Among the works of domestic creators of the artistic word, Platonov’s work was distinguished by an unusual combination of realism and sublime romantic ideas. In the center of each of his works is a hero and his thoughts, experiences. A vivid example is the story “Fro.” In it, the author reveals the inner world of a simple person, shows how distant even the closest people can be against the backdrop of high national ideas. This article provides an analysis of the work and its summary. Platonov Fro teaches as a book about a little man and his great tragedy.
The idea and history of writing
Significant changes are sometimes taking place in the world. There are people who cannot stand aside and rush into the maelstrom of events headlong. But there are few of them. Most are only concerned about their own plain happiness. What about the great historical accomplishments, the consequences of which will come to light in a hundred, or even two hundred years? After all, you need to live now and here. This problem is dedicated to a short story by one of the saddest Soviet authors. The following is a summary.
Platonov “Fro” created at the very peak of Stalin's repressions, in 1937. By this time, the writer had a clear idea of what the policy of the authorities was leading to and how great the sacrifice was made on the altar of the great socialist idea. And if in the early works of Platonov there was a naive romantic belief in the creation of a new person, then by the end of the thirties he was creating a number of works, in the center of which - the fates of ordinary people. The image of a small person becomes the main one at this stage of creativity.
Summary (Platonov, "Fro")
The history of one simple working family is described. My father worked all his life as a mechanic, but when he reached old age, he was sent to retirement. Not knowing what lay behind this, he accepted these changes at first without resistance. But a few days later he began to continue to appear at the workplace, helping his former colleagues with valuable advice and empathizing with their work process. On the railroad, the boss took pity on the active old man and arranged a newly made pensioner as a reserve mechanic.
The daughter was only absorbed in her love for her husband. The story "Fro" is named after her. Platonov gave almost no description of the husband of the main character, saying only that he left her indefinitely, going to distant lands to build the future. But it is known that he was a very educated man and somehow even dictated to his wife a lot of clever phrases, which she wrote down in a notebook, and then used in conversation, sometimes to the point, but often out of place.
Frosyu's father annoyed him, as he prevented him from yearning for his beloved. A.P. Platonov in this story revealed the inner world of the main characters, saying almost nothing about their thoughts and plans. Their actions are enough to understand the depth of loneliness from which they suffer, being together. The husband left Frosya twice, but in her suffering she did not see or did not consider it necessary to notice her father's care and love. This is the summary.
Platonov "Fro" offers the reader as a deep philosophical work. The stories of this author are set out in such a subtle manner that their idea can be understood only after full reading. In addition, the images created in the story "Fro" by Platonov possess extraordinary veracity.
Analysis
The theme of labor occupies a special place in this story. On the example of Frosy's father, the writer emphasizes the need for a person in any activity. The old man lives in his working world. For him, not to work means not to live. And, becoming a backup mechanic, he constantly waits for a night call, not even taking off at night a thick winter jacket and hat with a steam locomotive badge.
Yes, and Frosya, yearning for her husband, is taken to help the working team rake out the slag pit. This work is hard, but it is the only way to muffle the mental pain that has not left her since the day she left her beloved.
Father and daughter
They live in the same house, but have become completely alien to each other. The father takes care of his daughter and strives in every possible way to establish a conversation with her. But Frosya is not able to see and appreciate her father's love. In annoyance, she says: “Tired of you, you would have gone to the Far East!” The father is not offended, he knows that children should not be angry. However, being alone with himself, he weeps bitterly over the pan of yesterday's pasta.
A.P. Platonov portrayed in this story a love that goes unnoticed due to some lofty ideas or feelings. Frosyu’s husband leaves and goes to the Far East. His ideas are more important than any family happiness. But Frosyu absorbs love so much that she does not notice the suffering of her father, the only person close to her.