Abstract "Childhood Themes" by N. G. Garin-Mikhailovsky

"Childhood Themes" - this is the first novel of an autobiographical work, consisting of four parts. Talking about himself, the writer protects the identity of each child from pettiness and heartlessness in the family and society.

NG Garin-Mikhailovsky, "Childhood Themes": a brief summary of I - II Chapters

The action takes place in the Kartashev family. His head is a retired general, Nikolai Semyonovich. Mother - Aglaida Vasilyevna. Father, a former military man, strongly opposes the sentimental education of Theme - the eldest of boys in the family. The mother, on the contrary, believes that the child should not be intimidated, punished corporally, so as not to destroy human dignity in it . The first meeting with the theme occurs when he accidentally broke his beloved father's flower. The boy does not admit, because he is afraid of punishment. This fear is higher than the confidence in the justice of the mother. He directs all the actions of the Themes. On the first day of the narrative, he tore off the skirt of the bonny, galloped on the stallion, smashed the soup and stole the sugar. As a result, his father severely punished his son - hewed it. Such executions he will remember forever. So, when almost 20 years later he found himself in a father's house, he remembered the place where he had been sexually abused by a child. The feeling of hostility towards his father did not change at the same time.

N. G. Garin-Mikhailovsky, "Childhood Themes": summary III - IV Chapters

During this period it was important for the mother that, despite her whims, pranks and rash acts, her son's heart remained hot. He feels this attitude and willingly tells her about his misfortunes. After repentance and recognition, the theme overwhelmed the sublime feelings. But at the same time he is still under the impression of physical punishment, because of what he is sick, and then he commits a real act. He remembers about Zhuchka, a favorite dog. Nanny says that someone threw her into the well. The theme rescues the Beetle first in a dream, and then in reality. This impressed the boy so much that he considers many future events of adult life through the prism of what happened to him in his childhood. This time the feat of the topic ended in a fever and several weeks of illness. But he crawled out.

Abstract "Childhood Themes": V - VI Chapters

After recovering, the boy was allowed to play in the wasteland that belonged to his father and was leased. So, in games, sallies and walks, there were two more pre-ninja years. The exam in the first class The subject passed successfully. The boy trembled before the Latinist, but adored the teacher of natural history. Here he first learned what friendship is.

Abstract "Childhood Themes": VII - VIII Chapters

Soon the emotional recovery is replaced by a more casual mood. The days became even, monotonous. Kind and gentle classmate Ivanov became a good friend of the Theme. In addition, he was more well-read. Thanks to him, Kartashev in the second class gets acquainted with new writers.

Abstract "Childhood Themes": IX - X Chapters

But soon an unpleasant story occurred, after which Ivanov was expelled from the gymnasium. Friends stopped talking. And not only because there were no common interests. Ivanov witnessed the faint-hearted act of Theme. Since then, he and the class have had a reputation as a "betrayer". For several days the boy was completely alone. When Kartashov studied in Petersburg, he still had a chance to meet with Ivanov. But at that time he had many new friends. They were filled with adventurous romantic dreams. They wanted to escape to America, so as not to be like everyone else. This, of course, affected the performance: a less eagerness to study led to worse estimates in the journal. From home The theme is carefully concealed. Escape did not work, friends got the nickname of "Americans".

Abstract "Childhood Themes": XI - XII Chapters

When it was time to take exams, it was found that no one was ready for them. Kartashev is very afraid to fail. For fear he thinks of suicide. These thoughts, fortunately, left without consequences. The subject still passes the exams, he is transferred to the third grade. At the same time, there is a rapprochement between the boy and his father. He became more affectionate and gentle, strove to visit with his family more often. Before, he was silent, and now he tells Teme about his campaigns, military comrades and battles. Soon the father dies.