The story of A. Chekhov "Thick and thin": analysis. Thick and thin - characterization of heroes

In 1883 in the magazine "Oskolki" appeared a short story "Thick and thin" by A. Chekhov. Short and capacious in content, it is filled with deep meaning. The author addresses him in the problem of servility and chanting, which has more than once become an object of criticism in Russian literature.

Composition and content (short)

Thick and thin, former classmates at the gymnasium, accidentally met at the station. The mention of the Nikolayev railway in the first sentence (this is a condensed exposition) suggests that the heroes of the story are officials. A detailed description of them, Chekhov does not give, but the precise artistic details immediately bring clarity into what is happening. For example, the mention that the thick smelled of "sherry and fleur-d''orange" is a sign of consistency, and of the subtle one - "ham and coffee grounds", helps to determine at which stage of the social ladder each of the heroes was located. In addition, the latter was hung with boxes and suitcases - probably did not have the extra money or pity money on the porter.

First noticed a former buddy is fat. His joyful exclamation, addressed to Porphyry, becomes an outset of action. They have not seen each other since childhood, and it is only natural that a conversation begins between them. Short, but sufficient for the reader to make a complete picture of the life position of each of his friends.

The culmination is the moment when the subtle finds out what heights in life his companion achieved. Misha immediately turns into "Your Excellency", and Porphyry himself becomes an obsequious and cunning little man, without need, what further analysis will show.

Thick and thin during the dialogue

Porphyry, seeing a childhood friend, was simply stunned. Former friends embraced and thrice "kissed" - the author intentionally uses the lofty vocabulary here to give the whole scene a mocking character.

Slim was extremely talkative and began to boast about his life. He introduced his wife and son, while Nathaniel first thought and only then took off his hat. He told me that he had reached the collegiate assessor during his years in the office. And he also makes and sells cigars - additional profit to the salary. However, his joy and ecstasy from the meeting disappeared at the same moment when he learned that his friend - "probably already civil?" - rose to the secret counselor. Slim at first paled and looked as if petrified, after which he painted on his face a broad smile, probably best suited for conversation with an important person. He at once seemed to have lessened, trying not to attract attention to himself. The same thing happened with his family and numerous knots and cartons: they all suddenly cringed and wrinkled. The chanting, in every situation and before everyone who was at least a little more significant, became the norm of life for a petty official - Porfiry's behavior and his analysis lead to such a result.

The fat and delicate parted at all the way they had met. The secret counselor, laconic and confident in himself, but showing cordiality, was about to say something, and then simply turned away, giving a farewell hand. He was sick of such a change in his companion.

And the whole family froze in a "pleasant daze."

In my childhood

Character of the heroes and memories of Porphyry will allow to evaluate the analysis. Thick and Thin together spent several years in the gymnasium. Even then, the superiority of the first, nicknamed by Herostratus, was evident - in ancient times a Greek with this name destroyed one of the wonders of the world with fire. Misha also burned a cigarette book - he obviously wanted to win prestige among his classmates.

Subtle was called Efialto, because he often slandered. And this name - the traitor of the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae - is preserved in history. Years passed, and one remained handsome, "darling" and dandy, lived in a sedate and prosperous way. Another - "thanks to" the ability to please and many years of work, managed to attain a low rank, which still gave the noble title. And now this difference between former friends was revealed even more, and the constant fear of superiors made Porphyry tremble before someone who was only a "childhood friend" a few minutes ago.

Means of expressiveness and the role of detail

The main reception, which Chekhov uses in the story "Thick and thin", is the antithesis. The opposition of heroes is found in everything, including the name: from the mention of what each had had dinner, to the manner of behavior and speech. Indicative in this regard is subtle. If at the beginning of the meeting we hear from him: "you", "my dear", "a childhood friend", then later his tone changes to a reverent and respectful. To the meaningful "Your Excellency", "such a nobleman," "have mercy on", "hee-hee-hee," etc. Pauses are added, as if it suddenly became difficult for him to speak.

In the second part of the story, an important role for revealing the image of the collegiate assessor is played by a metaphor ("petrified"), a comparison ("it seemed ... from the face and eyes sparks fell"), the personification (boxes, knots "cringed, frowned"). So in the story "Thick and thin" Chekhov ridicules adultery, cowardice, the adaptation of the hero. And Slim does it unconsciously, out of habit, ignoring the words of the former comrade: "Well, it's full ... And why this tone?".

The moral value of the work

Gloomy thoughts are the reader's content and analysis of his story. "Thick and thin" is an example of how self-abasing a person can reach in an effort to curry favor, to please. A great writer and connoisseur of the human soul, AP. Chekhov, for the last century and a half has been calling us to look at ourselves and others so that society will finally get rid of the vices that prevent the establishment of healthy and sincere relations between people.