4.1
Average rating: 4.1
Total ratings received: 80.
4.1
Average rating: 4.1
Total ratings received: 80.
M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin is the author of instructive fairy tales that are interesting to both adults and children. The essence of them must be sought between the lines, thinking about every episode, every action of the characters. A striking example of such works by the writer is “The Bear in the Voivodeship.” An attentive reader will definitely notice the similarities between the Toptygins and some people and draw conclusions. At school, the work is introduced in the 8th grade. We offer an analysis of the fairy tale that will make it easier to prepare for the lesson.
The material was prepared jointly with a teacher of the highest category, Kuchmina Nadezhda Vladimirovna.
Experience as a teacher of Russian language and literature - 27 years.
Brief Analysis
Before reading this analysis, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the work The Bear in the Voivodeship itself.
Year of writing : 1884.
History of creation - The fairy tale was created in 1884 under the impression of events taking place in the country. It was first published abroad in Geneva in 1886. It was included in the collection “New Fairy Tales for Children of a Fair Age. M. Shchedrin."
Theme - The fairy tale can be perceived both in the literal and figurative sense, therefore two themes can be distinguished in it: the reign of the Toptygins; relations between people and government.
Composition – The composition of the tale is unusual. At the beginning of the work, the author presents a thesis that serves as an impetus for thinking about the stories about the Toptygins.
Genre – Fairy tale.
Direction – Realism.
"Introduction" to the fairy tale
“The Bear in the Voivodeship” is a fairy tale created in 1884. It includes 3 short stories that are an imitation of a historical chronicle and a parody of it. A short “introduction” precedes the description of the service of 3 governors of the Toptygins. It identifies a theme that links these stories from the fairy tale “The Bear in the Voivodeship” into one whole. An analysis of the reign of each of the governors is presented below.
Saltykov-Shchedrin believed that history consists of a series of great and bloody atrocities that rulers committed against their people. The writer, ironically, notes that petty atrocities are not worthy of the attention of history and, therefore, the chronicler.
History of creation
The history of the creation of the work is closely connected with the socio-political situation of the second half of the 19th century. Coups, the abolition of serfdom and the authorities' failure to fulfill promises undermined the people's trust in the authorities. This prompted M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin to write the fairy tale “The Bear in the Voivodeship.”
The writer knew that Russian censorship would not allow his work to be published, so it was first published abroad in Geneva in 1886. The fairy tale was included in the collection “New Fairy Tales for Children of a Fair Age.” In Russia it became known after the author’s death in 1906.
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Summary of “Bear in the Voivodeship”
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General characteristics of Saltykov-Shchedrin's tales
First of all, it should be noted that these works are written more for adults than for children. The writer indicated in the subtitle that these are “fairy tales for adults.” But what made Mikhail Evgrafovich turn to this genre? Perhaps Aesopian language, used in fairy tales, is the most suitable form for expressing his harsh statements and thoughts, presented in the form of satire.
In these works, Saltykov-Shchedrin continues to develop his favorite themes, which are fully embodied in his work “The History of a City.” What are these topics? On the one hand, this is a sharp criticism of the Russian government, a satire on it, and on the other, a satire on the entire Russian people.
Subject
The analysis of “The Bear in the Voivodeship” should begin with a description of the motives.
There are many works in literature in which forbidden themes are hidden under allegorical images. These include the fairy tale “The Bear in the Voivodeship.” The work has two main themes relating to the direct and figurative components: the reign of the Toptygins; relations between people and government.
To create allegories, the author uses images of animals. The main characters are the Toptygina bears. The image of Leo plays a supporting role. A specific chapter of the fairy tale is dedicated to each bear.
First, M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin talks about the most cruel and stupid bear ruler. The first Toptygin decided that the authorities were achieving power through bloodshed, and a major one at that. He ruled based on this conviction. But he did not rule for long. Lev removed him from his post when he learned that Toptygin had eaten a small bird. Then Leo considered that the bear-voivode was inconsistent in his words and actions.
The second Toptygin also decided to start his career with atrocities. But, looking for a way to distinguish himself and curry favor with his superiors, he only made himself a laughing stock. The third Toptygin decided that he would not commit crimes, since he had no rights to do so. He decided to simply observe from the hole and not influence in any way. This strategy helped the third bear make his way to colonel. And he would have gone further up the career ladder if the men had not killed him.
The main idea of the work : the career of a governor depends not on his personal qualities, but on the system of power itself.
Analysis “Bear in the Voivodeship” Saltykov-Shchedrin
M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin is the author of instructive fairy tales that are interesting to both adults and children. The essence of them must be sought between the lines, thinking about every episode, every action of the characters. A striking example of such works by the writer is “The Bear in the Voivodeship.” An attentive reader will definitely notice the similarities between the Toptygins and some people and draw conclusions. At school, the work is introduced in the 8th grade. We offer an analysis of the fairy tale that will make it easier to prepare for the lesson.
Brief Analysis
Before reading this analysis, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the work The Bear in the Voivodeship itself.
Year of writing – 1884.
History of creation - The fairy tale was created in 1884 under the impression of events taking place in the country. It was first published abroad in Geneva in 1886. It was included in the collection “New Fairy Tales for Children of a Fair Age. M. Shchedrin."
Theme - The fairy tale can be perceived both in the literal and figurative sense, therefore two themes can be distinguished in it: the reign of the Toptygins; relations between people and authorities.
Composition – The composition of the tale is unusual. At the beginning of the work, the author presents a thesis that serves as an impetus for thinking about the stories about the Toptygins.
Genre – Fairy tale.
Direction – Satire.
History of creation
The history of the creation of the work is closely connected with the socio-political situation of the second half of the 19th century. Coups, the abolition of serfdom and the authorities' failure to fulfill promises undermined the people's faith in power. This prompted M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin to write the fairy tale “The Bear in the Voivodeship.”
The writer knew that Russian censorship would not allow his work to be published, so it was first published abroad in Geneva in 1886. The fairy tale was included in the collection “New Fairy Tales for Children of a Fair Age.” In Russia it became known after the author’s death in 1906.
Check out what else we have:
In “The Bear in the Voivodeship” the analysis should begin with a description of the motives.
There are many works in literature in which forbidden themes are hidden under allegorical images. These include the fairy tale “The Bear in the Voivodeship.” The work has two main themes relating to the direct and figurative components: the reign of the Toptygins; relations between people and authorities.
To create allegories, the author uses images of animals. The main characters are the Toptygina bears. The image of Leo plays a supporting role. A specific chapter of the fairy tale is dedicated to each bear.
First, M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin talks about the most cruel and stupid bear ruler. The first Toptygin decided that the authorities were achieving through bloodshed, and a lot of it. He ruled based on this conviction. But he did not rule for long. Lev removed him from his post when he learned that Toptygin had eaten a small bird. Then Leo considered that the bear-voivode was inconsistent in his words and actions.
The second Toptygin also decided to start his career with atrocities. But, looking for a way to distinguish himself and curry favor with his superiors, he only made himself a laughing stock. The third Toptygin decided that he would not commit crimes, since he had no rights to do so. He decided to simply observe from the hole and not influence in any way. This strategy helped the third bear make his way to colonel. And he would have gone further up the career ladder if the men had not killed him.
The main idea of the work : the career of a governor depends not on his personal qualities, but on the system of power itself.
Composition
The composition of the tale is original. At the beginning of the work, the author provides a thesis, which can be considered an introduction. It serves as an impetus for thinking about the stories about the Toptygins. The main content of the tale is divided into 3 parts, which corresponds to the number of heroes. In each part, plot elements can be identified. You can understand the meaning of the work only by taking into account the content of all parts.
The genre of Saltykov-Shchedrin’s work “The Bear in the Voivodeship” is a satirical fairy tale. The work contains real and fantastic events, and the author hides human qualities and characters under the images of animals. At the same time, the writer used satirical techniques to expose the system of contemporary power. He makes fun of bears by describing their personalities and behavior.
“Activities” of Toptygin the Third
The writer further asks what the governors can do. How can they express themselves? The surest way was found by Toptygin the Third from the fairy tale “The Bear in the Voivodeship.” He decided that “natural” bloodshed was the best of all. This Toptygin slept in a den all his life, letting the life of the people take its course. During this time, there were “natural” incidents and casualties in his domain, but this only strengthened the authority of the governor. Lying in his den, Toptygin the Third received encouragement from his superiors. In addition, the people, according to custom, brought taxes to their “master”, hoping to appease him.
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Question 1 of 10Who is the author of the work “Bear in the Voivodeship”?
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Toptygin the Second
Toptygin the Second was the name of the new ruler. It should be noted that the second bear in the voivodeship was somewhat smarter than the first. The analysis of his activities is very interesting. This governor came up with a plan for the “campaign” in advance, which he decided to implement. However, once on the spot, Toptygin the Second realized that everything had already been destroyed before him. Neither universities nor printing houses were in his domain. What was the poor ruler to do? How could he become famous and prove himself? And Toptygin decided to take up the physical destruction of his charges. However, the men did not like his idea. They punished Toptygin by skinning him. An analysis of the fairy tale “The Bear in the Voivodeship” shows that people’s patience also has limits. This is indicated by the story of the second bear.
The fate of Toptygin the Third
And everything would go on as usual quietly and peacefully. Life in the estate would have been the same unchanged and hopeless for many years to come. However, the author ends his third short story, “The Bear in the Voivodeship,” with the fact that the Lukash men came to the slum, and Toptygin came out of the den into the field. The ruler shared the fate of “all fur-bearing animals.” Most likely, this phrase contains not reality and truth, but rather the hopes of the writer. These are both the author’s aspirations and a call to action.
What is the author calling for?
Saltykov-Shchedrin (“Bear in the Voivodeship”) calls on ordinary people to stand up for their lives and their rights. Of course, the tale uses allegory, and people are depicted under the Toptygin masks. The work describes the problems and issues that Russian society had to face at the end of the 19th century. They worried the author, who, with the help of allegory, irony, and satire, is trying to open people’s eyes to current problems. The writer also offers a way out of this situation. One must assume that it is precisely to revolution that Saltykov-Shchedrin is calling for. “The Bear in the Voivodeship” is an excellent example of satire by Mikhail Evgrafovich, who could not turn a blind eye to social problems.
Why was Toptygin demoted?
Toptygin was not reproached at all for the innocent soul he ruined. The worst thing in this whole story was the essence of the accusation. It turns out that he “did not live up to the expectations” of his people. After all, “good people” expected great bloodshed from him, but he only ate Chizhik! This is how people feel about power. People are so accustomed to the atrocities of their superiors that they expect exactly that. If the ruler fails to commit any cruelty, the people even become disappointed in him.
Thus, Toptygin’s career was completely ruined. Even the bloodshed he committed after this incident in order to make amends for his “guilt” did not help. The authorities, Donkey and Lev, never forgot Toptygin’s “sin”. This is what this bear was like in the voivodeship. The analysis of the tale according to plan continues with a description of the activities of the next ruler.
Toptygin the First
The first short story tells about a “beast servant” sent “to the distant forest” to the voivodeship. The bear, having appeared in the estate, immediately caused bloodshed. It is unknown what forced the ruler to make this decision. After all, he could not be called evil. He was "so, a brute." This is exactly how the author speaks about the inner essence of all those in power. They are not villains, but they are decent brutes.
But the plans of ruler Toptygin the First were not destined to come true. He destroyed his reputation and career in the most decisive way. While sleeping, he accidentally ate Chizhik, whom he mistook for his “inner adversary.” This little siskin was a “small bird,” albeit a smart one. And Toptygin was destroyed by this “crime.” Everyone began to point out this action to the governor.
