Fonvizin undergrowth short. Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin Minor is a comedy in five acts. Same with the valet

Let's look at the comedy "The Minor" (summary of the actions). Its author is Fonvizin Denis Ivanovich. The first production of this work took place in 1782.
Act one

Phenomenon 1
“The Minor” (summary of the actions) begins with Mrs. Prostakova examining the caftan on Mitrofan, scolding the tailor Trishka, who sewed it wrong, and telling Eremeevna to call him.
Phenomenon 2
Mrs. Prostakova continues to scold Trishka. He, justifying himself, says that in order to sew well, you must first learn how to do it. Prostakova is furious - she calls Trishka’s excuses “bestial reasoning.”
Phenomenon 3
Prostakov appears. Prostakova asks her husband what he thinks about the sewn caftan. Prostakov stammers from timidity, cannot really answer anything - he is afraid of his wife’s anger. Prostakova: “This is the kind of hubby God rewarded me with...”
Phenomenon 4
Skotinin appears. The conversation is again about the caftan. Skotinin believes that the caftan is “rather carefully sewn.”
Prostakova tells Eremeevna to feed Mitrofanushka, to which she replies that Mitrofanushka has already “deigned to eat five buns.” Prostakova attacks Eremeevna - does the nanny really feel sorry for the child’s sixth bun? The nanny says that in the evening Mitrofanushka ate a lot and “was sad until the morning.” Prostakova anxiously asks her son what happened to him. He replies that “all night such rubbish was in my eyes” - either my mother was imagining it, or my father was imagining it. Mitrofanushka dreamed that her mother was beating her father, and he felt sorry for Prostakova: she had beaten off all her hands while she was beating her husband. Mitrofan and Eremeevna leave.
Phenomenon 5
Skotinin asks where his bride is, says that it’s time for her to tell him that she is marrying him. We are talking about Sophia. Prostakov says that they treated this girl like an orphan. She was still young when her father died, and then her mother. Mr. Starodum, her uncle, went to Siberia, and nothing has been heard about him for several years. He is considered dead. Prostakov further says that since this girl was left alone, they decided to take her to their village, and they look after her estate as if it were their own.
Skotinin boasts about how he knows how to run a farm. This man covers any loss at the expense of his peasants. Prostakova asks to teach her this skill, since she has already taken everything she had from her peasants. Skotinin says that he will definitely teach him, but first let them marry him to Sophia, since he likes the villages that belong to her. There, in the villages of Sofia, Skotinin plans to raise pigs, since he loves them very much.
Phenomenon 6
Sophia appears with a letter in her hand. She reports that her uncle Starodum is alive and has recently arrived in Moscow. Ms. Prostakova does not believe that Starodum is alive. She takes the letter from Sophia, and is indignant that “girls can read and write.” Prostakova suspects that the letter is from some officer. Sophia invites her to read the letter, but she cannot read and says that she was “not brought up like that.” Prostakova says that Mitrofan will come and read the letter. She talks about how her son has been studying for four years. The sexton Kuteikin comes to him for literacy lessons. Tsyfirkin, a retired sergeant, teaches him arithmetic. Mitrofan is taught French and various sciences by the German Adam Adamych Vralman. All of them do not really load their student.
Phenomenon 7
Pravdin appears. Reads a letter at Prostakova’s request. From the letter it becomes known that Starodum decided to make Sophia the heir to his fortune. Prostakova immediately rushes to hug Sophia and says that Mitrofan doesn’t need a better bride than her, Sophia. He takes Sophia away to talk alone.
Phenomenon 8
The servant informs Prostakov that soldiers have come to their village. Prostakov and Pravdin leave.
Act two(“Minor”, summary of actions)

Phenomenon 1
Pravdin and Milon meet. They are old friends. Pravdin says that he “has been appointed a member of the local governorship.” He admires the governor, considers him a fair man who carries out “the most philanthropic types of supreme power.” Pravdin reports that he has been living here for three days and characterizes Prostakov as a fool, and his wife as a fury with a hellish disposition. Milon says that he must leave here in a few hours. Milon says that he is in love and his feeling is mutual, but he does not know where his beloved is at the moment, and he is looking for her. Milon sees Sophia entering and says that this is his beloved.
Phenomenon 2
Sophia and Milon are happy to meet. Sophia complains that during the separation she had to endure a lot of troubles, in particular from relatives. She talks about how sycophantic Prostakova began to behave after learning about Starodum’s decision. Sophia says that Prostakova wants to marry her to Mitrofan. The girl conveys to Milon the words that she said to Prostakova - that her fate depends on the will of Starodum, that he promised to come himself in his letter.
Phenomenon 3
Skotinin arrives. He says his sister hastily sent him back to her village. He reports that Prostakova wants to marry him. Skotinin tells Sophia that she will live happily ever after with him. He wants to buy all the pigs with the girl's money. Pravdin says that Prostakova now wants to marry Mitrofan to Sophia. Skotinin threatens to beat Mitrofanushka when they meet.
Phenomenon 4
Mitrofanushka and Eremeevna appear. She persuades Mitrofan to study “at least a little.” Skotinin calls Mitrofanushka to him. At first he threatens him, but he cannot understand what he has done wrong. Then Skotinin asks his nephew if he wants to get married. When Mitrofan answers that he wants, Skotinin rushes at him. Eremeevna stands up for Prostakova’s son.
Phenomenon 5
Both Prostakovs appear. Mitrofan's mother starts a conversation with Milon and Pravdin, complaining that her husband is a weakling and she has to run the household alone: “I scold, then I fight; that’s how the house holds up.” Prostakova speaks flatteringly about Starodum. Pravdin notes that what is called rudeness and gloominess in him is a consequence of his straightforwardness. Prostakova notes that the only hope of her life is her son, whom she is preparing to become a human being.
Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin, Mitrofanushka’s teachers, appear. In Tsyfirkin, Milon recognizes a retired soldier from his garrison. Tsyfirkin tells Milon that he has been trying to teach Mitrofanushka fractions for three years now, but to no avail. Kuteikin reports that he did not study at the seminary because he “was afraid of the abyss of wisdom.”
Phenomenon 6
Mrs. Prostakova asks Mitrofan to read the assignment. He doesn’t read, complains about his uncle, says that he wanted to beat him. Prostakova scolds Eremeevna for not standing up for her son. Eremeevna makes excuses. Prostakova and Mitrofan leave. Kuteikin feels sorry for Eremeevna and asks how she is paid for her work. Eremeevna: “Five rubles a year, and five slaps a day.”
Act three

Phenomenon 1
Pravdin and Starodum warmly greet each other. Starodum says that he received a good upbringing, which his father gave him. His father constantly repeated that you need to have a soul, a heart, and then you will be a man at any time. Starodum tells how he served and fought. He notes that ranks are often begged for, but real respect must be earned. After Starodum's resignation, he is invited to the court. But court life does not suit him. He decided that it was better to live at home than “in someone else’s hallway.”
Phenomenon 2
Sophia appears. Starodum explains the reason for his arrival: he learned that Sophia lives here against her will. Starodum admits that only this girl is a consolation in his old age, and he must take care of her. He says that he made a big fortune in Siberia and Sophia can now choose a groom, even a poor one. The girl replies that Starodum’s will is law for her. He tells Pravdin that it is not the presence of money that determines whether a person is good. There is a noise.
Phenomenon 3
Prostakova and Skotinin fight and Milon appears, who separates them. Starodum laughs, looking at the fighting, and says that he has never seen anything funnier. Prostakova attacks Starodum. She says that she is fighting because Skotinin offended her son.
She finds out that Sophia’s uncle is in front of her, and immediately changes her tone, calling Starodum “her own father,” that all hope lies in him.
Phenomenon 4
At Prostakova’s call, Eremeevna appears. Prostakova says that she called Palashka. Eremeevna replies that she is sick and has a fever. Prostakova is furious: “He’s delusional, you beast! As if noble.” She is fussing about the arrival of an important guest.
Phenomenon 5
Prostakova, Prostakov and Mitrofan rush to hug Starodum. Introducing themselves. They behave servilely. Starodum tells Sophia that tomorrow he is leaving with her for Moscow. Prostakova is discouraged by the news. Starodum says that he has a groom in mind for Sophia. Milon and Sophia are amazed. Starodum tells Sophia that she herself is free in her choice. Skotinin begins to praise himself in the hope that the girl will choose him. Prostakova describes the merits of her son. She says that they spare no money to teach him, that he doesn’t get up for days because of the book. Represents Mitrofanushka's teachers. Starodum says that he is not able to appreciate the merits of her son, and leaves to rest after the trip.
Phenomenon 6
Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin discuss their lives. They complain about Mitrofan, to whom teaching is not given. They come to the conclusion that Vralman is preventing them from working with the undergrowth. They decide to teach the German a lesson.
Phenomenon 7
Prostakova asks Mitrofan to study, at least “for show.” Mitrofan utters the famous phrase: “I don’t want to study, I want to get married.” Tsyfirkin tries to teach a lesson, but Mitrofan is rude, and Prostakova stands up for her son. Solving the problems was never successful. The lesson with Kuteikin is also fruitless.
Phenomenon 8
Vralman appears and begins to say that these teachers want to kill the child. Prostakova agrees with him and releases Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin. Vralman tries his best to convince Prostakova that Mitrofanushka is doing well even without this study. The lady favors Vralman: he knows how to say what she will be pleased to hear. He says that Mitrofan will be able to see the world and show himself, and so on.
Phenomenon 9
Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin lie in wait for Vralman. They quarrel with him, and then attack him with beatings.
Act four

Phenomenon 1
Sophia is waiting for Starodum, reading a book, thinking.
Phenomenon 2
Starodum appears. He gives Sophia advice that she needs to be able to distinguish between people. Starodum says that people envy not only nobility and wealth, but also virtue. He calls on Sophia to listen to her conscience, which warns a person before the judge punishes. Good character gives value to the mind. An intelligent person without it is a monster.
Phenomenon 3
The valet arrives and presents a letter from Moscow to Starodum.
Phenomenon 4
Starodum reflects that he does not know Milo, but if his uncle says that he is an honest man, then he can become Sophia’s fiancé.
Phenomenon 5
Starodum tells Sophia that the letter is mostly for her - it is perhaps about her future husband.
Phenomenon 6
Milon and Pravdin appear. Pravdin introduces Milon to the Starodum. It turns out that this is the same young man mentioned in the letter addressed to Starodum. Starodum likes Milon, and he is glad that Sophia chose him.
Phenomenon 7
Skotinin appears. He insists that Sophia marry him. Starodum laughs at him.
Phenomenon 8
Prostakova, Prostakov, Mitrofan and Eremeevna appear. Mitrofan demonstrates his “successes” in his studies. He says that "door" is an adjective because it is attached to its place. And that door that stands by the closet has not yet been hung is still a noun.
Prostakova herself considers science to be an empty and useless activity - “people live and have lived without science.”
Phenomenon 9
Mrs. Prostakova asks Starodum if Mitrofan is Sofya’s fiancé. He replies that no and that she has already agreed. Prostakova decides to forcibly marry Sophia to Mitrofan.
Act five

Phenomenon 1
Pravdin shows Starodum the package that arrived the day before. Starodum replies that he now has a way to stop Prostakova’s inhumanity. Pravdin and Starodum say that a sovereign worthy of the throne must elevate the souls of his subjects. There is a noise.
Phenomenon 2
Sophia rushes to Starodum asking for protection - they tried to forcibly take her away. Eremeevna admits that they were going to marry Sophia and Mitrofanushka.
Phenomenon 3
Prostakova and Mitrofan ask Starodum for forgiveness.
Phenomenon 4
Starodum says that he forgives the landowner. Prostakova threatens all her servants with reprisals - they were sluggish in the kidnapping matter. Pravdin says that in the name of the government he orders a gathering of peasants and people to announce an order that for the inhumanity of the landowner Prostakova, the government orders him to take custody of the village and her house. Prostakova believes that this is death for her.
Phenomenon 5
Mrs. Prostakova cannot come to her senses - she is no longer the mistress of her own house. She says that she has a lot of debts - she has not yet paid the teachers. The teachers are called.
Phenomenon 6
Starodum recognizes his former coachman in the geography teacher Vralman. They pay off debts to teachers. Vralman is again hired as a coachman for Starodum.
Phenomenon 7
The valet reports that the carriage is ready.
The last phenomenon
Starodum says goodbye to Pravdin. They are about to leave. Mrs. Prostakova tells her son that he is the only one left with her. Mitrofan replies: “Go away, mother.” Then Prostakova faints.
This concludes “The Minor” (a summary of the actions).

Book materials used: Zubova E.N., Moshenskaya O.V. and others. Works of the school curriculum in brief. LLC "House of Slavic Book", 2015

The original idea of Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” was to reveal the theme of education, which was very relevant in the Age of Enlightenment; a little later, socio-political issues were added to the work.

The title of the play is directly related to the decree of Peter the Great, who banned the ability of young uneducated noblemen to serve and marry.

History of creation

The first manuscripts of sketches of “The Minor” date back to approximately 1770. To write the play, Fonvizin had to rework many works with the corresponding ideological content - the works of Russian and foreign modern writers (Voltaire, Rousseau, Lukin, Chulkov, etc.), articles from satirical magazines and even comedies written by Empress Catherine II herself. Work on the text was completely completed in 1781. A year later, after some obstacles from censorship, the first production of the play took place, with Fonvizin himself being the director, and the first publication of the play took place in 1773.

Description of the work

Action 1

The scene begins with a heated discussion of the caftan made for Mitrofanushka. Mrs. Prostakova scolds her tailor Trishka and Prostakov supports her in her desire to punish the careless servant. The situation is saved by the appearance of Skotinin, he justifies the unfortunate tailor. What follows is a comical scene with Mitrofanushka - he reveals himself to be an infantile young man, and also very fond of eating heartily.

Skotinin discusses with the Prostakov couple the prospects of his marriage with Sofyushka. The girl’s only relative, Starodum, unexpectedly sends news of Sophia’s acquisition of an impressive inheritance. Now the young lady has no end to suitors - now the “minor” Mitrofan appears on the list of candidates for husbands.

Act 2

Among the soldiers staying in the village, by chance, turns out to be Sofyushka’s fiancé, officer Milon. He turns out to be a good acquaintance of Pravdin, an official who came to deal with the lawlessness happening on the Prostakov estate. During a chance meeting with his beloved, Milon learns about Prostakova’s plans to arrange the fate of her son by marrying a now wealthy girl. What follows is a quarrel between Skotinin and Mitrofan over the future bride. Teachers Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin appear, they share with Pravdin the details of their appearance in the Prostakovs’ house.

Act 3

Arrival of Starodum. Pravdin is the first to meet Sophia’s relative and reports to him about the atrocities happening in the Prostakovs’ house in relation to the girl. The entire owner's family and Skotinin greet Starodum with hypocritical joy. The uncle’s plans are to take Sofiushka to Moscow and marry her off. The girl submits to the will of her relative, not knowing that he chose Milon to be her husband. Prostakova begins to praise Mitrofanushka as a diligent student. After everyone has left, the remaining teachers Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin discuss the laziness and mediocrity of their underage student. At the same time, they accuse the rogue, Starodum’s former groom, Vralman, of hindering the learning process of the already stupid Mitrofanushka with his dense ignorance.

Act 4

Starodum and Sofyushka are having a conversation about high moral principles and family values - true love between spouses. After a conversation with Milo, having made sure of the young man’s high moral qualities, the uncle blesses his niece to marry her lover. What follows is a comical scene in which the unlucky suitors Mitrofanushka and Skotinin are shown in a very unfavorable light. Having learned about the departure of the happy couple, the Prostakov family decides to intercept Sophia on the way out.

Action 5

Starodum and Pravdin are having pious conversations, hearing a noise, they interrupt the conversation and soon learn about the attempt to kidnap the bride. Pravdin accuses the Prostakovs of this crime and threatens them with punishment. Prostakova begs Sophia's forgiveness on her knees, but as soon as she receives it, she immediately accuses the servants of being slow in kidnapping the girl. A government document arrives announcing the transfer of all the Prostakovs’ property to Pravdin’s custody. The scene of paying off debts to teachers ends with a fair denouement - Vralman’s deception is revealed, the modest hard worker Tsyfirkin is generously rewarded, and the ignorant Kuteikin is left with nothing. The happy young people and Starodum are preparing to leave. Mitrofanushka heeds Pravdin’s advice to join the army.

Main characters

Considering the images of the main characters, it is worth noting that the speaking surnames of the characters in the play express the one-linearity of their character and leave no doubt about the author’s moral assessment of the characters in the comedy.

The sovereign mistress of the estate, a despotic and ignorant woman who believes that all matters, without exception, can be solved with the help of force, money or deception.

His image is the focus of stupidity and lack of education. He has an amazing lack of will and unwillingness to make decisions himself. Mitrofanushka was called a minor not only because of his age, but also because of his total ignorance and low level of moral and civic education.

A kind, sympathetic girl who received a good education and has a high level of internal culture. Lives with the Prostakovs after the death of his parents. She is devoted to her fiancé, officer Milon, with all her heart.

A person who personifies the truth of life and the word of the law. As a government official, he is on the Prostakov estate in order to understand the lawlessness happening there, in particular the unfair treatment of servants.

Sophia's only relative, her uncle and guardian. A successful person who managed to bring his highly moral principles to life.

Sophia's beloved and long-awaited groom. A brave and honest young officer distinguished by high virtue.

A narrow-minded, greedy, uneducated person who does not disdain anything for the sake of profit and is distinguished by deceit and hypocrisy to a high degree.

Comedy Analysis

Fonvizin’s “Minor” is a classic comedy in 5 acts, in which all three unities are strictly observed - the unity of time, place and action.

The solution to the problem of education is the central point of the dramatic action of this satirical play. The accusatory sarcastic scene of Mitrofanushka’s exam is a true culmination in the development of the educational theme. In Fonvizin's comedy, there is a collision of two worlds - each of them with different ideals and needs, with different lifestyles and speech dialects.

The author innovatively shows the life of the landowners of that time, the relationship between the owners and ordinary peasant people. The complex psychological characteristics of the characters gave impetus to the subsequent development of Russian everyday comedy as a theatrical and literary genre of the era of classicism.

Hero Quotes

Mitrofanushka- “I don’t want to study, I want to get married”;

— “The direct dignity in man is the soul” and many others.

Prostakova — « People live and lived without sciences"

Final conclusion

Fonvizin's comedy became a unique iconic work for his contemporaries. In the play there is a vivid contrast between high moral principles, true education and laziness, ignorance and waywardness. In the socio-political comedy “The Minor,” three themes rise to the surface:

the topic of education and upbringing;
theme of serfdom;
the theme of condemnation of despotic autocratic power.

The purpose of writing this brilliant work is clear - the eradication of ignorance, the cultivation of virtues, the fight against the vices that have afflicted Russian society and the state.

The classic literary work “The Minor” inspired several generations of theater workers and was successfully filmed; it was dissected line by line by admirers into “catchphrases” that gradually turned into aphorisms.

Whether the theme of this comedy is relevant today and whether the play will be of interest to the modern reader can be figured out by reading “The Minor”: a summary of the actions.

The events of the story develop on the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Prostakov.

The play consists of five acts:

in I, the reader gets acquainted with the main characters and the difficult situation of poor orphan Sophia, who is torn apart by two suitors;
in the second, the long-time lover of the main character, Milon, appears;
in III, Sophia's uncle Starodum returns after a long absence;
in IV-d it turns out that the young officer whom Sophia’s uncle identified as her husband is her beloved;
in V, all the heroes of the play receive what they deserve.

Below is a more detailed content of the work by action and you can get acquainted with its main characters.

Characters:

Messrs. Prostakovs are the owners of the estate;
Mitrofan Prostakov - their son, a “minor”;
Pravdin is an official who personifies the law in the play;
Starodum - Sophia's uncle;
Sophia is the main character, an orphan, a pupil of the Prostakovs;
Milon is the beloved of the main character;
Taras Skotinin - Prostakova's greedy brother;
Eremeevna - serf nanny;
Kuteikin is a money-hungry teacher;
Vralman is a groom who pretended to be a German teacher.

Note! Three main themes revealed in the content of the play “Minor”: education, condemnation of the despotic regime of the autocracy, the burden of serfdom.

The mistress of the estate scolds the serf for a poorly sewn caftan for her son. Although the peasant warned that he was not good at sewing. The lady's husband, Mr. Prostakov, agrees with his wife, and her brother Skotinin is sure that the work was done very well. The servant is sent away.

Then the relatives discuss Mitrofanushka, who was unable to get a good night’s sleep last night. Prostakov Jr. himself claims that he did not eat enough before lights out, but in fact he filled his belly tightly during dinner, so he got up all night long to drink kvass. The mother takes pity on her child, after which he retreats to the dovecote.

The remaining adults talk about Skotinin's matchmaking with the orphan being raised by the Prostakovs. She only had Uncle Starodum left, but he disappeared somewhere in Siberia.

From the conversation it becomes clear that the future groom planned to increase his fortune through a match with Sophia, as she is of little interest to him as a woman.

The student herself comes out, holding a letter from Starodum in her hands. Her relatives do not want to believe that the girl’s uncle is alive and well. Sophia invites her relatives to read the message themselves, but it turns out that they cannot read.

The letter is read out by Pravdin. It says that a good dowry is promised for Sophia. The lady realizes that the girl could be a good match for her son. The ladies leave. A servant runs in with the news that soldiers have arrived in their village.

Act II

It turns out that Pravdin and the young officer Milon have known each other for a long time. Pravdin tells a friend that he was sent to these parts to “restrain” the local landowners. Milon arrived here in the hope of finding his beloved, with whom he lost contact after the death of her parents.

Sophia passes by, recognizes her beloved and tells him that her guardians intend to marry Mitrofan to her.

Skotinin appears, puzzled by the unattractive prospect of leaving home with nothing: without his young wife and her dowry. Milon and Pravdin are twisting him into a quarrel with his sister.

Eremeevna and Mitrofan pass by, arguing about the benefits of learning to read and write.

Skotinin almost fights with his nephew over Sophia, and then leaves, choking with rage.

The Prostakovs approach. The mistress of the estate pours out affectionate speeches to Milon, praises Sophia, and boasts that everything is ready for Starodum’s arrival.

The Prostakov couple and their pupil leave. Teachers immediately appear: Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin, starting a story about how they got to the estate.

Note! Is the play Minor relevant among young people? The answer is yes! Problems of upbringing and education remain acute in the modern world.

Act III

Starodum has arrived. Pravdin greets him. An old friend brings an important guest up to date. Without embellishment he talks about the prevailing disgrace in the Prostakov village and how Skotinin and Mitrofan compete for the hand of his niece.

Starodum believes that haste is the worst enemy when making decisions. He wants to weigh everything first, and only then draw conclusions. Then Starodum tells Pravdin about his adventures.

Sophia enters. Uncle and niece are talking. Prostakova and Skotinin start a scandal that ends in a fight. Milona manages to separate them.

Noticing the presence of Starodum, Prostakova calls her son and husband. Streams of false flattery pour on the guest of the estate.

Starodum declares that he will take his niece with him to Moscow and marry her there. The orphan agrees with her uncle’s will, although she does not yet know that Milon has been chosen as her husband.

And Skotinin and Prostakova are trying their best to dissuade their relative from this act. The owner of the estate claims that her son is a worthy candidate for husband and, unlike their entire family, is well educated. Tired from the long journey, Starodum goes on vacation. Everyone leaves.

Only the teachers of the younger Prostakov remain. Both complain about the laziness and mediocrity of their ward. Then there will be a funny arithmetic lesson, which shows how stupid Mitrofan and his mother are.

Act IV

Starodum talks to his niece about life and its true values. He explains to the inexperienced Sophia that wealth lies not in gold, but in virtue.

Starodum is sure that any benefits or glory must be earned by honest work.

And spouses should always remain one and love each other, even if they belong to different social classes.

A letter arrives saying that the man chosen to be Sophia’s husband is her beloved Milon.

Talking with a military officer, Starodum finds out that the appointed groom is a man of honor and blesses the marriage.

From time to time, the would-be groom Skotinin intervenes in the conversation. He ingratiates himself with the bride, who floats out of his arms, and her uncle. He tries to look “profitable”, but he looks funny.

Pravdin, Prostakova and Mitrofan arrive. The mother insists on her son’s special knowledge in science. But a small experiment completely refutes her words.

Starodum publicly announces that tomorrow he is leaving with his niece forever. “Wild” relatives come up with an idea to kidnap the girl.

Act V

Prostakova orders Eremeevna to take Sophia from the house by force, but the nanny is stopped by Milon.

Pravdin makes an “accusatory” speech and promises the Prostakovs severe punishment. The aunt throws herself at the pupil’s feet and begs for forgiveness.

However, she intends to punish the servants for missing the opportunity to take away the rich bride.

But even here, failure awaits the owner of the estate - Pravdin introduces her to the government charter, which states that all her possessions and property are transferred to the state.

Mitrofan’s teachers appear, they receive calculations from Pravdin’s hands. Tsyfirkin for decent work - to the fullest, but Kuteikin for pretense and laziness is left with nothing. Mitrofan quarrels with his mother and leaves to serve in the army. Starodum and the bride and groom in love are leaving. Prostakova has lost everything, she is in despair.

Take note! To feel the literary value of the play and fully enjoy the linguistic perfection, it is not enough to read “The Minor” in a summary.

You can listen to an audio version of the work on the Internet. Reading the play Minor today in its entirety or in abbreviation, it is not difficult to imagine a vivid, from a historical point of view, picture of Russian life in the 18th century.

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Let's sum it up

Fonvizin's comedy is considered in Russian literature the first picture that tells about social types.

Fonvizin illustrated the serious conflicts of society with the outrages happening on the estates of landowners. The ending of the play puts everything in its place, and each character gets what they deserve.

In contact with

The comedy was written by D.I. Fonvizin in 1781. The main problem of the work is the condemnation of the traditional education of nobles, in particular provincial ones, their stupidity and evil behavior. The play “The Minor” was written in a classic style, which is reflected in the “speaking” surnames of the characters, a clear division into positive and negative characters, as well as the unity of time, place and action: the events take place over 2 days, in the village of Prostakov. The name “Nedorosl” is associated with the decree of Peter I, who forbade uneducated nobles to serve and marry, calling such young people “minors.”

For a general overview of the plot of the work, we offer a brief summary of “The Minor.”

Main characters

Mrs. Prostakova- Prostakov's wife. An active, rude, uneducated woman who thinks more about her own profit than about the people around her and virtue, tries to solve everything by force or cunning.

Prostakov Mitrofan- the son of the Prostakovs, a minor, a young man of 16 years old, as stupid as his parents, completely weak-willed, agrees to everything his mother or others say (in the end he immediately agrees to go into the army).

Pravdin- a guest of the Prostakovs, a government official who came to sort out the problems in their estate and resolve the issue of Prostakova’s cruelty towards the servants. A highly moral man, a representative of the “new” educated nobility, personifies the truth and the word of the law in the work “The Minor.”

Starodum- a person with high moral principles who achieved everything in life on his own, without resorting to deception or cunning. Sophia's uncle and guardian.

Sophia- an honest, educated, kind girl. After losing her parents, she lives with the Prostakovs and is in love with Milon.

Milo- Sophia's fiance, whom they have not seen for several years. An officer who was distinguished in his service by bravery and boldness, has high concepts of human virtue and honor.

Skotinin- brother of Mrs. Prostakova. A stupid, uneducated man, looking for profit in everything, easily lies and flatters for profit.

Other characters

Prostakov- Prostakova's husband. He solves practically nothing in the house, essentially a shadow and henpecked wife, uneducated, weak-willed.

Eremeevna- Mitrofan's nanny.

Kuteikin(a seminarian who himself quit studying halfway through because he couldn’t master science, a cunning and greedy grammar teacher), Vralman(a former groom of Starodum, simple, but able to skillfully deceive, called himself a German teacher of social life), Tsyfirkin(retired sergeant, honest man, arithmetic teacher) - Mitrofan's teacher.

Trishka- tailor, Prostakov's servant.

Summary

Action 1

The play begins with Mrs. Prostakova scolding Trishka for sewing a bad caftan for Mitrofan, although he warned about his inability to sew. Prostakov agrees with his wife. The woman decides to punish the tailor. Skotinin claims that the caftan is well made and Trishka is kicked out.

The conversation turns to Mitrofan - he must have gotten sick, since he didn’t sleep well all night. During the discussion, the son claims that he did not eat at all, but in fact he had a hearty dinner, drank kvass all night, and at night he saw his mother beating his father. To this, Prostakova hugs her son, saying that he is her only consolation, and Mitrofan runs away to the dovecote.

Skotinin, Prostakova and Prostakov discuss that they want to give the orphan Sophia for Skotinin. The girl’s only relative, Starodum, left for Siberia a long time ago and did not remind him of himself. The conversation reveals the selfish, evil personality of Skotinin, who likes not Sophia, but the many pigs in her villages.

Sophia brings a letter from Starodum who suddenly appeared. The Prostakovs do not believe that he is alive, they try to convince the girl that this is actually a letter from a fan. When Sophia invites them to read it themselves, it turns out that everyone is illiterate.

Pravdin enters and is instructed to read the letter. Those present learn that Starodum made Sophia the heiress of 10 thousand rubles. Now not only Skotinin wants to woo the girl, but Prostakova also begins to flatter the girl, wanting to marry her to Mitrofan. While the women are leaving, a servant runs in and tells the men that soldiers passing by have stopped in their village.

Act 2

Milon and Pravdin turn out to be old friends. Pravdin says that he came to the village to put the “despicable fury” Prostakova in her place. Milon shares that he is going to Moscow to meet his beloved, whom he has not seen for a long time, since after the death of her parents she was taken into the care of distant relatives.

By chance, Sophia passes by. The lovers are happy with each other. Sophia tells Milon that Prostakova wants to marry her to her stupid 16-year-old son.
Immediately they meet Skotinin, who is worried that he might go home without his wife and money. Pravdin and Milon urge him to quarrel with his sister, saying that she is playing with him like a ball. Skotinin loses his temper.

Mitrofan and Eremeevna pass by. The nanny tries to force the young man to study, but he does not want to. Skotinin quarrels with Mitrofan about their upcoming marriage, since both are not against taking Sophia as their wife. However, Eremeevna and Pravdin do not allow them to fight. Skotinin leaves angry.

The Prostakovs appear. Prostakova flatters Milon and apologizes for not coming out to meet him on time. She praises Sophia and tells how she has already arranged everything for her uncle. The girl and Prostakov leave to look at the room. They are replaced by Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin. The teachers tell Pravdin about themselves, how they learned to read and write and how they ended up in the Prostakovs’ house.