Griboyedov's characterization of Famusov in the comedy "Woe from Wit"

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

The author's characterization of Famusov in the comedy "Woe from Wit" was performed by Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov consistently and comprehensively. Why is so much attention given to him? For a simple reason: the Famusovs are the main bastion of the old system, hindering progress. They are the barrier that prevents Chatsky's ideas from becoming a real force, giving society momentum.

How Famusov serves

Griboyedov portrayed him as a well-known and influential Moscow aristocrat serving in a high government position. Woe from the mind Famusov does not threaten. This person does not show the same zeal in his service as, say, the boyar Andreev from Karamzin's "Natalia, the Boyar's Daughter." He does not "burn to the ground" in the service. Rather, on the contrary, Pavel Afanasyevich devotes a minimum of time to state affairs.

Molchalin prepares papers for him to sign, and Famusov, accordingly, assures them. To do this, he does not even need to be in the service, in the office. What for? Molchalin will bring the righthome document. Therefore, we say that the characterization of Famusov in the comedy "Woe from Wit" is accusatory. Indeed, even today, many civil servants of the highest rank, owning multimillion-dollar fortunes, are engaged in “famusism”. What is signed further no longer worries the bureaucrat. The “Molchalins” under his control are already responsible for this. How convenient!

Don't you think, dear readers, that Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov points out to us the main reason why laws don't work in our time? Everything is simple! They were engaged in modern "Famusovs" and "Molchalins".

What does it serve

Can Famusov be called a slacker? Perhaps not, the characterization of Famusov in the comedy "Woe from Wit", on the contrary, shows that he is active and even plans in advance what to do. What ideals does he strive for?

His ideal is the aristocrat of the Catherine's era - Maxim Petrovich, who bends "over the top" in front of the authorities, but always acts "train" in front of the lower castes. But the main thing that he liked about his uncle was that he surrounded himself with luxury. To rise in order to, like an uncle, even "eat on gold" - this is what he strives for.

The activity of Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov takes place in two directions: personnel policy (remember, “cadres decide everything”?) and connections with other powerful people, Moscow aristocrats. Famusov is trying to surround himself in the service of relatives. He willingly helps such "little men" to take a "place". Thus, a mutual guarantee is formed around, “a hand a handwashes.”

What are "connections" with "the right people" in his understanding? These are by no means contacts with scientists, engineers, public figures who promote progress. Famusov believes that such upstarts should block the road and put sticks in the wheels (“All troubles come from science!”). The characterization of Famusov in the comedy "Woe from Wit" shows him as a staunch opponent of the development of society.

Pavel Afanasyevich seeks to become influential among like-minded people, through extensive "informal" communication with aristocrats. So he does not spare his time to create such a community, tying together money and power. Patiently establishes contacts with other high officials, aristocrats through visits and gifts. Famusov does not spare his time for this. He plans his visits, even attracting an assistant to this - a competent serf Petrushka.

It must be admitted: his work is fruitful. That is why Famus' acquaintances are so unanimous in opposing Alexander Chatsky, that's why they jointly declare him crazy.

Family life

Widower Famusov lives in the village, although he is in the service in Moscow. The functions of courier and secretary are performed by Molchalin. On his estate he is a gentleman. He daily humiliates and insults his serfs (“chumps”, “donkeys”, “crowbars”, “dunces”). He likes to read morals to others, which, however, does not prevent him from molesting serf women.

He sees suitors for his daughter Sophia within his caste - landowners who own more than two thousandserfs.

Conclusion

Perhaps, we have reason to say that today the topical image represents Famusov. “Woe from Wit” is also relevant today, in which “famusism” is called differently, more modernly - corruption. However, we have to admit that the current followers of Pavel Afanasyevich are much more sophisticated than their literary prototype, created two centuries ago.