Minor summary of actions. Minor. Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin
To understand the short content of the chapters or the action of the play “The Minor,” it is better to first become familiar with the characters.
CHARACTERS of Fonvizin’s play “The Minor”
- Prostakov- the head of the family, a “small” and weak person. He tries to please his wife in everything, loves his son. Can't read. When he is asked to read the letter sent to Sophia, he only answers: “It’s tricky.”
- Mrs. Prostakova- his wife, the main negative character of the play. He loves his son very much and strives to marry him to Sophia after he learns about her inheritance. She is a noblewoman, which is why she believes that everything is allowed to her.
- Mitrofan- their son, a runt. Quite indifferent to everyone around him and also a slack boy, outwardly he loves his mother very much, but only pretends because of her authority. In the finale, he is sent to the army, and he shows what he really thinks about his mother (“Get rid of yourself, mother, how you imposed yourself...”).
- Eremeevna, Mitrofan's nanny.
- Pravdin- a government official called upon to understand the affairs of the Prostakovs. He learns about Prostakova’s atrocities, as well as the fact that she is robbing Sophia. With the help of Starodum and Milon, he incriminates Prostakova and takes away her estate in favor of the state.
- Starodum- Sophia's uncle and guardian. It was because of his condition that Prostakova tried to marry Mitrofan to Sophia.
- Sophia- Starodum’s niece, an honest, decent, educated and kind girl.
- Milo- a young officer, Sophia’s lover, it was he who prevented her kidnapping.
- Mr. Skotinin- brother of Mrs. Prostakova. He wants to marry Sophia. Loves pigs.
- Kuteikin- seminarian, teacher of Mitrofan.
- Tsyfirkin- retired sergeant, teacher of Mitrofan.
- Vralman- a German, a former coachman, but pretends to be a scientist. Hired to teach Mitrofan “French and all sciences,” but in fact he doesn’t teach anything, but only interferes with other teachers.
- Trishka- self-taught tailor.
- Prostakov's servant.
- Starodum's valet.
“Minor” summary by chapter (by action)
ACT ONE of Fonvizin’s play “The Minor”
PHENOMENON I
Village of landowners Prostakovs. Mrs. Prostakova is angry: the serf tailor Trishka, she believes, sewed a caftan that was too narrow for her beloved son, the sixteen-year-old undersized Mitrofanushka. Trishka makes an excuse by saying that he did not study tailoring, but the lady does not want to listen to anything. She sends Eremeevna for the tailor, and Mitrofan for his father.
SCENE II
Prostakova, calling Trishka a “cattle” and a “thief’s mug,” scolds him for his ruined caftan. Trishka makes an excuse: he is self-taught. To this Prostakova replies that the first tailor also did not learn from anyone. To which Trishka brilliantly objects:
- Yes, the first tailor, perhaps, sewed worse than mine.
SCENE III
Prostakova scolds her husband for hiding from her and asks to resolve the dispute about the caftan. Prostakov thinks that the caftan is baggy (that is, big). Prostakova scolds her husband, and he replies: “Before your eyes, mine don’t see anything.” Prostakova complains that God gave her a foolish husband.
PHENOMENA IV
Skotinin appears and asks who the sister wants to punish on the day of his conspiracy? Another day, he himself will help punish anyone: “If I weren’t Taras Skotinin, if not every fault is my fault.” Looking at Mitrofan’s caftan, Skotinin says that it is made “pretty well.” Prostakova tells Eremeevna to feed Mitrofan, because the teachers will come soon. Eremeevna replies that he has already eaten 5 rolls, and before that he spent the whole night from gluttony. Mitrofan says that he was tormented by nightmares: his mother beat his father. Mitrofan regrets that his mother is tired of the fight. Ms. Prostakova calls her son “my consolation” and sends him off to frolic.
PHENOMENA V
Prostakova and Skotinin talk about Sophia. Skotinin suggests: it would not be a sin for her to find out about the conspiracy. Prostakova replies that there is nothing to report to her. And she remembers how well she treats the orphan. Prostakov clarifies that together with Sophia we undertook to supervise her village. His wife abruptly cuts him off. Skotinin can’t wait to get married in order to unite the lands and raise pigs, which he has a “mortal desire” for. Prostakova claims that Mitrofan is just like his uncle and also loves pigs.
SCENE VI
Sophia enters with a letter, but neither Skotinin nor Prostakova can read it and boast that there have never been literate people in their family.
SCENE VII
Pravdin enters, Prostakova asks him to read the letter, but Pravdin first asks Sophia’s permission, explaining that he does not read other people’s letters. From the letter it turns out that Sophia is “the heir to an income of ten thousand.” Skotinin and Prostakova are stunned. Prostakova rushes to hug Sophia. Skotinin understands that his agreement will no longer exist.
SCENE VIII
The servant announces to Prostakov that soldiers and an officer have entered the village. Prostakova is frightened, but her husband reassures her that the officer will not allow the soldiers to get into disorder.
ACT TWO of Fonvizin’s play “The Minor”
PHENOMENON I
Milon unexpectedly meets with his old friend Pravdin and says that he is hastily going to Moscow, grieving that he does not know anything about his beloved, who may be subjected to cruelty. To which Pravdin says that in this family there is a cruel wife and a stupid husband. He, Pravdin, hopes to put an end to “the anger of the wife and the stupidity of the husband.” Milo is pleased that his friend has the authority to do this. Sophia enters.
SCENE II
Milon is happy from meeting his beloved, and Sophia complains about the oppression that she had to endure in the Prostakovs’ house. Sophia is surprised by Prostakova’s change in attitude towards her today. Milon is jealous, but Sophia describes Mitrofan’s stupidity, and Milon calms down. Sophia is sure that her fate is in the hands of her uncle, who will arrive soon. Skotinin appears.
SCENE III
Skotinin complains that his sister, who called him from the estate to negotiate, abruptly changed her intentions. He tells Sophia that no one will take her away from him. Milo is outraged by such insolence. Skotinin threatens to take revenge on Mitrofan, who crosses his path.
PHENOMENA IV
Eremeevna persuades Mitrofan to study, and he calls her “an old bastard.” Skotinin enters and threatens Mitrofan with violence. Eremeevna rushes to protect her pet. Skotinin retreats.
PHENOMENA V
Prostakova curries favor with Milon and Sophia, says that she can’t wait to see her uncle, and then begins to tell how she loves Mitrofan and takes care of him, just to bring him into the public eye. Teachers appear, God knows what kind, but they are cheap to pay. Tsyfirkin complains that for the third year he cannot teach Mitrofan how to operate with fractions. Pravdin and Milon are convinced that the teachers are useless and leave so as not to interfere with Mitrofan’s classes.
SCENE VI
Prostakova asks Mitrofan to repeat what he has learned with the teachers. And her son complains to her about his uncle, who almost killed him. Prostakova attacked Eremeevna, asking why she didn’t stand up for the “child.” Then she tells the mother to feed the teachers and continue teaching. As they leave, the teachers complain about their unfortunate lot.
ACT THREE of Fonvizin’s play “The Minor”
PHENOMENON I
Pravdin and Starodum, talking, recall the era of Peter the Great, when people were valued by their intelligence, and not by rank and wealth. They talk about the merits of traditional education, when they educated not only the mind, but also the soul. Starodum tells a story when he met an unworthy person, but did not immediately recognize it. Starodum served his fatherland, fought and received wounds, but he learned that the young man, thanks to his father’s closeness to the court, had surpassed him in the service, without showing the slightest zeal for business, then Starodum left the public service and resigned. Once at the court, Starodum was surprised that no one there walked along a straight road, but everyone took detours, just to get around each other. He didn’t like all this and chose to leave. Having received neither ranks nor villages, he retained “soul, honor and rules.” Starodum pronounces a verdict on the reigning house: “It is in vain to call a doctor to the sick without healing. The doctor won’t help here, unless he gets infected himself.”
SCENE II
Starodum and Sophia meet joyfully and cordially. Sophia says that she was very worried about where he disappeared for so many years. Starodum reassures her that he made enough money in Siberia to marry her off well. Sophia expresses her respect and gratitude to him. They hear a terrible noise.
SCENE III
Milon separates Prostakova and Skotinin from fighting. Skotinin is pretty shabby. If it weren't for Milo, things would have gone very badly for him. Sophia points Milon to Starodum with her eyes, Milon understands her.
PHENOMENA IV
Prostakova scolds Eremeevna that she doesn’t see anyone from the servants except her. Eremeevna says that Palashka is sick and is raving “like a noble woman.” Prostakova is surprised. She orders her husband and son to be called to introduce them to Uncle Sophia.
PHENOMENA V
Starodum, barely escaping Prostakova’s embrace, immediately ends up with Skotinin. Then he meets Milo. And Mitrofan and Prostakov grab him by the hands. Mitrofan intends to kiss Starodum’s hand and fawns over him under his mother’s dictation. Prostakova tells Starodum that she has never quarreled with anyone, because... quiet disposition. Starodum sarcastically replies that he managed to notice this. Pravdin adds that he has been watching the battles for three days. Starodum says that he is not a fan of such spectacles, so tomorrow he will leave with Sophia for Moscow. Prostakova literally cries that she will not survive Sophia’s departure. Starodum says that he is going to marry Sophia to a worthy man. Prostakova remembers her parents, who had 18 children, but only two survived: she and her brother. Her father always said that he would curse his son if he studied. And now the century is different, so she teaches her son something. Prostakova boasts about Mitrofan and wants Starodum to appreciate his successes. Starodum refuses, saying that he is a bad judge.
SCENE VI
Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin are indignant that they have to wait a long time for their student every time. Kuteikin sympathizes with the local servants, saying that he is a service man, has been in battles, but here it is worse. Tsyfirkin regrets that it is impossible to properly punish Mitrofan for stupidity and laziness.
SCENE VII
Mitrofan agrees to study for the last time for the sake of his mother, but so that the agreement will be today: “I don’t want to study, but I want to get married.” Mitrofan repeats what he has learned with his teachers, but cannot solve the simplest problem. The mother constantly interferes, teaches her son not to share with anyone, but there is no need to know geography, that’s why there are cab drivers.
SCENE VIII
Teacher Vralman speaks with a strong foreign accent, you can barely understand him. He is sure that a child should not be stuffed with science, as long as he is healthy. He scolds Russian teachers who are ruining Mitrofanushka’s health. Prostakova completely agrees with him. She leaves to look after her son so that he does not accidentally anger Starodum. SCENE IX Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin attack Vralman, who runs away so that his sides are not crushed.
ACT FOUR Fonvizin's plays "The Minor"
APPEARANCE Sophia is reading a book and waiting for her uncle.
SCENE II
Starodum sees Sophia's book and says that the author of Telemak cannot write a bad book. He believes that Sophia is reading an excellent book. They talk about good and bad people. Sophia assures that happiness is nobility and wealth. Starodum agrees with her, saying that he has his own calculations. He values nobility by the number of deeds a person has accomplished for the benefit of the Fatherland, and he sees wealth not in accumulating money in chests, but in giving the excess to those in need. Sophia agrees with him. Starodum talks about man in general. He talks about a family in which the husband and wife hate each other - this is a misfortune for them and those around them, the children in such a family are abandoned and the most unfortunate creatures. And all because people do not consult their hearts. Sophia is happy that she has such a wise mentor.
SCENE III
The valet brings a letter to Starodum. Sophia goes to get glasses for her uncle.
PHENOMENA IV
Starodum thinks about Milo. He wants to marry Sophia to him.
PHENOMENA V
Sophia confesses her love for Milon to Starodum.
SCENE VI
Pravdin introduces Milon to the Starodum. Sophia says that her mother loved him like her own son. Milon expresses his views on service and man, which are close to the views of Starodum. Milo shows himself to be an educated and sensible young man. Starodum likes him, and he blesses Sophia and Milon for marriage.
SCENE VII
Skotinin appears and asks to bless him and Sophia. He shows himself to be an absolute fool. Starodum laughs.
SCENE VIII
Ms. Prostakova wonders if anyone prevented Starodum from resting; she forced everyone to walk on tiptoe so as not to disturb such a dear guest. Prostakova again asks Starodum to examine Mitrofan. Mitrofan shows absolute ignorance of elementary things. The mother, defending her son, says that people have lived for a century without science, and he will live well.
SCENE IX
Prostakova wonders whether Starodum recognized her son. He replies that he got to know both of them very well. To Mitrofan's question, he replies that Sophia should not come after him, she has already arranged for someone else. Prostakova runs around the room in anger and makes plans: to kidnap Sophia at six in the morning, before she leaves with her uncle.
ACT FIFTH of Fonvizin’s play “The Minor”
PHENOMENON I
Pravdin and Starodum talk about how to put an end to Prostakova’s evil behavior. Pravdin was instructed to take custody of the estate. Pravdin and Starodum talk about the virtues of the king, who is entrusted with the lives of his subjects, and how great of a soul he must be. Further, they move on to a discussion about nobles, “who must be well-behaved.”
SCENE II
Milon, with a sword in his hands, fights Sophia off from Eremeevna and Prostakova’s people, who forcibly dragged the girl into the carriage and wanted to take her to church to marry Mitrofan.
SCENE III
Pravdin is sure that this crime gives his uncle and fiance a reason to turn to the government to punish the criminals. Prostakova is on her knees begging for mercy.
PHENOMENA IV
But Starodum and Milon refuse to complain about the Prostakovs, who are pathetic and disgusting in their humiliation. Skotinin does not understand anything about what is happening. Prostakova gets up from her knees when she realizes that she has been forgiven, and is immediately going to inflict reprisals on her people who “let Sophia out of their hands.” She says that she is free to flog everyone if she wants. Here Pravdin takes out a paper about guardianship of the estate. Skotinin, fearing that they will get to him, prefers to leave.
PHENOMENA V
Prostakova asks Pravdin to pardon or give a reprieve, at least for three days. He doesn't give me even three hours.
SCENE VI
Starodum recognizes Vralman as his former coachman. Kuteikin demands money for his work, and Prostakova says that he did not teach Mitrofan anything. He objects that it is not his fault. Tsyfirkin refuses money because... for three years Mitrofan did not learn anything worthwhile. Pravdin shames Kuteikin and rewards Tsyfirkin for his kind soul. Milo also gives him money. Vralman asks Starodum to be a coachman.
SCENE VII
Starodum's carriage has arrived, and Vralman is ready to take the place of coachman: Starodum takes him into his service.
THE LAST PHENOMENON
Starodum, Sophia, Milon say goodbye to Pravdin. Prostakova rushes to Mitrofan, her last hope, and Mitrofan replies: “Let go, mother, how you imposed yourself...” Prostakova is killed by “the betrayal of her son.” Even Sophia rushes to console her. Pravdin decides to put Mitrofan into service. Starodum says, pointing to Prostakova: “These are the worthy fruits of evil.”
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Minor. Comedy in five acts. Events take place on the Prostakov estate.
Mitrofan tries on a caftan. Prostava decides that the caftan is too small, and the “fraudster” and the “thief” are too tight. Trishka specially narrowed it. Trishka says that he is not a tailor, but learned to sew himself.
Prostakova objects that this is a “bestial” reasoning, because no one taught the one who was the first to sew in this world. She calls her husband to see how the caftan is sewn. But Prostakov, stammering from timidity, not knowing what his wife thinks about this, says that the caftan is “baggy.” Prostakova scolds him, and he replies that his eyes see nothing in front of her. Skotinin appears, who thinks that the caftan is sewn “pretty well.”
Frustrated, Prostakova demands that “Trishka get out.” Eremeevna orders the “child” to have breakfast, and when the old woman replies that he has already “deigned to eat five buns,” she accuses her, the “beast,” of feeling sorry for the sixth. Mitrofan says that at night all sorts of “rubbish” got into his eyes - now his mother, now his father. And Mitrofan felt very sorry for his mother, because she was tired, beating the priest. Touched, Prostakova asks “my dear friend” Mitrofanushka to hug her.
A distant relative, Sophia, lives in the Prostakovs’ house, whose father and mother have died. Her only close relative, Uncle Starodum, left to serve several years ago. Since that time, nothing is known about him, but the Prostakovs consider him dead. They took Sophia into their household and look after Sophia’s estate as “their own.”
Skotinin, who loves pigs more than anything in the world, dreams of marrying a girl. He wants to get her estate, which contains many of them. Sophia receives a letter from her uncle. Prostakova doesn’t want to believe it: after all, she commemorated him for his death for several years. Did her sinful prayers really not reach her? Prostakova herself cannot read the letter: she does not know how, just like her husband.
The letter is read by Pravdin, who stopped by to see the Prostakovs. At first he refuses, since he does not open letters without the permission of the addressee, but Sophia asks him about it. Prostakova interrupts reading the letter as soon as she hears that her uncle wants to make the girl the heiress of his wealth, which he acquired through hard work and honesty. Realizing that Sophia is a wonderful match for Mitrofanushka, Prostakova takes her to the bedroom to talk about it.
Without listening to the end, Prostakova rains down her curses on her. Taking the crying Eremeevna by the arms, Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin leave.
At this time, a servant brings news that soldiers are staying in the village. The officer who leads them turns out to be an old friend of Pravdin, who reveals to him the true reason for his presence with the Prostakovs: his goal is to find tyrant landowners, those “evil ignoramuses” who do not know how to manage their power and use it for evil in relation to the serfs .
Officer Milon leads soldiers to Moscow and decides to stop for a while in this village. He is looking for his beloved, with whom he lost contact six months ago. Suddenly Sophia enters. She turns out to be Milo's very beloved.
Both are happy to meet. Milon finds out how much Sophia suffered from Prostanova and what “smart” and “wonderful” groom was chosen for Sophia. Skotinin passes by and, getting involved in a conversation, talks about his plans for life together with Sophia: he would buy all the pigs in the world at the expense of the girl’s inheritance and they would live happily ever after! Here Pravdin destroys his dreams, informing him that he wants to marry Sofya Prostakova to his son.
Skotinin in a rage attacks Mitrofanushka, who has just entered. Eremeevna defends him, and Mitrofan hides behind the nanny’s back. Skotinin has to retreat.
Prostakov and Prostakova enter, scolding her husband. She notices Milon and immediately begins to be nice to him, and sends Sophia to see the room prepared for her uncle. Mitrofan’s teachers appear: the sexton Kuteikin with a book of hours in his hands, who teaches literacy, and Tsyfirkin, an arithmetic teacher.
Kuteikin was a seminarian, but left because he had no ability for science. Tsyfirkin is a retired soldier who spent his free time teaching children. Mitrofanushka declares that he does not want to study, complains about his uncle, that he offends him. Eremeevna retells the scene with Skotinin.
Starodum's carriage drives up to the Prostakovs' house. He is met by Pravdin, an old friend. They talk about the excesses of the Prostakov family. Sophia appears, and then Skotinin and Prostakova fight. Milon separates them. Seeing the guest and learning that it is Sophia’s uncle, Prostakova dramatically changes her behavior. She, her husband and son take turns hugging the “long-awaited” uncle.
Mitrofan, on his mother’s orders, wants to kiss his hand, but Staro does not allow it. He says that he intends to take Sophia to Moscow and marry him to a man of “great merit.”
This causes general confusion, but it is short-lived. Skotin begins to talk about his merits, or rather about the pig factory, Prostakova - about her family, where science was not revered and the desire for it was punished. But now she understands the need for education, and Mitrofanushka knows science.
Starodum, tired, goes to rest. Sophia accompanies him.
Prostakova persuades Mitrofan to study at least a little, or at least pretend that he is studying. Tsyfirkin gives him an easy problem that Mitrofan cannot cope with, and his mother dissuades him from solving it. Then Kuteinin tries to study with Mitrofan. After this, Vralman arrives. He speaks Russian poorly and claims that Mitrofanushka does not need science.
Prostakova is worried: the child needs to go to St. Petersburg, and there are a lot of “smart girls” there, she is afraid of them. But Vralman reassures: there is nothing to be afraid of, since an intelligent person would never argue with Mitrofan. The main thing is not to get involved with smart people, then God’s prosperity will come. And Mitrofan will always find company for himself: there are millions of people like him. When Prostakova leaves, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin attack Vralman, who runs away from them.
Sophia and Starodum talk about noble upbringing. Starodum tells his niece how to behave with dignity in life, talks about duty, honor, and happiness. Their conversation is interrupted.
Starodum receives a letter from Count Chestan from Moscow, who reports that his nephew, Sophia’s intended fiancé, will soon be in Moscow. Then Milon and Pravdin enter, and it turns out that Milon is the nephew of Count Chestan. Everyone is happy. Starodum agrees to the marriage.
The idyll is interrupted by Skotinin. who, not paying attention to anyone, begins to ask Starodum for Sophia’s hand in marriage. But Prostavova appears and invites Starodum to arrange an exam for Mitrofanushka.
The latter, demonstrating his knowledge of grammar, says that the door that hangs is “adjective”, since it is attached to the place, and the one that stands near the closet is still a “noun”. History turns out to be the stories of the cowgirl Khavronya, whom Vralman listens to. Mitrofan had never even heard of geography. Starodum refuses both applicants and reports that Sophia has already made arrangements with someone else. But Prostakova doesn’t just back down and decides to kidnap the girl.
Pravdin receives a letter: he is assigned to take care of the Prostanovs’ house and villages. Pravdin shares this news with Starodum. Suddenly screams are heard. Milon saves Sophia from the hands of the kidnappers. Eremeevna gets excited: they wanted to marry Mitrofan.
An enraged Prostakova bursts in, followed by her husband and son. Pravdin says that he will have to answer in court for the kidnapping. The entire Prostanov family throws itself on its knees and begs for forgiveness. Starodum forgives.
Prostakova is going to punish her people for missing Sophia. But Pravdin stops her and informs her about the government’s instructions, as a result of which she does not have freedom over them. Prostakova refers to unfinished business, but Pravdin wants to solve them himself. They call teachers to settle accounts with them.
Vralman enters, and Starodum recognizes him as his former coachman. He became a teacher so as not to die of hunger. Pravdin decides to let him go. Kuteikin says that he is owed for his time and worn-out shoes, and Tsyfirkin, a conscientious and honest man, claims that he does not need anything, since he could not teach Mitrofan anything. Kuteikin becomes ashamed, and he leaves with nothing, and Tsyfirkin is given money as a reward by Starodum, Milon and Pravdin. Starodum again takes Vralman as his coachman.
Prostakova rushes to her son in despair: “You’re the only one left with me!” ..” Mitrofan rudely pushes her away. Prostanova faints, realizing that everything is lost. Pravdin is outraged by Mitrofan’s behavior and sends him to serve. Prostakova, waking up, screams in despair that now she has neither power nor a son. Starodum sums it up: “These are the worthy fruits of evil!”
Main characters
Prostakov
Prostakov is a character in Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor.” Terenty Prostakov is the head of the family, the father of the main character of the comedy, the undergrown Mitrofanushka. This is a henpecked man who gave the reins to his wife. Prostakov is the bearer of the same telling surname as the main characters of the play - his son Mitrofanushka and his wife, Prostakova. He was as badly screwed and as simple as steel. He is henpecked, he does not dare say a word to his wife against her will, and he stumbles when speaking.
He is so much at the mercy of his wife that he even says that he is unable to see anything if his wife is nearby, whom he trusts to look for him. Prostakov denies his will in everything, even the decision whether his suit is too big or too tight, he trusts his wife. But this is not trust in the wise, this is the relationship of a servile servant and mistress. The whole house rests on the brute force of Terenty Prostakov’s wife. Prostakov, although a gentleman, is a servant in the house like everyone else; he even interprets his main function as “I am a wife’s husband,” introducing himself to a future relative.
Prostakova is his wife
Prostakova is illiterate and uneducated and considers literacy an unnecessary luxury that can only ruin a person. The concepts of conscience and honesty are not familiar to the heroine. Prostakova strives to look no worse than other landowners and wants to give her son Mitrofan, who is Prostakova’s main joy, an education worthy of a nobleman, she hires him a German teacher. But she does this only because of the capital’s fashion and does not care about how and what her son will be taught.
The main thing for Prostakova is her own well-being and the well-being of her son. She will resort to any deception and meanness, using all tricks and tricks, just so as not to lose her well-being. She lives by her established principles, the main one of which is unscrupulousness. The image of Prostakova reflects duplicity, stupid inhuman power and ignorance - all those qualities that were inherent in Russian landowners of the eighteenth century
Mitrofan is their son, an undergrowth
Mitrofan is the son of the Prostakovs, an undergrowth - that is, a young nobleman who has not yet entered the public service. By decree of Peter I, all minors were required to have basic knowledge. Without this, they had no right to marry, and also could not enter the service.
That’s why Prostakova hired teachers for her son Mitrofanushka. But nothing good came of it. Firstly, his teachers were a half-educated seminarian and a retired soldier. Secondly, Mitrofan himself did not want to study, and Mrs. Prostakova did not really insist on studying. Of course, family played a big role in laziness and immaturity. Since the mother did not consider education important, where could Mitrofanushka himself have a reverent attitude towards learning? The main character traits of Mitrofan are laziness and selfishness. He doesn't want to do anything at all. Mitrofan does not want to learn and does not understand the need for knowledge at all: “Well, give me the board, you garrison rat!” From childhood he was under the tutelage of his mother and Eremeevna, so it is not surprising that Mitrofan grew up to be such a slob. The selfishness with which Mitrofan treats those around him is simply amazing.
The only authority for him is his mother Prostakova, and even she fulfills all his whims. He treats Eremeevna terribly: “Well, just say another word, you old bastard, and I’ll get you off! I'll complain to my mother again; so she will deign to give you a task like yesterday.” But in a moment of danger he always calls her for help: “Skotinin (throwing himself at Mitrofan) Oh, you damn pig... Mitrofan. Mother! Shield me."
The minor did not think at all about his future, did not care about his fate. He lived one day at a time, every day he was fed, and he didn’t have to do anything. If the good life ended, he would not be able to do anything, adapt to life in any way. Of course he is funny, but it becomes sad when you think about what will happen to him next.
After all, there are such Mitrofanushki in our time. We read books in order to avoid the troubles described in them. After reading “The Minor,” Mitrofan is a minor, a negative character in the comedy, a young nobleman. He is very similar to his mother, Mrs. Prostakova, and brother Taras Skotinin.
In Mitrofan, in Mrs. Prostakova, in Skotinin one can notice such character traits as greed and selfishness. Mitrofanushka knows that all power in the house belongs to his mother, who loves him and allows him to behave the way he wants.
Mitrofan is lazy, does not like and does not know how to work and study, he only frolics, has fun and sits in the dovecote. It’s not so much the mama’s boy himself who influences those around him, as they influence him, trying to raise the little boy as an honest, educated person, and he is like his mother in everything. Mitrofan treats the servants very cruelly, insults them and does not consider them people at all: Eremeevna.
Yes, learn at least a little. Mitrofan. Well, say another word, you old bastard! I’ll finish them off; I’ll complain to my mother again, so she’ll deign to give you a task like yesterday. Mitrofan also has no respect for teachers. He strives only for his own personal benefit, and when he learns that Sophia has become Starodum’s heir, he immediately intends to offer her his hand and heart, and the attitude towards Sophia in the Prostakovs’ house changes significantly for the better. And all this is only because of greed and cunning, and not because of the feat of the heart.
Eremeevna - Mitrofan's nanny
Eremeevna is an elderly woman, Mitrofan’s nanny, nurse, who has been caring for him since birth. Eremeevna has been serving in the Prostakov family for 40 years. Eremeevna receives little money, but suffers a lot of insults from the Prostakovs. The Prostakovs call and beat Eremeevna, like the rest of their peasants. Eremeevna “with slavish servility” serves the Prostakovs, despite all their insults, Eremeevna loves Mitrofan and takes care of German
She affectionately calls Mitrofan “child,” although he is already 15 years old. Ungrateful Mitrofan does not love or appreciate Eremeevna, despite all her care for him
Skotinin - Prostakova's brother
Taras Skotinin is a nobleman, Prostakova’s brother. Extremely ignorant, stupid. The only interest in his life was the pigs, which he was breeding. For the sake of money, he hoped to marry Sophia, Starodum’s niece.
Because of this, he competed with his nephew Mitrofan, conflicted with Prostakova: “When things come to a breakdown, I’ll bend you and you’ll crack.” This hero is a “worthy” representative of his family: he has morally and morally degraded, turned into an animal, as his last name indicates. The reason for such degradation is ignorance, lack of proper education: “...if it weren’t for that Skotinin, he would want to learn something.”
Taras Skotinin is a typical representative of small feudal landowners. He grew up in a family that was hostile to education. He is distinguished by ignorance and mental underdevelopment, although he is naturally smart. All his thoughts and interests are connected only with his barnyard. He shows warmth and tenderness only to his pigs. Skotinin is a ferocious serf owner, unusually greedy, rude (as evidenced by his speech), and ignorant.
Trishka - tailor
Trishka is one of the minor characters in the comedy “Minor.” Trishka appears at the beginning of Act 1 and is not mentioned again in the play. Trishka is a serf peasant of the Prostakov family. Trishka is a self-taught tailor.
Prostakova scolds him for a poorly sewn caftan, but Trishka rightly explains to the hostess that he did not study to be a tailor, therefore he is not responsible for the result. Trishka is a lively and, apparently, intelligent guy. Tailor Trishka is the only peasant who dares to argue with Mrs. Prostakova : Prostakova calls Trishka a fraudster, a thief, a beast, etc. Most likely, these words do not characterize Trishka himself, because the rude Prostakova calls all her serfs similar words
Starodum
Starodum is one of the central characters of the “minor” Fonvizin. He is a positive comedy character, unlike Mitrofanushka, Prostakov, Prostakova, Skotinin and others. Starodum personifies an intelligent, proud, fair, loving person.
He believes that the most important thing in a person is the education of his soul. “An ignoramus without a soul is a beast,” he says. And with this statement he explains the behavior of Mrs. Prostakova, Mitrofanushka and Skotinin. Starodum is Sophia's loving uncle. He wants only the best for her, and bequeaths all his money to his niece. His pride is proven by the fact that when he arrived at court, he preserved his honor and dignity and left there.
“I fell behind the court without villages, without a ribbon, without ranks, yes< …>brought home my soul, my honor intact." Starodum can be called an ideal hero. His moral ideal is honest service to the Fatherland, an intolerant attitude towards vice and injustice.
Sophia - Starodum's niece
Sophia is the niece of Starodum, who is her guardian. The heroine's name means "wisdom". In the comedy, Sophia is endowed with the wisdom of the soul, heart, and virtue. Sophia is an orphan.
Her estate, in the absence of Starodum, is managed by the Prostakovs, who rob the girl. And when they find out that Sophia has a large dowry, they begin to fight for her hand and money. But Sophia has a lover - Milon, to whom she is engaged and to whom she remains faithful. Sophia despises and laughs at the Prostakov-Skotinin family.
The girl comes from honest nobles who gave her a good education. Sophia is smart, mocking, sensitive and kind (at the end of the comedy she forgives Prostakov for the harm done to her). The heroine believes that honor and wealth should be achieved through hard work, that meekness and obedience to elders are appropriate for a girl, but she can and should defend her love. All the positive characters in the play are grouped around Sophia. They help her free herself from the tutelage of the Prostakovs and unite with Milon at the end of the comedy.
Milon - Sophia's fiance
Milon is one of the positive heroes of the comedy “The Minor,” introduced by the author to create a contrast of characters with the Prostakovs and Skotinin. Milon is an officer whom we first meet at the head of a detachment of soldiers in the comedy in the village of Prostakov.
Milo is an educated, noble man who responsibly fulfills his duties to the state. Milon is outraged by the way the Prostakovs behave towards Sophia, especially by the hypocrisy of Prostakova, who, having learned about Sophia’s inheritance, wants to get it by marrying them with their son Mitrofan - “Unworthy people!” - that's what he says about them. Milon is well-mannered, unobtrusive and will retain honor and face in all situations.
During Mrs. Prostakova’s fight with Skotinin, Milon not only manages to separate them, but also instructs them on the path of reconciliation and is completely polite: “And you forgot that he is your brother!”, “Isn’t she your sister?”, “No, no.” Did she hurt you?” “I won’t let you in, madam. Don't be angry! When Milon and Starodum meet, Milon demonstrates modesty and dignity, respect for elders, responsibility: “At my age and in my position, it would be unforgivable arrogance to consider everything deserved, with which worthy people encourage a young man.”
Milon believes that the fearlessness of an officer is not a blind and irresponsible willingness to die on the battlefield for the sake of glory, but an awareness of all the danger to which his life is exposed, an understanding of the value of his life, and only then courage is the willingness to sacrifice his life in the name of the Fatherland.
In addition, according to Milo, courage is needed in every life situation. When Prostakova tries to take Sophia down the aisle by force, Milon defends her with a drawn sword; he expresses indignation and contempt towards Prostakova’s behavior. In the ideal image of Milon, Fonvizin put all the positive qualities that should be inherent in a real officer, a nobleman, a noble man of honor.
In the comedy “The Minor,” Pravdin is a positive hero, an honest official with humane views on estate management. According to the plot of the work, a man on duty ends up in the village of Prostakova in order to expose and stop the atrocities occurring there, punish the cruel landowners and take the estate under his own guardianship. The official successfully resolves an acute situation, punishing the guilty and helping those in need. In “The Minor” as a classic play, the names of the characters largely determine their personal qualities and role in the work.
Pravdin was no exception. In “The Minor,” the character’s personality characteristics fully correspond to the meaning of his last name – “Pravdin” from “truth,” that is, the hero is the bearer of truth and impartial justice. In the comedy, the official acts as an auditor, personifying the letter of the law, the highest justice and severity in decisions - he punishes the guilty, taking the village from the Prostakovs, finds out which of the teachers served honestly and who only deceived Prostakova. The man also decides Mitrofan’s fate, taking him into his service.
The character Pravdin plays an important role in the ideological concept of the comedy. In his image, Fonvizin portrayed the ideal of a humane and educated education official who deservedly rewards and punishes. For the author, Pravdin is the personification of humane, rational truth in the last instance.
Kuteikin
In another light, Fonvizin gave the teacher of Russian and Church Slavonic languages Kuteikin. This is a half-educated seminarian who left the first classes of theological seminary, “fearing the abyss of wisdom.”
But he is not without cunning. Reading the Book of Hours with Mitrofan, he deliberately chooses the text: “I am the seven worm, and not a man, a reproach of men,” and he also interprets the word worm - “that is, (i.e.) animal, cattle.” Like Tsyfirkin, he sympathizes with Eremeevna. But Kuteikin differs sharply from Tsyfirkin in his greed for money. Kuteikin’s language strongly emphasizes Church Slavonicisms, which he brought from the spiritual environment and theological school.
Tsyfirkin
Retired soldier Tsyfirkin is a man with a number of good qualities. He is hardworking: “I don’t like to live idlely,” he says. In the city, he helps clerks “either check the meter or sum up the results,” and “in his spare time he teaches the guys.” (Fonvizin painted the image of Tsyfirkin with obvious sympathy. Mitrofan’s upbringing and training corresponds to the “fashion” of that time and the understanding of his parents.
He is taught French by the German Vralman, exact sciences by retired sergeant Tsyfirkin, who “speaks a little of arithmetic,” and grammar by seminarian Kuteikin, dismissed from “all teaching.” The speech is based on the fact that he was a former soldier and now teaches arithmetic. Hence, in his speech there are constant calculations, as well as military terms and phraseological turns. In the city, he helps clerks “either check the meter, then sum up the results,” and “in his spare time he teaches the guys”
5 / 5. 1
Characters
Prostakov
Mrs. Prostakova, his wife
Mitrofan, their son, an undergrowth
Eremeevna, Mitrofan's mother
Starodum
Sophia, Starodum's niece
Milo
Skotinin, brother of Ms. Prostakova
Kuteikin, seminarian
Tsyfirkin, retired sergeant
Vralman, teacher
Trishka, tailor
The action takes place in the village of Prostakovs.
Act one
Trishka, a self-taught tailor, made Mitrofan a caftan that was too narrow. Prostakova scolds Trishka, and at the same time her henpecked husband, who doesn’t understand anything, doesn’t want to answer for anything, and indulges Prostakova herself in everything. Trishka tries to justify himself by saying that he did not specifically learn to sew, but for Prostakova this is not an argument. She points Trishka to the very first tailor in the world, who had no one to learn sewing from. Skotinin appears in a cheerful mood: an agreement is scheduled for the evening between him and Sophia, who, after the death of her mother, lives in the house of the Prostakovs, her distant relatives. She doesn’t yet know that they are going to marry her off; however, Prostakova is not used to taking into account anyone’s opinion other than her own. Skotinin is interested in marrying Sophia not because the bride is rich or he likes him, but because in her villages there are many pigs, for which Skotinin has a weakness. Sophia enters with a letter from her uncle Starodum, whom the Prostakovs had long considered dead. He lived and worked in Siberia for several years and, as follows from the letter, made a fortune, of which he declares Sophia to be the heir. Prostakova’s plans change, she decides to marry her Mitrofan to the unexpectedly rich Sophia. But Skotinin, in light of the latest changes, is not going to back down.
Act two
Milo, an officer, quarters his soldiers in the village. He meets Pravdin, who is sent to the district to prevent the atrocities committed by the landowners against the peasants. Milon tells his friend that he has not seen his beloved (Sofia) for six months, whom, according to his information, relatives took away from Moscow and are treating the girl cruelly. Sophia appears, rushes to Milon, complains to him about the hard life in the Prostakovs’ house, and says that they are marrying her to Mitrofan. Skotinin, who entered, also declares his “rights” to Sophia, but Pravdin mentions Mitrofan’s intentions in time, and Skotinin’s anger turns not against his true rival (Milon), but against his nephew. He attacks Mitrofan with his fists, even Eremeevna, who arrived in time, does not have time to do anything. Pravdin pulls Skotinin away. Prostakova abruptly changes her attitude towards Sophia, becomes affectionate, and offers to look around the room prepared for Starodum. Prostakova introduces Milon and Pravdin to Mitrofan’s “teachers” - Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin. Both complain about the impenetrable stupidity of Mitrofan, about the ignorance of Prostakova herself (who teaches her son for appearances and because it is so fashionable), about the German Vralman, who himself does not teach Mitrofan anything, and does not allow Russian teachers to conduct a single lesson properly. Mitrofan hints to his mother that he will drown himself as soon as she asks to read something. The reason for Mitrofan's anger is Skotinin. Prostakova, having learned that her brother raised his hand against the “child,” first attacks Eremeevna (who failed to protect the sixteen-year-old Mitrofan entrusted to her care), and then attacks the true offender. Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin and Eremeevna, having counted all the profits in the service of the Prostakovs (“five rubles a year and five slaps a day”), go to “drink a glass.”
Act three
Pravdin is the first to meet Starodum and express his respect. Starodum says that he left the court because he could not put up with the hypocrisy, baseness, cowardice, and selfishness of the courtiers. “I left the court without villages, without a ribbon, without ranks, but I brought mine home intact, my soul, my honor, my rules.” Having acquired some fortune, Starodum determines the purpose of his life to ensure the happiness of his niece Sophia. He is glad to see her again after a long separation. Sophia shows her uncle devotion and respect in every possible way and willingly listens to his philosophical conversations and instructions. Starodum is delighted that Sophia completely shares his views on life. Sophia is somewhat bewildered by Starodum's remark about his intention to marry his niece to a well-known and worthy young man recommended to him. However, Starodum is not going to captivate his niece and first asks her consent. Those around her look cheerful and vying with each other to convince Sophia that marriage would be beneficial for her - either with Mitrofanushka or with Skotinin. Prostakova wants to make her son “show off” his knowledge in front of Starodum in order to make a favorable impression on him. “I don’t want to study, I want to get married,” Mitrofan categorically declares. The teachers take turns trying to teach their lessons, but this leads nowhere: Mitrofan refuses to solve the problems proposed by Tsyfirkin, because they make no sense (the problems relate to the proposed increase in Tsyfirkin’s salary and the division of money found on the road). As soon as Kuteikin begins his part of the “educational process,” Vralman appears, who is loudly horrified by the abundance of sciences studied by the “exhausted” Mitrofanushka. Prostakova immediately agrees that Mitrofan has no business dealing with smart people, but is better off moving in his own circle. She feels sorry for her “overworked” son and takes Mitrofan away. Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin attack Vralman, almost begin to beat him for the fact that he himself does not work, and does not allow the klutz Mitrofan to teach them anything. Vralman flees for his life.
Act four
Starodum talks with Sophia about good behavior and virtue, gives instructions to his obedient niece: “Know how to distinguish, know how to stay with those whose friendship for you would be a reliable guarantee for your mind and heart... is he happy who has nothing to desire, but only there is something to be afraid of... Good behavior gives direct value to the mind. Without it, an intelligent person is a monster... There is no way to forgive an honest person if he lacks some quality of heart.” Starodum turns to issues of family and marriage, complains that many marriages are concluded out of convenience, and not at the behest of the heart, and hopes that Sophia will choose as her husband a man for whom she will have “friendship that would be like love.” They bring Starodum a letter from Moscow from his friend, where he recommends Milon to Starodum as a wonderful groom for Sophia. Starodum wonders if his niece’s heart is occupied. Just as she is about to confess everything to him, Pravdin appears and introduces Milon to Starodum. He asks Milon a question about his origin and is glad that Milon is the same young man about whom a friend from Moscow writes to him. When it turns out that Milon is also the one to whom Sophia’s heart has long been given, that her late mother doted on him, Starodum comes into a cheerful mood, blesses his niece, and praises her for her worthy choice. In the midst of the explanation, Skotinin enters and begins to rant about his love for pigs. When Sophia proposes marriage, Starodum gives him a decisive refusal, citing the fact that it is indecent for a noblewoman to marry Skotinin and live like a pig. Prostakova appears with her family, begins to praise Mitrofan, demonstrating his “deep” knowledge in all sciences. Mitrofan qualifies “door” as an adjective because it is “attached to the wall”; however, the door to the closet, which has not yet been hung, is awarded the name “noun”. When asked by the amused witnesses of this scene to tell something from the story, Mitrofan admits how he is learning this science: he and Vralman call the cowgirl Khavronya, and she tells them “stories.” Mitrofan does not understand the name “geography” at all. When Pravdin explains to Prostakova that knowledge of geography is necessary, for example, when you go on a trip, Prostakova sincerely dismisses the need for geography for nobles, since the nobles are carried by cabs. Starodum and Prostakova refuse her matchmaking. Pravdin is brought a package from the governor, which contains an order to take away the Prostakovs’ estate if illegal actions are noticed behind them. Prostakova is beside herself with anger. Having learned that Sophia and her uncle are leaving for Moscow in the morning, she decides to forcibly marry the girl to Mitrofanushka.
Act five
Sophia is forcibly dragged into a carriage to be taken to church. Milo frees his bride. Eremeevna tells everything to Starodum and Pravdin, who decides to put an end to the lawlessness happening in Prostakova’s house. Having learned that her plan has failed, Prostakova falls to her knees and begins to humbly beg Starodum and Pravdin to forgive her sin. Sophia and Starodum ask Pravdin not to punish anyone because of them. As soon as Pravdin lets her go, Prostakova begins to take out her anger on her servants, who “did not protect” Sophia. This is how she interprets the decree on the freedom of the nobility. Pravdin, in the name of the government, announces that he is taking into custody the Prostakovs’ house and villages “for inhumanity.” Skotinin hastily retreats, promising not to beat his serfs in the future and to advise his acquaintances to do the same. Prostakova begs Pravdin to somehow cancel the decree, but he is adamant. He calls on Mitrofan's teachers. Starodum recognizes Vralman as his former coachman. Tsyfirkin refuses payment because he was unable to teach Mitrofan anything, and Kuteikin demands money. Everyone approves of Tsyfirkin’s action, praises him for his honesty, gives him money, but Kyteikin is shamed and driven away. Vralman asks Starodum to take him in, swears that he has not forgotten how to handle horses, since communication with the Skotinins seemed to him similar to that of a horse. Prostakova exclaims that she has only one joy left - Mitrofanushka, but he pushes her away. Prostakova faints from grief. Pravdin calls Mitrofan a rude man, shames him for the fact that his mother’s crazy love for him brought her to the position in which she now finds herself. Pravdin decides to appoint Mitrofan to serve. Prostakova comes to her senses and screams in despair that she has lost everything - both power and her son. Starodum says: “These are the fruits worthy of evil.”
The angry and rude landowner Prostakova examines the caftan sewn by the village tailor Trishka for her son, the undersized Mitrofan, shouting: “He, the thief, has burdened him everywhere.”
Phenomenon II
They bring Trishka. Prostakova scolds him for his caftan, calling him cattle. Trishka makes an excuse: “I never studied tailoring, I’m self-taught.” Prostakova screams: “The tailor learned from another, another from a third, but who did the first tailor learn from? Speak up, beast! “Yes, the first tailor, perhaps, sewed worse than mine,” Trishka reasonably retorts.
Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin
Scene III
They bring in the owner of the estate, landowner Terenty Prostakov. An indecisive man, henpecked by his wife, he timidly says that, in his opinion, the caftan is not narrow, but baggy. His wife begins to scold him. Prostakov humiliatingly justifies himself: “Before your eyes, mine don’t see anything.” Mrs. Prostakova demands that Trishka be punished immediately.
Fonvizin. Minor. Maly Theater performance
Phenomenon IV
Mrs. Prostakova's brother, Skotinin, enters. Looking at the caftan, he finds that it is not narrow and not baggy, but “excellently sewn.” However, the idea of punishing Trishka still seems right to him: “If I weren’t Taras Skotinin, if not every fault is my fault.”
Prostakova orders nanny Eremeevna, who is standing here, to feed Mitrofan breakfast. It turns out that the undergrowth has already “deigned to eat five buns,” and last night before going to bed he devoured “three slices of corned beef, and maybe five or six hearth slices.” Mitrofan says that such a hearty dinner left him with “such rubbish in his eyes all night.”
Prostakova asks: “What kind of rubbish?” - “Yes, then you are mother, then father. I saw that you, mother, deigned to beat the priest - so I felt sorry.” - “Who, Mitrofanushka?” - “You, mother: you are so tired, beating the priest.” Delighted by such filial compassion, the mother affectionately hugs Mitrofan, and he runs away to the dovecote.
Phenomenon V
Their distant relative, Sophia, lives on the Prostakovs’ estate as a pupil. This girl’s father and mother died, leaving her an estate as an inheritance, and her uncle, Mr. Starodum, left for Siberia. Skotinin is going to woo Sophia. The main reason for this desire is that in the villages belonging to Sophia there are many pigs, for which Skotinin is a “great hunter.” He says with delight: in the area there are even “such large pigs that there is not a single one of them that, standing on its hind legs, would not be taller than each of us by a whole head.” In addition, Skotinin had long ago ruined his own estates, for he mercilessly extracted huge rents from the peasants. Sophia's dowry can improve his situation.
Mrs. Prostakova notes with emotion that her Mitrofanushka is just like her uncle. “And he has grown up to be a hunter like you,” she says to Skotinin. “When I was still three years old, when I saw a pig, I used to tremble with joy.” Mr. Prostakov notes that people cannot develop such a strong passion for pigs just like that: “there is some similarity here.”
Heroes of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth"
Scene VI
Joyful Sophia enters and says: she received a letter from her uncle Starodum. There were rumors that he died in Siberia, but it is clear from the letter: Starodum is alive and has recently arrived in Moscow.
Mrs. Prostakova is very dissatisfied with this letter. “Why are you confusing us? Don’t you know that Starodum has been remembered for his death for several years now? Did my sinful prayers really not reach me?
Skotinin and the Prostakovs are afraid that Starodum will prevent them from taking possession of Sophia’s estates. From the dialogues of the play it also becomes clear: the Prostakovs recently did not allow Sophia to marry an officer for love. Frustrated, Mrs. Prostakova is indignant at modern education, because of which many girls have learned to read and can parse the contents of letters.
The Prostakovs and Skotinin are themselves illiterate and cannot read the letters. Prostakova takes it away from Sophia and remembers Mitrofanushka’s teachers. State decrees require that all minor nobles be taught, and retired sergeant Tsyfirkin and sexton Kuteikin come from the city to teach Mitrofan “arihmetic” and literacy. He also has one more teacher: the German Adam Adamych Vralman, an expert in “French and all other sciences.” The Prostakovs pay Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin meagerly, and the foreigner Vralman receives a large salary and lives right on the estate, at the full maintenance of the master.
Scene VII
The nobleman Pravdin, who recently stopped at the Prostakov estate, appears. Mrs. Prostakova introduces him to Skotinin (who first of all inquires whether there are pigs on Pravdin’s estates), and then asks Pravdin to read the letter Sophia received.
He reads (having asked Sophia for permission to do so). Starodum reports in a letter that, having acquired a fortune in Siberia through honest labors, giving an income of 10 thousand rubles, he decided to return back, take charge of Sophia and bequeath his entire inheritance to her.
The amount of 10 thousand rubles of income is so great that the Prostakovs and Skotinin freeze in amazement. Skotinin persuades his sister to quickly arrange his marriage agreement with Sophia. However, Mrs. Prostakova now has another plan: to marry the girl to her son Mitrofan.
Scene VIII
A servant comes running with the news that a soldier’s unit has entered the Prostakovs’ estate to stay. Pravdin and Prostakov go to talk with the officer commanding the soldiers, and Skotinin goes to his favorite place - the barnyard.
Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin
"Undergrown"
Village of landowners Prostakovs. Mrs. Prostakova is angry: the serf tailor Trishka, she believes, sewed a caftan that was too narrow for her beloved son, the sixteen-year-old undersized Mitrofanushka. Trishka makes an excuse by saying that he did not study tailoring, but the lady does not want to listen to anything. Her husband, Prostakov, a narrow-minded man who is obedient to his wife, expresses the opinion that the caftan is baggy. And Taras Skotinin, Prostakova’s brother, thinks that the caftan is “pretty well sewn.”
The caftan itself is a new thing for Mitrofanushka for Skotinin’s conspiracy with Sophia, a distant relative of the Prostakovs. Sophia's father died when she was still a baby. The girl grew up with her mother in Moscow. But six months have already passed since she was left an orphan. The Prostakovs took her in to “oversee her estate as if it were their own.” Sophia's uncle, Starodum, left for Siberia. For a long time there was no news about him, and the Prostakovs believe that he died long ago.
Skotinin wants to marry Sophia - not because he likes the girl, not because he wants to take over her villages, but because in these villages there are a lot of... pigs, and he is a big hunter of them. And Sophia still doesn’t know who they predict to be her husband.
Sophia receives a letter from Starodum. Mrs. Prostakova, hearing about this, is extremely irritated: her hopes did not come true, her uncle turned out to be alive. Prostakova accuses Sophia of lying: the letter, they say, is amorous. But she cannot verify the statement, because she is illiterate. Her husband and brother are not much of a reader either. Guest Pravdin helps them out. He reads a letter in which Starodum notifies his niece that he makes her the heiress of his fortune, acquired by him in Siberia, which gives an income of ten thousand a year. Mrs. Prostakova is amazed by this news. She comes up with a new idea: to marry Sophia to her son, the ignorant Mitrofan.
Soldiers pass through the Prostakov village. They are led by officer Milon. Here he meets his old friend, Pravdin. He says that he is a member of the vicegerental board. Pravdin travels around the district and especially pays attention to the “malicious ignoramuses” who mistreat their people. It was precisely such ignoramuses that he found in the person of the Prostakovs.
Milon says that he is in love and has been separated from his beloved for more than six months. Recently he learned that his beloved was left an orphan and some distant relatives took her to their villages... At the moment when Milon talks about this, he suddenly sees his beloved - this is Sophia.
The lovers are happy to meet. But Sophia says that Mrs. Prostakova wants to marry her to Mitrofanushka. Milo is tormented by jealousy. True, it weakens when he learns more about his “rival”.
Skotinin passing by unceremoniously declares his views on Sophia. Pravdin tells him about Mrs. Prostakova’s plans. Skotinin is furious. He catches the eye of Mitrofan, who is being taken to study by nanny Eremeevna. The uncle wants to explain himself to his nephew and was about to attack him with his fists. But Eremeevna shields Mitrofanushka and drives Skotinin away.
Mitrofanushka’s teachers arrive: Sidorich - Kuteikin and Pafnutich - Tsyfirkin. Kuteikin, a deacon from the Intercession, who did not study at the seminary, teaches Mitrofan to read and write in the Book of Hours and the Psalter. And Tsyfirkin, a retired sergeant, is an arithmetic teacher.
Mitrofan refuses to study. He complains to his mother that after his uncle’s “task,” studying doesn’t come to his mind. Eremeevna talks about the collision with Skotinin. Prostakova consoles her son and promises to marry him soon. She orders the teachers to be fed lunch and sent back again. The lady is dissatisfied with Eremeevna: she “didn’t dig into Skotinin’s mug” and “didn’t tear his snout up to his ears.” Prostakova is going to “conversate” with her brother in her own way. Zealous Eremeevna cries from resentment. The teachers console her.
Starodum arrives. Before appearing to the owners, he talks with an old acquaintance, Pravdin. Starodum remembers his father, who served Peter the Great, and praises those times. Starodum came to free his niece from “ignoramuses without a soul.” He was forced to leave government service. When Starodum was still serving in the military, he became friends with the young count. Upon the declaration of war, Starodum hurried to the army, but the count avoided this. And soon after this, the count was promoted to rank, and Starodum, wounded in the war, was bypassed. After retiring, Starodum came to St. Petersburg to the court. But later he decided that “it is better to lead life at home than in someone else’s hallway.”
Starodum meets with Sophia and promises to take his niece away from the Prostakovs. The conversation is interrupted by the appearance of Prostakova and Skotinin. Sister and brother fight, and Milon separates them. The old man is amused by this scene. Mrs. Prostakova is annoyed by the stranger’s amusement, but upon learning that it is Starodum, she changes her tone to the most servile and obsequious one. She wants to flatter a rich relative and contribute to the marriage of Mitrofanushka to Sophia.
But Starodum promises to take Sophia to Moscow the next morning to marry her there to a certain “young man of great merit.” This news plunges everyone into despondency, and Sophia “seems amazed.” Then Starodum tells her that the choice of a worthy groom is entirely in her will. This gives everyone hope again. Mrs. Prostakova boasts to Starodum about Mitrofanushka’s education. She is especially pleased with the German Adam Adamych Vralman, whom she hired for five years. She pays him three hundred rubles a year (other teachers - ten). Vralman teaches Mitrofan “French and all sciences.” But the main thing is that he “does not captivate the child.”
Meanwhile, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin are sad that the teaching is not going very well. Mitrofan has been studying arithmetic for three years, but “he can’t count three.” He has been studying literacy for four years, and still “can’t understand a new line.” And the whole trouble is that Vralman indulges the lazy student and interferes with his studies.
Mrs. Prostakova persuades her son to study. He demands that there be an agreement as soon as possible: “I don’t want to study, I want to get married.” Tsyfirkin gives Mitrofan two tasks. But the mother intervenes and does not allow them to be solved. In general, arithmetic seems to her to be an empty science: “There is no money - what to count? There is money - we’ll figure it out well without Pafnutich.” Tsyfirkin has to finish the lesson. Kuteikin takes his place. Mitrofan senselessly repeats after him lines from the Book of Hours. Then Vralman appears. He explains to Mrs. Prostakova that filling your head too much is very dangerous. Vralman believes that it is possible to do without Russian literacy and arithmetic. Mitrofanushka, he says, only needs to know how to live in the light. Vralman lets Mitrofan go to frolic.
Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin want to beat Vralman. The retired sergeant swings a board, and the sexton swings the Book of Hours, but the German manages to escape.
Sophia is reading Fenelon's book about raising girls. Starodum talks with her about virtue. He receives a letter from Count Chestan. This is Milon's uncle, who wants to marry his nephew to Sophia. Talking to Sophia about her marriage, Starodum again notices that she is embarrassed... Then Pravdin and Milon appear. Pravdin introduces Milon to Starodum. It turns out that Milon often visited Sophia’s mother’s house in Moscow, and she loved him like a son. Starodum, talking with Milo, becomes convinced that he is dealing with a worthy person. Milon asks for Sophia's hand, mentioning his “mutual inclination” with the girl. Starodum is happy to learn that Sophia has chosen exactly the one whom he himself predicts as her husband. He agrees to this marriage.
But other contenders for Sophia’s hand know nothing and do not give up their hopes. Skotinin begins to talk about the antiquity of his family. Starodum jokingly pretends that he agrees with him on everything. Mrs. Prostakova invites Starodum to see how Mitrofanushka is trained. Sophia’s uncle pretends to be delighted with Mitrofanushka’s learning. However, he refuses both Skotinin and Mitrofanushka, saying that Sophia has already been agreed. He announces that he will leave with Sophia at seven in the morning. But Mrs. Prostakova decides that before this time she will have time to “put her foot down.” She places “sentinels” around the house.
Pravdin receives the package; he is ordered to take custody of the Prostakovs’ house and villages at the first occasion when Prostakova’s temper threatens the safety of the people under her control. Pravdin tells Starodum about this. Their conversation is interrupted by noise...
Prostakova’s people drag the resisting Sophia to the carriage to marry Mitrofanushka. Milo, who caught this scene, frees the bride. Pravdin threatens that Prostakova will appear in court as a “disturber of civil peace.” Mrs. Prostakova violently repents of her actions. Starodum and Sophia forgive her. Prostakova is glad to be forgiven: now she will take revenge on her servants for the failure that occurred! But she fails to do this: Pravdin announces that, by government decree, he is taking custody of the Prostakovs’ house and villages.
Skotinin, in good health, leaves for his place, to his beloved barns. Mrs. Prostakova asks Pravdin to give her power for at least three days. But he doesn’t agree. He calls the teachers to settle accounts with them. Eremeevna brings Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin and Vralman. Pravdin lets them go home. Kuteikin demands that he be paid for his studies, for his worn-out boots... But Tsyfirkin refuses payment, because Mitrofanushka has not learned anything. For such generosity, Starodum, Milon and Pravdin give him money. And Pravdin offers Kuteikin to settle accounts with the lady herself. He exclaims in horror: “I am giving up everything.” In Vralman, Starodum recognizes his former coachman. It turns out that Vralman could not find a position as a coachman anywhere and he had to become a teacher. Starodum agrees to take him on as a coachman again.
Starodum, Sophia and Milon are getting ready to leave. Prostakova hugs Mitrofanushka: “You’re the only one left with me...” But her son is rude to her. The mother faints. Pravdin decides to send Mitrofan to serve. Having woken up, Mrs. Prostakova laments: “I am completely lost...” And Starodum, pointing at her, says: “These are the fruits of evil!”
The landowners Prostakovs had a dispute over a new caftan for their son Mitrofanushka. The mother believes that the serf tailor Trishka did not do his job well enough.
The new thing is needed for the engagement of Skotinin, the owner’s brother, and Sophia, a distant relative of the family. She is an orphan and the Prostakovs are her guardians. She has an uncle Starodum, but there has been no news from him for a long time.
The girl does not yet know that she is destined to become Skotinin’s wife. And the groom is interested not so much in Sophia as in the presence of pigs in her villages.
However, events take a different turn. Sophia received a letter from her uncle from Siberia, in which he informs him that he is making his niece his heir. Prostakova decides that the girl’s husband should be her son Mitrofan.
Officer Milon appears in the village. He meets with Pravdin, who is a member of the viceroy's board. The officer shares with his friend that he has a fiancee, whom her relatives took to the village. Suddenly he sees Sophia - this is his beloved.
The young people are happy to meet, which cannot be said about Skotinin. When he finds out that there is another contender for Sophia’s hand, and this is Mitrofanushka, he becomes furious. Skotinin gets into a fight with the unfortunate ignoramus.
After the fight, Mitrofanushka loses the desire to study. His mother calms him down and scolds the nanny for not being able to give the impudent Skotinin a good beating. Prostakova decided that she would deal with her brother herself.
Starodum appears. He intends to take his niece away from ignorant relatives and promises the girl that he will soon take her to Moscow. Before their eyes there is a fight between Prostakova and Skotinin. Starodum laughs at what is happening, which angers the mistress of the estate. But when she finds out who the cheerful stranger is, she turns into obsequious and servile.
Starodum tells Sophia that he intends to marry her to a worthy man in Moscow, which the girl is not very happy about. Seeing her disappointment, her uncle reassures Sophia that she will not be forced into captivity, and that she will marry the one she chooses.
Meanwhile, the teachers are quarreling among themselves. It is difficult for them to teach Mitrofanushka the simplest things, and Vralman, the highest paid of them, does not want to do anything at all.
Starodum again tells Sophia about his desire to marry her off. Milon appears and asks his uncle for his blessing to marry the girl. In the conversation it turns out that this is exactly the worthy young man he told Sophia about.
Starodum refuses the rest of the applicants and says that he has his own plans for the fate of his niece. Prostakova decides that she should not miss this chance. She attempted to take Sophia away and forcefully marry her to her son. Milo rescues his bride from the hands of ignorant people.
Pravdin receives permission to take the Prostakovs’ house and property under his protection. The landowners are accused of disturbing civil peace and mistreating their peasants.
The old man and the young people are getting ready to go on the road. Prostakova is hysterical about the fact that Pravdin is sending her son to serve. Uncle Sophia assessed everything that happened to the family as the consequences of evil and ignorance.
