The characterization of Olga Ilyinskaya in Goncharov’s novel "Oblomov" allows you to better know and understand this character. This is the main female image, which plays a significant role in the work.
Roman Goncharova
The characterization of Olga Ilyinskaya is necessary in order to better understand the essence of this work.
It should be noted that Ivan Goncharov worked on the novel for 12 years - from 1847 to 1859. He entered his famous trilogy, along with "Cliff" and "Ordinary History."
In many ways, Goncharov wrote Oblomov for so long because he constantly had to interrupt work. Including because of the round-the-world trip, on which the writer went on the frigate "Pallas". He devoted travel essays to this trip, only by publishing them did he return to writing Oblomov. A significant breakthrough occurred in the summer of 1857 in the resort of Marienbad. There, in a few weeks, Goncharov completed most of the work.
Plot of the novel
The novel tells about the fate of the Russian landowner Ilya Ilyich Oblomov. He lives in St. Petersburg with his servant named Zakhar. Spends many days lying on the couch, sometimes without ever getting up from it. He does not do anything, does not go out, but only dreams of a comfortable life on his estate. It seems that no troubles are capable of moving him from his place. Neither the decline in which his economy comes, nor the threat of eviction from a St. Petersburg apartment.
Oblomov is trying to stir his childhood friend Andrei Shtolts. He is a representative of Russified Germans, is the exact opposite of Oblomov. Always very active and energetic. He makes Oblomov go out for a while, where the landowner meets Olga Ilyinskaya, the characteristic of which is in this article. This is a modern and progressively minded woman. After much thought, Oblomov decides and makes her an offer.
Moving Oblomov
Ilyinskaya is not indifferent to Oblomov, but he spoils everything when he succumbs to Tarantyev’s intrigues and moves to the Vyborg side. At that time it was actually the rural outskirts of the city.
Oblomov is in the house of Agafya Pshenitsyna, who eventually takes over his entire household. Ilya Ilyich himself is gradually dying away in complete inaction and lack of will. Meanwhile, rumors about the upcoming wedding of heroes are already circulating around the city. But when Ilyinskaya comes to his house, she is convinced that nothing will ever be able to awaken him. Their relationship then ends.
In addition, Oblomov is influenced by the brother of Pshenitsyna Ivan Mukhoyarov, who confuses the main character in his frauds. Upset Ilya Ilyich is seriously ill, only Stolz saves him from complete ruin.
Wife Oblomova
After breaking up with Ilyinskaya, Oblomov will marry Pshenitsyna in a year. They have a son, whom in honor of Stoltz is called Andrei.
Disappointed in her first love, Ilyinskaya eventually marries Stolz. At the very end of the novel, he comes to visit Oblomov and finds his friend sick and finally broken. Due to a sedentary lifestyle at an early age, he suffered a stroke, Ilya Ilyich anticipates his imminent death, asks Stolz not to abandon his son.
Two years later, the main character dies in a dream. His son is taken to the education of Stolz and Ilyinskaya. Oblomov’s faithful servant Zakhar, who outlived his master, although he was much older than him, begins to drink with grief and beg for alms.
The image of Ilyinskaya
Characteristics of Olga Ilyinskaya need to start with the fact that this is a vivid and complex image. At the very beginning, the reader gets to know her as a young girl who is just starting to develop. Throughout the novel, we can observe how she grows up, reveals herself as a woman and mother, becomes an independent person.
In childhood, Ilyinskaya receives a quality education. She reads a lot, is versed in art and sciences. She is constantly in development, striving to achieve all new goals. Everything in it speaks of self-esteem, beauty and inner strength.
Relations with Oblomov
In the novel "Oblomov" Olga Ilyinskaya, the characteristic of which is given in this article, appears before us as a very young girl. She learns the world around her, tries to figure out how everything is arranged around.
The key moment for her is love for Oblomov. Olga Ilyinskaya, you are reading the characterization of the character now, is covered by a strong and inspiring feeling. But it was doomed, because young people did not want to accept each other for what they were in reality. Instead, they created some ephemeral semi-ideal images that they fell in love with.
Why can't they decide to make fundamental changes in themselves so that their likely joint relationships become a reality? For Olga herself, love for Oblomov becomes a duty, she believes that she must change the inner world of her lover, re-educate him, turning him into a completely different person.
It is worth recognizing that, first of all, her love was based on selfishness and personal ambitions. More important than feelings for Oblomov for her was the opportunity to rely on her achievements. She was interested in these relationships in her ability to change a person, to help him to rise above himself, to turn into an active and energetic husband. It was about such a fate that Ilyinskaya dreamed.
In the novel "Oblomov", a comparative characteristic in the table of Olga Ilyinskaya and Pshenitsyna immediately makes it clear how dissimilar these heroines are.
Married to Stolz
As we know, nothing came of the relationship with Oblomov. Ilyinskaya married Stolz. Their romance developed slowly, began with sincere friendship. Initially, Olga herself perceived Stolz more as a mentor, who was an inspiring figure for her, in her own way inaccessible.
In the characterization of Olga Ilyinskaya, a quote can be given to better understand her relationship with Andrei. "He was too far ahead of her, too above her, so her pride sometimes suffered from this immaturity, from the distance in their mind and years," - so Goncharov writes about her attitude to Stolz.
This marriage helped her recover from a break with Oblomov. Their joint relationship looked logical, since the characters were similar in nature - both active and purposeful, as seen in the novel "Oblomov". Comparative characteristics of Olga Ilyinskaya and Agafya Pshenitsyna are given in this article below. It helps to better understand the actions of these characters.
Over time, everything has changed. Stolz could no longer keep up with Olga, who was constantly striving forward. And Ilyinskaya began to be disappointed in family life, in the very fate that was destined for her initially. At the same time, she finds herself as a mother for the son of Oblomov, whom she, along with Stolz, takes up after the death of Ilya Ilyich.
Comparison with Agafya Pshenitsyna
Citing the characteristics of Olga Ilyinskaya and Agafya Pshenitsyna, it should be noted that the widow of a petty official became the second woman who fell in love with Oblomov. She is an ideal housewife who cannot sit idle, constantly takes care of cleanliness and order in the house.
Moreover, the comparative characteristics of Agafia Pshenitsyna and Olga Ilyinskaya will be in favor of the latter. After all, Agafia is a poorly educated uncultured person. When Oblomov asks her what she reads, she only stupidly looks at him, not answering anything. But she still attracted Oblomov. Most likely, the fact that fully consistent with his usual way of life. She provided the most comfortable conditions for him - silence, tasty and plentiful food and peace. She becomes for him a gentle and caring nanny. At the same time, with her care and love, she finally killed the human feelings awakened in him, which Olga Ilyinskaya was trying to wake. The characteristics in the table of these two heroines make it possible to better understand them.
Comparison with Tatyana Larina
Interestingly, many researchers give a comparative description of Olga Ilyinskaya and Tatyana Larina. Indeed, if you do not go into details, at first glance these heroines are very similar to each other. The reader is captivated by their simplicity, naturalness, and indifference to social life.
It is in Olga Ilyinskaya that the features that traditionally attracted Russian writers in any woman are manifested. This lack of artificiality, living beauty. Ilyinskaya differs from modern women in that she lacks the usual female domestic happiness.
The hidden strength of character is felt in her, she always has her own opinion, which she is ready to uphold in any situation. Ilyinskaya continues the gallery of beautiful female images in Russian literature, which was opened by Tatyana Larina, Pushkin. These are morally perfect women who are faithful to duty, agree only to a compassionate life.