The work of A. K. Tolstoy "Vasily Shibanov" is based on real historical events that took place in the XVI century. Prince Kurbsky, fearing persecution by the enemies of Ivan the Terrible, fled to Lithuania, where he asked for protection and patronage from the ruler of Sigismund-Augustus. From there he writes an angry message to the king, full of accusations. In the article you will find the ballad "Vasily Shibanov" (summary).
Prologue
The work begins with a description of the escape of Prince Kurbsky. A faithful servant, Vasily Shibanov, follows him everywhere. The prince dies a horse, unable to withstand a long and stressful path, and gives his horse back to the owner, he himself remains with nothing, pursued by the army of Ivan the Terrible. Did he manage to escape, find out by reading the summary. You will meet Vasily Shibanov more than once on the pages of the work.
Tie
Having successfully reached Lithuania, Kurbsky writes a letter to the Tsar, in which he accuses him of the useless deaths of his subjects. All night he hates every word and does not even remember his faithful vassal, who, risking his life, saved him. However, after some time, Vasily appears, exhausted, but alive. By some miracle, he manages to escape from the chase and get to Lithuania. From the very threshold, the stirrup offers the prince his help. Kurbsky, thinking, decides that he cannot find a better messenger and sends Vasily to take the letter to the tsar. As a reward, the prince promises the aspirant a lot of silver, but he says that he does not need anything like that. He takes the letter and sets off. The episode of the meeting with the tsar (summary) of Vasily Shibanov will be shown by a man of great endurance, with a devoted heart.
Climax
Upon arrival in Russia, the stirrup immediately gives a letter to Grozny. In his message, Kurbsky writes about the tsar’s cruelty and injustice that the day will come and he will be rewarded for his sins. This is exactly how Kurbsky’s words (their summary) describe Tolstoy A. N. Vasily Shibanov stands and awaits the further reaction of Grozny, on his face there is not a single sign of fear. And he, having heard exactly who wrote this message, out of indignation sticks a stick through his stirrup foot. The further Grozny reads the letter, the more serious and darker his gaze becomes. Blood flows from Shibanov’s leg, but he is silent and does not show any emotions. Having finished reading the message, Ivan the Terrible says in surprise that the stirrup is not only a devoted servant of the prince, but also a true friend. The tsar says that Kurbsky does not value the life of Basil, because it was he who sent him to a painful death. All the details of this important episode cannot be revealed only through a brief summary. Vasily Shibanova expects many trials in the future, which he will stand with dignity.
Denouement
Grozny orders to take Shibanov to prison and torture him until he extradites all of Kurbsky’s accomplices. Torture lasts day and night, but in response to all questions, Vasily only praises his master. Persistence and courage do not allow the hero to surrender and betray the prince. Oprichniki are surprised to tell the king that the prisoner does not give out a single name, despite the fact that his strength is at the end.
The last two paragraphs are written on behalf of Shibanov himself. He asks God for forgiveness for Kurbsky. Even torture, torment and death cannot undermine his loyalty to the master. On the verge of death, Vasily does not think that he can alleviate his suffering and stay alive, for this he only needs to tell Grozny who contributed to the escape of Kurbsky. Shibanov prefers to remain faithful to the prince.
Analysis. Ballad "Vasily Shibanov" (summary)
I would like to especially note the veiled assessment of each hero by the author. The attitude towards Kurbsky is clear from the first lines. He is a traitor, a traitor to the Motherland. Kurbsky sells his country to Gentiles. The prince does not notice and does not appreciate Vasily’s devotion, sends him to certain death for the sake of self-affirmation and satisfaction of his own ambitions.
The image of the protagonist
Attitude to Vasily is ambivalent. On the one hand, the author is delighted with his fidelity, dedication and willingness to help his master. Shibanov is a very brave man, as he was not afraid to be left without a horse, pursued by the army of Grozny. He is not characteristic of meanness and betrayal. Basil does his duty, no matter what. On the other hand, the lack of understanding of the main character of the consumer attitude towards himself outrages the writer. He sacrifices his own life for a man who does not value him. In the stirrup traces of the true slave of his master. This completes the analysis of the image (summary) of Vasily Shibanov.
Tsar of all Russia
The image of Ivan the Terrible in the ballad is also quite controversial. On the one hand, the author paints him as a cruel and bloodthirsty ruler who has not written any laws. During the years of his reign, he executed a large number of people, including completely innocent people. On the other hand, it is Ivan the Terrible, and not Kurbsky, who remarks what a devoted friend and ally Vasily Shibanov is. A summary of more detailed characteristics of the ruler of Russia can be found below.
Ivan the Terrible is a significant figure in the history of our state. He became the first Russian tsar and expanded the borders of the country, during his reign the Urals and Siberia were annexed to Russia. Grozny was also highly educated, he corresponded with many people, including Prince Kurbsky. During his reign, many reforms were carried out. Judging by the surviving reviews of contemporaries, for some, Grozny was a cruel and hot-tempered man, and for others, a just and wise ruler.
Conclusion
The thoughts that the author wanted to convey to the reader are described in detail by the article (a summary of "Vasily Shibanov"). With his ballad, Tolstoy wanted to talk about true love for his country and devotion, which, nevertheless, should not be concluded in blind obedience and self-sacrifice. Defending a civic position, a high head and self-esteem - these are the qualities that should be inherent in every representative of the great Russian people. It is on such people that true and strong powers are held.