Action 1
The plot develops in the house of the government manager Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov. It all starts in the spacious living room. The maid Lizonka is dozing in an armchair; pleasant music is heard from the master’s daughter’s bedroom. Two instruments - a flute and a piano - help to understand that there are two people in the bedroom. The frightened maid wakes up and, seeing that daylight is already approaching outside the window, begins to knock on the mistress. She hurries and frightens the hidden lovers with a meeting with her father, but they are deaf to her requests. Famusov appears in response to the noise in the room. He flirts with the maid, trying to figure out where the noise came from. Lisa makes even more noise, and the owner leaves. The lovers leave the room. This is Sophia, Famusov’s daughter, and Molchalin, the secretary who lives in his house. They didn't hear what was happening in the living room. Lisa tries to send Molchalin out, but runs into Famusov at the door. The lovers are trying to get out. One says that he ended up here by accident, returning from a walk, and the daughter blames everything on her father, who woke up her tender sleep with a loud voice. The girl tells her father about a dream that alarmed her. She dreamed of the poor lover, screams and arguments with her father. In the dream there were monsters, laughter and roars. Famusov proceeds to question Molchalin. He, it turns out, was also in a hurry to hear the owner’s voice in order to present him with the papers early. The men leave, and the girls remain in the room. They continue talking about men. The maid is trying to convey to the young lady that meetings with Molchalin will be of no use. My father will not allow me to tie my fate with a poor man. The blinded girl hopes for a different outcome. Lisa invites her rich daughter to take a closer look at Colonel Skalozub.
Lisa explains to Sofia that her father wants a son-in-law in rank and with the stars. But the flighty girl doesn’t want to hear about military movements: the front and the ranks. With admiration, Lisa talks about Alexander Andreevich Chatsky. He is cheerful, sensitive, sharp-tongued, and reminds of the young man’s love for Sofia. Famusov's daughter laughs at Chatsky, she loves Mochalin, who sits nearby all night, sighing without saying a word. The maid becomes even more cheerful when she imagines this ridiculous picture.
The girls' conversation is interrupted with the arrival of Chatsky. He is in a hurry to see his beloved, to find out how she lives. In his speech, the young man tries to remind her of childhood pranks and fun, carefree days of games and hide-and-seek. In the conversation, the young man begins to make fun of everyone he knew, asking if they have changed:
- Father;
- Uncle;
- Auntie;
- Three young people with a huge number of relatives;
- Theatergoer;
- A man hidden behind a screen, whistling like a nightingale.
Gradually Chatsky reached Molchalin. He wonders if the silent fool has changed. Sofia is angry, she is ready to send her former friend to the fire, just not to hear him mocking her beloved.
The owner of the house, Famusov, appears. Sofia, taking advantage of this, hides in her room. Famusov begins a conversation with the guest. He wonders where Chatsky was for 3 years, what he learned new, but the young man is busy with his own thoughts. The lover is amazed at how prettier Sofia has become, his feelings inflamed even more. He apologizes to Famusov and explains: he wanted to see Sofia so much that he didn’t stop by home. Alexander Andreevich says goodbye, promising to return in the evening.
Famusov is left alone in his doubts. He does not understand what his daughter is hinting at when she says that “sleep is in your hand.” He is not satisfied with either the morning guest, the beggar Molchalin, or Chatsky, whom he considers a fashionista and sharp-tongued.
"Woe from Wit." Summary of Act 1
4.9
(7)
Summary of Act 2
Summary of Act 3
Summary of Act 4
The first and subsequent actions take place in Moscow, in Famusov’s house.
Morning, living room. Lisa is sleeping in front of the door to Sophia's room. Waking up, she tries to reach the hostess to say that it is time for her to see off the guest. Famusov enters, wanting to find out why at night he heard either a flute or a piano, and flirts with Lisa. She speaks in a loud voice, trying to signal to her young lady that her father is here.
Sophia calls Lisa, Famusov leaves. She and Molchalin come out of Sophia’s room, Liza reproaches them for their indiscretion. Sophia explains: “Happy people don’t watch the clock.” Famusov enters, he is surprised by Molchalin’s presence. He says he just came in. Famusov suspects deception and scolds the French, who have a bad influence on the girls.
Sofya pretends that she doesn’t understand anything, trying to make Famusov guilty: he ran in “so quickly” that she was scared. Famusov is ironic about this. Sophia explains the fright as a bad dream. Famusov still talks about deception, interrogates Molchalin, who replies that he came here at Famusov’s voice. They are going away.
Lisa tells Sophia that her love for Molchalin is hopeless, since the priest, like “all Moscow people,” wants a son-in-law “with stars and ranks,” and, moreover, with money. A suitable groom is Colonel Skalozub. But Sophia says that he didn’t say a single smart word and she doesn’t want to marry him. Then Lisa remembers the witty Chatsky, who was brought up in Famusov’s house and was connected by childhood friendship and his first tender relationship with Sophia. But Chatsky left three years ago because he became bored in Famusov’s house.
Sophia is offended by him, believing that the young man thought too much of himself (“He thought highly of himself,” but abandoned her. Molchalin is better than Chatsky, says Sophia: he is “ready to forget himself for others”).
Chatsky appears. He bombards Sophia with questions, one of which is: is she in love? Sophia doesn't answer. Chatsky recalls his youth and mutual acquaintances of Muscovites, making ironic remarks about them. But still, Chatsky is glad that he is in Moscow: “And the smoke of the fatherland is sweet and pleasant to us.”
By chance, Chatsky remembers Molchalin and says that he will go far: “After all, nowadays they love the dumb.” Sophia aside says that Chatsky is “not a man, a snake.” Famusov arrives. He ponders who he is more afraid of seeing as his daughter’s groom - Molchalin or Chatsky.
Molchalin is a beggar, Chatsky is a dandy, and besides, he’s also a spendthrift and a tomboy. “What a commission, Creator, to be a father to an adult daughter,” concludes Famusov.
4.9 / 5. 7
.
Act 2
Famusov and his servant fill out a calendar of events for the week. The life of a nobleman is so busy that every day is scheduled:
- trout dinner party;
- burial;
- baptism
You can’t listen to plans without a sarcastic grin: “she hasn’t given birth, but according to (my) calculations she should give birth.”
Chatsky enters Famusov’s office. An interesting dialogue begins between representatives of two generations of nobility. The young man is interested in everything connected with Sofia. In response, the father tries to find out his plans: have he decided to get married? Chatsky finds out what Famusov would answer to his matchmaking. He says that he would like to see him as a skilled manager of the estate. The main thing is that Famusov wants to send the young man to serve. Alexander Andreevich counters him with a phrase that has become popular: “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served.”
Famusov gives the example of Maxim Petrovich, his late uncle. He achieved respect and respect through an absurd situation. Having stumbled once and amused the noble people, he repeated the fall several times. He attracted attention and became a person who himself gives ranks and distributes pensions. Chatsky, after listening to the example, was simply amazed at how one could get a position through one’s own humiliation (“they knocked on the floor without sparing”), flattery (flattery was woven like lace). The ancestors hid all the meanness under the guise of admiration for the king, but in fact they only dreamed of their career growth and money. The young man’s speeches frighten Famusov. He sees in him a “carbonari” (a secret political society of a revolutionary hue), a dangerous person. And the more Chatsky speaks, the more scared Famusov becomes. The owner of the house no longer hears the end of the speech, he simply asks to let him go, not to argue and not to continue criticizing the events and people of his century.
The servant announces that Colonel Skalozub has arrived. Frightened Famusov shouts that Chatsky needs to be brought to justice. Only the third time was the servant able to shout to the owner. He asks Chatsky to behave carefully and respectfully in front of Skalozub, not to engage in arguments or false ideas. He talks about the colonel's possible desire to marry Sofia. Famusov does not see an urgent need for this wedding, but does not exclude such a possibility.
Chatsky is left alone for a few minutes. He reflects that an unknown number of suitors have appeared around his beloved. Love, in his opinion, comes to an end, unable to withstand 3 years of separation.
Sergei Sergeevich Skalozub, Famusov and Alexander Andreevich Chatsky are located in the same room and begin a conversation.
The colonel's speech is constructed one-sidedly. He thinks only in clear military terms. Therefore, it’s funny to hear his answer to the question about his relationship with a woman: “We didn’t serve together with her.” All he knows about his relatives is who served where and when, and how he distinguished himself. Among Skalozub’s relatives there is a brother who, instead of receiving a rank, went to the village to read books. Skalozub is friends with those who open job vacancies for him. He envies those who are more successful and feels sorry for himself. He had to travel with the regiment for 2 years to receive the next rank. Skalozub's dream is to become a general. Famusov asks about his plans for marriage. The Colonel is not averse to getting married.
The description of Moscow sounds interesting: the distances are huge, the fire contributed a lot to its decoration. The feeling of patriotism is described even more original in Famusov’s words. Girls flock to the military because they are patriots.
Chatsky joins the conversation when it comes to Moscow. His very first judgment frightens Famusov. The young man says that there are new houses in the capital, but old prejudices. The owner asks you to remember what you asked for at the beginning of the meeting. He has to introduce the young man to the colonel. There is a lot of negativity and criticism in his words:
- does not want to serve;
- did not become a businessman;
- spends his mind in the wrong place.
The words turn Chatsky on. He answers all the arguments of the older generation. Another phrase that sounded in the mouth of the young man: “Who are the judges?” began to circulate as an independent phrase immediately after the book was published. The owner no longer listened to the long speech of the representative of the new generation; he went into the office, calling the colonel with him. Out of the entire tirade, Skalozub heard only thoughts about the military.
Sofia runs into Chatsky and Skalozub’s room along with the maid. She rushes to the window and screams that someone has fallen and broken. Alexander Andreevich notices the girl’s genuine fear. Skalozub imagines that the old owner “gave a blunder.” Lisa explains to everyone in the room that the misfortune happened to Molchalin, who was unable to climb onto the horse. The Colonel is interested in how the pathetic rider fell: on his chest or on his side.
Chatsky does not know how to help his beloved. Lisa asks for water to bring Sofia back to consciousness. Having woken up, the girl scolds Alexander Andreevich for not helping Molchalin, but Lisa takes her to the window to see: everything worked out, and there is no reason to panic.
Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”
According to the play's concept, reactionary fools hounded an intelligent progressive hero. In fact, the brilliant play got a little out of the author's control. Reactionaries, no doubt. Unpleasant people - yes, of course. As for fools, that depends on how you look. Global problems are of little interest to Famusov’s society, but at the micro level their brains work well. Molchalin is vile, but not stupid. Famusov admires Catherine’s court jesters, but he himself had a great career under Paul and Alexander, when business skills were required. Now, having found himself in a place of bread, he has become incredibly lazy. Skalozub plays the fool, but he understood Repetilov’s vague speeches literally at a glance. I drew conclusions and instantly stopped the stream of consciousness. Chatsky could not cope with this problem for five pages. Famusova Jr., Khlestova, Zagoretsky, and many others are not stupid at all. Even the stupidest, Repetilov, clearly sees that Chatsky and Skalozub will not inform, but Zagoretsky will inform, and one should not chat in front of him.
As for Chatsky, it really seems that the ideas for the most part are not his. Pushkin also noticed this. Chatsky himself is rather witty, sarcastic and, above all, emotional. He says and does what he wants to say and do at the moment. The result matches. Did he really think that Famusov would be inspired and free his serfs? (By the way, Chatsky himself is also in no hurry to give freedom to his own.) He once courted a girl, then just a girl, then disappeared without a trace. I decided to make a political career, took off rapidly and abandoned everything. I wanted to see the world and soon changed my mind. But the girl has long become an adult and no longer wants to know him. I came to the ball - well, invite a girl to dance, maybe something can be fixed. We can talk tomorrow at the English Club. At least they will hear, understand, and maybe even something will change. No, Chatsky wants to talk here and now. That's exactly what I want. How is he fundamentally different from Repetilov? Well, of course, smarter...
And the play itself is amazing. Undoubtedly, the best comedy in verse in Russian. If you haven't read it since school, I advise you to re-read it. Get a rare treat. Over the course of four large acts, smart and moderately stupid people share their worldly wisdom with each other. And these wisdoms cause endless healthy laughter. This comedy will live as long as the Russian language lives. And, I'm afraid, it will never completely become obsolete.
Act 3
Chatsky is waiting to meet Sofia, hoping to find out who the girl loves. He doubts among two admirers: Molchalin and Skalozub. But the young lady avoids talking and calls her lover strange. Chatsky admits that he is crazy about the girl. Sofia confesses her love for Molchalin. Her words sound so ridiculous that Alexander Andreevich doubts. He cannot imagine how one can love such a nonentity: “he is silent when he is scolded,” he has no opinion of his own. Sofia’s answer about Skalozub is very short: “The hero is not my novel.”
Sofia, under the pretext of the hairdresser coming, goes to meet her beloved. Chatsky remains even more confused, the riddle remains completely confused. Molchalin approaches him. Their conversation just makes me laugh. Chatsky is trying to understand how such a person can be liked. Molchalin's talent is moderation and accuracy. Molchalin talks with envy about the gossip that was spread about Chatsky. He talks enthusiastically about some Tatyana Yuryevna, whom you definitely need to go to. There are balls every day and an ongoing celebration. But Chatsky does not see any attractiveness in balls. The longer the young man talks with Molchalin, the more he becomes convinced of the impossibility of a relationship between him and Sofia.
Guests begin arriving at Famusov’s house: a dinner party is planned. Many of them are old acquaintances of Chatsky, there are descriptions of their meetings and conversations. Some of the guests are funny and absurd:
- deaf princes and princesses;
- girls busy with their skirts.
They all evaluate Chatsky.
Sofia is dating Mr. N. She shares her opinion that Chatsky is out of his mind. The young lady, having uttered these words, understands that she said the wrong thing, but she begins to like the idea of \u200b\u200bspreading such thoughts among the guests. She makes her lover look like a buffoon and waits for events to develop.
Gossip is quickly gaining momentum. Everyone shares the news, adding their own. Zagoretsky accelerates the gossip: “they grabbed him, took him to the yellow house, and put him on a chain.” No one doubts madness; everyone, on the contrary, finds signs of it in Alexander Andreevich’s behavior. When the young man appears in the hall, everyone dances diligently, the old people play cards. Nobody listens to his speeches, everyone tries to stay away.
Act 4
The guests are leaving the ball.
Countess Khryumina and her granddaughter are unhappy with those who were invited: “freaks from the other world.”
Gorina Natalya Dmitrievna was having fun, her husband was dozing or dancing at his wife’s direction.
Chatsky asks the footman to give him a carriage. The coachman is not there, the footman goes to look for him, Chatsky remains. Repetilov runs up to him. He begins to chaotically declare his love for Alexander Andreevich. He doesn’t believe it and says it’s a lie and nonsense. He warns that Repetilov is late and the ball is already over. Repetilov is all about boasting; he considers himself one of the smart people who understand politics and books. He is a member of a secret club, invites a young man to join them, promises to introduce him to interesting people. But all the names listed do not arouse interest among the interlocutor. The speech stops when Skalozub's carriage is announced. Repetilov is heading there. And he begins to declare his love to the colonel. But apparently this is not the first time he listens to such speeches. He is frightening in that he will end all noisy meetings with formations in ranks. Unnoticed, Zagoretsky appears in Skalozub’s place. He begins to ask Repetilov about Chatsky. He wonders if his head is normal. Repetilov does not believe that Chatsky is mad.
The following guests appear: the princess with 6 daughters, Princess Khlestova. She is led by Molchalin. Zagoretsky asks everyone for confirmation of his words. It turns out that the news about madness is already outdated.
Molchalin accompanies Khlestova, who lets him into the room. Sarcasm can be heard in the name of the secretary's place of residence - the closet. Repetilov does not know where to go next, he asks the lackey to take him somewhere.
Chatsky, who was in the Swiss station all this time, heard what was said about him. He is amazed. The absurdity of madness is amazing; he wants to know who spread such terrible rumors. His thoughts are interrupted by Sofia, who, with a candle in her hand, makes her way to Molchalin’s room. He hides behind a column, hoping to wait and find out the secrets hidden in the house.
Lisa with a candle moves along another dark corridor. She needs to call Molchalin to Sofia.
Chatsky and Sofia are hiding in different places. Lisa knocks on Molchalin’s room. She calls him to the young lady, scolds him for sleeping and not preparing for the wedding. Molchalin’s response speeches are frightening with blasphemy. He explains to Lisa that he is simply “dragging” time, afraid of offending the owner’s daughter, and does not want him, having learned about his connection with Sophia, to kick him out of the house. He begins to confess his love to the maid. Sofia perceives his words as baseness, and Chatsky as meanness. Lisa calls the deceiver to his conscience. Molchalin tells the girl what the meaning of his life is - to please. He is ready to please everyone:
- to the owner;
- servant;
- to the boss;
- to the doorman;
- dog.
Molchalin asks Lisa to allow herself to be hugged so that he can go and share love with the deplorable young lady, but Sofia does not let him in. She says she is ashamed of herself and her feelings. Molchalin crawls on his knees, but the girl remains adamant. She understands that his speeches are lies and deception. The girl thanks Molchalin for his shyness on dates. She is glad that she found out everything at night, and there are no witnesses to her shame. At this moment Chatsky appears.
Molchalin runs to his closet, Liza drops the candle out of fear. The young man turns to Sofia, he is surprised who she exchanged his real feelings for. Sofia is crying.
A crowd of servants runs into the corridor along with Famusov. He is outraged that Sofia, who declared Chatsky insane, meets him in the dark. Chatsky, having learned to whom he owes his madness, is even more surprised. Famusov scolds the young man and asks him not to appear in his house until he improves. Alexander Andreevich laughs at himself and quickly leaves to look for a corner where he can retire and forget about the insults he has received.
Famusov is left alone and only thinks about whether news from his house will reach the next princess.
This concludes the brief retelling of the comedy “Woe from Wit,” which includes only the most important events from the full version of the work!
The text “Woe from Wit” is replete with catchphrases. They are used separately from the text, sometimes without even knowing where they came from.
