In the mid-nineteenth century, people began to create in Russia who madly love their homeland, believe in a people who are smart and talented, stand for freedom in all its manifestations, and oppose the idea of ​​a small person.
One of the classics that touch on deep topics is Leskov.
The "Old Genius", the analysis of which reveals a deeper meaning of the work than it might seem at first glance, amazes the reader from different angles.
Briefly about the author
Leskov's work “The Old Genius” is one of the most successful works of the writer.
Nikolai Semenovich Leskov is one of the most popular authors of Russia. He created stories and novels about the fate of ordinary people. It is impossible to find a lie or hypocrisy in his work, because he wrote about what he knew thoroughly. It is interesting that he also wrote in a genre that is not particularly characteristic of Russian literature - holy stories. The author did not believe in church, especially after his rapprochement with Leo Tolstoy. He ridiculed the vices of the clergy simply by telling the truth. Well aware that his works would not be understood by politicians and writers, he continued to write. At the same time, he himself said that he would not show his story “Midnight” to anyone, would keep it in a locked drawer of the table, because, most likely, no one would understand what he wanted to say.
Great works
However, in the second half of the twentieth century, Nikolai Semenovich joined the ranks of recognized authors, not only among compatriots, but also foreign connoisseurs. Among his most deserved creations are such works as "Nowhere" (1864), "Bypassed" (1865), "Islanders" (1866), "On the Knives" (1870), "Soboryan" (1872), and "The Mean-Descended Family" "(1874) and" Damn Dolls ", published in 1890.
Summary of "Old Genius" Leskov
The old woman trusted the young dandy from St. Petersburg, because she was well acquainted with his mother, a decent woman. Therefore, she gave him a loan a large amount of money. To do this, she had to make her estate on bail. She was sure that the money would be returned to her, but several years passed, and the debtor was never announced. The old woman has to go in search of him. She arrives in St. Petersburg, where the court decides on which the debtor is obliged to repay the debt. Only for this he should have been handed paper with a receipt. Frant had many high and revered patrons, and therefore no one dared to hand him the paper. Later it becomes known that the dandy lives with her mistress, and is registered in the apartment building, and there is no way to deliver the document to the address. The old woman is desperate, because not only she lives in the house, but also her sick daughter and granddaughter. People understand that what is happening is unfair, everyone is very sorry for the old woman, only no one is taken to help.
However, there is a man who called himself a genius who asks for 500 rubles for help. A dandy with his rich lady, meanwhile, goes on a journey. The genius in the person of the volunteer agrees with the Serbian fighter, the debtor is stopped on the day of departure, he is obliged to introduce himself, after which he is immediately handed the paper. The whole point is that now he can not go abroad if he does not pay the debt, which he has to do. When the
summary of Leskov’s
“Old Genius” is read, it becomes clear that the master of words was able to show on the example of only one case the entire opacity of the judicial system, the optional enforcement of laws for high-ranking officials and people who occupy a prominent place in society.
About the appearance of a masterpiece
Love for Russia inspired the author to learn more and more new things about her and display her thoughts on paper. Nikolai Semenovich served as a scribe in court for several years. He was well versed in the bureaucratic component of the judicial system, saw its weaknesses and strengths, the impossibility of a simple person without senior patrons to defend the truth before modern law. The writer explained to us the situation in which any of us could be. We can realize how great the inequality of citizens was before the court, and also find out what the author wanted to convey to us, just by reading a brief summary of Leskov’s “Old Genius” . It, like the full version of the work, makes you think about pressing topics, as well as rethink some things.
Important details
In the story, the author describes the story, on the one hand, typical, about inequality and bureaucracy, on the other - interesting and thoughtful, about heroes with original character traits. An old woman, for example, is kind to everyone, she does not want to harm even the person who acted meanly with her. Laws and officials are not important for her, because she is simple-minded enough not to bother with conventions. The "old genius" is faced with the task of catching a fraudster, and he, using all his experience, logic and cunning, is developing a plan. The image of the debtor is captured from the little things.
This is a selfish and narcissistic person, otherwise how could he do this to people? He is unable to earn honest work, wants to spend his whole life having fun. Leskov (the story "The Old Genius") shows us how the brain of a former official works, what are some people from the young generation who do not want to do anything, but just get ready, absolutely without straining.
Story composition
The idea is the vulnerability of a small person to corrupt bureaucrats. The author argues that if the state is not able to protect people, to ensure their rights and the implementation of laws, then people should do it all themselves. The plot itself is based on the observer's stories about what is happening. There are numerous artistic techniques that from time to time create the effect of tragicomedy. An interesting feature is that the author is the protagonist of the work, as described by the summary of Leskov's “Old Genius”. He feels sympathy for the old woman, wants to help her somehow, but does not believe that she will be able to achieve the truth, because he simply gives her some money. It is interesting that such a happy outcome falls on Christmas Day. This is hardly an accident, because the author really believes in the spiritual foundation inherent in every person.
Unknown Leskov
The "old genius" (reviews of critics confirm this) displayed a true picture of what was happening. It traces both positive and negative character traits inherent in Russian people. The author showed the full depth of human talent. With his characteristic irony and severity of statements, he described the class of officials, all their unwillingness to work, to bring at least some benefit to the state and people.