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

Plot: a summary of the play “Undergrowth”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Characteristics of heroes: positive and negative characters

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

Negative characters:

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

Goodies:

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

Secondary characters:

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

Mrs. Prostakova

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

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

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

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

Mr. Prostakov

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

Mitrofan

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

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

Skotinin

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

Sofia

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

Starodum

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

Milon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Name meaning: two sides of the coin

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

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

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

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

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

Denis Fonvizin's immortal comedy "Undergrowth" is an outstanding work of Russian literature of the 18th century. Bold satire and truthfully described reality are the main components of the skill of this writer. Centuries later, heated debates about the protagonist of the play, Mitrofanushka, emerge in modern society every now and then. Who is he: a victim of improper upbringing or a vivid example of the moral decay of society?

The comedy "The Brigadier" written by Fonvizin, which had a stunning success in St. Petersburg, became the basis of one of the greatest world literary monuments. After its publication, the writer did not return to dramaturgy for more than ten years, more and more devoting himself to state issues and tasks. However, the idea of ​​creating a new book excited the author's imagination. Let's not hide the fact that, according to scientists, the first note related to the "Undergrowth" was started back in the 1770s, long before its publication.

After a trip to France in 1778. the playwright had an exact plan for writing the future work. Interesting fact- Mitrofanushka was originally Ivanushka, which by itself spoke of the similarity of the two comedies (Ivan was a character in The Brigadier). In 1781 the play was completed. Of course, staging this type meant highlighting one of the most problematic issues of the noble society of that time. However, despite the risk, Fonvizin became the direct "instigator" of the literary revolution. The premiere was postponed due to the empress's dislike for any satire, but it nevertheless took place on September 24, 1782.

Genre of the work

COMEDY is a type of drama in which a moment of effective conflict is specifically resolved. It has a number of features:

1. does not entail the death of one representative from the warring parties;
2. aimed at "nothing carrying" goals;
3. The story is lively and vivid.

Also in the work of Fonvizin, a satirical orientation is obvious. This means that the author set himself the task of ridiculing social vices. This is an attempt to disguise life problems behind a smile.

"Undergrowth" is a work built according to the laws of classicism. One storyline, one place of action, and all events take place within a day. However, this concept is also consistent with realism, as evidenced by individual objects and places of action. Besides, characters very much reminiscent of real landowners from the hinterland, ridiculed and condemned by the playwright. Fonvizin added something new to classicism - merciless and sharp humor.

What is the piece about?

The plot of Denis Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" revolves around a family of landowners, which is completely mired in immorality and tyranny. Children became like rude and limited parents, from which their idea of ​​morality suffered. Sixteen-year-old Mitrofanushka is struggling to finish his studies, but he lacks the desire and ability. The mother looks at it through her sleeves, she does not care if her son develops. She prefers everything to remain as it is, any progress is alien to her.

The Prostakovs “sheltered” a distant relative, the orphan Sophia, who differs from the whole family not only in her outlook on life, but also in her good manners. Sophia is the heiress of a large estate, which Mitrofanushka's uncle, Skotinin, who is a great hunter, “looks at” as well. Marriage is the only affordable way take over Sophia's household, so the relatives surrounding her are trying to persuade her to a profitable marriage.

Starodum - Sophia's uncle, sends a letter to his niece. Prostakova is terribly unhappy with such a "trick" of a relative who was considered dead in Siberia. The deceit and arrogance inherent in her nature is manifested in the accusation of a "fraudulent" letter, allegedly "amorous". Illiterate landowners will soon find out the true content of the message, resorting to the help of the guest Pravdin. He reveals to the whole family the truth about the left Siberian inheritance, which gives as much as ten thousand annual income.

It was then that Prostakova came up with an idea - to marry Sophia to Mitrofanushka in order to appropriate the inheritance for herself. However, officer Milon "breaks into" her plans, walking through the village with soldiers. He met with an old friend, Pravdin, who, as it turned out, was a member of the governor's board. His plans include watching the landowners mistreating their people.

Milon talks about his long-standing love for a sweet lady who was transported to an unknown place due to the death of a relative. Suddenly he meets Sophia - she is the same girl. The heroine talks about her future marriage with the undersized Mitrofanushka, from which the groom “flashes” like a spark, but then gradually “weakens” with a detailed story about the “betrothed”.

Sophia's uncle arrived. Having met Milon, he accepts Sophia's choice, while inquiring about the "correctness" of her decision. At the same time, the Prostakovs' estate was transferred to state custody due to the cruel treatment of the peasants. Looking for support, the mother hugs Mitrofanushka. But the Son did not intend to be courteous and polite, he is rude, which makes the venerable matron faint. Waking up, she wails: "I died completely." And Starodum, pointing to her, says "Here are worthy fruits of evil-mindedness!".

Main characters and their characteristics

Pravdin, Sofya, Starodum and Milon are representatives of the so-called "new" time, the Enlightenment. The moral components of their souls are nothing but goodness, love, craving for knowledge and compassion. The Prostakovs, Skotinin and Mitrofan are representatives of the "old" nobility, where the cult of material well-being, rudeness and ignorance flourish.

• The minor Mitrofan is a young man whose ignorance, stupidity and inability to adequately analyze the situation do not allow him to become an active and reasonable representative of the noble community. “I don’t want to study, but I want to get married” is a life motto that fully reflects the character of a young man who does not take anything seriously.
• Sophia is an educated, kind girl who becomes a black sheep in a society of envious and greedy people.
• Prostakova is a cunning, careless, rude woman with many flaws and a lack of love and respect for all living things, except for her beloved son Mitrofanushka. The upbringing of Prostakova is only a confirmation of the persistence of conservatism, which does not allow the development of the Russian nobility.
• Starodum brings up "his little blood" in a different way - Sophia is no longer for him Small child, but a formed member of society. He gives the girl freedom of choice, thereby teaching her the right basics of life. In it, Fonvizin portrays the type of personality that has gone through all the “ups and downs”, while becoming not only a “worthy parent”, but also an undoubted example for the future generation.
• Skotinin - just like everyone else, is an example of a "speaking surname." A person whose inner essence is more like some rough, uncouth cattle than a well-mannered person.

Theme of the work

• The upbringing of the "new" nobility is the main theme of the comedy. “Undergrowth” is a kind of allusion to the “disappearing” moral principles in people who are afraid of transformation. The landowners bring up their offspring in the old fashioned way, without paying due attention to their education. But those who were not taught, but only spoiled or intimidated, will not be able to take care of either their families or Russia.
• Family theme. The family is a social institution on which the development of the individual depends. Despite Prostakova's rudeness and disrespect towards all residents, she cherishes her beloved son, who does not at all appreciate her care or her love. Such behavior is a typical example of ingratitude, which is a consequence of spoiled and parental adoration. The landowner does not understand that her son sees her treatment of other people and repeats exactly that. So, the weather in the house determines the character of the young man and his shortcomings. Fonvizin emphasizes the importance of maintaining warmth, tenderness and respect in the family towards all its members. Only then will children be respectful and parents worthy of respect.
• The theme of freedom of choice. The "new" stage is Starodum's relationship with Sophia. Starodum gives her freedom of choice, not limiting her to her beliefs, which can affect her worldview, thereby educating her in the ideal of a noble future.

Main problems

• The main problem of the work is the consequences of improper upbringing. The Prostakov family is a family tree that has its roots in the distant past of the nobility. This is what the landlords boast about, not realizing that the glory of their ancestors does not add to their dignity. But class pride clouded their minds, they do not want to move forward and achieve new achievements, they think that everything will always be the same as before. That is why they do not realize the need for education; in their world enslaved by stereotypes, it really is not needed. Mitrofanushka will also sit all his life in the village and live off the labor of his serfs.
• The problem of serfdom. The moral and intellectual decay of the nobility under serfdom is an absolutely logical result of the unjust policy of the tsar. The landlords are completely lazy, they do not need to work to provide for themselves. Managers and peasants will do everything for them. With such a social structure, the nobles have no incentive to work and get an education.
• The problem of greed. The thirst for material well-being blocks access to morality. The Prostakovs are obsessed with money and power, they don’t care if their child is happy, for them happiness is a synonym for wealth.
• The problem of ignorance. Stupidity deprives the heroes of spirituality, their world is too limited and tied to the material side of life. They are not interested in anything but primitive physical pleasures, because they do not know anything else at all. Fonvizin saw the true "human appearance" only in the person who was brought up by literate people, and not by half-educated deacons.

comedy idea

Fonvizin was a personality, therefore he did not accept rudeness, ignorance and cruelty. He professed the belief that a person is born with a “clean slate”, therefore only upbringing and education can make him a moral, virtuous and intelligent citizen who will benefit the fatherland. Thus, the chanting of the ideals of humanism - main idea"Undergrowth." A young man who obeys the call of goodness, intelligence and justice - that's a true nobleman! If he is brought up in the spirit of Prostakova, then he will never go beyond the narrow limits of his limitations and will not understand the beauty and versatility of the world in which he lives. He will not be able to work for the good of society and will not leave anything significant behind him.

At the end of the comedy, the author speaks of the triumph of "retribution": Prostakova loses the estate and the respect of her own son, who was brought up in accordance with her spiritual and physical ideals. This is the price of wrong education and ignorance.

What does it teach?

Comedy Denis Fonvizin "Undergrowth", above all, teaches respect for others. The sixteen-year-old youth Mitrofanushka did not take care of either his mother or his uncle at all, he considered this a self-evident fact: “Why did you overeat henbane, uncle? Yes, I don’t know why you deigned to jump on me. The logical result of rough treatment in the house is the finale, where the son pushes away the loving mother.

The lessons of the comedy "Undergrowth" do not end there. Not so much respect as ignorance shows people in a position that they carefully try to hide. Stupidity and ignorance hover in comedy, like a bird over a nest, they envelop the village, thereby not releasing the inhabitants from their own shackles. The author severely punishes the Prostakovs for their narrow-mindedness, depriving them of their property and the very opportunity to continue their idle lifestyle. Thus, everyone needs to learn, because even the most stable position in society is easy to lose, being an uneducated person.

Interesting? Save it on your wall!

Consider the features of the comedy created by Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). The analysis of this work is the topic of this article. This play is a masterpiece. domestic literature 18th century. This work is included today in the fund of the Russian classical literature. It covers a range of eternal problems". And the beauty of a high style still attracts many readers today. The name of this play is associated with a decree issued by Peter I, according to which "undergrowths" (young nobles) are forbidden to enter the service and marry without education.

The history of the creation of the play

Back in 1778, the idea of ​​this comedy arose from its author, who is Fonvizin. "Undergrowth", the analysis of which we are interested in, was written in 1782 and presented to the public in the same year. It should briefly highlight the time of creation of the play that interests us.

During the reign of Catherine II, Fonvizin wrote "Undergrowth". The analysis of the heroes presented below proves that they were the heroes of their time. The period in the development of our country is associated with the dominance of ideas. They were borrowed by the Russians from the French enlighteners. The spread of these ideas, their great popularity among the educated philistinism and the nobility was largely facilitated by the Empress herself. She, as you know, corresponded with Diderot, Voltaire, d'Alembert. In addition, Catherine II opened libraries and schools, supported the development of art and culture in Russia by various means.

Continuing to describe the comedy created by D. I. Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"), analyzing its features, it should be noted that, as a representative of his era, the author, of course, shared the ideas that dominated at that time in the noble society. He tried to reflect them in his work, revealing not only positive aspects to readers and viewers, but also pointing out misconceptions and shortcomings.

"Undergrowth" - an example of classicism

Analysis of the comedy "Undergrowth" by Fonvizin requires considering this play as part of a cultural era and literary tradition. This work is considered one of the best examples of classicism. In the play, there is a unity of action (there are no secondary plot lines in it, only the struggle for Sophia's hand and her property is described), places (the characters do not move long distances, all events take place either near the Prostakovs' house or inside it), and time ( all events take no more than a day). In addition, he used "talking" surnames, which are traditional for the classic play, Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). Analysis shows that, following tradition, he divided his characters into positive and negative ones. Positive ones are Pravdin, Starodum, Milon, Sophia. They are opposed to Prostakov, Mitrofan, Skotinin by D. I. Fonvizin (the play "Undergrowth"). An analysis of their names shows that they let the reader understand which features in the image of this or that character are prevalent. For example, the personification of morality and truth in the work is Pravdin.

A new genre of comedy, its features

"Undergrowth" at the time of its creation was an important step forward in the development of literature in our country, in particular, drama. Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin created a new socio-political. It harmoniously combines a number of realistic scenes depicted with sarcasm, irony, laughter from the lives of some ordinary representatives of high society (the nobility) with sermons about morality, virtue, the need to educate human qualities that were characteristic of enlighteners. At the same time, instructive monologues do not burden the perception of the play. They complement this work, as a result of which it becomes deeper.

First action

The play is divided into 5 acts, the author of which is Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). Analysis of the work involves a description of the organization of the text. In the first act we get acquainted with the Prostakovs, Pravdin, Sofya, Mitrofan, Skotinin. The characters' characters emerge immediately, and the reader understands that the Skotinin and Prostakovs - and Sophia and Pravdin - are positive. In the first act, the exposition and the plot of this work take place. In the exposition, we get to know the characters, we learn that Sofya lives in the care of the Prostakovs, who is going to be married off as Skotinin. Reading a letter from Starodum is the beginning of the play. Sophia now turns out to be a rich heiress. From day to day, her uncle returns to take the girl to him.

The development of events in the play created by Fonvizin ("Undergrowth")

We continue the analysis of the work with a description of how events unfolded. 2nd, 3rd and 4th actions are their development. We get acquainted with Starodum and Milon. Prostakova and Skotinin are trying to please Starodum, but their flattery, falsity, lack of education and a huge thirst for profit only repels. They look stupid and funny. The most ridiculous scene of this work is Mitrofan's interrogation, during which the stupidity of not only this young man, but also his mother is exposed.

Climax and denouement

5th act - climax and denouement. It should be noted that the opinions of researchers about what moment should be considered the culmination differ. There are 3 most popular versions. According to the first, this is the abduction of Prostakova Sofya, according to the second, Pravdin’s reading of a letter stating that Prostakova’s estate is being transferred under his care, and, finally, the third version is Prostakova’s rage after she understands her own impotence and tries to “recoup "on his servants. Each of these versions is true, since it considers the work of interest to us from different points of view. The first one, for example, highlights storyline dedicated to Sophia's marriage. An analysis of the episode of Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" associated with marriage, indeed, allows us to consider it the key in the work. The second version examines the play from a socio-political point of view, highlighting the moment when justice triumphs on the estate. The third focuses on the historical one, according to which Prostakova is the personification of the weakened principles and ideals of the old nobility, which, however, still do not believe in their own defeat. This nobility, according to the author, is based on ignorance, lack of education, as well as low moral standards. During the denouement, everyone leaves Prostakova. She has nothing left. Pointing to her, Starodum says that these are "worthy fruits" of "malice".

Negative characters

As we have already noted, the main characters are clearly divided into negative and positive. Mitrofan, Skotinin and Prostakov - bad guys. Prostakova is a woman seeking profit, uneducated, rude, domineering. She knows how to flatter for profit. However, Prostakova loves her son. Prostakov appears as the "shadow" of his wife. This is an inactive character. His word means little. Skotinin is the brother of Mrs. Prostakova. This is an equally uneducated and stupid person, rather cruel, like his sister, greedy for money. For him, a walk to the pigs in the barnyard - the best activity. Mitrofan is a typical son of his mother. This is a spoiled young man of 16 years old, who inherited from his uncle a love for pigs.

Issues and heredity

In the play, it should be noted, an important place is given to the issue of family ties and heredity Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). Analyzing this issue, let's say, for example, that Prostakova is only married to her husband (a "simple" person who does not want much). However, she is actually Skotinina, akin to her brother. Her son absorbed the qualities of both his parents - "animal" qualities and stupidity from his mother and lack of will from his father.

Similar family ties can be traced between Sophia and Starodum. Both of them are honest, virtuous, educated. The girl listens to her uncle attentively, respects him, "absorbs" science. Pairs of opposites create negative and goodies. Children - spoiled stupid Mitrofan and meek smart Sophia. Parents love children, but they approach their upbringing differently - Starodub talks on the topics of truth, honor, morality, and Prostakova only pampers Mitrofan and says that education is not useful to him. A couple of grooms - Milon, who sees the ideal and his friend in Sophia, who loves her, and Skotinin, who calculates the fortune that he will receive after marrying this girl. At the same time, Sophia as a person is not interesting to him. Skotinin does not even try to equip his bride with comfortable housing. Prostakov and Pravdin are in reality the "voice of truth", a kind of "auditors". But in the person of an official, we find active strength, help and real action, while Prostakov is a passive character. The only thing that this hero could say was to reproach Mitrofan at the end of the play.

Issues raised by the author

Analyzing, it becomes clear that each of the above-described pairs of characters reflects a separate problem that is revealed in the work. This is a problem of education (which is supplemented by the example of half-educated teachers like Kuteikin, as well as impostors like Vralman), upbringing, fathers and children, family life, relationships between spouses, the attitude of nobles to servants. Each of these problems is considered through the prism of enlightenment ideas. Fonvizin, sharpening his attention on the shortcomings of the era through the use of comic techniques, emphasizes the need to change outdated, traditional, irrelevant foundations. They drag foolishness, malevolence into the swamp, liken people to animals.

As our analysis of Fonvizin's play "Undergrowth" showed, the main idea and theme of the work is the need to educate the nobility in accordance with educational ideals, the foundations of which are still relevant today.

As was customary in classicism, the heroes of the comedy "Undergrowth" are clearly divided into negative and positive. However, the most memorable, vivid are still negative characters, despite their despotism and ignorance: Mrs. Prostakova, her brother Taras Skotinin and Mitrofan himself. They are interesting and ambiguous. It is with them that comic situations are associated, full of humor, bright liveliness of dialogues.

Positive characters do not evoke such vivid emotions, although they are reasoners, reflecting the author's position. Educated, endowed only positive traits, they are ideal - they cannot do lawlessness, they are alien to lies and cruelty.

Heroes are negative

Mrs. Prostakova

History of upbringing and education Grew up in a family characterized by extreme ignorance. Didn't get any education. I did not learn any moral rules from childhood. There is nothing good in her soul. Serfdom has a strong influence: her position as the sovereign owner of the serfs.

Main character traits Rough, unbridled, ignorant. If it does not meet resistance, it becomes arrogant. But if she encounters force, she becomes cowardly.

Attitude towards other people In relation to people, she is guided by rough calculation, personal gain. Merciless to those who are in her power. She is ready to humiliate herself in front of those on whom she depends, who turns out to be stronger than her.

Attitude towards educationEducation is superfluous: "Without the sciences, people live and lived."

Prostakova, as a landowner, a convinced serf-owner, considers the serfs to be her complete property. Always dissatisfied with her serfs. She is outraged even by the illness of a serf girl. She robbed the peasants: “Since we took away everything that the peasants had, we can’t tear anything off. Such a disaster!

Attitude towards relatives and close people Despotic and rude towards her husband, she pushes him around, does not put him in anything.

Attitude towards his son, Mitrofanushka Loves him, is tender to him. Caring for his happiness and well-being is the content of her life. Blind, unreasonable, ugly love for his son brings neither Mitrofan nor Prostakova herself anything good.

Peculiarities of speechAbout Trishka: "Swindler, thief, cattle, thieves' mug, blockhead"; turning to her husband: “Why are you so delusional today, my father?”, “All your life, sir, you walk with your ears hanging out”; addressing Mitrofanushka: “Mitrofanushka, my friend; my friend of the heart; son".

She has no moral concepts: she lacks a sense of duty, philanthropy, feelings human dignity.

Mitrofan

(translated from Greek "revealing his mother")

About upbringing and education Used to idleness, accustomed to hearty and plentiful food, free time spends on the dovecote.

The main character traits A spoiled "sissy", who grew up and developed in an ignorant environment of the feudal landed nobility. He is not devoid of cunning and ingenuity by nature, but at the same time rude and capricious.

Attitude towards other people Does not respect other people. Yeremeevna (nanny) calls her an “old bastard”, threatens her with severe reprisals; he does not talk to teachers, but “barks” (as Tsyfirkin puts it).

Attitude towards education Mental development is extremely low, experiencing an insurmountable aversion to work and learning.

Attitude towards relatives close peopleMitrofan does not know love for anyone, even for the closest - to his mother, father, nanny.

Speech features It is expressed in monosyllables, in its language there are many vernaculars, words and phrases borrowed from courtyards. The tone of his speech is capricious, dismissive, sometimes rude.

The name Mitrofanushka has become a household name. This is the name of young people who know nothing and do not want to know anything.

Skotinin - brother of Prostakova

On upbringing and education Grew up in a family that was extremely hostile to education: "Don't be that Skotinin, who wants to learn something."

Main character traits Ignorant, mentally undeveloped, greedy.

Attitude towards other people This is a ferocious feudal lord who knows how to “rip off” quitrent from his serfs, and there are no obstacles for him in this occupation.

The main interest in life is Animal Farm, breeding pigs. Only pigs evoke in him a disposition and warm feelings, only to them he shows warmth and care.

Attitude towards relatives and close people For the sake of the opportunity to marry profitably (he learns about Sophia's condition), he is ready to destroy his rival - his own nephew Mitrofan.

Peculiarities of speech The inexpressive speech of an uneducated person often uses rude expressions, in speech there are words borrowed from courtyards.

This is a typical representative of small landowners-feudal lords with all their shortcomings.

Teacher of Russian and Church Slavonic. The half-educated seminarian "feared the abyss of wisdom." In his own way, cunning, greedy.

A history teacher. German, former coachman. He becomes a teacher, as he failed to find a place as a coachman. An ignorant person who cannot teach his student anything.

The teachers make no effort to teach Mitrofan anything. They more often indulge the laziness of their student. To some extent, they, using the ignorance and lack of education of Mrs. Prostakova, deceive her, realizing that she will not be able to verify the results of their work.

Eremeevna - Mitrofan's nanny

What place does she occupy in the house of Prostakov, her distinctive features She has been serving in the house of the Prostakov-Skotinins for more than 40 years. Selflessly devoted to her masters, slavishly attached to their home.

Attitude towards Mitrofan Protects Mitrofan without sparing himself: “I will die on the spot, but I will not give the child away. Sunsya, sir, just show yourself if you please. I'll scratch those walleyes."

What did Eremeevna become for long years serf service She has a highly developed sense of duty, but no sense of human dignity. There is not only no hatred for their inhuman oppressors, but even no protest. Lives in constant fear, trembles before his mistress.

For her loyalty and devotion, Yeremeevna receives only beatings and hears only such appeals as “a beast”, “a dog's daughter”, “an old witch”, “an old bastard”. Eremeevna's fate is tragic, because she will never be appreciated by her masters, she will never receive gratitude for her loyalty.

Heroes are positive

Starodum

About the meaning of the name A person who thinks in the old way, giving preference to the priorities of the previous (Peter's) era, preserving traditions and wisdom, accumulated experience.

Education StarodumAn ​​enlightened and progressive person. Brought up in the spirit of Peter's time, the thoughts, customs and activities of the people of that time are closer and more acceptable to him.

The hero's civic position This is a patriot: for him, an honest and useful service to the Fatherland is the first and sacred duty of a nobleman. Demands to limit the arbitrariness of the feudal landowners: "It is illegal to oppress your own kind by slavery."

Attitude towards other people He regards a person according to his service to the Fatherland, according to the benefits that a person brings in this service: “I calculate the degree of nobility by the number of deeds that the great master did for the Fatherland ... without noble deeds, a noble state is nothing.”

What qualities are honored as human virtues An ardent defender of humanity and enlightenment.

The hero's reflections on education Moral education attaches more value than education: “The mind, if it is only the mind, is the most trifle ... Good manners gives the direct price to the mind. Without him clever man- monster. Science in a depraved person is a fierce weapon to do evil.

What traits in people cause the hero’s just indignation Inertia, savagery, malevolence, inhumanity.

"Having a heart, have a soul - and you will be a man at all times."

Pravdin, Milon, Sofia

Pravdin An honest, impeccable official. The auditor, endowed with the right to take custody of the cruel landlords of the estate.

Milon An officer loyal to his duty, patriotically disposed.

Sofia An educated, modest, prudent girl. Raised in a spirit of respect and respect for elders.

The purpose of these heroes in the comedy, on the one hand, is to prove the correctness of Starodum's views, and on the other hand, to set off the malevolence and ignorance of such landowners as the Prostakovs-Skotinins.