Pechorin and Eugene Onegin comparison table. Onegin and Pechorin: comparative characteristics. Essay Onegin and Pechorin

I look sadly at our generation!
His future is either empty or dark,
Meanwhile, under the burden of knowledge and doubt,
It will grow old in inactivity.
M.Yu.Lermontov

The novels by A.S. Pushkin “Eugene Onegin” and M.Yu. Lermontov “Hero of Our Time” show dramatic fate typical representatives noble intelligentsia of the first half of the 19th century century. The main characters of these works, Evgeny Onegin and Grigory Pechorin, belong to the type of “superfluous people” in Russia who, not finding use for their abilities, became disillusioned with life and the society around them. The heroes of A.S. Pushkin and M.Yu. Lermontov are separated by only ten years, but they belong to different eras in the history of Russia. Between them stands the famous date - December fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five, the Decembrist uprising.
Onegin lives in the twenties years XIX century, in its heyday social movement and freedom-loving ideas. Pechorin is a man of another era. The action of the novel “A Hero of Our Time” takes place in the thirties of the 19th century. This period was marked by a brutal political reaction that followed the Decembrists' speech at Senate Square. Onegin could still have gone to the Decembrists, thus finding a purpose in life and giving meaning to his existence. Pechorin is already deprived of such an opportunity. His situation is much more tragic than that of Pushkin’s hero.
What are the similarities between Onegin and Pechorin?
Both of them are representatives of the capital's aristocracy, received good upbringing and education, their intellectual level is above the average level of the society around them.
Both heroes are critical of life and people. They are dissatisfied with themselves, they understand that their life is monotonous and empty, that slander, envy, and malice reign in the world. Therefore, Onegin and Pechorin begin to suffer from boredom and melancholy.
To satisfy his spiritual needs and relieve boredom, Onegin tries to write, but “he was sick of persistent work,” and reading books also does not occupy him for long.
And Pechorin quickly tires of any business he starts, it becomes boring for him. Once in the Caucasus, he hopes that “boredom does not live under Chechen bullets.” But he gets used to the whistling of bullets very quickly. Love adventures Lermontov's hero was also bored. This was manifested in his attitude towards Bela and Mary. Having achieved their love, he loses interest in them.
Characteristic feature Onegin and Pechorin is their egoism. Heroes do not take into account the opinions and feelings of other people.
Onegin rejects Tatiana's love, not wanting to lose his freedom. A petty desire to annoy Lensky leads to the murder of a friend.
Pechorin brings misfortune to almost everyone he meets: he kills Grushnitsky, destroys the lives of Bela, Mary, Vera, and saddens Maxim Maksimych to the depths of his soul. He achieves the love of women solely out of a desire to entertain himself, to relieve boredom, and then grows cold towards them. Pechorin is cruel even to the seriously ill Mary, saying that he never loved her, but only laughed at the poor girl.
Both Onegin and Pechorin are self-critical of themselves. Onegin, tormented by remorse, cannot remain where the crime was committed. He is forced to leave his quiet village life and wander around the world. Pechorin admits that during his life he has caused people a lot of grief, that he plays “the role of an ax in the hands of fate.” At the same time, Pechorin is not going to change his behavior. His self-criticism does not bring relief to him or anyone else. This behavior makes Pechorin, as he described himself, “a moral cripple.”
Onegin and Pechorin are observant and have a good understanding of people. They are subtle psychologists. At the very first meeting, Onegin singled out Tatyana from other women, and of all the local nobility, he became friends only with Vladimir Lensky. Pechorin also correctly judges the people he meets on his way. The characteristics given to them are accurate and to the point. He knows the psychology of women very well, can easily predict their actions and uses this to win their love.
But both heroes are capable of deep feelings. Onegin, realizing that he is in love with Tatyana, is ready to do anything to at least see her. And Pechorin, having learned about Vera’s departure, immediately rushes after her, but, not catching up, falls in the middle of the road and cries like a child.
Secular society has a negative attitude towards the heroes of A.S. Pushkin and M.Yu. Lermontov. Their behavior is incomprehensible to others, their point of view on life does not coincide with the generally accepted one, they are alone in the society around them, which feels the superiority of these “extra people”.
Despite all the similarities in character and position in society, the heroes of A.S. Pushkin and M.Yu. Lermontov have many differences.
Onegin is not devoid of nobility. He is honest with Tatyana and does not want to take advantage of her inexperience. Pechorin appears before us as an immoral man, for whom people are just toys. Perfectly aware of the consequences of his actions, Pechorin does not even try to change his behavior, cruelly destroying the destinies of other people.
The heroes also have different attitudes towards the duel.
The day before, Onegin is fast asleep, not taking the upcoming duel seriously. And after Lensky’s murder, he is overcome with horror and begins to be tormented by remorse.
Pechorin approaches the issue of a duel seriously, carefully choosing the place of the duel. Before the duel, Lermontov’s hero does not sleep and thinks about questions that sooner or later any person thinks about: “Why did I live? For what purpose was I born? Very soon Pechorin will kill Grushnitsky in cold blood and, bowing politely, will leave the dueling site.
Onegin and Pechorin are deeply disappointed in life, tired of emptiness secular society, reject his ideals and values. At the same time, Onegin, suffering from his uselessness, is not able to resist the society that he condemns. Pechorin, unlike him, does not go with the flow, but is looking for his path in life, his calling and purpose. He thinks about his purpose in life, feeling “immense strength” in his soul. Unfortunately, all his energy only brings misfortune to the people he encounters. This is the tragedy of Pechorin's life.
Depicting the fates of their heroes, typical of their generation, Pushkin and Lermontov protest against a society that deprives people of a purpose in life, forces them to waste their strength, and does not allow them to find a use for their minds and abilities. This society creates “superfluous people” who are unable to find either love, friendship, or happiness. The revelation of this society is historical significance novels "Eugene Onegin" and "Hero of Our Time".

Comparative characteristics Onegin and Pechorin
What a short period of time separates Pushkin's Onegin and Lermontov's Pechorin! The first quarter and forties of the 19th century. And yet these are two different eras separated by an unforgettable event for Russian history - the uprising

Decembrists. Pushkin and Lermontov managed to create works that reflected the spirit of these eras, works that touched upon the problems of the fate of the young noble intelligentsia, who did not know how to find use for their strengths.
Herzen called Pechorin “Onegin’s younger brother,” so what do these people have in common and how do they differ?
Onegin, before becoming a “young rake,” received traditional upbringing and an extensive, but rather superficial formation. Due to the fact that in the end he could speak “perfectly” in French, dance the mazurka easily and “bow at ease,” “the world decided that he was smart and very nice.” However, quickly becoming fed up with the fruitless bustle social life, Onegin begins to be burdened by her, but finds nothing in return. Realizing the futility of existence secular people, Onegin begins to despise them, withdraws into himself, and indulges in the “Russian blues.” Living only by himself, without taking into account the feelings and experiences of other people, Onegin commits a whole series unworthy actions. By the time he met him, Pushkin noted in Onegin “inimitable strangeness,” “a sharp, chilled mind,” “involuntary devotion to dreams,” an internal gap and misunderstanding between him and the people around him. Despite his deep contempt for the “light,” Onegin remains dependent on public opinion, and as a result kills his friend Lensky. Selfishness leads the “rake of the ardent” to severe spiritual drama and discord with oneself.
We don’t know much about Pechorin’s past, mainly from the pages of his own diary, from his conversations with other people. We learn that Pechorin’s “soul is spoiled by light”: “From childhood, everyone read on my face signs of bad qualities that were not there; but they were anticipated - and they were born.” Now those around him often do not understand either Pechorin’s thoughts or his actions, and he (and often quite justifiably) considers himself head and shoulders above those around him. Unlike Onegin, Pechorin does not shy away from people, does not avoid contact with them, but, on the contrary, becomes an extremely subtle psychologist, capable of understanding not only other people’s actions and thoughts, but also feelings. Unfortunately, communication with him most often brings people and even himself only suffering and dissatisfaction. Unlike Onegin, Pechorin is not yet tired of life, he interferes in everything, is interested in many things, but he is not capable of truly loving and making friends. And if only Tatyana suffers from Pushkin’s love for Onegin (and later from Onegin’s love), then Pechorin brings misfortune to all the women he encounters: Bela, Vera, Princess Mary, even the smugglers’ friend.
Onegin's problem is his inability to make his life interesting, bright, and fill it with significant events. Pechorin is concerned about the question of the purpose of his own life, its meaning. The consciousness of lost opportunities constantly haunts him, since his belief in his “high purpose” does not find real confirmation. Both one and the other value their freedom, liberty, but it turns out that they too often sacrifice to it what is truly dear to them.
The differences in the destinies and characters of the heroes are explained by differences in eras: the life of Russia on the eve of the December uprising (Onegin) and the severe political reaction after the defeat of the Decembrists (Pechorin). Both Onegin and Pechorin belong to the type of “superfluous people,” that is, people for whom there was neither place nor work in the society around them. And yet, even despising their surroundings, Onegin and Pechorin were children of this society, that is, heroes of their time.

In Russian XIX literature century, the images of Eugene Onegin and Pechorin became symbols of the era. They combined the typical features of representatives of the noble class with outstanding personal qualities, deep intelligence and strength of character, which, alas, were not used in conditions of a deep moral crisis, which became the main sign of the times in the 30s and 40s. Misunderstood in their circle, superfluous, they wasted their strength in vain, unable to overcome the moral deafness of their contemporaries and the pettiness of public opinion, which was considered the main criterion human values V high society. Despite all their similarities, Onegin and Pechorin are endowed with bright individual traits, thanks to which modern readers also show interest in these literary heroes.

Definition

Pechorin – main character the novel by M. Yu. Lermontov “Hero of Our Time”, a Russian nobleman, an officer who, due to his duty, found himself in the war zone in the Caucasus. The extraordinary personality of this literary hero caused heated controversy among critics and the ardent interest of contemporary readers.

Onegin- The main thing character the novel in verse “Eugene Onegin”, written by A. S. Pushkin. Onegin belongs to the noble aristocracy. His biography, according to V. G. Belinsky, became an encyclopedia of Russian life in the first half of the 19th century.

Comparison

The first chapters of “Eugene Onegin” were published by A. S. Pushkin in 1825. Readers met Pechorin in 1840. Minor difference in the time of creation of these literary images nevertheless, it was of fundamental importance for the disclosure of their personal qualities, which contemporaries perceived as a reflection of deep social processes.

At the beginning of the novel, Onegin is a social dandy. He is rich, educated and constantly under close attention high society. Tired of idleness, Evgeniy makes an attempt to get down to serious business: reforming the economy he inherited. Novelty village life turned into boredom for him: the lack of the habit of working gave rise to melancholy, and all the endeavors of the learned economist came to naught.

Onegin's drama is in futility own strength and the meaninglessness of the way of life, which was imposed by public opinion and accepted by the hero as a standard, beyond which he never dared to step. The duel with Lensky, the difficult relationship with Tatyana Larina are a consequence of deep moral dependence on the opinions of the world, which played a primary role in Onegin’s fate.

Pechorin, unlike Onegin, is not so rich and noble. He serves in the Caucasus, a place of dangerous military operations, showing miracles of courage, demonstrating endurance and strength of character. But his main feature, repeatedly emphasized in the novel, is the dual contradiction of spiritual nobility and selfishness, bordering on cruelty.

The reader learns about Onegin’s personality from the narrator’s remarks and Tatyana Larina’s observations. The narrator and Maxim Maksimych express judgments about Pechorin. But completely his inner world is revealed in the diary - the bitter confession of a man who failed to find his place in life.

Pechorin's diary entries are philosophy Byronic hero. His duel with Grushnitsky is a kind of revenge on secular society for its heartlessness and passion for intrigue.

In his confrontation with the light, Pechorin, like Onegin, suffers defeat. Strength without application, life without purpose, inability to love and friendship, secular tinsel instead of serving a high goal - these motifs in “Eugene Onegin” and “A Hero of Our Time” have a common sound.

Conclusions website

1. Pechorin became a hero of his time: the second half of the 30s of the 19th century, marked by a deep social crisis after the events associated with Decembrist movement in Russia.
2. Onegin – literary hero, who could devote his life to democratic changes in society, but due to his personal qualities became a hostage of high society.
3. Pechorin understands the worthlessness of his own existence and tries to change it: at the end of the novel he leaves Russia.
4. Onegin does not seek to change anything in his destiny: all his actions are a consequence of the current circumstances.
5. Pechorin is able to objectively evaluate himself and honestly admits his passions and vices.
6. Onegin understands his own imperfection, but is not able to analyze his own actions and their consequences.

Onegin and Pechorin.

This is probably very rare in the history of literature when two literary geniuses are born almost simultaneously and almost in the same place. Pushkin and Lermontov. This was the time of the birth of Great Russian Literature and at the same time the time of the beginning of the great crisis of Russian society.
The crisis of society is best manifested in its ideals. Both Pushkin and Lermontov understood this perfectly, therefore, in their main works - the novels “Eugene Onegin” and “Hero of Our Time”, they sought to manifest these ideals in their main characters - Onegin and Pechorin.
Lermontov reflected his understanding of the image of Pechorin both in the title of the novel and in the preface. For Lermontov, “Hero of Our Time” is “a portrait made up of the vices of our time, in their full development.” However, for the title the author chose the term “hero”, and not some other term - “anti-hero”, “villain”, etc. What is this? Mockery, irony or author's whim? It seems to me - neither one nor the other, nor the third... In fact, Lermontov portrays precisely the hero of the society that gave birth to him, shows those of his qualities that are most respected in this society, most valued.
It is in this that lies the deep continuity of the image of Pechorin with his literary predecessor, Evgeny Onegin.
On the one hand, you can find a lot in common in them. Fate led them along similar paths: both of them were the “cream” of secular society, both were mortally tired of it, both despised this society.
It was no coincidence that their lives coincided for some time: obviously, this was the lot of any rich and handsome young rake:

“What more: the light has decided,
That he is smart and very nice"

But this life, which in Eugene Onegin was the content of the novel, for Pechorin remained only in memories. We can say that Pechorin was once Onegin, but in the novel he is already different, and this difference is the most interesting point comparative analysis these images, since it allows us to evaluate the trends in the movement of society, the gradual shift of its ideals.
In Onegin we still find, if not compassion and repentance, then at least a cold, mental awareness that they should exist. Onegin is still capable, if not of love, then at least of passion, albeit extremely selfish, but ardent.
Pechorin is not even capable of such manifestations of human feelings. He tries to awaken them in himself and cannot:
“No matter how much I searched in my chest for even a spark of love for dear Mary, my efforts were in vain.”
In his soul, even love for life (and therefore for himself) is absent. If Onegin still lived, “languishing in the inaction of leisure,” then Pechorin lives simply “out of curiosity: you expect something new...”
However, Pechorin, unlike Onegin, is able to think in spiritual categories, his indifference is close to despair (it is no coincidence that he seeks death). He suffers from his indifference, he sees it!
Onegin, in this sense, is completely blind, and at the same time he does not notice his blindness. There is no despair in his indifference. His passion for Tatyana is filled with selfishness, but he does not notice this and takes her for love.
As Belinsky put it, “Lermontov’s Pechorin is the Onegin of our time.” But not in the sense that they are similar, but in the sense that one is a logical continuation of the second.
Secular society is rapidly losing its last ideals: neither love, nor compassion, nor honor are valued anymore. There is only one curiosity left: what if there is something “spicy”, “tickling” the nerves, that can amuse and distract at least for a while...

Comparing the images of Onegin and Pechorin, we see what a terrible end to such innocent hobbies as idleness, selfishness, the pursuit of fashion, and how they can degenerate into such a terrible state of soul, which is usually called spiritual death.

All this is not alien, unfortunately, to our society. And it’s scary if we are not able, like Onegin, to discern our own inferiority, and we look down on Onegin: we’re not like that - we go to theaters, discos, surf the Internet, in general, we live a full life cultural life. And we don’t notice how this complacency inevitably leads to the same devastated indifference to everything except oneself that Onegin came to, and to the same unrepentant hardness of heart that Pechorin came to.

Truly, the images of Pechorin and Onegin are images of heroes of our time.

The main characters of the early 19th century are Onegin and Pechorin. They are the creations of great writers of their time and in some ways even reflect the fate of their creators. Lermontov and Pushkin and Onegin and Pechorin had very dramatic fates.

Writers sought to capture the appearance of time in their heroes, and in many ways the authors succeeded in this task. In fact, both Onegin and Pechorin are emblematic for their time, but at the same time, each of these heroes is timeless, since they voice issues that are characteristic of all eras.

In short, before us are images of two educated people, in many ways the best representatives of their time. Each has received an excellent education and has a sharp mind that allows them to understand people and themselves. In addition, they are sincere seekers of truth and want to understand the meaning of not only their own era, but also their personal existence.

Given the significant similarities, it is necessary to point out the differences that define the essence of these heroes. Let's start with Onegin.

Pushkin's hero has a cynical view of the world, he is spoiled and treats people with a certain amount of arrogance. At the same time, Onegin does not have a tendency to idealize reality; for the most part, he is a pragmatist. Even Onegin goes to a duel largely not of his own free will, but because of public rumor, he does not want to look ridiculous and therefore agrees to the duel.

In fact, such a detail is decisive, since the reason for Pechorin’s duel is completely different, he goes to shoot himself because he is looking for the highest truth and follows his ideals, he wants to get even with the world and for this he uses Grushnitsky. Of course, Pechorin is also deeply selfish, but his egoism (as well as Onegin’s too) is the position of a person at the top. Yes, Pechorin looks at everyone from above, but he cannot look differently, since he has really reached certain heights of spirit and remains at a height that is simply inaccessible to many.

Onegin (continuing the theme of selfishness) also treats others arrogantly, but this hero was for the most part brought up in a society where he was praised and pleased in every possible way. Therefore, such a “golden boy” finds himself completely alone in the adult world. For the most part, the defining factor for this hero is boredom, which can only be characteristic of such Moscow aristocrats who do not feel need.

Another significant difference between the two heroes is their behavior in the world. Onegin, for the most part, agrees with the world and simply allows events to happen, just as he allows Larina to love herself and belatedly reciprocates the feeling.

Pechorin, in turn, is a more active character. He does not accept the world, but completely creates it, looking for adventure as well as trying to find the truth. Distinctive feature Pechorin is the consistency of his philosophy with his life views and behavior.

Essay Onegin and Pechorin

Perhaps in every era there are certain ideals in popular culture, on which the others are equal. If we talk about the first half of the 19th century, then such ideals, of course, were Pechorin and Onegin.

These heroes are like modern celebrities that people look up to and, to some extent, want to be. Moreover, they largely reflect the biography of their creators. This is not at all difficult to verify.

For example, Pushkin in his novel introduces the figure of the author, who in turn partially resembles Pushkin himself (although he is not one), and this author is a friend of Onegin and is in many ways similar to him. In the same way, Pechorin is a young officer, a thinker. Some details from A Hero of Our Time (for example, episodes of duels) almost completely repeat episodes from Lermontov’s biography.

Thus, these people (Pushkin and Lermontov) wrote what they knew about, as if following Hemingway’s maxim “you need to write truthfully” and what you know about, they really describe practically own biographies and worldview. Therefore, when comparing Onegin and Pechorin, we can to some extent compare Pushkin and Lermontov.

So, Pushkin - noble man from a rather noble family that leads a secular existence. Lermontov, in turn, is an officer who, although he was going to complete military career and completely engage in creativity, he remained in service until the completion of his earthly journey. Likewise, Onegin more people, who is bored, he does a lot out of boredom and cynicism, Pechorin is also a person who is bored, but he is more consciously looking for some kind of tests and adventures, in general, he is more harsh as befits a military officer.

In many ways they are similar, since both have rather pleasant living conditions. They may, so to speak, not care about their daily bread and are more prone to mental activity. They are both a little disillusioned with this world and are looking for opportunities to somehow entertain themselves.

However, neither Onegin nor Pechorin are spoiled or mean people. For example, when Pechorin meets with Princess Mary to annoy Grushnitsky, he understands the essence of his own action and does not create illusions for himself, he simply acts as a kind of natural scientist who studies human psychology. Probably, deep psychologism and sincerity with themselves distinguishes these heroes; they feel the spirit of their time and accept it as it is.

Option 3

We are presented with two novels, by Lermontov and Pushkin. In Lermontov's work "Hero of Our Time" the main character is Pechorin, and in A.S. Pushkin's novel "Eugene Onegin" main character Onegin. Two completely different works, two completely different times, but there are so many similarities between the characters. There are also differences, because time has left its mark on the behavior and character of each person. The authors conveyed through these two characters all the power of those generations.

Pechorin is a nobleman. His social status allows him to abandon labor efforts and live for his own pleasure. But despite this, he serves in the Caucasus. Pechorin has a lot in him positive qualities. He is smart and has extraordinary willpower. Onegin the aristocrat. This allows him to live for his own pleasure, like Pechorin, and not think about anything. Both characters were well-read and educated, which in turn also placed them above other people. But unfortunately, with such a list of advantages, not one of the heroes managed to realize themselves in life.

The youth of the two characters proceeded approximately the same way; both led a riotous lifestyle and relaxed, without knowing any worries. Pechorin, talking about himself, says that at the first meeting with a girl he could tell whether she would love him or not. But, unfortunately, he only brought misfortune to women. Onegin in this area is not very different from Pechorin and does not set an example of a gentleman. At one time, Onegin rejects Tatiana and breaks her heart, Tatiana suffers unrequited love, but over time he finds the strength to overcome this feeling.

Both Evgeny Onegin and Grigory Pechorin are not very friendly, this is clearly visible in their works. Evgeniy says that he is friends with Lensky only out of boredom and just like that, and Pechorin demonstrates indifferent attitude to his friend Maxim Maksimych.

Still, there are differences between them. Onegin is an egoist. This can be explained by remembering Evgeniy’s childhood. His father did not work with him; Onegin was always surrounded by tutors who only praised him. This is what gave rise to the egoistic view. Unlike Pechorin, Evgeniy never served; this feature distinguishes him from his contemporaries.

Pechorin is a suffering egoist. He realizes that I am losing a generation, it is insignificant. He considers himself among the pitiful descendants who lack pride and convictions. He does not believe in love, in deeds and in friendship. This deprives him of all the charm of life. Unlike Onegin, Pechorin is not just smart, he is a thinker and philosopher.

Both heroes go to a duel, but with different goals. Onegin is influenced by public opinion, and Pechorin wants to take revenge on society.

Pechorin goes to meet life and accepts all its trials, while Onegin simply goes with the flow. After comparison, you can see that these are two very different personalities similar friends on a friend.

Comparative characteristics of Onegin and Pechorin

Onegin is one year older than Pechorin. Both look great and follow fashion, especially Onegin. When he turns into the light, you need to create the impression of a fashionista. Interesting feature– both have cold, as if dead, expressionless eyes. But it is by them that one can judge a person’s state of mind.

Both Onegin and Pechorin were born in St. Petersburg, nobles. They grew up in luxury and knew no need. But they quickly got bored with it. It catches their eye strange behavior. But, despite this, society considers them sweet, charming young people.

Both have a sober, calculating mind. Pechorin is even somewhat cynical. But at the same time, they are windy rakes. There is no need to think about your daily bread. You don't need to earn a living either. What else should they do if not seduce women? Onegin is a hypocritical person who could make a lady believe what he needed. In a word, both are good manipulators.

But both of them quickly got tired of the women. They did not intend to have wives or children. They haven't had their fun yet. Onegin considers marriage to be torture. He openly admits that when passion and love pass, he will stop loving the woman. He doesn't hide it. You just need to listen to him carefully.

Pechorin is disgusted by the very thought of marriage. As soon as a woman hints at marriage, his love immediately evaporates. In short, at their age they feel like old men who are tired of both women and secular society. And they are not interested in science, they are bored, they constantly yawn demonstratively.

They lost interest in life and became disillusioned with friendship. Both Onegin and Lensky are complete egoists. And what do women find in them that make them hang themselves? Pechorin and Onegin are similar in their actions. Pechorin refuses Princess Mary in the same way as Onegin refuses Tatiana.

Pechorin's meeting with Vera in the Caucasus is similar in meaning to the second meeting of Onegin and Tatyana. Only Tatyana turned out to be smarter than Vera. She did not succumb to the charms and sweet nightingale trills of Onegin.

Unlike Pechorin, Onegin does not go to work. Pechorin serves in the Caucasus. Onegin is languid and gloomy. And Pechorin makes everyone happy. Onegin does not like nature; he is frankly bored in the village. And the views of lovely village landscapes lull him to sleep. Pechorin contemplates the beauty of the Caucasus, this distracts him from his problems.

To relieve boredom, Onegin can play billiards all day. And Pechorin goes boar hunting alone. He can walk all day and not get tired. And the rain doesn't bother him. Onegin is trying to read Adam Smith's book on economics. And Pechorin novels by Walter Scott.

But both of them never found a place in life. They are "extra" people. They are alone among other people.

The two officers featured in the novel are shown to compare representatives of the described social class and profession. The dissimilarity of Maxim Maksimych to Pechorin serves Lermontov to focus the reader’s attention on the uniqueness of the “superfluous man.”