Literary antipodes are characters opposite each other

Table of contents:

Literary antipodes are characters opposite each other
Literary antipodes are characters opposite each other

Video: Literary antipodes are characters opposite each other

Video: Literary antipodes are characters opposite each other
Video: Helen Mirren's Lifestyle ★ 2021 2024, December
Anonim

In a broad sense, antipodes are entities that are opposite to each other. The term is borrowed from the ancient Greek language, where it denoted opposing things, phenomena and quantities. The concept is used in physics, philosophy, literature and other fields of science and art.

the antipodes are
the antipodes are

Where the antipodes live

Antipodes in terms of geography can, for example, be called the inhabitants of New Zealand and Spain, since these countries are located in strictly opposite points of the planet.

Explanatory dictionaries of the Russian language, among other meanings, unanimously single out the following: antipodes are people of opposite views, beliefs, actions, etc. It is with this meaning that the literary device is associated, with the help of which the author creates a picture of life and expresses his concept.

The antipode hero in a literary work is interesting not only from the point of view of plot collisions. His presence creates conflict and helps the reader to take a closer look at the main character, see the hidden motives of his actions, and thoroughly understand the idea of the work.

Russian classics are rich in such literary pairs that represent antipodes. Moreover, these characters can be not onlyenemies, but also best friends, which does not prevent them from being antipodes. Onegin and Lensky, about whom Pushkin says that they are "like ice and fire", Andrei Bolkonsky and Pierre Bezukhov, Pechorin and Grushnitsky, Grinev and Shvabrin, Oblomov and Stolz, Karamazov - Ivan and Alyosha - this is not a complete list of names.

hero antipode
hero antipode

Eternal duel

In the brilliant comedy "Woe from Wit" by A. Griboedov, the ardent and witty Chatsky also has antipodes. First of all, this is the “modest” Molchalin. These people would not be put side by side at all - they are so far apart in their way of thinking from each other, but only one object of love brings them together - Sofya Famusova. Both heroes are smart in their own way, but this mind is different. Molchalin, convinced that “one must depend on others,” won recognition for his obsequiousness, courtesy, pragmatic professionalism and caution. In contrast to him, the sincere, talented, independent Chatsky, who "wants to preach liberty," is recognized by the majority as crazy. The common sense of the conformist Molchalin, it would seem, triumphs over the "crazy" impudent rejection of vulgarity, hypocrisy and stupidity. However, sympathy is still on the side of the freedom lover Chatsky, who leaves Moscow with a broken heart. The presence of an antipode hero in the play makes the conflict especially expressive and emphasizes how typical the fate of a loner who decides to contradict the majority.

hero antipode
hero antipode

The secret of true love

In F. Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment", it is not possible to recognize the antipodes of the protagonist immediately. For the firstSvidrigailov and Luzhin are seen as completely opposite to Raskolnikov, from whom the hero wants to protect and save people. However, gradually we understand that Raskolnikov, absorbed in his idea, is rather their double - in terms of the inhuman, cynical and criminal content of this idea. Nevertheless, Raskolnikov has antipodes - these are Sonya Marmeladova and Porfiry Petrovich. The latter was fascinated in his youth by such Raskolnikov's views, but his conscience did not allow him to follow this path. And Sonya also “criminated”, but not by taking the life of others, but by sacrificing herself for the sake of others. Thanks to this opposition, the author helps us understand what the true essence of Christian mercy and love is.

Recommended: