In the story "Taras Bulba" N.V. Gogol not only depicts the life of the Ukrainian Cossacks, but also shows the soul of this people, especially the formation of their national identity in the seventeenth century. On the example of Ostap and Andrei, the author characterizes the life and fate of the young generation. Both of them are sons of the glorious commander Taras Bulba. The comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andria in the story make it possible to understand how different people brought up in the same family can grow.
How did the characters of the brothers appear during their studies?
So, a comparative description of Ostap and Andria. Taras Bulba (Gogol notes this) is proud of his sons. They are strong, bold, stately - real Cossacks.
The characters of Ostap and Andrei are drawn during training in a bursa. Ostap is open, unsophisticated, straightforward, ready to bear punishment for mischief and misconduct, but never betrays his comrades. Andrei has the ability to get out of the water dry, although he often leads the leprosy of the Bursaks. It seems to us at the beginning of the story more sensitive, sophisticated, interesting, humane than his older brother, who does not notice beautiful girls and flowering gardens. Ostap only thinks about partying with friends and Cossack military campaigns.
Relations between brothers and parents
The comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andrei cannot be complete without considering their relationship with their parents.
During his arrival home from Bursa, the eldest son behaves too seriously, not allowing anyone to laugh at himself. Ostap is ready to fight with his father because of his ridicule, and the younger one does not seem to hear barbs.
Ostap is harsh, even rude, but, leaving for Sich, his mother really regrets, recalls his childhood. The thinly feeling younger brother immediately forgets everything.
The comparative characterization of the images of Ostap and Andrei cannot be complete without an assessment of their behavior in the Sich. The father, Taras Bulba, understands that both sons are brave and dexterous, but notes that Andriy sees only the battle, entertains himself, and does not think over the result of his actions.
Ostap, by contrast, quickly assesses the danger and instantly finds a way to rectify the situation. The father notices that his eldest son can become a "good colonel", and is not mistaken.
On the attitude of Taras to the homeland and sons
The comparative characterization of Ostap and Andriy in the story “Taras Bulba”, of course, is impossible without considering the episodes of the farewell of the father to his sons.
Andriy betrays his homeland out of love for a beautiful Polish girl and engages in a battle against his countrymen, against his father and brother. Taras Bulba, without hesitation, kills with his own hand, because only in this way, in his opinion, can shame be avoided. He does not forgive betrayal. Taras throws the dead Andria as an enemy without burying it.
To his loyal fatherland, Ostap, with all his strength, makes his way to Warsaw and is ready to give any money for his release. When it becomes clear that nothing can be done, he goes to the place of execution of his beloved son. Even in the last minutes of his life, Ostap Taras sees himself as a staunch commander who sets an example for his comrades.
Gogol's attitude towards brothers
Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andrey must include
author's assessment of the characters. Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol fully shares the respect and infinite love of the protagonist for his son. Andrei, according to the author, is not worth attention, so he forgets about him after his
death. Gogol respects Ostap for his strong character, for his ability to love and honor parents, countrymen, and the fatherland.
Strangers among their
The comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andrei cannot but touch upon the loneliness of both heroes.
Both brothers are brave, strong, smart. However, they are very different. On the first pages of the story, the author seems to be somewhat more sympathetic to Andrei, noting in him liveliness and development of feelings. However, one cannot fail to notice that Gogol respects Ostap for his directness, his ability to bear punishment, but at the same time considers him rustic. Andrei is very inventive and can always avoid punishment, his soul is accessible to higher feelings, he early felt the need for love. Because of her, he dies.
Ostap also feels the need for love, but he needs the love of his parents, especially his father. At first glance, he is a stern warrior, but the fear of punishing the dad makes him, for example, take up his mind during training. That is why his father’s ridicule injures his heart. He does not feel the slightest pride when he, a young Cossack, is appointed a hut ataman after the Bearded died. It is important for him to serve the fatherland, because he loves what is dear to the heart of his father. Even his last words are addressed to the Old Man.
Andrew is looking for another love. Among fellow countrymen, all are strangers to him. Love for a woman makes him commit a crime. Cossacks are a simple, rude people, and the youngest son of Taras Bulba is not at all like that. He is very lonely. A rich imagination and a lively mind probably did not allow him to be happy in a simple Cossack life. The loneliness of the soul unites both brothers. One seeks to win the love of his father, the second tries to find her in the face of a beautiful Polish girl.
Such is the comparative characteristic of Ostap and Andrei.
The tragedy in the life of Taras Bulba
Taras Bulba is a brave and courageous chieftain. He lives his own country, endlessly devoted to his homeland.
The tragedy of the protagonist is that he lost both sons. Ostap died for the fatherland, Andrei suffered for the love of a woman and accepted death at the hands of his father. It cannot be that at heart the father did not grieve for his youngest son, but he drowned out this feeling in himself , suppressed him.
After the death of Ostap, the life of Taras Bulba actually ends. He celebrates a "bloody wake" for his eldest son. Taras is merciless to enemies. He lives with one thought - revenge.
The death of Taras Bulba is ridiculous. He returns to the battlefield for the lost cradle, which was considered a kind of soul of the Cossack. There was a sign that, having lost it, you could get sick or die. But ironically (who knows, maybe the chieftain forgot it not by chance) the main character was captured during the search for the cradle. Burning alive, Taras Bulba urged his compatriots to return and take a good walk. The tragic death united the father and such unlike sons.