"Woe from Wit" - the immortal comedy of A. S. Griboedov. In it, he truthfully and mercilessly portrayed a "picture of the morals" of a modern aristocratic society. According to the author, in his work "25 fools per one sane person." And one of them in the play is Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin. The characterization of this character will be devoted to our article.
Hero's Place in Comedy
Molchalin in “Woe from Wit” is a typical representative of the Famus society. The role that the author assigns to him in comedy is of extreme importance. He, along with the main character, is a participant in both the love and socio-ideological confrontation of the characters. Alexei Stepanovich is not only a worthy successor of Famusov in business, but also a lucky rival of Chatsky in love. It was him for an unknown reason that Sofia chose. The personal relationships of the heroes in “Woe from Wit” are important, however, Molchalin’s attitude to the service is more interesting to study. Indeed, it is precisely in this activity that the character of Aleksei Stepanovich manifests itself most clearly.
General characterization of the hero
Alexey Stepanovich holds a small position. He is the secretary and confidant of Famusov. Molchalin cannot boast of a noble birth, but he strives with all his might to break out "into people." To do this, he chose an unmistakable tactic: "please everyone ... without exception." Alexei Stepanovich does not distinguish between the master and his servant. With all he is impeccably courteous and polite. In relation to higher persons, Mochalin's loyalty has no boundaries. He crouches in front of Famusov, seeks to serve Khlestova. Alexei Stepanovich - mediocrity, shameless hypocrite and sneak. But none of the Famusian guards notice this. The image of Molchalin is a portrait of a man who, with the help of simple tricks and tricks, paves his way to high society.
Molchalin and Chatsky
While most of the representatives of the Famus guard (Famusov, Khlestov) are older people, then Molchalin is practically the same age as Chatsky. However, these representatives of the same generation are, in fact, completely different people. Their behavior in society, moral principles, life ideals are the opposite. This is evidenced by the attitude of Molchalin to the service. By his own admission, the hero has only two talents - "moderation and accuracy." He does not hide his own mediocrity, on the contrary, he is proud of it.
The behavior and worldview of Alexei Stepanovich is strictly regulated by his position. Since she is still very insignificant, he has to be helpful and modest. Molchalin cannot do without influential patrons and depends entirely on them. The independence of Chatsky seems to Alexei Stepanovich as obvious stupidity.
Molchalin and Famusov
Unencumbered by special abilities, Alexei Stepanovich very organically fits into a conservative Famus society. Despite the huge difference in social status and age, he has a lot in common with the famous Moscow “ace”. Molchalin’s attitude to the service is absolutely "famus". He admits that he dreams of "taking rewards and having fun." In his arsenal there are already "three awards" and each of which is a small step on the path to a brilliant career. Like Famusov, Alexei Stepanovich sacredly honors public opinion. Some quotations by Molchalin: “Ah! Evil tongues are worse than a pistol” and “In my summers I should not dare / Have my own judgment” have something in common with the final Famus phrase: “Ah! My God! What will he say” / Princess Marya Alekseevna! ”.
Molchalin in love
Alexei Stepanovich skillfully pretends to be in love with the main character of the play. And here is his desire to "please all people without exception." Smart and selfless, Sophia completely does not notice the deception. She extols his shyness, reverence and bravery. Even the absence in him of "this mind ... which is quick, brilliant ..." seems to her a positive quality. Describing her lover to Chatsky, the girl does not notice how, according to I. A. Goncharov, "the portrait goes out." Sofia has her own sorrow from her mind. Molchalin becomes for her the hero of a romance novel in which she plays the role of a good patroness.
However, Alexei Stepanovich has completely different inclinations. Lively and cheerful Lisa likes him much more. Moreover, he is not so stupid and believes that Sofia "once loved Chatsky / I will fall out of love like him." But he is ready to give Lisa a toilet of intricate work and believes that this is enough to win love. Molchalin's sober cynicism seems especially disgusting against the background of sincere feelings that he has for Sophia Chatsky.
The fate of Molchalin
The loss of love of the main character does not mean complete defeat for Alexei Stepanovich. Despite the fact that he made a serious oversight, he managed to avoid Famusov’s anger. The "noble" father of the family threw out his indignation at the humiliated and insulted Sofia and the innocent Chatsky. The main character is put out of the door, accusing him of imaginary debauchery. They threaten to send Sofia for misconduct to the village. Only Alexei Stepanovich goes unnoticed. Regarding the fate of this hero, the comedy "Woe from Wit" does not give a definite answer. Molchalin will probably be able to pretend to be a victim of the circumstances. Stopping his career is impossible. Chatsky was absolutely right when he predicted that Alexei Stepanovich would "reach the degrees known." The final scene of the comedy once again confirmed the sad truth that A. S. Griboedov is trying to convey to his readers: “Silence is bliss in the world,” while sincere and intelligent Chatsky become outcasts in society.
The image of Molchalin: characteristics of famous writers
The image of the "wordless" man, gradually making his way through the career ladder, did not leave anyone indifferent. Belinsky in the mid-19th century wrote that Molchalin is a person who "impersonates without benefits" according to a single "command of the soul." N.V. Gogol found that the "face" of Alexei Stepanovich was "accurately captured." This is an image of a person low and speechless, quietly breaking through people. Saltykov-Shchedrin, the attitude of Molchalin to the service inspired the creation of a series of essays entitled "Among the Moderate and Neat." I. A. Goncharov in the sketch "The Million of Torment" noted that in his time (1871) the taciturn bashfulness became archaism and was "hiding ... in the dark." However, comparisons of various persons with the wordless and helpful character "Woe from Wit" are still actively used in journalism.
Conclusion
Quotes of Molchalin are a reflection of his life position. The desire to come in handy and gain confidence in the right person who: "feeds and watered", or maybe "gives the rank ..." is relevant at all times. Aleksei Stepanovich is a typical opportunist, unburdened with a creative and constructive beginning, but in abundance endowed with practical wisdom and worldly mind. Fighting him is completely impossible. In any situation, this person will be able to be afloat. How long will silent mediocrity be valued in the service, and will a bright, vibrant and independent mind be unjustly persecuted? This question is posed by A.S. Griboedov in the satirical comedy "Woe from Wit." Silence occupy leading positions, penetrate into all spheres of life, take root in any society and by its very existence impede its development. However, the answer to this question has not yet been found. Perhaps this situation will change over time.