In this article, we will consider Ostrovsky’s play “Late Love”. A summary of the work will be in the center of our attention.
About the play
The author himself gave the following characterization to his creation - “scenes from the life of the outback”. The play was written in 1873 and consisted of 4 acts. In this work, the wonderful playwright Ostrovsky showed vividly and realistically the life and relationships of people. “Late Love” (the content is presented below) was first staged on the stage of the Maly Theater. The first production was a huge success. Interest in the work does not cease to this day, so you can enjoy the work of Ostrovsky in many modern theaters.
Characters
The action of the play “Late Love” (Ostrovsky) takes place in the impoverished house of Shablov. It’s best to read the summary from the list of characters in order to have an idea of the characters. So, imagine the characters:
- Shablova Felitsata Antonovna - mistress of the house, noblewoman.
- Margaritov Gerasim Porfirich - an old man of noble appearance, a retired official, lawyer.
- Lyudmila is a middle-aged modest girl, the daughter of Margaritov. She dresses cleanly, but without pretense.
- Nikolai Andreich is the eldest of the sons of Shablova.
- Dormedont - the youngest of the sons of Shablova, is with Margaritov in clerks.
- Lebedkina Varvara Kharitonovna - a widow.
- Dorodnov Onufry Potapych - middle-aged man, merchant.
Summary - “Late Love” (Ostrovsky). Action one
Dormedont had not appeared at home for several days. Shablova is worried about him, but believes that he is “breaking the bucks”, and is not busy with business. Lyudmila defends him, says that he probably works in the cantor, and even bothers about the affairs of a certain widow Lebedkina. Shablova answers that there is more loss from such troubles than benefits, and Nikolai liked it.
Women are waiting for Nicholas, but Dormedont appears, who went to look for his brother. It turns out that Nikolai is in the tavern and refuses to go home. Dormidont confesses to his mother that he is in love with Lyudmila, but Shablova hints that the girl has feelings for his brother. Dormidont does not believe and wants to confess her lover.
Margaritov and Dorodnov discuss business. The merchant says that he has a mortgage in the name of Lebedkina. Margaritov promises to receive all the money on paper from the widow in 2 weeks.
Nikolai sends a letter from the inn to his mother asking him to give him money - he is losing. Lyudmila gives her last 50 rubles to Shablova and asks to be sent to her son. Dormidont is trying to confess to the girl in love, but she is absorbed in thoughts of Nicholas.
The second action. Arrival of Lebedkina
About how much the heroes are in the grip of their feelings, even a brief summary can be understood. “Late love” (Ostrovsky) generally tells how difficult it is for a person to cope with emotions and especially with love.
Nikolay is returning from the tavern. Margaritov gives her daughter the keys to their room, orders him to be protected, and leaves. Lyudmila admits to Nikolai that she gave the money, not Shablova. The hero understands that the girl is in love with him. Lyudmila admits that she dreamed of loving someone for many years, and then she met Nikolai, and this “late, perhaps last love” is incredibly strong. The girl is ready to destroy herself and her soul for her lover.
To Shablova Lebedkin comes to fortune-tell on the maps. She says that she owes the merchant Dorodnov and Margaritov is engaged in this business. Shablova says that this is her tenant and that he has a daughter in love with Nikolai. The widow comes up with some kind of plan, and she invites Nikolai with her to the park for a ride. Lyudmila sees them leaving. The girl is worried, it seems to her that this is all not good.
Dormedont tells Lyudmila that they want to put Nicholas in a debt hole, and all the documents are ready. The girl is getting sick.
The third action. Rescue document
The power of despair and love of the main characters can be understood, even after reading only a brief summary. “Late Love” (Ostrovsky) is a dramatic work, there is a place and cruelty in it - some heroes without betrayal betray and use others.
Nikolay and Lebedkin are returning from a walk. The widow says that Margaritova has her mortgage, but she does not have money to pay. Nikolai offers to sell her diamonds. Lebedkina laughs and refuses to part with her things. She asks the hero to prove his love for her and force Lyudmila to steal paper from her father. And in return, Lebedkin will give Nikolai money to pay off his creditors and avoid a debt hole. The widow is leaving.
Lyudmila asks Nikolai about his debts. At this time, Dormedont enters, he passes the girl a letter from his father and leaves. Nikolai tells Lyudmila that his only escape from debt is to commit a crime, he needs to steal paper from her father. He promises, if he is saved, to start a new life, to work and forget about a wild life. Lyudmila, in tears, gives him the message that Dormedont gave her - it turns out to be Lebedkina's paper.
The fourth action. Denouement
The summary is coming to an end (“Late Love”). Ostrovsky brings his play to a logical, albeit unexpected, end.
The next day Lebedkina arrives to meet with Nikolai. A man gives her stolen paper. Lebedkina burns her in a furnace and refuses to pay Nikolai the promised reward - she herself needs money.
Margaritov does not find Lebedkina’s letter and accuses Dormedont of missing. But he says that he gave the letter to Lyudmila. Father asks for a daughter. Lyudmila admits that she gave the paper to Nikolai. Margaritov is in despair, his daughter consoles him. But then Nikolai appears and gives the lawyer Lebedkina the missing document, without telling why he needed him.
Lebedkina arrives, convinced that the document has been destroyed, and demands a meeting with Margaritov. The widow says she is ready to pay the money, but only if she is presented with paper. Lebedkina is surprised to see the whole document. She asked Nikolai what was the matter, he answered that he was more perspicacious than her.
Margaritov gives half of the money received to her daughter for a dowry. Lyudmila gives them to Nikolai - he is her fiance.
Alexander Ostrovsky, “Late Love”: reviews
The play has pretty good reader reviews. Despite the fact that it is not called the best work of Ostrovsky, they note the richness of the plot and topicality. Indeed, the problems of the main characters are relevant today. Readers also speak of excellent character development and a wonderful language.