Ivan Krylov is associated with his main works - short fables in which he makes fun of human vices. A feature of these small texts is the humanization of animals. So, the main characters are representatives of the fauna, but they are endowed with features in which everyone without any problems recognizes their friends and relatives, and someone even sees himself. Let's get to know better with the works of Krylov.
The most famous
The work of the great fabulist begins to take place at school, so even children are familiar with such texts:
- "Swan, pike and cancer."
- "Dragonfly and ant."
- "Monkey and glasses."
- "Elephant and pug."
- "A Crow and a fox".
- "The Pig Under the Oak."
- "Quartet".
Each of them exposes and ridicules one of the most popular vices. So, in the fable “Monkey and Glasses” - one of the most popular works of Ivan Krylov - the fabulist writes about human stupidity and resistance to scientific progress. In Raven and the Fox, we are portrayed with the image of a nearby bird, greedy for flattery and, therefore, deprived of its desired prey.
Second layer
Not everyone thought that the works of Krylov - the fable - are much more complicated in terms of content. This great writer managed to expose several vices at once in one small text to ridicule the public. So, at first glance, "Dragonfly and Ant" shows us a frivolous dancer and a hardworking, diligent ant who has been procuring food all summer. And it seems that the sympathy of the author is on his side. But if you think about it, the Dragonfly is a symbol of art and beauty, which are valuable in themselves. Therefore, the ant was ridiculed, who could not appreciate the charm of Dragonfly and help her find "shelter and home."
The second example is Crow and the Fox. Superficial reading will allow you to make a logical conclusion that you should not be as stupid and trusting as a crow. But if we go further, we will realize that the fox is not approved by the author either. This flattering person is an example of how many people from the time of Ivan Andreevich (and later eras too) achieved ranks and positions, being able to tell people what they wanted to hear.
Interesting fables
Among the works of Krylov can be distinguished those that are not included in the school curriculum, are not well-known, but because of this they do not lose their depth and artistic attractiveness. Examples of such fables are as follows:
- “Horse”, where a historical fact is described in allegorical form - the dismissal of a brave military commander who went through all the hardships of the war. In the image of a horse, withering in a stall from idleness, contemporaries easily guessed General Yermolov.
- The Shepherd and the Sea, which teaches that truth, no matter how bitter it may be, is always better than a ghostly hope.
- The “triplet”, a short text describing the very original punishment to which the triplet male was subjected.
The fabulist wrote many texts on any occasion, often also used the stories of Lafontaine, processing them, in them the main theme was the mockery of universal vices.
Plays
Despite the fact that Krylov went down in history as a fabulist, plays can also be attributed to his literary heritage. Therefore, the list of Krylov’s works would not be complete without the mention of dramatic works in it. First of all, it should be called Fashion Store, Podshchipu, Fearless Family, where the writer acts as the exposer of modern morals. Among his works there is also the tragedy of Filomena, which is based on an antique plot. Here the playwright uses the features of the drama of classicism.
Tales
In the list of Krylov’s works there is also a story: “Kaib”, an oriental story in which the fabulist is faithful to himself and ridicules modern vices in a veiled form. The method by which the writer characterizes the tsar - the main character is interesting: he generously endows him with the epithets “great”, “wise”, “fair”, writes about him in a respectful tone, but all Kaib’s actions prove to the reader that Krylov cruelly makes fun of him. So, the king says that he is ready to listen to the opinion of his advisers, to take into account their wishes. But anyone who wishes to object to the will of the monarch should receive 500 lashes, after which his proposal will really be heard. Of course, no one wanted to argue with the king. In this spirit, the whole narrative of this little-known in wide circles works of Krylov is built.
Interesting Facts
In conclusion, we offer you to familiarize yourself with a selection of interesting facts about the life of a fabulist:
- Krylov began working very early, at the age of 11, to help his family after leaving his father's life.
- The fabulist loved the sight of fire very much, so he tried not to miss a single one of them.
- He was a very gambler, loved to play cards for money and make bets in cockfights.
- The fabulist adored and had a good meal, so one of the main causes of his death is considered to be overeating. Many contemporaries did not like to invite Krylov to visit, since he could strike at their reserves.
- He watched his appearance extremely reluctantly, which is why he was often subjected to ridicule.
Krylov’s works are deep and interesting, everyone should get acquainted with them, because, despite the fact that centuries have separated us from the life of a fabulist, the topics that he boldly touched on are relevant to this day.