Zakhar (Oblomov): Characteristics of the Hero

Roman Goncharov "Oblomov" decorated Russian classical literature of the middle of the XIX century. The name of his central character - Ilya Ilich Oblomov - has become a household name. However, in the pages of the novel, along with the main character, there live bright "types of the human sea of Russia" of the early 19th century. A special role in the plot of the book is played by a kind of tandem servant and master "Zakhar - Oblomov." The characterization of the relationship between these characters seemed so important to Goncharov that he wrote a separate essay. Such people as Zahar, the writer called "servants of the old age." This type is typical for the nobility and leads his literary pedigree from Savelievich from Pushkin's "Captain's Daughter".

Appearance of the servant Zahar

What does Zakhar look like in Oblomov's novel? Outwardly this is a clumsy, untidy, bald, elderly, but still sturdy man with disproportionately big gray-sided whiskers. He, possessing natural common sense, is an "eternal uncle" for his master, whom he perceives, despite his age, as a "little child." Characterized by the voice of Zahara - hoarse, barking. As he himself explains the reason for what happened on the hunt with the old master: "The wind got in the throat".

From Illya Ilich Oblomov, he took over all-conquering laziness. The servant is dressed in tasteless, but not in a rural way: in a gray coat, a gray waistcoat with brass buttons.

The servant watches over the interests of the host

Zahar has his unwritten rights. He, using them, interferes with the conversation of the master with the guests, when he realizes that another rascal tries to rob him, putting a scoundrel (for example, Tarantyev) in his place. Often he listens to what Zakhar, Oblomov is saying . The character of this servant, in spite of all his obvious shortcomings, can be expressed in one word - "devotion."

For him, the master is the second after God. This fidelity to the servants of the old temper is dear. For him, comparing his master "with others" seems a real sacrilege. One day, with such vexation, such words break off, but he himself suppresses his "forbidden" speech, which, as he understands, violates the principles of service. This happened after he provocatively said that the "poisonous man" Zakhar, Oblomov.

The character of the servant, given by Goncharov, at the same time, despite obvious sympathy, reveals his human shortcomings.

Disadvantages of Zahar

He is characterized by the traditional shortcomings of master servants. Zahar found an outlet for his soul in drinking. He loves, until the master is asleep in the afternoon, go to a tavern and get drunk in a company with drinking companions. In this case, the servant then praises his master, attributing to him heroic qualities, then boasts of his influence on him. At the same time, for all he does not consider it shameful to keep the owner's copper money for "booze", although Zakhar, of course, does not steal in a large account. It is characteristic that Oblomov himself does not know about this hobby. The image of Zahar, a servant of the lazy as much as his master, was undoubtedly the creative find of the author of the novel.

However, we return to its description. Another drawback of this original servant is one amazing quality that people call figuratively "to have two left hands": everything that he will apply his hand to, breaks, beats, goes out of order.

Zakhar is the keeper of the Oblomovka traditions

Of course, he appreciates the way Zakhar, Oblomov is devoted to him. The characteristic of this now not social but mental connection between the master and his servant is touching. She, born in the patriarchal Oblomovka, where Ilya Ilyich was at first a curious inquisitive boy, and Zakhar - a curly-haired fellow, connected them even after the death of the master. In an instant after Oblomov's death, his servant's world collapsed. Unaware of his way of life without a master and impoverished Zakhar, earning a penny on the porch for a living, does not even think of returning to the more full Oblomovka where his relatives live. Further, he sees for himself only a single mission - to look after the grave of Ilya Oblomov.

It is also characteristic that during the life of the landowner, after marrying the cook Anissya, Zahar continues to serve the master always only himself. And this despite the slowness: when serving, he drops utensils, bread. In the house because of his awkwardness, all the plates and cups are stabbed, even the chairs are damaged. Anisya, of course, would put more effort on the table. However, a faithful servant does not let her go, for this is "his master".

Devotion to the gentleman, brought to the highest limits

The author with affection and irony tells us what he, Zahar, in the novel "Oblomov." If, say, we had to give our lives for Ilya Ilyich Oblomov, our master, he would not have thought it over for a moment. I would have rushed to the enemy, as a dog rushes to the beast, protecting the hunter. However, where patience and perseverance should have been shown, for example, during the all-night care of a sick master, Zakhar would not be able to heal this way, but simply fell asleep.

The role of Zakhar in the novel Oblomov boils down to the fact that he seems to bring the atmosphere of Oblomov into the life of his master, being the carrier of its foundations. It is characterized by laziness impregnated with laziness and idleness: the complete indifference to the disorder around, the reluctance to protect things, save money and repair the broken one. In addition, it is unusual for him to strive for efficient management of the economy. His daily routine includes sleep before noon. Then - the usual wrangling with the master. This is not even a dispute, but a kind of daily ritual. Oblomov talks about business, but what has been said is never realized. Then Zakhar joins the speeches of his master and makes his verdict. He says that all this is vanity, and they are not Germans any to be engaged in this nonsense.

Zakhar is indifferent to the fact that the sofa for his master became both a bedroom, a kitchen, and a study. After all, it is lying on it Oblomov receives guests. Moreover, living in a three-room rented apartment in St. Petersburg, neither the master nor the owner of two rooms do not use at all. They are indifferent to the mice and cockroaches that spawned around. The main thing for them is to have a good sleep, then have a dense dinner, and then - again to fall into a drowsy state. This is the essence of their life, transferred from Oblomovka. The role of Zakhar in the novel "Oblomov" - to support this dear to his heart the atmosphere. Therefore, the landlord himself is comfortable and comfortable with his old and faithful servant. However, such zealous devotion to Zakhar has a negative impact on Oblomov himself. The landowner, who owns three hundred souls, does not consider it necessary to work, relying in everything on the work of his serfs.

Conclusion

The topic of a superfluous person in Russian society is by no means new. It was raised in "Eugene Onegin" by the great Pushkin, talented continued in "The Hero of Our Time" Lermontov.
In the first case, an aristocrat turned out to be superfluous, in the second case - a servant nobleman. What can be superfluous on its land is its owner-landowner, first said in the novel "Oblomov" Goncharov.

Zahar as an image in this work fulfills an important mission. On the one hand, it can be described figuratively as a reflection of his master (the same laziness and lack of initiative). And on the other hand, accompanying Oblomov his whole life Zakhar with his blind adoration contributed to the deformation of the personality of his master, turning him into a complete lazy and idler.