The famous novel by Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky "Idiot" was first published in the journal "Russian Bulletin". The novel was published in parts in the magazine in 1860. It is no secret that the writer loved his creation more than his other works. The heroes of "Idiot" are very beloved all over the world due to the fact that they are very different in character and worldview. Aglaya Yepanchina is one of the main characters of the novel. In her image, Dostoevsky portrayed the first idealist women of that time, who tried to break the shackles of social prejudice and find their own path.
Characteristic
Epanchina Aglaya Ivanovna - a beauty of twenty years. This is a girl brought up in a very respected noble family of the general. In secular circles, it is considered an ideal candidate for extradition. She is modest, educated, smart and talented. She is drawn to knowledge and secretly from books of progressive philosophers from her parents. Aglaya does not like social events. The girl is used to living in abundance and luxury. She longs for freedom and dreams of traveling. Like all girls of her age, she dreams of great and exalted love. However, despite this, it is conceited that it still does not allow her to sink to the level of education of her environment. Therefore, for her, the material well-being of the young man does not matter at all and she is ready to live her life even with a poor student.
Aglaia is an ambiguous heroine. However, this only emphasizes its depth and shows the complexity of the character. In fact, Aglaya Yepanchina is still a child, although at the first meeting she makes an impression of a serious and tired person from countless balls. Sometimes she behaves moody and unfriendly towards others, and she understands this very well. Recognizes that at times it is evil and stupid.
Aglaya's relationship with the family
Relatives consider the girl an ideal. She is loved by everyone. Her family is convinced that their lovely darling is destined for a comfortable, heavenly family life. Because of this, the two older sisters even abandoned part of their dowry in favor of the younger. Aglaya herself wants to choose a groom, but the girl’s mother believes that she is not ripe for real feelings.
Despite the fact that the mother always and everywhere praises her youngest, at the same time she reproaches her with self-will. She believes that at times she is eccentric and insane. According to the mother, the daughter's most negative traits are anger and heartlessness, which can greatly interfere with her future life and bring suffering.
Father also worships Aglaya for her generous heart and brilliant mind. However, like his wife, he believes that his daughter is sometimes proud, mocking and capricious. But, despite this, he treats her good-naturedly, as always, and even affectionately calls her a "cold-blooded devil."
Relations with Prince Myshkin
Having met Prince Myshkin, Aglaya Yepanchina immediately became interested in him. She liked the extraordinary thinking, his dissimilarity to her usual environment. Despite the fact that everyone around him considers the prince an idiot, very strange and eccentric, Aglaya, on the contrary, sees in him a pure fair young man. He became a fresh sip for her in a boring everyday life. She absolutely does not care about his poverty. Myshkin, despite the fact that he is also in love with Aglaia, cannot decide on the next step, as there is another girl who has feelings for him - Nastasya.
Myshkin sympathizes with her and takes care of her, as the girl has a difficult life. He pities her. Aglaya’s parents also add fuel to the fire, they press on the girl to abandon her stupid girl’s love. Myshkin is considered insane, unworthy of their daughter. However, the heroine is rebelling. Events are approaching the wedding. The prince continues to rush between two girls. Then Aglaya Yepanchina decides to meet with Nastasya Filippovna, Myshkin is also present there. Aglaya asks Nastasya to release the prince and no longer interfere in their relationship with Myshkin. However, the proud and capricious Nastasya Filippovna again manipulates the prince. Girls demand a choice. As a result, the insulted Aglaya, unable to withstand the nervous tension, runs away from the room. Too compassionate Myshkin is torn, but decides to choose her because of pity for Nastasya Filippovna. After that, Lev Myshkin tries to contact Aglaya Yepanchina, but the girl refuses him.
The fate of Aglaya
There is a big scandal in the Aglaya family. The girl tells her family that she will not marry Prince Myshkin, because everyone around him considers him an idiot. Some time later, she marries a very suspicious Polish emigrant who has a reputation as a revolutionary. This Aglaya Yepanchina finally breaks all ties with his family.
Quotes from Aglaya Yepanchina from The Idiot
The text of Dostoevsky speaks for itself. The image and characterization of Aglaya Yepanchina is well revealed by her quotes from the novel:
I do not want to be constantly married out! I want ... I want ... well, I want to run away from home, and I chose you to help me.
I want to talk about everything with at least one person, as with myself.
I want to be brave and not be afraid of anything. I do not want to go to their balls, I want to bring benefits. I have long wanted to leave. I’ve been corked with them for twenty years, and everyone marries me.
I haven’t seen a single Gothic cathedral, I want to be in Rome, I want scientists to examine all classrooms, I want to study in Paris; I’ve been preparing and studying all last year and have read a lot of books ...
I do not want to be the general's daughter ...
Film adaptation
The first film adaptation was shot back in the days of the Russian Empire, in 1910, by the famous Russian director Pyotr Chardynin. In it, the role of Aglaia Epanchina was played by Tatyana Shornikova. The Soviet Union also had its own adaptation of the novel. Unfortunately, only the first part of the series was shot, since actor Yuri Yakovlev, who played the role of Prince Myshkin, refused to appear in the sequel. The role of Aglaya Epanchina here was performed by the Soviet actress Raisa Maximova.
Many countries have their own adaptations of "Idiot", but perhaps the most famous film adaptation is the Russian series "Idiot", filmed by director Vladimir Bortko in 2003. In it, the role of Aglaia Epanchina was played by the Russian actress Olga Budina.
In addition, around the world numerous performances based on the novel are staged.