His immortal plays we know A. N. Ostrovsky. “Dowry” is one of the most significant works of the great master. This article provides a summary of the play. The action takes place in the large Volga city of Bryakhimov. This is a fictional settlement that you will not find on the map.
A. N. Ostrovsky, “Dowry”: a summary. Action one
Venue: summer outdoor area near the coffee shop. An elderly rich businessman Knurov and a young novice trader Vozhevatov are sitting at a table and discussing the news: local beauty Larisa Ogudalova marries a poor and stupid official Karandyshev. And it happened like that. A lot of people always gathered in her family's house; eminent grooms came to try to get married to the girl. Larisa is poor, and her marriage should improve the financial situation of the family. Her mother wants to find a profitable lot for her daughter. But at the last such reception in the Ogudalovs' house, there was a scandal when the next groom was arrested right in front of the failed bride. After that, Larisa made a promise to marry the first who would marry her. And this despite the fact that the heart of the beauty is not free. She is in love with the “brilliant master” Paratov, who turned the girl's head and immediately left. Poor, but having immodest claims, Karandyshev in time turned up under Larisa’s arm and made her an offer, to which she replied with consent. All this was discussed by Vozhevatov and Knurov in a coffee shop. The first of them was waiting for the arrival of Paratov, who sold him his ship "Swallow". Went to meet the "brilliant master" with gypsies and songs. Meanwhile, the Ogudalovs and Karandyshev appear in the coffee shop. Larisa’s newly-born groom is important and, wanting to impress the public, invites Knurov to dinner.
A. N. Ostrovsky, “Dowry”: a summary. Action two
The main scene: the Ogudalovs house. Soon Paratov appears in the coffee house, accompanied by a certain Robinson, a provincial actor, and reports that he will marry a rich bride “with gold mines”. In honor of this event, he organizes a men's picnic beyond the Volga and invites Knurov and Vozhevatov to it. But they refuse, citing the fact that they have already been called for lunch at the Ogudalovs' house. Soon Knurov arrives at the home of the beautiful Larisa. There he has a conversation with her mother, in which he reproaches the woman for marrying her daughter to a poor man. Knurov offers himself as a patron of Larisa. He is sure that she will soon be disappointed in her worthless husband, and she will really need a “powerful friend”.
After this conversation, he leaves. Larisa appears in the living room. She picks up a guitar, wanting to fulfill her crown romance “Do not tempt me ...”. But the instrument is upset, and the beauty calls the gypsy from the street, so that he will establish it. The latter informs the girl that the master arrived in the city, whom he “waited all year”. This is Paratov. Soon, the culprit of the urban commotion appears in the Ogudalovs' house. Larisa’s mother accepts him very affectionately and asks where he went so urgently. Paratov tells the woman that he was forced to leave the city in order to save the remains of his estate. He found a way out by marrying a rich bride. Larisa appears in the room. Young people have an explanation in private. The beauty admits Paratov that she still continues to love him. Soon she introduces him to her fiancé, Karandyshev, who calls the master to his place for dinner. Paratov accepts the invitation only to laugh at the unlucky groom.
Ostrovsky. "Homelessness." (Summary). Action Three
Venue: the office of Karandyshev. All invited guests appear in the room. The cabinet is poorly and tastelessly cleaned. The same can be said of his master. Visitors discuss cheap wine, a crappy lunch, and Karandyshev’s misunderstanding of his humiliating position. Larisa notices that invitees are pouring wine into the glass of her fiance, laughing at him. That, in turn, is important and does not notice mockery. The owner is sent for cognac, and Larisa at this time is persuaded to join the men's company led by Paratov, who is preparing to go on a picnic for the Volga. The returned groom does not find the bride. Now he realizes that they laughed at him. Grabbing his gun, he runs away to look for her.
A. N. Ostrovsky, “Dowry”: a summary. Action four
Venue: coffee house again. Robinson appears on stage, who was not taken on a picnic. Karandyshev is trying to find out where his guests and Larisa went. Not having obtained anything from Robinson, the failed groom runs further in search of his bride. Soon Knurov and Vozhevatov came to the coffee shop, discussing the current situation of Larisa Ogudalova. They understand that Paratov has compromised the girl, but he will not marry her. Therefore, they have a chance to make a beauty their mistress. In order to decide which of them has the right to it, businessmen throw a coin. The lot falls to Mr. Knurov. Vozhevatov promises him to retire.
Meanwhile, between Paratov and Larisa, a conversation takes place, where the master thanks the girl for her love. The beauty wants to hear that now the beloved will marry her. But he says that this is impossible, since he already has a bride. Realizing that her situation is hopeless, Larisa comes to the fence of the deck of the ship in the intent to throw herself into the water. At this time, Karandyshev appears and says that the bride will forgive everything. But she insults him and drives him away. Enraged groom shoots Larisa and kills her. She gratefully accepts this death.
Ostrovsky’s drama “Dowry” was filmed in 1984 by director E. Ryazanov. This is the most popular artistic interpretation of the play. The film is called "Cruel Romance." This tape will soon be thirty years old, and we still watch it with trepidation and interest.