N. A. Nekrasov was always worried about the fate of the Russian peasantry, and especially the position of a woman. He devoted a lot of works to this topic, including the poem “Frost, Red Nose” published in 1863 - already in the post-reform period. The summary of the work, of course, does not make it possible to fully appreciate its merits, but it allows us to outline the circle of those problems that concern the author.
Introduction
N. Nekrasov dedicated a poem to his sister, Anna Alekseevna. Already in the extensive introduction, her general theme and mood are indicated. This recognition of the author in the difficult part of the poet, who knows about life much more than other people. Therefore, the new song “will be much sadder than the old”, and in the future everything is seen as “even more hopeless”.
The memories of the mother’s home and the death of the mother culminate in a direct appeal to her sister: “... you understood for a long time - here only stones do not cry ...”
Part 1. The death of a peasant
The poem arouses gloomy thoughts in the reader. Here is a summary of it.
“Frost, Red Nose” Nekrasov begins with a description of the tragedy in the life of a peasant family. Her head and breadwinner died, leaving his parents, his wife and two young children orphaned. The father went to dig his son’s grave (“I wouldn’t dig this hole!”). Mother went behind the coffin. The wife "sobs quietly" over the shroud - she sews the last outfit to her husband. And only "stupid children" make noise, not yet understanding what happened.
About the heavy share of Slav
The story of the difficult life of a peasant woman occupies an important place in the first part of the poem "Frost, Red Nose." Its summary is as follows.
Initially, a Russian woman has three bitter destinies: to be the wife and mother of a slave, and also to submit to fate before the grave. And no matter how many centuries pass, this situation does not change. But no harsh life can break the "beautiful and powerful Slav" - this is exactly what Daria sees from the poem "Frost, Red Nose".
Beautiful and agile in everything, patient and majestic, with the gait and “look of the tzarina”, the Russian woman always arouses admiration. She is good at the moment when she mows, and when her face is “burning with anger”. She doesn’t like idleness even on weekends, but if a “smile of fun” appears on her face, replacing the “labor seal” on it, then she has no equal in song or dance.
She feels responsible for the whole family, therefore, she is always warm in the hut, the kids are fed, and the extra piece is in store for the holiday. And when such a “woman” goes to the mass with a child in her arms, “the whole picture” becomes “to everyone who loves the Russian people” - this completes the story of N. A. Nekrasov. Thus, “Frost, Red Nose” is, first of all, a poem about the fate of the Russian peasant woman.
The proud Daria is fastening, but tears involuntarily roll, falling on the "fast hands" and the shroud.
Farewell to Proclus
All preparations are completed: the grave is dug, the coffin is brought, the shroud is ready. “Slowly, importantly, harshly” they began to equip Proclus. His whole life was spent in work. Now, motionless and stern, he lies with a candle in his head. The author notes the large, strained hands and face - "beautiful, alien to flour."
And only when they ritualized the deceased, "the family according to Proclus howled." They cry and pain from the loss of a loved one, and praise to the breadwinner, and the mourning of the bitter orphan share of children, the remaining widow of his wife, old parents ...
And in the morning, the faithful horse of Savrask took the owner on his last journey. For many years he served Proclus: in the summer in the field, in the winter in the carriage. In a hurry to deliver the goods on time on their last trip, the peasant caught a cold. He returned home - “there is a fire in the body”. He was treated by all known folk methods. Finally, the wife went to a distant monastery for a miraculous icon. But she was late. When she returned, Proclus, seeing her, moaned and died ...
They returned from the cemetery, and Daria, wanting to warm the children, saw that there was no log left. Bitter share of the widow! Leaving her son and daughter with a neighbor, she went to the forest.
Part 2. Daria
The summary of the poem “Frost, Red Nose” continues with a description of the tragic fate of the heroine.
Once alone in the open, among the forest and plains shining with diamonds, Daria can no longer restrain her senses. Witnesses of the “great grief of the widow” were the forest, the sun, birds ... Having harbored ad libitum, she begins to chop wood. And tears all roll out of my eyes, like pearls, and all thoughts of her husband. And also about what is now awaiting a young widow and her children. Now you need to keep up everywhere: in the field and in the household. Masha and Grisha will grow up, but there will be nobody to protect them.
I recall Daria and a recent dream. She fell asleep in the field, and it seemed that the ears of corn, like a military army, surrounded her from all sides. I began to call for help. Everyone came running, except for a nice friend. She got to work, and the grains are all pouring in - not to cope alone. The dream was prophetic: "I will now reap alone." Long and lonely winter nights are waiting for her. She yawns canvases for her son’s wedding, but Grisha is already waiting for recruits - the headman is unclean, but there is no one to intervene. So for bitter thoughts chopped wood that can not be taken away.
But the heroine of the work “Frost, Red Nose” is not in a hurry home.
Summary of the meeting with the majestic governor of forests and fields
On reflection, Daria leaned against a tall pine tree, standing "without a thought, without a moan, without tears." The languishing soul suddenly found peace, terrible and involuntary. And the frost is getting stronger. And then a fairy-tale character appears , bending over the unhappy head, inviting her to his kingdom. Suddenly, Frost turned to Prospector, whispered affectionate speeches.
Daria is getting colder, and a picture appears before her eyes. Hot Summer. She is digging potatoes, next to her mother-in-law and Masha. Suddenly a husband appears - he is walking next to Savraska, and Grisha jumps out of a pea field. And beneath her heart is a child who must be born in the spring. Then Proclus got on the cart, put Mashutka with Grisha - and "drove the cart." And on the face of Daria, who is looking after them, there appears a "smile of contentment and happiness." Through a dream, she hears a lovely song, and the soul is more and more immersed in the long-awaited peace. A squirrel jumping on a pine tree drops snow on the heroine, and Daria stands and freezes "in her enchanted dream." So ends the poem "Frost, Red Nose."
The summary of the work, unfortunately, cannot convey all the richness and beauty of the language in which it is written. It is no accident that the poem is recognized as one of the poet’s best creations.