What is the work of Ochumel? Characteristics of the image

AP Chekhov is known in the literature as a master of a short satirical story, based on anecdotal situation from everyday life, and the heroes were ordinary people snatched from the crowd. Thanks to the use of various pictorial means, the author succeeded in showing on one or two pages the vulgarity and immorality of contemporary society. In Chekhov everything played a big role: the exact name, and the surnames, the features of speech, and the objects belonging to the heroes. All the images created by the writer in the early stories are surprisingly memorable: it is enough to name one or two details or phrases, and the reader immediately recalls from which works Ochumelov, Chervyakov or non-commissioned Prishibeev.

An analysis of the "Chameleon" story written in 1884 makes it possible to understand why the writer's works do not lose their relevance and popularity after a century.

The plot and main characters

The scene of action is the market square, on which the police supervisor Ochumelov marches. Next to him is Yeldyrin, a policeman. Their measured move violates the cry - it's Khryukina bitten by the finger of an unknown dog. This incident becomes an outset of action, during which the overseer, as a representative of the authorities, will have to decide on the fate of the dog. It would seem, which is easier? But not in this case. Chekhov thus builds a plot that the situation described becomes an excuse to show who is Ochumelov.

"Chameleon" continues to clarify the circumstances of the case. Hryukin complained that he was walking, did not touch anyone, suddenly this dog grabbed his finger, and he, the goldsmith, now can not work. It seems that everything is clear for Ochumelov - it is necessary to compile a protocol and destroy the dog. But then someone from the crowd said that it was the puppy of General Zhigalov. Abandoned phrase immediately affected the decision. Yes, and the cause of the incident cleared up: Khryukin himself poked the dog with a cigarette in the face, so she bit it. Further, the behavior of the hero itself dictates from which work Ochumelov. He behaves like a chameleon. Depending on the content of the replicas of passers-by - the dog turned out to be a general, then a wandering - the supervisor could not decide who was the true culprit of the incident. It's hard to tell what happened to him during this time. He instantly, without any hesitation, would release impassive remarks to the frightened little dog, then to Hryukin. So it turned out that the fate of the dog began to depend entirely on who was its master. All ended with the fact that "tsutsyk sort of" - doggy not Zhigalov, but ... brother of the general - was released in peace.

Speech Characteristics of Heroes

The peculiarity of the story is that it consists almost entirely of dialogues alone. And for the most part says Ochumelov-chameleon. Chekhov always attached special significance to the speeches of the heroes. Here and in this case, the dialogue helps to reveal their images, as well as to reveal the essence of such a concept as servility - it is the basis of the conduct of the overseer. Speech of Ochumelov abounds with office clerics - a feature of the post, with conversational and vulgar words: "Kuzkina mother," "healthier", "every pig" and others - a symbol of his power and an indicator of low culture. Its personal significance in society is indicated by the pronoun "I", which he uses in combination with the verbs "I will show," "I will not leave it like that." And only when it turns out that the dog still has to do with the general, the reader is surprised to learn that in the vocabulary of the supervisor there are diminutive and caressing words: "doggy." And his tone from the orderly and official changes to obsequious and flattering.

Artistic details

As a rule, Chekhov's portraits of the hero and the author's instructions on his position in society do not play a big role. This is better than any words to say the details in its external appearance. Ochumelov is a person who uses his official position everywhere. This is indicated by his progress in the area: he walks slowly and importantly, looking around the whole building with the look of his master. Seeing the noisy crowd, immediately unceremoniously "smashes" into it. Clear movements indicate his self-confidence. Despite the embarrassment during the trial, he will continue his journey in the same measured and confident manner.

An important detail is a bundle in his hands and a sieve with gooseberry - the author does not accidentally emphasize: "confiscated" - which is carried by the policeman. This is their "booty", symbolizing power.

And, of course, you can not fail to note the new overcoat of a supervisor. By the way, it is she who is remembered most of all to the reader, and only one word immediately suggests which of Ochumel's works. In the street it's summer, but he's in his greatcoat - an indication of his position and position. During the conversation, the warden takes off several times, then puts it on, as he throws it in the heat, then in the cold. Finally, after all the proceedings, Ochumelov confidently smells his overcoat and goes on. Thus, this detail is better than all portraits describe the character and feelings of the hero.

Why Ochumelov?

Another device characteristic of Chekhov's stories is the speaking names. First, it should be noted that the name and patronymic of the hero do not sound in the work. This is not necessary, since for all he is an "important person", to which you simply will not turn. The surname is associated with the words "ochumet" and "plague", which may indicate the typical character of the hero. Even in the story, this is not only Ochumelov. Characteristics of the behavior of the hero and the crowd is the same. The assembled quickly respond to the influence of the overseer and pick up his point of view, again from the desire to please. This phenomenon, as an infection, covers more and more people who have learned to adapt and skillfully use their position.

The meaning of the title of the story

In nature, a chameleon is a reptile that easily changes its color and adapts itself to the environment. It saves his life.

The title of the story fully reflects the essence of the main character. The Chameleon is a person who easily adapts to what is happening. But it's not about life and death, it's about the desire to get well and have a profit for yourself (not for society!) In any situation.

The role of the story "Chameleon"

At first the work causes laughter. However, despite the seeming insignificance, the Chameleon became a rather serious parody of the control system that existed at the end of the 19th century. And it is not so important, from what works of Ochumelov. In the minds of readers, he forever remained the personification of a constant admiration for those who stand above. And if he begins to grovel before a general, though still a dog, a similar story suggests a very unhappy thought about the vicious organization of the whole country.