"Oblomov and Stolz" - an essay based on the novel by Goncharov I.A. "Oblomov"

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 12:35

The main characters of the novel I. A. Goncharov "Oblomov" are Oblomov and Stolz. The essay must begin with a description of the writer's intention. Goncharov shows the gradual death of the human soul. Of course, the author was not the first to bring such an image to the pages of the work, but he portrayed it in such a scale and versatility that literature did not know before.

Barin Ilya Oblomov

From the beginning of the novel, the writer introduces the reader to the unremarkable gentleman Ilya Oblomov. This is a typical image of the Russian nobility. Sedentary, imposing, loose, passive. The plot is devoid of action, intrigue. The apathy of Ilya Oblomov seems absolutely incomprehensible. All day Ilya lies on the sofa in a greasy dressing gown and thinks about everything. Many ideas hovers in his head, but none finds further continuation. Oblomov has no desire to start a conversation. He tries not to disturb the peaceful course of life in Oblomovka. His lazy daydreaming is interrupted only by petitioners who profit from him. But Oblomov doesn't care. He is so far from reality that he does not even notice the true intentions of his "guests". And here Goncharov introduces Oblomov's dream, whichtakes us back to the hero's childhood. This is where the reason for this behavior lies. It was in childhood that a boy was raised to be a person unadapted to life. Indulging his desires, protecting him from any action, Ilyusha was inspired with the idea that nothing needs to be done, there will always be someone who will do it for him. A typical position of the nobles living at the expense of the peasants.

Friend visit

The life of Ilya Oblomov changes with the arrival of Andrey Stolz, an old friend. Oblomov sincerely hopes that Stolz is able to change the current situation, is able to bring him out of his state of half-asleep. And indeed, a handsome young man arrives, who has gained both experience and money. No wonder Goncharov compares him with a blooded English horse. Unlike his friend, Stolz in Oblomov is alien to daydreaming and laziness. He is practical in everything.

It cannot be said that Oblomov has always been the same as he is now. In the days of their youth, Ilya and Andrei studied science together, enjoyed life, and strived for something. However, then the lively and active Andrei could not captivate Oblomov with his enthusiasm, and gradually this young gentleman revived in his estate the atmosphere to which he was accustomed from childhood. Stolz in the novel "Oblomov" is the complete opposite of the main character and at the same time the closest person. And it helps to reveal the features of Ilyusha, to identify and emphasize his strengths and weaknesses.

Childhood friends

Heroes are childhood friends. These are two completely different people who were brought together by fate. IlyaOblomov was a family favorite from an early age. He lived in harmony with himself and with the world around him. Ilyusha had everything he wanted. Relatives protected him from all troubles. He grew up as a kind of darling of fate, brought up on nanny's fairy tales, in an atmosphere of laziness and serenity, without much desire to learn, to learn something new. As a teenager, Oblomov met Stolz in the nearby village of Verkhlevo. The little gentleman, accustomed to bliss in his estate - Ilya, enters a completely different world, energetic, new. The father of Andrey Stolz early accustomed his son to independence, instilling German pedantry in him. From his mother, Oblomov's friend Stolz inherited a love of poetry, from his father - a craving for science, for accuracy and accuracy. From childhood, he not only helps his father in business, but works and receives a salary. Hence Andrey's ability to make bold and independent decisions, to be responsible for his actions. Even outwardly friends are absolutely opposite. Ilya is a fat, loose, lethargic man who does not know what labor is. On the contrary, Andrei is a fit, cheerful, active person, accustomed to constant work. Lack of movement is like death to him.

The table "Oblomov and Stolz", located below, will allow you to more clearly present the difference in the images of the characters.

Love in the lives of heroes

Both experience love differently in life. And in love, Oblomov and Stolz are completely opposite. The essay, due to its volume, cannot cover the totality of the differences between the heroes of the novel. However, the theme of love should be considered.

When Olga brightens up Ilya's boring everyday life, he comes to life, from a flabby creature turns into an interesting man. Energy in Oblomov is in full swing, he needs everything, everything is interesting. He forgets about his old habits and even wants to get married. But suddenly he begins to be tormented by doubts about the truth of Olga's love. The endless questions asked by Oblomov to himself, in the end, do not allow him to change his life. He returns to his former existence, and nothing touches him anymore. Andrey Stoltz loves selflessly, passionately, surrendering to the feeling without a trace.

Opposites Converge

In other words, we see that Oblomov and Stolz (the essay reflects the generally accepted point of view) are completely different people who grew up in a different environment. However, it was this difference that brought them together. Each of them finds in the other what he himself lacks. Oblomov attracts Stolz with a calm and kind disposition. And vice versa, in Andrey Ilya admires vital activity. Time tests both of them, but their friendship only grows stronger.

Table "Oblomov and Stolz"

Ilya Oblomov	Andrey Stolz
Origin
Oblomov is a family nobleman living in accordance with patriarchal traditions.	Stolz is the son of a German who manages the estate of a Russian noblewoman.
Education
Brought up in an atmosphere of idleness. Notwas accustomed to neither mental nor physical labor.	From childhood, he was fond of science and art, early began to earn money and make independent decisions.
Life position
Half-asleep, daydreaming, lack of desire to change anything	Activity, practicality
Character Traits
Kind, calm, weak, lazy, sincere, dreamer, philosopher	Strong, smart, hardworking, life-loving

This is how Oblomov and Stolz are presented to readers. The essay can be completed with the words of the author himself: “It contained something that is more precious than any mind: an honest, faithful heart! This is his natural gold; he carried it through life unscathed.”