Characterization and image of the taciturn in the comedy grief from the mind composition. Characteristics of Molchalin in "Woe from Wit" (with quotes) The qualities of the taciturn in the comedy Woe from Wit


In the comedy "Woe from Wit" A.S. Griboyedov reveals to us the society and the images of people of that time. You read a comedy and involuntarily you are transported to Moscow in 1824, to Famusov's house, where the action unfolds.

The image of Molchalin is the image of a person pursuing his own career. From the very first pages the meaning of Molchalin's surname is revealed - the author gives him very few remarks, and his speech is "helpful", especially in a conversation with Famusov, since it is known that Molchalin is his secretary. Famusov refers to him as to the lowest rank, but to some extent respects him. For Molchalin, it is more important to get into the ranks and earn awards, that is, to make a career for himself:

"As I work and strength,
Since I have been listed in the Archives,
Received three awards ”.

He also believes that he has two talents - "moderation and accuracy." He is busy only with himself:

“I have three things:
There is a toilet, a cunning job -
There is a mirror on the outside and a mirror on the inside
All around there is a slit, gilding;
Pillow, beaded pattern;
And a mother-of-pearl device -
Needle cases and little knives, how cute!
Pearls pounded in white!
There is lipstick for the lips and for other reasons,
With the perfume of a bottle: mignonette and jasmine. "

For the sake of a career, Molchalin is ready for anything, even humiliation, he pretends, confessing his love to Sophia (he loves "according to his position"). He is afraid of losing the rank and trust of Famusov. Sophia loves Molchalin and wants to marry him, thinking that the feelings are mutual. But Molchalin does not want to think about it:

“There is much hope ahead,
We are wasting time without a wedding. "

The opinion of Pavel Afanasevich is important to him, and not the sincere feelings of Sophia. He is indifferent to her, while he likes Lisa. But Molchalin does not wish her any harm, on the contrary, he is sure that soon Sophia will stop loving him as much as Chatsky. Sophia really rejects him, but only when she is convinced of his feelings. Molchalin does not oppose her demands to leave the house.

Chatsky is opposed to Molchalin, he is shown as a visiting person. From the very beginning, he recognizes in Molchalin a low man, one of the representatives of the Famus society. Chatsky, in dialogue with Molchalin, shows all his contempt for him, never agrees with his opinion. Famusov refers to Molchalin as to the highest rank.

Molchalin is in Moscow in order to “take an award and have fun,” it would not be a tragedy for him to lose his secretary position, thanks to his silence, he would never disappear for a career, but would definitely find himself a new haven and rise to high ranks. He does not need Sophia's love, he is indifferent to Chatsky, considering him, like everyone else, crazy. He does not need to care about anyone, he only grovels in front of the great ranks, even being polite only for profit.

So are the Molchalins really blissful in the world? In our time, you can often find such a "Molchalin", and he really will "bliss."

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In Griboyedov's comedy Woe from Wit, the main opposing array of events falls on the characters of Chatsky and Famusov. The rest of the characters help to 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 suggest that you familiarize yourself with the characteristic of Famusov

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.

Alexei Stepanovich has not yet managed to rise to significant heights - so far he only holds the position of Famusov's secretary, but gives hope for early career advancement, which causes Famusov's special love.

Pavel Afanasevich 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 pleased with this.

Aleksey Stepanovich has been working as the personal secretary of Famusov for the third year already, however, he was registered in a completely different position - based on official data, Molchalin works in the archive department, but in practice this is fictitious, he is only listed there. However, not without benefit for himself - during this service, he received three awards.

Of course, this was the exceptional work of Famusov. This position 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 not from his own pocket.

The text mentions the rootlessness of Molchalin, 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 man of no kind.

The symbolism of the surname

The image of Molchalin bears the traits of symbolism. This is primarily due to his last name. It is based on the verb "to be silent". Indeed, this word is an accurate reflection of the essence of Molchalin. He is a silent and faceless servant of Famusov. Even his steps are devoid of any sound. It seems that he wants to be as unnoticed, quiet as possible.


From time to time, Aleksey Stepanovich moves on tiptoe so as not to disturb the 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 take place and achieve significant achievements in life. Achievements in the eyes of Molchalin are in no way associated with improving the lives of ordinary, ignoble people or contributing to the development of the morality of the aristocracy. The highest goal of Alexey Stepanovich 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 has already overcome the first step on this steep staircase - thanks to his ability to suck up and please Famusov, he was given the rank of collegiate assessor. Thus, Alexey Stepanovich from a commoner turned into a beggar nobleman. Molchalin found a special charm in the fact that his rank tended to be inherited.

Molchalin and Sophia Famusova

You can improve your position in society even more through a profitable marriage. For this, girls needed to have a charming figure and no less 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 benevolence. Despite his low origin and financial insolvency, in the eyes of Famusov, Alexey Stepanovich looks like a more attractive son-in-law than the noble aristocrat Chatsky. The fact is that Pavel Afanasyevich believes that such an estate and diligence that Molchalin possesses can compensate for his origin and achieve a favorable position in society. In order to achieve a final advantage over other young people, Molchalin only needs to accumulate significant capital or start attacking Famusov from a different 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 starting to show interest in Famusov's daughter Sophia.

Relationships between young people are in the best traditions of platonic love - Molchalin does not allow anything superfluous 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 the achievement of his goal with marriage - Molchalin does not need to possess Sonya, he needs to become her spouse, so debauchery for him is an unacceptable business.

We offer to compare the monologues of Chatsky and Famusov in the comedy A. Griboyedov "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 in relation to her. Young people of noble birth are not ready to grovel in front of Sonya as Molchalin does, therefore 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 the Chatsky district, the girl chooses the least evil from the remaining. At the time of the emergence of affection and the beginning of communication, Sonya did not feel enthusiasm and love attraction to Molchalin, her act could be regarded as revenge on Chatsky, but as a result of the desired effect, such an act did not bring, Sonya eventually got used to the oddities of Molchalin and began to perceive them as ordinary things ... In the person of Molchalin, Sonya found a wonderful "living toy", he not only treats her with deification (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 not only depends on Famusov, but also seeks 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 betraying his attitude to certain situations, then there is no heated discussion between the characters.

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

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

Molchalin and Lisa

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

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

Unfortunately, as a dishonest person, Molchalin is not limited to this state of affairs and takes care of 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 in relation to Famusov, plays with the feelings of Sonya.

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

In the comedy "Woe from Wit" A.S. Griboyedov presents the images of the Moscow nobility of the early 19th century, when a split was outlined in society between the conservative nobility and those who accepted the ideas of Decembrism. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the "present century" and the "past century", the painful and historically natural replacement of old noble ideals with new ones. The supporters of the "bygone century" in comedy are numerous. These are not only such weighty and influential people in the world as the feudal landlords Famusov and Colonel Skalozub, but also young nobles who do not have high ranks and are forced to "serve" influential people. This is the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit".

Molchalin is a poor nobleman from Tver. He lives in the house of Famusov, who "gave him the rank of assessor and took him as secretary." Molchalin is the secret lover of Famusov's daughter, but Sophia's father does not want to see him in his sons-in-law, because in Moscow it is necessary to have a son-in-law "with stars and ranks." Molchalin does not yet meet these standards. However, his desire to "serve" is very valuable for the Famus society.

Thanks to this skill, Molchalin received the post of Famusov's secretary, because usually such places are taken only under patronage. Famusov says: “In my presence, foreign employees are very rare: more and more sisters, sister-in-law, children; only Molchalin is not my own, and that is because he is a business man. " It is business qualities, and not honor and dignity, that are valuable in the Famusian environment.

In the play Woe from Wit, the image of Molchalin fully corresponds to the accepted standards of behavior of a young nobleman in society. He curses and humiliates himself in front of influential guests in Famusov's house, because they can be useful in his promotion. Molchalin sinks to the point that he begins to praise the smooth fur of Khlestova's dog. He believes that while "we are small in ranks", "we must depend on others." That is why Molchalin lives according to the principle "In my years you should not dare to have your own judgment."

Like everyone else in Famus society, in the comedy Woe From Wit, Molchalin is proud of his successes in the service and boasts of them at every opportunity: “As I worked and worked, since I was listed in the archives, I received three awards.” Molchalin also succeeded in establishing contacts with the "necessary" people. He often visits Princess Tatyana Yuryevna, because “officials and officials are all her friends and all relatives,” and even dares to recommend such a demeanor to Chatsky.

Despite the fact that the views and values ​​of Molchalin fully coincide with the ideals of the conservative nobility, Molchalin is capable of causing serious harm to the society in which he is located. Famusov's daughter will be deceived by this particular person, since he assumes the appearance of her lover "according to his position", that is, out of profit.

Molchalin fully opens his face when interacting with the servant Lisa, who expresses sympathy. “You and the young lady are modest, but the maid is a rake,” she tells him. It becomes clear to the reader that Molchalin is not at all a stupid modest man - he is a two-faced and dangerous person.

In the heart of Molchalin there is neither love nor respect for Sophia. On the one hand, he puts on this performance "for the sake of the daughter of such a person," and on the other, he is mortally afraid that his secret connection with Sophia will be revealed. Molchalin is very cowardly. He is afraid to spoil the opinion of himself in society, because "evil tongues are worse than a gun." Even Sophia is ready to go against the light for the sake of love: "What is the rumor to me ?!" This is probably why Molchalin does not find "anything enviable" in his marriage to Sophia.

It turns out that with his meanness, Molchalin causes harm even to the society of which he is a product. Molchalin just clearly follows the advice of his father - "to please all people without exception - to the owner where he will live, the boss, with whom I will serve ..."

This hero is fully consistent with the ideals of the "past century", although he belongs to the younger generation of nobles. He knows the main thing - to adapt, and therefore "The silencers are blissful in the world."
Thus, Molchalin is a product and a worthy continuation of the representatives of the conservative nobility. He, like this society, values ​​only ranks and money and evaluates people only by these standards. The cunning and duplicity of this hero are the defining features in the characterization of Molchalin in the comedy Woe from Wit. Therefore, Chatsky claims that Molchalin "will reach the degrees of the known, because nowadays they love the dumb."

The problem raised by Griboyedov in the comedy "Woe from Wit" remains relevant to this day. At all times, there were Molchalins who did not stop at anything to achieve their goals. The image of Molchalin will remain alive for readers as long as values ​​such as wealth and position in society are at the forefront, rather than honor, conscience, human dignity and true patriotism.

Characteristics of the hero, reasoning about his views and ideals, describing relationships with other characters - all these arguments will help 9th grade students when writing an essay on the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit"

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AS Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit" is dedicated to the life of Russia in the first decades of the 19th century. At this time, the Russian nobility was divided into two camps. Some nobles were supporters of conservatism, while others defended advanced ideas. The conflict between the two groups of Russian society can be traced if we compare Chatsky and Molchalin - two heroes of the comedy "Woe from Wit".

They are the same age, but youth is the only thing that unites Chatsky and Molchalin. The heroes differ sharply from each other in their views and personal qualities. Alexander Andreevich Chatsky is a true patriot, ready to devote all his strength and talent to the happiness of his native country. He returns to Russia with a desire to change the life of Russian society for the better, but sees that during his absence there have been no changes. The same conservative mores prevail in the country. The hero criticizes the fall and the noble society, speaks with irony about Moscow:

What new will Moscow show me?

Yesterday there was a ball, and tomorrow there will be two.

Molchalin, on the other hand, is completely satisfied with the life of the lordly Moscow, he enthusiastically tells Chatsky about the delights of Moscow life. If the main character laughingly describes the representatives of high society, then Molchalin shows reverence and respect for the cream of the Russian nobility. Famusova's secretary admires the authority of rich and noble people, dreams of the same career. The ideal of life for him is as follows: "And take awards, and have fun." Therefore, Molchalin is engaged in sycophancy and hypocrisy that help him advance in the service. He already has awards and is an indispensable assistant to Famusov, although Molchalin, by his own admission, has only two talents - moderation and accuracy. Chatsky has a lot of merits, but he does not serve anywhere. The reason is the unwillingness to engage in hypocrisy and sycophancy, which is clearly indicated by the words of the proud and honest hero of the comedy:

I would be glad to serve, to serve is sickening.

The foremost man of the era, intelligent and talented, has no place in the lordly Moscow, but this society needs a man like Molchalin. The main character bitterly says that the young sycophant "will reach the degrees of the known, because nowadays they love the dumb." When you read the lines of a comedy, you are imbued with sympathy for Chatsky, who is surrounded in Famusov's house only by enemies, is forced to remain where wealth and rank are more important than the human soul. The hero of Griboyedov is used to evaluating people by their personal qualities and services to the country. Chatsky always defends his own opinion, he is an enemy of all authorities, and Molchalin professes completely different views. Laughter of Alexander Chatsky is caused by the words of Molchalin about the need to depend on more noble and wealthy people, to bow to the pillars of the noble Moscow, because "we are small in ranks." In comparison with Chatsky, Molchalin seems to be a mediocre demure who is so aptly characterized by the protagonist:

here he is, on tiptoe,

And not rich in words.

Chatsky's talent and dignity are recognized even by members of the Famus society. The young nobleman, as Famusov says, “writes gloriously, translates,” he is witty and ironic. The main character perfectly understands the benefits of science and education, Chatsky can be called one of the most educated people of the era. And Molchalin is a typical representative of the "past century", a supporter of all laws and customs existing in the country. Molchalin does not condemn serfdom, which is opposed by Chatsky. The main character lets his peasants free, which causes bewilderment and indignation of the lordly Moscow.

I think that the difference between the two natures very clearly shows the attitude of the heroes of the comedy to Sophia. Chatsky shows his best qualities in love. Before us is a sincere, gentle and noble man who, only for the sake of his beloved, came to the hated Moscow lordly Moscow. For a young nobleman, Sophia is the same dreamy, fragile, sensitive girl with whom he grew up and was brought up. Molchalin, even in love, seeks to find personal benefit. This careerist plays the role of a lover, because Sophia is the daughter of a wealthy Moscow master, with whom Molchalin serves: And now, as a lover, I pretend to be pleasing to the daughter of such a person. A hypocrite and a scoundrel, ready for anything for the sake of moving upstairs, to wealth and nobility.

Chatsky and Molchalin are two completely different people, representatives of the opposing camps in Russian society at the beginning of the 19th century. Not age, but views and beliefs underlie the division into "present century" and "past century". The young man Alexei Molchalin belongs to the old times, and Alexander Chatsky in the comedy is the spokesman for the advanced ideas of the era.

One of the central images of Griboyedov's comedy "" is Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin. He became a collective image of a petty official who had lived in Russia for many centuries.

Molchalin was not a noble family, but managed to break out into the high society thanks to his servility and flattery. As a child, Aleksey Stepanovich mastered the art of silence and servility, for which he was later awarded a high rank.

Molchalin was Famusov's secretary and lived in his house.

The duplicity of this hero is simply amazing. At the beginning of the comedy, Griboyedov shows us Molchalin as a very dreamy and timid person. He was very smart, showed compassion for others, was ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of another person. It was for these character traits that his daughter Famusova fell in love with him. But later, we see how the feigned mask fell and a completely different person opens up in front of us. Molchalin goes to his goal, stopping at no one, and at nothing.

He is ready to help only those who are the same "silent". Griboyedov endowed Alexei Stepanovich with one more quality - servility to the grave to the one who "feeds and gives water, and sometimes will bestow the rank." Molchalin, for the sake of achieving his goal, is ready to play any, even the lowest role. He became close to Sophia, solely for his own benefit - to be closer to the master Famusov.

Finally, the mask of a sucker and flatterer falls from Molchalin in conversations with people below his rank. For example, he speaks down to Lisa, like a master. He does not respect Chatsky, considers him a failure, and therefore openly shows his charity.

It would seem, what can such a low personality like Molchalin do? But, unfortunately, our world is filled with such "silent" ones. As time shows, such people cannot be underestimated, as did it. Ultimately, Chatsky was not understood and was forced to leave, while Molchalin remained "to rule the ball." The terrible thing is that such "opportunists" as Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin do not realize their mistakes, they go ahead to their goal, sometimes breaking the fate of other people.

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