Alexander Ostrovsky, "Profitable place": summary, plot, main characters

One of the most outstanding Russian playwrights is Alexander Ostrovsky. "Profitable place" (the summary of the work will be the subject of this review) is a play that occupies a prominent place in his work. It was published in 1856, but before the production in the theater was allowed only seven years later. There are several well-known stage productions of the work. One of the most popular is the work of M. Zakharov with A. Mironov in one of the main roles.

Time and place

Old Moscow by the action of some of his famous works was chosen by the playwright Ostrovsky. "Profitable place" (the summary of the play should begin with the description of the morning of the main characters, since it is in this scene that the reader gets to know them and learns about their characters and social position) - a work that was no exception.

Also, we should pay attention to the time of events - the first years of the reign of Emperor Alexander II. It was a time when serious changes in the economic, political and cultural spheres were brewing in the society. This fact should always be remembered in analyzing this work, as the author reflected this spirit of change in the narrative.

Introduction

The real master of description and image of life and life of the middle class is Ostrovsky. "Profitable place" (the brief content of this new work of the writer must be divided into several semantic parts for the convenience of understanding the composition) - a play in which the main creative principles of the playwright are reflected.

In the beginning the reader gets acquainted with the main actors of this story: Vyshnevsky, an old morbid man, and his young attractive wife Anna Pavlovna, who is somewhat flirtatious. From their conversation it becomes clear that the relations of the spouses leave much to be desired: Anna Pavlovna is cold and indifferent towards her husband, who is very unhappy with this. He convinces her of his love and devotion, but his wife still does not pay any attention to him.

The plot of intrigue

Witty social criticism with subtle humor skillfully combined in his plays Ostrovsky. "Profitable place", the brief content of which should be supplemented by an indication of what served as an impetus to the development of the plot, is a work that is considered one of the best in the author's work. The beginning of the development of the action can be considered the receipt of Anna Pavlovna love letter from an elderly man, who, incidentally, was already married. A cunning woman decides to teach a hapless admirer.

Appearance of other characters

Ostrovsky's plays are distinguished by the dynamism of the plot's development with an emphasis on ridiculing the social vices of middle-class people. In this work the reader gets acquainted with typical representatives of the city bureaucracy, who are represented by subordinates of Vyshnevsky, Yusov and Belogubov.

The first is already old for years, so he is experienced in conducting office work, although his studies, obviously, are not something outstanding. However, he enjoys the confidence of the boss, which is very proud. The second is in his immediate submission. He is young and somewhat inexperienced: thus, Belogubov himself admits that he does not know much about reading and writing. Nevertheless, the young man intends to organize his life well: he marks in the chief clerks and wants to marry.

In the scene under consideration, the official asks Yusov to talk about his promotion, and he promises him his protection.

Characteristics of Zhadov

Ostrovsky's plays are known in Russian literature in that they contain a whole gallery of portraits of the modern playwright of the era. The image of Vishnevsky's nephew turned out to be especially colorful.

This young man lives in his uncle's house, serves with him, but intends to achieve independence, because he despises the way of life of his family and environment. In addition, from the very first appearance, he upbraids Belogubov for his poor knowledge of reading and writing. Also the reader will find out that the young man does not want to perform the Black Writer's work under the command of Yusov.

For such an independent position, the uncle wants to drive the nephew out of the house so that he tries to live for a small salary. Soon the reason for this behavior becomes clear: Zhadov informs his aunt that he intends to marry and live by his labor.

The uncle's quarrel with his nephew

"Profitable place" is a play based on the idea of confrontation between the younger and older generations. This idea was already outlined in the first part of the work, when he outlined the fundamental difference in Zhadov's life positions and his uncle's employees.

So, Yusov dissatisfied with his work and expresses the hope that Vyshnevsky will dismiss him for his dismissive attitude towards the service. This emerging confrontation reaches the final point in the scene of the uncle's open conflict with his nephew. The first does not want Zhadov to marry a poor girl, but the young man, of course, does not want to give in. Between them there is a violent quarrel, after which Vyshnevsky threatens his nephew to break with him a relationship. He learns from Yusov that the bride of Zhadov is the daughter of a poor widow, and convinces the latter not to extradite her daughter for him.

New heroes

Collision of the old order and new trends masterfully portrayed in his works Ostrovsky. "Profitable place" (the analysis of the play can be offered to schoolchildren as an additional task on the creativity of the playwright, since it is a landmark in his creative career) - a work in which this idea is a red thread through the narrative. Before the second act she is directly voiced by Yusov, who expresses fear because of the courage and audacity of modern youth and praises the way of life and actions of Vyshnevsky.

In the second act, the author introduces the new characters - the widow Kukushkina and her daughters: Yulenka, betrothed to Belogubov, and Polina, beloved Zhadova. Both girls are unintelligent, too naive, and their mother thinks only of the material situation of future spouses.

In this scene the author first brings the heroes together, and from their conversation we learn that Polina sincerely loves Zhadova, but this does not stop her from thinking about money. Zhadov dreams of an independent life and prepares for material difficulties, which the bride also tries to teach.

Description of the Kukushkin

Kukushkin was described by the author as a practical woman: she is not frightened by the free-thinking of the protagonist. She wants to attach her lackeys and assures Yusov, who warned her from the wedding, that Zhadov behaves boldly because he is single, but the marriage, he says, will correct him.

The venerable widow in this respect thinks very life-like, obviously, based on his own experience. Here we should immediately note the fundamental difference between the two sisters: if Yulia does not like Belogubov and deceives him, then Polina is sincerely attached to her fiancé.

The fate of the heroes in a year

The main character of the comedy Ostrovsky "Profitable place" Zhadov married for love on a woman he adored, but which in its development was inferior to him. Pauline wanted to live in satiety and contentment, but in marriage knew poverty and poverty. She was not ready for such a life, which, in turn, disappointed Zhadova.

About this we learn from the scene in the tavern, where a year later the main characters of the play converge. Here comes Belogubov with Yusov, and from their conversation the reader learns that the first case is excellent, since he does not hesitate to take bribes for his services. Yusov praises his ward, and Jadov is laughed at because he did not get into people.

Belogubov offers him money and protection, but Zhadov wants to live by honest work, and therefore rejects this offer with contempt and indignation. However, he himself very badly from the unsettled life, he drinks, after which the sexual one expels him from the tavern.

Family life

A true description of petty-bourgeois life is present in the play "Profitable place". Ostrovsky, whose plot of works is distinguished by the authenticity of depicting the characteristic phenomena of social reality in the mid-nineteenth century, conveyed the spirit of his epoch very expressively.

The fourth action of the play is devoted, in the main, to the family life of the Zhadovs. Polina feels unhappy in a miserable environment. She is the more sensitive to her poverty because her sister lives in full prosperity, and her husband spoils everything in every possible way. Kukushkina advises her daughter to demand money from her husband. Between her and the returning Zhadov there is a quarrel. Then Polina, following the example of her mother, begins to demand money from her husband. He calls her to endure poverty, but to live honestly, after which Polina escapes, but Zhadov returns it back and decides to go to his uncle to ask himself a place.

The final

Unexpectedly happy ending ends with the play "Profitable place". Ostrovsky, whose genre is predominantly a comedy, was able even in humorous sketches to show the public vices of our time. In the last, fifth, action of the Zhadov humbly begs for a job with his uncle, but in response, the latter together with Yusov begin to ridicule him for betraying his principles of living independently and honestly, without stealing or taking bribes. Deranged from himself, the young man declares that among his generation there are honest people, refuses his intention and declares that he will not show any weakness any more.

Polina reconciles with him, and the couple leave Vyshevsky's house. The latter, meanwhile, experiences a family drama: Anna Pavlovna's affair is revealed, and the insulted husband arranges a scene for her. In addition, he is ruined, and Yusov is threatened with dismissal. The work ends with the fact that with Vyshnevsky there is a blow from the misfortunes that befell him.

So, Alexander Ostrovsky ("Profitable place" is a striking example) in his works skillfully combined historical realities and sharp satire. The play recited by us can be offered to students for a more in-depth study of the writer's work.