D.I. Fonvizin is the first Russian comedian playwright who dared to raise the issue of his immorality during the time of brutal serfdom, corrupting both masters and peasant slaves. Using the example of the Prostakov-Skotinin families and their households, he revealed the destructive essence of autocracy, showed what socioeconomic and cultural abyss such "masters" of the country push the state.
Name and Title
Among the portraits of all heroes, the image of Mitrofanushka is of particular importance. In the comedy Fonvizin's “Undergrowth”, he represents the young generation of nobles, the future stronghold and power of state power, hope and support of the country. How does the youth respond to his high appointment? In the characterization of the hero, two concepts are key: his name and interpretation of social status. Why did he call him Fonvizin "undergrowth Mitrofanushka"? The first word was quite common in everyday life of native speakers of the Russian language at that time. They called them young people of noble descent, who had not yet reached the age of 21, were not adults, and therefore did not serve in the public service. They lived under the care of their parents, not bothering themselves. If you recall the “Captain’s daughter” of Pushkin, then the main character gets the same nickname. As for the name, deciphering its meaning is very important for understanding what the image of Mitrofanushka represents. Fonvizin’s comedy “Undergrowth,” a work in the spirit and traditions of classicism, uses the technique of speaking names and surnames. “Mitrofan” is the Greek word, translated as “revealing his mother”, “resembling a mother”. What this means is discussed below.
“My age is passing. I cook it in people "
So says Mrs. Prostakova about her son. And, indeed, she literally climbs out of her skin to provide him with a comfortable and happy future. Happy, of course, from its point of view. How does this noble offspring grow under the maternal wing and the reliable protection of the “mother” Eremeevna? Let's face it: this is a bold, rude, lazy egoist, spoiled, on the one hand, by the permissiveness of his origin and class privileges, and on the other - by the unreasonable, blind, animal love of “mother”. In this sense, the image of Mitrofanushka in the comedy Fonvizin's "Undergrowth" is very typical. A huge number of local noblemen, like him, spent idle time in their parental estates, chasing pigeons, commanding serfs and taking advantage of the benefits that can be derived from their work. The Fonvizinsky character embodies the most negative traits of his class. He is brave and arrogant with those who are defenseless and powerless. Offends Yeremeyevna, who is raising him as a native. Mocking teachers, not wanting to do anything, not interested in anything useful. Even his own father is despised and rude to him. But in front of those who are stronger, he frankly cowards. When Skotinin wants to beat his nephew, he hides behind his old nanny. And now she rushes to defend her beloved pet! The character and image of Mitrofanushka in the comedy Fonvizin's "Undergrowth" speak for themselves. Son with mommy complement each other perfectly. Mother is proud that her son does not know how to read or write. And he advises him: not to study mathematics, not to share with anyone, take everything for yourself. And he also does not need geography: the cabs will take me! But the main science - to rob his peasants like sticky, “fight and bark” - the hero perfectly learned. Like his mother, he rolls up his sleeves, so that, just about him, he deals with serfs and courtyards, which for him are not people, but things or livestock.
"Miracula worthy of the fruits"
We well remember what phrase ends with the author (D. I. Fonvizin) “Undergrowth”. Characteristic of Mitrofanushka in her hand. He, for the sake of a rich dowry, participated in the mother's abduction of Sophia. And then, when Prostakova is excluded from managing the estate, deprived of power and looking for sympathy from her son, he simply repels her.
He doesn’t need a mother. No one is needed. This is an animal devoid of even instinctive affection. In this regard, the hero even surpassed the mother. If she causes pity and even some sympathy in the ending of the play, then he is only contempt and indignation.
Unfortunately, comedy is still relevant today. No wonder she does not descend from the stage of the capital and provincial theaters!