Summary of "Vasily Shibanov" by Tolstoy

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The work of A. K. Tolstoy "Vasily Shibanov" is based on real historical events that took place in the 16th century. Prince Kurbsky, fearing persecution by the enemies of Ivan the Terrible, flees to Lithuania, where he asks for protection and patronage from the ruler Sigismund-August. From there, he writes an angry letter to the king, full of accusations. In the article you will find the ballad "Vasily Shibanov" (summary).

Prologue

The work begins with a description of the escape of Prince Kurbsky. A faithful servant, Vasily Shibanov, follows him everywhere. The prince's horse dies, unable to withstand the long and strenuous journey, and gives his horse to the owner's stirrup, while he himself is left with nothing, pursued by the army of Ivan the Terrible. Whether he managed to escape, you will find out by reading the summary. You will meet Vasily Shibanov more than once on the pagesworks.

Ties

Having successfully reached Lithuania, Kurbsky writes a letter to the tsar, in which he accuses him of useless deaths of his subjects. All night long he hates every word and does not even remember his faithful vassal, who, risking his life, saved him. However, after a while, Vasily appears, exhausted, but alive. By some miracle, he manages to get away from the chase and get to Lithuania. From the very threshold, the stirrup offers the prince his help. Kurbsky, on reflection, decides that he cannot find a better messenger and sends Vasily to take the letter to the tsar. As a reward, the prince promises the aspirant a lot of silver, but he says that he does not need anything like that. He takes the letter and goes on his way. The episode of the meeting with the king (summary) of Vasily Shibanov will show a man of great endurance, with a devoted heart.

Climax

Upon arrival in Russia, the stirrup immediately gives the letter to Grozny. In his message, Kurbsky writes about the cruelty and injustice of the king, that the day will come - and he will be rewarded for his sins. This is how Tolstoy A. N. describes Kurbsky’s words (their summary). Vasily Shibanov stands and waits for Grozny’s further reaction, there is not a single sign of fear on his face. And he, having heard who exactly wrote this message, out of indignation pierces the stirrup leg through and through with a stick. The further Grozny reads the letter, the more serious and darker his look becomes. Blood flows from Shibanov's leg, but he is silent and does not show any emotions. After reading the message,Grozny says in surprise that the stirrup is not only a devoted servant of the prince, but also a true friend. The tsar says that Kurbsky does not appreciate Vasily's life, because it was he who sent him to a painful death. All the details of this important episode cannot be revealed only through a summary. Vasily Shibanov expects many trials in the future, which he will stand with dignity.

Decoupling

Grozny orders Shibanov to be taken to prison and tortured until he betrays all of Kurbsky's accomplices. Torture lasts day and night, but in response to all questions, Vasily only praises his master. Fortitude and courage do not allow the hero to surrender and betray the prince. The guardsmen are surprised to inform the tsar that the prisoner does not give out a single name, despite the fact that his strength is running out.

The last two paragraphs are written on behalf of Shibanov himself. He asks God for forgiveness for Kurbsky. Even torture, torment and death cannot shake his loy alty to his master. On the verge of death, Vasily does not think that he can alleviate his suffering and stay alive, for this he only needs to tell Grozny who contributed to Kurbsky's escape. Shibanov prefers to remain loyal to the prince.

Analysis. Ballad "Vasily Shibanov" (summary)

I would like to especially note the veiled assessment of each hero by the author. The attitude towards Kurbsky is clear from the first lines. He is a traitor, a traitor to the Motherland. Kurbsky sells his country to the Gentiles. The prince does not notice and does not appreciate Vasily's devotion, sends him to certain death for the sake of self-affirmation andsatisfy one's own ambitions.

Image of the main character

Attitude towards Vasily is ambivalent. On the one hand, the author admires his loy alty, dedication and willingness to help his master. Shibanov is a very brave man, because he was not afraid to be left alone and without a horse, pursued by Grozny's army. He is not characterized by meanness and betrayal. Vasily does his duty, no matter what. On the other hand, the main character's misunderstanding of the consumer's attitude towards himself revolts the writer. He sacrifices his own life for a man who does not appreciate him. In the stirrup, the features of a real slave of his master are traced. This concludes the analysis of the image (summary) of Vasily Shibanov.

Tsar of All Russia

The image of Ivan the Terrible in the ballad is also quite controversial. On the one hand, the author draws him as a cruel and bloodthirsty ruler, to whom no laws are written. During the years of his reign, he executed a large number of people, including completely innocent ones. On the other hand, it is Ivan the Terrible, and not Kurbsky, who notices what a devoted friend and ally Vasily Shibanov is. A summary of a more detailed description of the ruler of Russia can be found below.

Ivan the Terrible is a significant figure in the history of our state. He became the first Russian tsar and expanded the borders of the country, during his reign the Urals and Siberia were annexed to Russia. Grozny was also highly educated, he ledcorrespondence with many people, including Prince Kurbsky. During his reign, many reforms were carried out. Judging by the surviving reviews of contemporaries, for some, Grozny was a cruel and quick-tempered person, and for others, a fair and wise ruler.

Conclusion

Thoughts that the author wanted to convey to the reader are described in detail in the article (summary of "Vasily Shibanov"). With his ballad, Tolstoy wanted to tell about true love for his country and devotion, which, nevertheless, should not be concluded in blind obedience and self-sacrifice. Defending one's civic position, holding one's head high and feeling one's own dignity - these are the qualities that should be inherent in every representative of the great Russian people. It is on such people that real and strong powers are held.