did not intend to close the series with the story “About Love,” but he fell ill with tuberculosis, the writer’s creative activity fell, and the series was never continued.

It is not known whether Belikov had a prototype, but some of Chekhov’s contemporaries believed that the prototype of the hero was a certain Alexander Dyakonov, an inspector at a Taganrog gymnasium. According to another version, in the image of Belikov, Chekhov described the then famous conservative publicist Mikhail Menshikov. However, researchers note that the similarities between Belikov and Menshikov are exclusively external. Most likely, Belikov is a collective image.

In 1939, the Belarusfilm studio released the film “The Man in a Case,” directed by Isidor Annensky. The role of Belikov was played by actor Nikolai Khmelev.

The story "The Man in the Case"

Belikov is an elderly Greek teacher whose full name unknown. The hero is well over forty, he has a pale small face, similar to the muzzle of a ferret. Belikov wears dark glasses and hides his face behind a raised collar, and plugs his ears with cotton wool. At times, a faint crooked smile appears on the hero’s face, and Belikov’s figure looks crooked and small, as if he was “pulled out with pincers” from somewhere. Even in warm and clear weather, the hero wears a coat with cotton wool, galoshes and an umbrella and strives to dress warmly even in summer.

The hero prefers loneliness and strives to isolate himself from the world around him, to create a protective shell around himself, a kind of “case”, inside which the hero will be protected from external influences. The writer also calls Belikov’s thoughts “case-like” - narrow. The hero’s “case considerations” make a depressing impression on those around him.

Things belonging to Belikov are also stored in cases. The hero keeps everything in a case - an umbrella, a watch, which is kept in a gray suede case, and the hero even takes out a penknife for sharpening pencils from its case.

Belikov has a suspicious character. What is happening around causes anxiety in the hero, frightens and irritates him. Belikov's favorite phrase; “No matter what happens,” sounds in the hero’s speech on any occasion. To take a break from the disgusting and disturbing reality, the hero studies ancient languages, loves to remember the past and praise morals and customs that never really existed.

According to Belikov, “something can come of it” from any innocent undertaking. The hero is upset when a new drama club or teahouse opens in the city, because any innovation can end badly. Belikov was disheartened by deviations from the rules, even if what was happening was not directly related to him. The hero began to worry when he heard about the mischief of schoolchildren or the love affairs of an outside class lady.

Belikov worked at the gymnasium for fifteen years, and all this time he oppressed those around him with his own presence. The hero creates an atmosphere of increased anxiety at teachers' meetings, worrying that information that, for example, students are making noise in the classrooms will not reach the authorities. Belikov treats his superiors with great respect and demands the same from those around him. Belikov is feared and listened to by his colleagues and even the director of the gymnasium. A suffocating atmosphere is formed around the hero, “like in a police box.” Some colleagues consider Belikov an informer.

Outside of work, Belikov behaves no better. The hero goes out into society and visits acquaintances, but these visits are difficult for him and Belikov makes them only for the sake of decency. In the city they are afraid of Belikov, ladies are afraid to organize home performances on Saturdays, people are afraid to even send letters or raise their voices. And the hero himself is afraid public opinion and therefore he does not keep female servants at home and even in food he is guided not by his own tastes, but by what people will think if they see him at a meal.

Belikov is constantly afraid of everything and even in his own apartment cannot sleep peacefully: he fears for his own fate, because he thinks that either the servant will stab him in his sleep, or thieves will break into the house. The hero's apartment itself looks like a box. Small bedroom, four-poster bed, latches and shutters everywhere. The hero is afraid of people to such an extent that it is difficult for him to walk next to someone, and the crowded gymnasium where Belikov works also causes fear in him.

One day Belikov happened to fall in love. This happened after meeting Varya, the sister of one of Belikov’s young colleagues. However, this relationship ends in nothing. The hero is afraid to get married because “something might not happen,” and the girl’s brother one day kicks Belikov out of the apartment and lowers him down the stairs. This humiliating scene takes place in front of Varya. The humiliated Belikov returns home, goes to bed and never gets up again, and a month later he dies, thus completing his sad biography. According to modern experts, Chekhov's Belikov is a classic psychasthenic.

Quotes

“It is a great pleasure to bury people like Belikov.”

“It’s all wonderful, but no matter what happens.”

“You get married, and then what good will you end up in some kind of story.”

“The Little Russian language, with its tenderness and pleasant sonority, is reminiscent of ancient Greek.”

BELIKOV is the hero of A.P. Chekhov’s story “The Man in a Case” (1898), a teacher of the Greek language. The image of B. became a symbol of fear of life, the personification of the sacramental “no matter what happens.” Having no first name or patronymic in the story, he is one of the gallery of Chekhov’s “non-humans” (Zhmukhin from “Pecheneg”, or non-commissioned officer Prishibeev).
B. “always, even in very good weather, went out in galoshes and with an umbrella and certainly in a warm coat with cotton wool. And he had an umbrella in a case and a watch in a gray suede case, and when he took out his penknife to sharpen a pencil, his knife was also in a case; and his face, it seemed, was also in a cover... He wore dark glasses, a sweatshirt, stuffed his ears with cotton wool, and when he got into the cab, he ordered the top to be raised.” But B. is not just a person with quirks - his caution is aggressive, everything new, unusual, generally outstanding, causes fear and stubborn opposition in him. His colleagues do not have the courage to “brush it off”; they hate him, but they obey: on his orders, they expel “dubious” schoolchildren and endure his painful visits. B. is scary, not funny; in this image, signs of a demonic principle are obvious. His death is vaguely reminiscent of Chekhov’s story “The Death of an Official” (1883), the hero of which also dies of shock. But Chervyakov, who sneezed the bald head of an important person, is a trifle, a nonentity. B., a colossus of forever frozen, eternal dogma, dies because the very foundations of his “case world” have collapsed: the bride is riding a bicycle, they threw him out of the house where he came to explain this about this, saying unheard of rude things, and to top it all off he - the demon - was ridiculed. Varenka Kovalenko’s unrestrained “ha-ha-ha”, in a happy way having avoided marriage with this man, “everything ended: both the matchmaking and Belikov’s earthly existence.”

On the silver screen, the image of B. was embodied by N.P. Khmelev in the 1939 film.

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Who are they case people? They surround us everywhere, but few people realize that they can be characterized by such an interesting term. Because not everyone has read the famous story by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, which was called “The Man in a Case.” It was this Russian prose writer-playwright who first in history proposed this type of personality. However, first things first.

Visual image

Anyone who is familiar with knows how rich the world of his works is on human types. Who doesn’t appear in his stories! And conscientious individuals, not satisfied with social laws and with themselves, and narrow-minded ordinary people, and noble dreamers, and opportunistic officials. And images of “case” people also appear. In particular, in the story mentioned above.

At the center of the plot of “The Man in a Case” is a gymnasium teacher named Belikov. Teaching Greek has long ceased to be needed by anyone. He's very strange. Even if it’s sunny outside, he puts on galoshes, a warm cotton coat with a high collar and takes an umbrella. A mandatory “accessory” is dark glasses. He always stuffs his ears with cotton. He drives a cab, with the top always up. Belikov also keeps everything in cases - an umbrella, a watch, and even a penknife.

But this is just an image. It would seem that the description only says that the person is neat and prudent, maybe even a little pedantic. But it’s not without reason that they say that external manifestations reflect internal state person. And indeed it is.

Personal characteristics

Examples of “case” people encountered in life are reflected in Belikov. He is a mixture of sociopath, paranoid and introvert. He is afraid of all living things. His is: “No matter what happens.” He treats everything that surrounds him with caution and fear. Belikov is not able to think freely, since each of his ideas is in a “case”.

And it would be okay if he was like that in society. But even at home he behaves the same way! He dresses in a long robe and cap, closes the shutters on the windows tightly, snapping the latches. His bed has a canopy, and when Belikov lies down in it, he covers his head with a blanket.

Naturally, he observes all fasts and does not have female servants - fearing that others will suspect him of having relationships with them. Belikov is a real hermit. Who, in the literal sense of the word, is afraid to live.

Consequences

Naturally, such a lifestyle that Belikov leads cannot but affect anything. Who are the case people? These are real hermits who believe that they live quite normally, unlike others. This is also manifested in Chekhov's hero.

At one point he meets Varenka, a girl who is the sister of a new geography and history teacher. She shows an unexpected interest in Belikov. Whom society begins to persuade to marry her. He agrees, despite the fact that thoughts of marriage depress and worry him. Belikov loses weight, turns pale, becomes even more nervous and fearful. And the first thing that worries him the most is the lifestyle of the “bride”.

Who are the case people? Those who cannot understand others due to their detachment. Varenka loves to ride a bike with her brother. And Belikov is sure that this quite common hobby is not normal! Because it is not appropriate for someone who teaches history to young people to ride a bicycle. And the woman on this vehicle looks completely indecent. Belikov did not hesitate to express his thoughts to Varenka’s brother, who cannot stand him. And he threatened to report his hobby to the director of the gymnasium. In response, Varenka’s brother pulled Belikov down the stairs. What's the result? Belikov falls ill - from stress, he is haunted by the thought that someone will find out about his shame. And a month later he dies. This is the end.

Main thought

Well, who these case people are - you can understand from Belikov’s example. And, in principle, Chekhov wanted to convey a simple idea. The prose writer tried to convey to readers that a life “closed” from society only cripples the human soul. You can't be outside the rest. We are all members of a single society. Everything that a person has messed up for himself, set up, only fences him off from life. From a reality filled with colors. And indeed it is. Spiritual wretchedness only limits human existence. This is what Chekhov is thinking about in this story.

Modernity

A person of the 21st century who has read Chekhov knows what kind of people are called case people. And he is able to recognize them among the rest. Nowadays they are called introverts. These are people whose mental makeup is characterized by concentration on contemplation, isolation and concentration on one’s own inner world. They are not inclined to communicate with other people - it is difficult for them to establish contact with anyone.

However, to understand the point this term, it is enough to turn to the etymology. "Introvert" is a word derived from the German introvertiert. Which literally translates as “turned inward.”

To the question: Why did Belikov die? given by the author Ilya Zhelnov the best answer is “Man in a Case.” The Greek teacher Belikov appears to the reader as a surprisingly unpleasant type. He is disgusting both in himself and in all his manifestations. It turns out that “this little man, who always wore galoshes and carried an umbrella, controlled the entire gymnasium for fifteen years.” Respect for others, love, and compassion are absolutely alien to Belikov. He lives in his own closed little world among circulars and rules written by no one knows who. Belikov is completely unspiritual, despite the fact that, as a gymnasium teacher, he can be considered educated person. The man in the case doesn’t even feel sorry for himself. He places many restrictions in his own life.
The author speaks about it as follows: “And at home it’s the same story: a robe, a cap, shutters, latches, a whole series of all sorts of prohibitions, restrictions, and - oh, no matter what happens! It is harmful to eat fast food, but it is impossible to eat fast food, because, perhaps, they will say that Belikov does not fast, and he ate pike perch in cow butter - the food is not fast, but it cannot be said that it is fast.”
Even such little things paint a very colorful image of a person in a case. He is completely unnatural, he drives deep into himself all the natural manifestations of his soul. He is merciless towards others if their behavior does not comply with certain established rules and circulars. He is low, capable of meanness and evokes neither pity nor sympathy.
The relationship between Belikov and Varenka is interesting. At first glance, it seems as if at least some human weaknesses and feelings. But it was not there. The episode when Belikov saw Varenka riding a bicycle showed the true nature of the man in the case. He is not able to forgive any non-compliance with the rules to everyone around him, and Varenka is no exception. Naturally, Belikov is outraged that the girl is riding a bicycle. Although if you think about it, there is absolutely nothing reprehensible in this. Every person is free to dispose own life and do what he considers necessary, and such a trifle as riding a bicycle does not deserve such close attention and serious resonance.
True, Belikov has a different opinion about this “incident”. He strives to subordinate everything around him to established rules, and any discrepancy plunges him into shock. WHY DID BELIKOV DIED? He died of shock, because he had to face something out of the ordinary. Belikov found himself humiliated, trampled, and then ridiculed. Belikov's death caused deep relief among those around him. They felt freer, although not for long.
At the end of the story, the reader is offered the author’s idea about how common the notorious “case” is in surrounding life: “Isn’t the fact that we live in a city in a stuffy, cramped environment, writing unnecessary papers, playing vint, a case in point? And the fact that we spend our whole lives among idle people, quarrelsome people, stupid, idle women, talking and listening to all sorts of nonsense - isn’t this a case? "
We have to admit that it is very difficult for a person to influence the boundaries of this very “case”. And life turns out to be unreal, miserable, turns into a gray and worthless vegetation. Chekhov's story “The Man in a Case” shows how strong vulgarity can be, preventing a person from thinking and acting as his soul desires. But nevertheless, such an event in the story as the death of Belikov indicates that vulgarity can still be dealt with. All it takes is a small effort from a person to turn everything around. For example, in this story, in order to cope with Belikov, it was enough to laugh at him, without being afraid to show true feelings

The story “The Man in a Case” continues the theme of the vulgarization of man - one of the main themes of A.P.’s work. Chekhov. His hero is another intellectual in the gallery Chekhov's characters, a person who should be the spiritual support of society. In fact, he is a moral and ethical dead man. What else can you call Belikov, a teacher of ancient languages?
This person is afraid of life and runs away from it by all possible means. He even dresses as if he were wearing protective armor: “always, even in very good weather, he went out in galoshes and with an umbrella, and certainly in a warm coat with cotton wool... He wore dark glasses, a sweatshirt, stuffed his ears with cotton wool, and when he got into a cab, then he ordered the top to be raised.”
The narrator concludes that this man had a constant and irresistible desire to surround himself with a shell, to create a case for himself that would seclude him and protect him from external influences.
In life, this hero occupied the same “case” position. He taught ancient languages, which are called “dead” because they are no longer spoken by any people in the world. “Reality irritated him, frightened him, kept him in constant anxiety,” says Burkin. In order to justify this timidity of his, his disgust for the present, Belikov always praised the past and what never happened. Therefore, it is not surprising that he chose ancient languages ​​as his field of life, “which were for him, in essence, the same galoshes and umbrella where he hid from real life.”
Belikov did not show any emotions towards other people; in his head there were only rules, responsibilities, and schemes. So, for example, the hero believes that it is necessary to support a good relationship with colleagues. What does this mean in his understanding? Belikov regularly comes to visit the teachers he works with and just sits in the corner and is silent. Everyone is afraid of Belikov, but no one loves him.
Only once did any semblance of feelings flash in the hero’s life. He felt sympathy for the sister of the history and geography teacher Kovalenko. The history teacher was a lively and spontaneous person, so against his background the dead figure of Belikov is even more contrasting.
Kovalenko couldn’t stand the teacher of ancient languages: “Or he laughed, laughed until he cried, sometimes in a bass voice, sometimes in a thin squeaky voice, and asked me, spreading his hands: “Why is he sitting with me?” What does he need? Sit and watch." He gave Belikov the nickname “swallow the spider” and, of course, did not approve of the teacher’s decision to propose to his sister.
Varenka Kovalenko's infatuation ended badly for the hero. His mind, filled with stereotypes and prejudices, could not stand it. Angered by the fact that Kovalenko and his sister are riding a bicycle, Belikov has a conversation with his colleague. His arguments are funny and terrible at the same time: “If a teacher rides a bicycle, then what remains for the students? All they can do is walk on their heads! And since this is not allowed circularly, then it is impossible. I was horrified yesterday! When I saw your sister, my vision went blank. A woman or girl on a bicycle is terrible!”
An angry Kovalenko pulls Belikov down the stairs. A witness to this disgrace of the hero is Varenka, who laughs cheerfully at this incident that happened to her fiancé.
The hero could not survive this - Belikov withstands all this and dies, So, his attempt to start living real life ended in failure.
Chekhov shows that Belikov is no longer capable of being reborn, is no longer capable of normal life. Only in his dead state did he look “alive”: “Now, when he lay in the coffin, his expression was meek, pleasant, even cheerful, as if he was glad that he had finally been put in a case from which he would never come out.” .
The narrator notes that with the death of this teacher, everyone felt relief, “great pleasure.” People felt that they had finally found freedom. But it was only an illusion, a fleeting delusion. At the end of the story, the author notes: “But no more than a week passed, and life went on as before, the same harsh, tiresome, stupid life, not circularly prohibited, but not completely permitted either; it didn't get any better."
The heroes of the story conclude that, even though Belikov was buried, how many more such “men in a case” are left, and how many more will there be! Fear of life, Chekhov tells us, deprives life itself not only of one person, but also of all those who surround him. And what could be more terrible than becoming dead while alive?