About three years created D.I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth". This story, or rather, a comedy play, is devoted to the problems of educating the noblemen of the 18th century, the savagery of their behavior, especially in the provinces. The work presents many layers of society: from impostor teachers and servants to statesmen.
D. I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth". Summary of Action 1
Mrs. Prostakova is unhappy with the caftan, which tailor Trishka sewed for her son Mitrofan. The outfit is being prepared for the engagement of Skotinin, the brother of the hostess, with Sophia. The girl is the niece of Prostakov. She remained an orphan after her uncle Starodum went to Siberia and did not return. Joyful Sophia reports that she received a letter with news of the imminent arrival of a relative. Nobody believes her, because she prayed for the repose of his soul. Prostakova suspects that this is a letter from an officer in love with a girl. Everyone is waiting for the teacher to read the news, since none of the gentlemen can do this. Pravdin appears, who is staying with the Prostakovs. He confirms that the letter says that Starodum by honest work in Siberia made himself a good fortune and now Sofia is his heiress. Mrs. Prostakova immediately decides to marry the girl to Mitrofanushka. A servant reports that soldiers stopped in their village.
D. I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth". Summary of the 2nd action
Old friends are talking among themselves : Officer Milon and Pravdin. The latter is a member of governorate. He sees in the district many rich ignoramuses who inhumanly abuse his power over people. Simpletons belong to just such. Milon tells a friend that he loves and is loved by one girl, but has not heard anything about her for six months. After the death of her mother, her relatives took her, which, perhaps, makes her suffer.
Milon recognizes Sophia as she enters. The girl talks about how her aunt changed her attitude. Milon is jealous of Mitrofan, but then realizes that there is no reason for this. Sophia hopes that her uncle’s arrival will save her. Skotinin tells the girl that Prostakova called him to marry them. Sophia says that now she will read Mitrofan to her suitors. Scotinin is angry. Teacher Tsyfirkin complains to Milon about the dullness of the undergrowth.
D. I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth". 3rd Action Summary
Starodum arrives. He tells how he once tried to make friends with a young count. When the war began, Starodum fought, and he sat behind his father. After the war, Starodum was bypassed with ranks and awards, and the count was promoted. He went to Petersburg. But there I did not find a use for myself, because I realized that everyone is baked only about themselves. Without ranks, but with a pure soul, Starodum returned home. He tells Sophia that he came for her. He says to a simpleton that tomorrow he will take his niece to Moscow and marry him. Starodum lead to a room to relax. Teachers discuss the stupid son of the master. The mother makes him learn for a look so that Starodum hears his diligence.
D. I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth". 4th action summary
Starodum instructs Sophia in what kind of person is truly noble and rich. Count Chestan from Moscow sends him a letter asking him to take a closer look at his nephew Milon. Sophia and the officer confess to their uncle that they have long been in love with each other. He blesses the children. Skotinin asks Starodum for Sofia’s hands. Simpletons offer to test the knowledge of their son. Pravdin asks him questions. The answers show that in three years Mitrofan learned nothing. And he and Skotinin Starodum refused. Prostakova decides to abduct the girl, then to marry her to Mitrofan by force.
D.I. Fonvizin. Comedy "Undergrowth": a brief summary of the 5th action
Pravdin told Starodum that he had received orders to protect the village and the house of the Prostakovs so that the people in power would not suffer from their rabies. A noise is heard. Milon and Sophia are excited: the girl was barely able to save from the abduction. For violation of the law, Pravdin may draw Prostakova to court. She begs to forgive her, kneeling, but after a pardon, she immediately attacks the poor servants. Pravdin undertakes to continue to patronize the village and the house. Prostakova is furious from the fact that power is now not in her hands. But even Mitrofan refuses to support his mother.