Maxim Gorky wrote this work after returning from a trip to Bessarabia in 1891. Literary scholars attribute it to early works. However, the author’s style and romantic motive in his work are already visible here. Gorky himself considered the story “The Old Woman Isergil” to be the best of his writing. An analysis of this work will help us better understand the course of author’s thoughts.
Composition
The story consists of three short stories, which in the story are not connected with each other in any way. But they are united by a common idea. Using three different stories, Maxim Gorky tries to show the reader the true value of human life. And in this he, of course, is helped by the main characters - Danko, Larra and the old woman Isergil. Analysis of these three images will help us understand what kind of human freedom appears in the writer's mind.
Unbridled freedom
The first short story, “The Old Woman Isergil,” which we will analyze, tells us about Larra. Gorky describes him as an egoist and individualist, shows him to the reader in a worse light. The people around Larra evoke only negative emotions - some are afraid of him, others hate him. This is actually the son of an eagle and a woman. Outwardly, he looks like a man, but actions denounce the real animal in him - because for the sake of purpose he is ready for anything, he does not appreciate either the past or the future.
This image is a testament to how permissiveness and complete freedom can affect a person. There is no place for love, justice and kindness. Too free Larra appreciates only his "I", without thinking about other people.
Mercy and kindness
Analysis of the work “The Old Woman Isergil” will be incomplete, if not to mention such a character as Danko. He is completely opposed to Larre. Danko in his life chooses such qualities as altruism and mercy. Other people are more important to him than his own dignity. He is ready to sacrifice himself, and for him this is the only right way of life.
With the help of this image, Gorky shows that a person can wake up a powerful force within himself that can love without thinking about the consequences.
Old Woman Isergil, Character Analysis
The third character that the writer introduces is the old woman Isergil. The analysis of this image is the most ambiguous. Unlike the two previous heroes, she no
longer exists within the legend. She is the product of our reality.
Old woman Isergil tells the story of her love. However, the reader hardly believes that she felt all the feelings she described sincerely. However, the old woman did as her heart commanded. The short story about her still more closely resembles the first passage, the main character of which is Larra. Probably, Gorky leaves the choice to the reader how to nevertheless perceive the heroine’s behavior. After all, human actions in real life are also not always unambiguous.
An ideal complement to two characters, Larra and Danko, according to Gorky, the old woman Isergil. An analysis of this character leads us to determine the main theme of the work. And it is the meaning of human life.