The story of I. Turgenev "Mumu": a characteristic of Gerasim

The story "Mumu" written by I. Turgenev in 1852 appeared in print only in 1854. About two years, its content was discussed only in private correspondence. The main reason for the ban on any mention of the work was the main character. This is an ordinary serf, whom Turgenev portrayed in close-up. Gerasim, according to I. Aksakov, became "the personification of the Russian people." Consider this image in more detail.

The real basis of the plot

Varvara Petrovna, the despotic landowner and the writer's mother, was a silent janitor, Andrei. She noticed him in one of the villages and took him to her. The fortress was distinguished by a heroic figure, great strength, diligence and calm disposition. He knew almost all of Moscow. Once Andrei picked up a dog that did not like the lady. The landlady ordered her to be destroyed. The order was executed by the mute, who after all that happened remained in the service. Turgenev in his story defeated the finale of history, as a result of which the literary hero was more difficult than his prototype. This will show the characteristic of Gerasim.

History of serfdom

The protagonist was dumb from birth. He had great power, any business was arguing in his big hands. Gerasim grew up in a village that he was very bored with in the city. It is no coincidence that the author compares it to a bull, who was torn off from succulent grass and put on a rumbling railway car. At first he did not know what to do with himself: the new work seemed like a game. He often fell to the ground and lay for a long time, tormented by anguish. Gradually he got used to the city, although he did not talk very much from the courtyard: he was afraid of him because of his huge figure and strict appearance. This is the first characteristic of Gerasim.

After some time, the serf-owner who had become accustomed to a new life began to give out the laundress Tatiana, whom he liked with a meek and timid disposition. He began to look after her, clumsily and awkwardly. Surrounding people even noticed that the janitor was a little bit shabby. But the landowner gave the girl to marry Captain's drunkard. This was a tremendous shock to Gerasim. He did not resent, did not resist the will of the nobility. Only more alienation from people and concentration on work testified to his emotional experiences. So Gerasim lost the man to whom he was very attached for the first time. It is important to note that he did not get angry, just became gloomier and more sullen than before.

Gerasim and Mumu

The dog appeared at the janitor by chance: it, quite a tiny one, he caught in the river. Brought home, went out. He treated the puppy as a child, giving all his tenderness and love. A few months later, Mumu - this was one of the few words that could be pronounced dumb - turned into a beautiful dog. Gerasim and his pitomitsa were inseparable, and the whole life of the janitor focused on the dog. This went on until the lady - Mumu was already more than a year and a half - accidentally did not see her during the walk. A spiteful growl at a meeting with a stranger led to the fact that the lady ordered to get rid of the animal.

Gerasim was not like himself when the butler secretly sold Mumu. His face seemed to be petrified, and already gloomy, he completely stopped paying attention to people. But when the dog returned - ran with a scrap of rope around his neck - he could not get enough. Carefully swept the whole yard, mended the fence, in general, spun all day, occasionally visiting his pet, prudently closed in the room. Only at night he decided to take her out into the street, not thinking that the dog can voice itself.

Characteristics of Gerasim: hard decision

When it became clear that it was impossible to save Mum, the janitor promised that he would "destroy" him. He dressed festively, nourished the dog in the tavern and went to the river. Taking two bricks, sat in a boat and sailed away from the shore ...

The character of Gerasim, firm and determined, manifested itself at the moment when he fulfilled the promised. Unlike his prototype, the janitor could not reconcile himself to his lack of rights and the death of his most precious creature. Collecting things, he went to the village. This act testifies to the great strength of the will and courage of the serf, dared openly speak out against the excesses of the mistress and the position of the serf.

What happened to the hero became an incurable spiritual trauma for him. Until the end of his life, he did not come close to any woman and did not stroke a single dog. This is the characteristic of Gerasim from the story "Mumu" by I. Turgenev.