In ten years there will be two centuries, as the comedy “Woe from Wit” is on stage in theaters with constant success. Among the brilliant characters that Griboedov portrayed in his work are Chatsky and Molchalin. Our article is dedicated to them.
The classic of Russian literature at the beginning of the 19th century was an extraordinary personality: a brilliant diplomat “standing in the 20,000th army”, one of the most educated people of his time. The audience is fascinated by the model created by the playwright of the aristocratic Moscow society of the middle hand. The characters of the Griboedov comedy are bright and relevant.
In particular, the life principles of Chatsky and Molchalin, two young people of 23 and 24, starting their social life in Russian society, are conceptual. The principles of the first are reduced to the destruction of the foundations of serfdom. The second is fixated on an effective career within a stable state.
Comparison of social statuses of Chatsky and Molchalin
The nature of the social activity of people is to a certain extent determined by their social status. The origin of Alexander Andreyevich Chatsky and Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin is different. Chatsky is an aristocrat; while not serving, he has a steady source of income. And not only providing "daily bread", but also allowing you to go "learn the mind" in Europe. The life principles of Chatsky and Molchalin are the principles of various social groups: aristocrats who despise labor and are passionate about the French Revolution, and non-members who seek recognition by their labor.
Chatsky ironically called "fiery prophet"
Arriving at home, the aristocrat Chatsky, inspired by the European progress, according to Alexander Isaevich Solzhenitsyn, positions himself with the status of a “fiery prophet” who does not even imagine how the declarative principles formulated by him can be implemented in Russia.
Chatsky's phrases are whipping and correct. Alexander is a utopian and selfish. His communication with other people comes down to fiery monologues and sharp parries of opposing opinions. Alexander Isaevich noticed the communicative incompetence of this hero Griboedov, his readiness to use the words “cut off the spur” of his opponents, and he was too carried away by the process.
Pushkin, speaking of Chatsky, was even more ironic - "funny fellow."
Chatsky and Molchalin - different attitudes towards society
Unlike his wealthier peer, Alexey subtly feels the society in which he resides. His tact and helpfulness bring him social bonuses. This provincial is more than a secretary, in fact - Famusov’s right hand. He pleases the friends of his patron to the guests in the Famusian house.
Is Chatsky right, stigmatizing the “two-faced”, “reptile”, “mean” secretary? After all, he does not even try to understand what kind of person Aleksey is. The comparative characteristics of Chatsky and Molchalin exposes two completely different personalities with different types of minds. One - bright, imaginative, ideological, the second - practical, economic. Indeed, in fact, Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin acts in the framework of decency and tolerance.
In the end, gratitude to Famusov, his benefactor, a man who gives work and shelter, can also move them. Molchalin does not think about things (according to Professor Bulgakov Preobrazhensky) of "cosmic scale and cosmic stupidity." He does more than he says. Moreover, the characterization of Molchalin and Chatsky shows that the former is not only loyal to society, but also is its useful cog. The second should be attributed to a cohort of extra people in their homeland, followed by Eugene Onegin and Pechorin. He, following the logic of the author of the work, positions himself as the only "smart person" among the "fools."
The life principles of Chatsky and Molchalin are not comparable. The ideas of the first are divorced from Russian being, they are just general slogans. Before their implementation - the abyss.
Is Molchalin “insidious”?
Alexei Molchalin, unlike his opponent, really earns a living by service. His life rules are tested in practice. He, working as a secretary, lives in the house of his patron Pavel Afanasevich Famusov, in fact, carrying out all the office work of the manager of a public place for him. In other words, Molchalin is a clerk and accountant. He values ​​his place of work. So is it worth blaming him for “moderation and accuracy”?
In addition, young people are united by a love conflict. Chatsky likes Famusov's daughter, Sophia; and she, in turn, sympathizes with Alexei Khlestakov. The life principles of Chatsky and Molchalin are different, including in relations with the opposite sex. So, Chatsky, imagining himself ideal, has no idea regarding the reasons that cooled the girl’s feelings for him.
Molchalin - “living”, erring character
Molchalin does not find the courage to immediately admit to Sophia that he does not love her. At the same time, he is delicate in communicating with her and does not compromise the girl. Griboedov in the image of Molchalin shows a careerist who does not have a noble title, however, is pragmatic. Step by step, he follows to achieve a favorable position in society. Silence are not keen on ideas, criticism. Their element is a daily painstaking work.
Griboedov brings these two characters into a worldview conflict: Chatsky and Molchalin. After all, they, young people, according to the author, will determine the face of the "coming century." However, the reader understands: Famusov’s secretary is not at all such a prudent monster, as Chatsky states. Moreover, Alexei is really confused - on the one hand, wanting a relationship with Lisa, whom he loves, and on the other - trying to be nice to the owner’s daughter. Sophia accidentally hears his confession to the handmaiden. Chatsky is at hand.
Molchalin’s career is ruined by “lordly love”
The situation is not in favor of Molchalin. Most likely, he will lose the job of secretary of a government institution. However, by and large, he did nothing reprehensible. Sophia’s reaction to the recognition she heard can be called a "storm in a glass of water." She liked Alexey, and she fantasized to herself that he loves her. The inconsistency of the imagination of reality, the daughter of Famusov presented as the baseness of Molchalin. Chatsky is openly gloating.
However, he perfectly understands that his position in the Famusovs' house is rather unsteady. Therefore, the wise phrase spoken by Lisa about the destructive consequences for a person of a simple estate of both “lordly anger” and “lordly love” - directly concerns him. It is “lordly love” that causes the future collapse of his career as an employee. The comparative characteristics of Chatsky and Molchalin, thus, show that sociability, modesty, self-discipline, and will are inherent in the second.
Obviously, these traits aroused Sophia’s sympathy.
Instead of a conclusion
Chatsky and Molchalin have a different type of thinking. Alexander Andreevich expresses his thought very temperamentally, he substantiates the chosen position quite clearly, immediately criticizes his opponents and does nothing, and then leaves with an offended look. It is worth recalling that the fans of Russian literature have already met with one character in a stormy and barren stream of thoughts. This is all of us familiar Ilya Ilyich Oblomov.
Of course, Chatsky is a more dynamic character. However, he had already taken the first step along the path of Ilya Ilyich — he had neglected work. No wonder Alexei Molchalin pushes him to this effect.
At the same time, the characterization of Molchalin and Chatsky, given by the author in the work, gives reason to depart from the classical characterization. And it is right. After all, Chatsky is not so positive, and Molchalin is in fact not a potential villain.