Molchalin in the short comedy Woe from Wit. The actions of Molchalin in the comedy Woe from Wit. Characteristics of Molchalin in “Woe from Wit” (with quotes). Characteristic qualities of Molchalin from the comedy “Woe from Wit”

Griboedov, in his comedy “Woe from Wit”, created many characteristic characters. These images remain relevant today. One of these heroes is Molchalin. He is the brightest representative of people who live in our time. Let's take a closer look at his character.

Molchalin is a poor young man originally from Tver, whom Famusov took into his service and gave the rank of collegiate assessor.

We can assume that Molchalin is a rootless man, probably from a family of philistines. Famusov says this about him: “He warmed up Bezrodny and brought him into my family.”

I believe that Molchalin can be described as a cowardly and low person. The most noticeable trait of his character is his silence - which is immediately evident from his last name. (“He is silent when he is scolded,” “Not a free word, and so the whole night passes.”) He never expresses his own opinion; in communication he prefers short, choppy phrases. “At my age I shouldn’t dare to have my own opinion,” says Molchalin. He seems to be afraid of not pleasing his interlocutor with his remarks. Molchalin lives by the principle bequeathed to him by his father: “to please all people without exception.” His helpfulness goes beyond the boundaries allowed by morality. We see a sharp contrast to this method of communication in Molchalin’s dialogue with Liza. He accepts her as “his own”, so he is not afraid to openly express his opinion, to say what he thinks. He tells her about his frivolous intentions in his relationship with Sophia, claims that he loves her only “by position.” He admits that he is using Sophia for his own benefit. This describes him as a vicious, cowardly person who, trying to get out among people, makes his way through silent lies and helpfulness. We learn about most of Molchalin’s qualities from the remarks of other heroes. At first, Sophia describes him as a wonderful spiritual organization of a person: “Molchalin is ready to forget himself for others,” “The enemy of insolence, always shyly, timidly...”. Her words clearly show how much she loves him. Chatsky, on the contrary, treats Molchalin with the deepest contempt. He openly doubts his abilities and does not believe that he can achieve anything. Chatsky considers Molchalin a fool, a “most pitiful creature”, incapable of any conscious action. But afterwards Chatsky realizes that this is just Molchalin’s mask, that in fact he is a cunning and unprincipled person who knows how to achieve his goals. Chatsky says that Molchalin “will reach the famous levels, because nowadays they love the dumb.” Molchalin also treats other heroes of the comedy differently. With people higher in rank than him, he is helpful and does not dare to say an extra word. With Chatsky, he allows himself not only to express his opinion, but also to give him advice. After all, Chatsky is not only the same age as Molchalin, but also has no ranks. Therefore, Molchalin sees no reason for his usual helpfulness in the presence of Chatsky. The attitude of other heroes towards Molchalin and his attitude towards them characterizes him as an immoral person, seeing in others only ranks and titles, not taking into account the soul of a person.

Thus, Griboyedov created a negative, but interesting to study, image in his comedy. Such silent liars also exist in modern society. And it is the duty of every person to eradicate in himself all those qualities that are in him, to develop in himself all that is good, bright, and not base and false. Everyone should try not to be Silent.

WORTH FROM MIND

(Comedy, 1824; published with omissions - 1833; completely - 1862)

Molchalin Alexey Stepanych - the main negative character of the comedy, the role of a stupid lover; Sophia's heartfelt friend, who despises her in his heart; the shadow of Famusov, the antagonist of Chatsky, whose fiery talkativeness is unfavorably contrasted with Silently’s wordlessness (emphasized, moreover, by the “silently speaking” surname). Transferred by Famusov from Tver, thanks to his patronage he received the rank of collegiate assessor; is listed “according to the archives”, but in fact is the personal, home secretary of the “benefactor”; Here, in the closet, he lives. M. strictly follows his father’s covenant (directly preceding the one that Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov will receive from his father): “to please all people without exception - / the Master<...>/ To the boss<...>/ To his servant<...>/ To the janitor’s dog, so that she is affectionate.” In the ball scene (no. 3) he helpfully praises the Spitz of the old woman Khlestova, Famusov’s sister-in-law - which deserves her favor. (But not respect: during the journey - D. 4, appearance 8 - Khlestova disdainfully points M. to his place - intermediate between the secretary and the servant: “here is your closet, / There is no need for a farewell, go, the Lord is with you”; M . not offended.)

In a conversation with Chatsky (d. 3, appearance 3), who decided to figure out why M. captivated Sofia, he formulates his life rules - “Moderation and accuracy”; “At my age I shouldn’t dare / Have my own judgment.” These views are fully consistent with the unwritten Moscow norm. Throughout the comedy, the same plot motif of the fall is repeated; Chatsky, as soon as he appeared in the house, talks about how he “fell many times” along the way; Skalozub recalls the story of Princess Lasova, “a horsewoman, a widow,” who recently fell to pieces and is now looking for a husband “for support”; then, during the ball, Repetilov reports about his fall: “I’m hastening here, / Grabbing, I hit my foot on the threshold / And stretched out to my full height.” But only M.’s fall from a horse (d. 2, yavl. 7), at the news of which Sofia faints, “rhymes” with the “exemplary” fall of Famusov’s uncle Maxim Petrovich: “He fell painfully - he got up well.” This parallel finally fits M. into the unchanging Moscow tradition against which Chatsky rebels.

But, repeating the trajectory of the fall of Maxim Petrovich, M., in turn, is also endowed with a plot double, repeating his negative traits in an even more vulgar and reduced form. This is Anton Antonich Zagoretsky - “the man<...>secular, / An out-and-out swindler, a rogue,” who is tolerated in society only because he is “a master at serving.”

The need to tirelessly “please” also gave birth to M.’s romance with Sophia, in which he obediently plays the role of a platonic admirer suggested (if not imposed) by her, ready to read novels from his beloved all night long, listen to silence and express himself in a language that is not characteristic of him (philistine) ( “I have three little things...”), but in the literary-salon, “Karamzinist” language of silent gestures and refined feelings. (So ​​his “speaking” surname can be read in two ways: it also indicates the role of the loving “silent man” in Sofia’s plot.) This novel does not and cannot pursue “career” goals; M. does not expect to earn even greater favor from Famusov in this way. On the contrary, he risks losing his favor as a result of a secret “romance”. But he is not able to refuse to “please” the daughter of “such a person.” And, feeling hostility towards “our deplorable thief,” she takes on the appearance of a lover - because that’s what she wants.

And therefore, perhaps Chatsky is right, who at the moment of M.’s “exposure” (invited by the maid Liza to Sofia’s room, he again flirts with the servants in the dark and speaks contemptuously about Sofia, not knowing that she hears everything; an angry Famusov immediately appears ) sarcastically remarks: “You will make peace with him after mature reflection. / Destroy yourself, and why! / Think, you can always / Take care of him and swaddle him, and send him to work. / A boy-husband, a servant-husband, one of the wife’s pages - / The high ideal of all Moscow husbands.”

Here he is, on tiptoe

and not rich in words.

Silent people are blissful in the world.

A. S. Griboyedov

One of the favorite themes of the great writers of the 19th century is the formation of a young man, his choice of life path. The diversity of human destinies is depicted to us by such world-famous novels as Pushkin’s “Eugene Onegin”, “An Ordinary Story” and “Oblomov” by I. A. Goncharov, “Red and Black” by Stendhal, “The Human Comedy” by Balzac and many others . Among these immortal books is “Woe from Wit” by A. S. Griboedov, not a novel, but a “high” comedy, in which, in my opinion, there is very little funny, except for some situations, but the most important socio-political and moral problems are posed, many of which still concern us today.

What should a person be like? How does he chart his life's path? What can you afford along this path and what should you never allow yourself? What is more important - human dignity or career? The author of the comedy answers these and many other questions in the image of Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin.

By origin and social status, he does not belong to the metropolitan nobility. “He warmed up Bezrodny and brought him into his family, gave him the rank of assessor and took him on as a secretary,” the Moscow ace Famusov. Molchalin's surname is justified by his behavior: he is a modest young man, handsome, silent, insinuating. He plays the flute, loves sentimental poems, and tries to please everyone. It would seem that there is nothing wrong with this. But, reading the comedy, we are convinced that Molchalin’s decency is a skillfully selected mask hiding a vile, hypocritical, false person. In a moment of frankness, he admits that he is guided in life by his father’s behest “to please all people without exception,” even the janitor’s dog.

Molchalin’s goal in life is to make a career, preferably a brilliant one, to achieve rank and wealth. He sees the highest happiness, his ideal of life, in “winning awards and having fun.” On the way to this goal, all means are good for him. At the same time, Molchalin chooses the surest way to curry favor - flattery, sycophancy, servility. He is respectful and considerate with Famusov, pleases the influential lady Khlestova in every possible way, does not leave the rich old men, plays cards with them.

A flatterer and a hypocrite, he pretends to be in love with Sophia (of course, she is the daughter of his all-powerful boss) and immediately tells Lisa that he loves the owner’s daughter “by virtue of her position.” His life “principles” are simple and shameless. This is a renunciation of one’s human dignity, one’s own opinion, self-abasement: “After all, one must depend on others” or: “At my age one should not dare to have one’s own opinion.” Molcha-lin does not know what honor, honesty, sincerity are, and he is being mean just like that, just in case.

This behavior brought him a certain success: the insignificant secretary not only lives in the house of his patron, but is also accepted into his society. Moreover, “moderation and accuracy” have already secured him “three awards” in his service, the favor and support of influential gentlemen.

The reader of the comedy also understands something else: Molchalin’s life “experience” is a verdict not only for him, but also for the society that approves and supports him. The people who organized the persecution of the sincere, honest Chatsky, who declared him, an intelligent, educated man, crazy, do not consider it shameful to communicate with a dishonest scoundrel, to patronize him, and this characterizes them perfectly. “Silent people are blissful in the world,” is one of Chatsky’s most bitter conclusions after a day of communication with Famus society. Material from the site

Molchalin is not helpless and not funny - in my opinion, he is scary. The role of this hero in comedy is determined by two circumstances. Firstly, before us is a person who, living in Famusov’s society, will definitely “reach the known degrees.” Even exposure will not destroy him, because, bowing humbly and crawling on his knees, the “businesslike” secretary will again find the way to the heart of his boss: after all, Famusov needs him, and there is someone to intercede! No, Molchalin is unsinkable. Secondly, talking about the “formation” of Molchalin, the author exposes the Moscow nobility (and it, in turn, represents the social system of Famusov’s Russia), the “tormenting crowd”, afraid of people with progressive views and firm, inflexible characters and accepting as her many silent ones. The “great ability to please” brought many people into the public eye in this unprincipled society.

Griboyedov also convinces of what he does not directly say: he only needs the tactics chosen by Molchalin for the time being. Having achieved his goal, he will shed the mask of modesty and respect - and woe to those who stand in his way. Unfortunately, this human type is not a thing of the past. And today, under the mask of decency and modesty, a modern Molchalin can hide, who knows how to please everyone, and does not disdain any means to achieve his goals. The author of the immortal comedy teaches you to understand people, to see under the mask, if it is worn, the true face of a person.

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On this page there is material on the following topics:

• composition of the mask by Molchalin
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• Molchalin Woe from Wit essay
• image of Molchalin, his father's testament
• essay on the topic of the image of Molchalin

Plan

1. Introduction

2.Molchalin’s activities

3.Molchalin’s views

4.Molchalin’s attitude towards women

5.Conclusion

Introduction

In his immortal work “Woe from Wit,” A. S. Griboedov described several collective images common in his era. As time shows, its characteristics are still relevant today. Regardless of any social system and level of technical development, there will always be their own Chatskys, Famusovs, and Molchalins. The last image is the most numerous and indestructible. Adulation, servility and sycophancy for the sake of one's own gain are extremely common social vices. Unfortunately, every person has their own Molchalin. The only difference is the extent to which he is allowed to carry out his shady dealings.

Molchalin's activities

One of the main negative characters of the comedy is Famusov's secretary, who lives in his house. A. S. Molchalin, apparently, is not a rich man. From childhood, his father taught him to “please all people.” Having entered the service of Famusov, Molchalin became not only his secretary, but actually a personal servant who was ready for any service, even a crime. The author hints at the not entirely pure nature of Famusov’s affairs in the first act (the papers “cannot be used”, “there are contradictions”).

The penchant for scams and secret money transactions is in Molchalin’s blood and is confirmed by all his actions and deeds. Alexey Stepanovich's attitude towards Famusov is outwardly extremely respectful and respectful, sometimes reaching the point of humiliation. In fact, Molchalin does not care about his human dignity. He is driven only by the thirst for profit and improvement of his social position. He is convinced that in this life everything depends on money, absolutely everything can be bought or sold. He works as a secretary only until he makes a sufficient fortune and can himself become like Famusov. This is his idea of ​​an ideal life path.

Molchalin's views

Alexey Stepanovich doesn’t have any special strong convictions. The first time he expresses his views in detail is in a conversation with Chatsky. Above all, they value “moderation and accuracy.” Molchalin believes that he is distinguished by precisely these qualities. Interested, Chatsky continues to ask questions, trying to understand what kind of person is in front of him. Alexey Stepanovich cites Tatyana Yuryevna and Foma Fomich as authorities.

From Chatsky’s words it is clear that these are extremely stupid and limited people, whose entire merit lies in wealth. But for Molchalin they are indisputable models that should be followed. Finally, Chatsky extracts from Molchalin his main characteristic: “At my age, one should not dare to have one’s own opinions.” He explains his idea by saying that his small rank forces him to depend on the “powers of this world.” Incapable of cunning, Chatsky concludes that his interlocutor is simply a fool. In fact, Molchalin is far from being so stupid. Subsequently, he will partially reveal his innermost thoughts to Lisa.

Alexey Stepanovich in his soul deeply despises everyone before whom he humiliates himself. He does this out of necessity, dreaming of taking the place of his “idols”. However, Molchalin will never use his innate intelligence and education for an honest and noble cause. Having become a big boss, he will happily become a new “idol” who will also demand boundless respect and deference from his subordinates. Molchalin is convinced that this is the only thing that holds the whole world together.

Molchalin's attitude towards women

Love for Alexey Stepanovich is the same product and a way to achieve his goals. His courtship with Sophia is caused by the desire to please Famusov even more. He is as honest as possible towards Lisa, but he tries to win her affection exclusively with the help of expensive gifts. Molchalin simply does not understand that people have any feelings other than the desire for enrichment and power.

Conclusion

Molchalin is a collective negative image of a person for whom there are no high ideals. Such people are ready for any humiliation for the sake of money. Having gained power and authority, the Molchalins will be able to widely spread their poisonous influence. This will lead to the emergence of more and more low and vile people, replacing honesty and truthfulness with deceit and corruption. It is important for any society that there are as few Molchalins in it as possible.

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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.