The image of Starodum in the comedy "The Little Man" cannot be understood without the plot of the play. The article will tell about how events developed and why the hero showed generosity in certain situations.
Background of the main events
First, the author introduces the reader to the Prostakov family. The work begins with the fact that the mistress of the house scolds the servant for the fact that he poorly sewed a caftan for his beloved son Mitrofan. Other, equally unique personalities appear on the scene - Mr. Prostakov, who constantly listens to his wife, and the woman’s brother, who is also not very kind.
Among all this booth, their distant relative, young Sofia, pleasantly amazes. The girl has elegant manners and a soft character. The landlady plans to marry the beauty to her aforementioned brother Skotinin.
But everything changes when the characters find out that the uncle of the young lady, whom they had long considered dead, suddenly sends a letter. In it, he notes that he wants to transfer his great fortune to his niece. Therefore, Mrs. Prostakova changes the plan and wants to marry her non-good-natured son to a girl.
Meanwhile, officer Milon appears in the village, who is sincerely in love with Sophia. Beauty is also not indifferent to a glorious man.
Sympathy for an unknown guest
A very multifaceted image of Starodum in the comedy "Undergrowth". The first impression of him is formed even before his appearance on the scene. Most of the characters are so narrow-minded, illiterate and wild people that the reader immediately imbued with sympathy for the unknown hero. Against the background of the greedy Mrs. Prostakova, her weak-willed husband, unreasonable son and selfish brother, Uncle Sophia seems to be a sensible and kind person. This is evidenced by the letter that he wrote to his niece. The man notes that he really missed his relatives and regrets that he could not keep in touch with them. The hero also reports that he can serve as an example of how honestly make big money.
Generosity is not alien to him. Starodum decides to give his riches to his niece. Undergrowth (a characterization of each character in this comedy requires a separate article) is a work in which feelings float to the surface. Therefore, among people who value money above feelings, a hero unknown to the reader causes great sympathy.
Mysterious figure
This person first appears in the third action. He talks with a longtime friend Pravdin for a long time. From this dialogue we learn more about Starodum. It turns out that the first impression was not false. The man is actually very wise and kind. He says that his father, who served with Peter the Great, raised his son according to the old laws. People were then addressed to "you." And “you” are those who considered themselves worthy of several. And now, as the guest says, "many are not worth one."
The education of Starodum is also highlighted. Undergrowth is a comedy where two generations are compared. So, the hero recalls that in his childhood they taught only one thing: the main thing in life is to remain human. There was no need to "stuff an empty head with a stranger's mind." And a person without a soul, even a scientist, can be equated with an animal.
Recognizes the reader and the story of the character. Many years ago, a count betrayed the hero, whom he considered a friend. That man circumvented him in the service by cunning and cunning. Therefore, having returned from the war, Starodum decided to avoid such people and places that could “infect” him with malice and hypocrisy. He said: "The doctor will not help, unless he will become infected."
Wise mentor
Next, uncle meets with his niece, whom he calls the “daughter of the heart”. He notes that it will be a great joy for him to tear out a good girl from a family where greed reigns. He says he will rescue "innocence from a network of deceit."
Here, an attentive reader understands how similar these two characters in the comedy "Undergrowth" are. The biography of Starodum acquires new features. So, we learn that the man is about 60 years old and he went to Siberia, because there you can honestly earn money. Also, uncle declares that, guided by natural desires, you will not be poor, but human motives will constantly miss something.
No less wisdom in the following remarks of the character. He notes that a smart child does not need money, and they will not save a stupid child. A man does not agree that wealth leads to respect. The only veneration that the hero recognizes is mental.
After this short acquaintance of the reader with the special image of Starodum in the comedy "The Undergrowth" leaves no room for doubt. His undoubted wisdom is the law for rational Sophia.
Conversation philosophy
Meanwhile, Mrs. Prostakova and her brother are starting a fight in front of the guest. When a woman finds out that this man is the very rich uncle, she begins to crawl in front of him. But the man remains indifferent to hypocrisy. He announces that he will take his niece to Moscow tomorrow and will marry someone whom she considers worthy. Starodum is sure that the choice of his daughter will be in any case the right one.
The young lady reads the book, and the uncle says about the author: "He will not corrupt his morals with his pen." Next, the hero talks with Sophia. Their conversation is similar to a philosophical treatise. They reflect on simple but important things for a respectable life. Here, a man acts as a teacher for a girl. His words are smart, and their content is simple. He easily explains to her the difference between true happiness and shadow, duty and nobility. Advises on family life: “Have a friendship with your husband that would be like love.” Therefore, the reader is drawn an absolutely clear image of Starodum in the comedy "Undergrowth."
Fatal meeting
Next, uncle says that the girl needs to find a good husband. An officer named Milon was praised by him in Moscow. But the hero says to himself that marriage is possible only if his adopted daughter agrees.
After a moment, these two people get to know each other. As it turned out, they have a lot in common. Starodum and Milon did not spare their strength for the sake of the Fatherland and believe that the main thing in a person is the soul. Subsequently, everyone will find out that young people are in love, because uncle gives his blessing for the marriage of an officer and niece.
One of the play's most beloved heroes for all generations is Starodum (The Undergrowth). The characterization of this character allows us to conclude that he has much in common with Milon. It seems that the author introduces the reader to the image of his uncle in his youth through a portrait of an officer.
Exposing evil intentions
This hero has a good sense of humor. When he “carefully” listens to Mrs. Prostakova and Skotinin, he openly taunts their greed. They are so carefully trying to confuse the head of a rich guest that they do not notice an important detail: the uncle immediately saw through the insidious plan. Further, the man admits that his niece was already engaged to Milon.
But the stubborn Prostakova does not stop. She is trying to kidnap Sophia and secretly marry her with her son. But a loud scream rises, and the officer saves his beloved. The lady is threatened with judgment, but once again the good-naturedness of her uncle and nieces is manifested, and they forgive the cunning woman.
Introduces another line in the play Denis Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). Starodum and other characters will find out that due to the mistress’s bad behavior, the village passes under the control of a fair Pravdin.
Indefatigable kindness
Starodum and two of his companions to teachers who worked with Mitrofan show considerable wisdom. To the professor who demanded money for the time spent, they refused. The second teacher, who refused the funds because he could not teach the guy anything, is paid compensation. And in the person of the third teacher, who was actually a coachman, the guest recognizes his former servant - a charlat who pretended to be a professor. A wise man takes him to himself to give him work.
When Prostakova says that her life does not make sense, the rich guest replies that this is a punishment for evil.
A fun, deep and interesting comedy "Undergrowth". Quotes from Starodum are relevant in today's society. Such a hero, like his principles, will always be relevant.