Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov is a Russian playwright, poet, diplomat, composer (two “Griboedov Waltzes” have survived), pianist. Best known as homo unius libri- writer of one book, the brilliantly rhymed play “Woe from Wit,” which is still one of the most popular theatrical productions in Russia, as well as the source of numerous catchphrases.
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A.S. Griboyedov |
A.S. Griboyedov was born on January 4 (January 15, new style) 1795 (according to other sources - 1794) in Moscow in the family of a guards officer. Ancestor A.S. Griboedova, Jan Grzybowski (Polish: Jan Grzybowski), at the beginning of the 17th century. moved from Poland to Russia. His son Fyodor Ivanovich began to write to Griboyedov; under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, he was a clerk of the rank and one of the five compilers of the Code, i.e. code of laws. The author's surname "Woe from Wit" is nothing more than a kind of translation Polish surname Grzhibovsky.
Griboyedov received a versatile home education. From 1802 (or 1803) to 1805, he studied at the Moscow University Noble Boarding School (the same place where Lermontov would study at one time). In 1806 he entered Moscow University at the Faculty of Philosophy. In 1810, having graduated from the literature and law departments, he continued to study at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics. Griboyedov stood out for his versatile talents. He played the piano superbly, composed music and poetry, was interested in history and law, and was a real polyglot: at the age of six he mastered French, German, English, and then Italian and several oriental languages. Griboedov's mentors at the university were Petrosilius, Doctor of Laws Ion, and finally Professor Boulet. Griboyedov retained his scientific interests throughout his life.
In 1812, Griboyedov volunteered for the Moscow hussar regiment(volunteer irregular unit) of Count Saltykov, who received permission to form it. The formation of the volunteer squad had not yet been completed when Napoleon entered Moscow. The regiment was ordered to leave the city and go to Kazan to join the Irkutsk Hussar Regiment. But on September 8, 1812, cornet Griboyedov fell ill and remained in Vladimir. Presumably, until November 1, 1813, due to illness, he never appeared at the regiment's location. Arriving at his duty station, Griboyedov found himself in a cheerful company "young cornets from the best noble families» - Prince Golitsyn, Count Efimovsky, Count Tolstoy, Alyabyev, Sheremetev, Lansky, the Shatilov brothers. Griboyedov was related to some of them. Subsequently, not without irony, he wrote in a letter to his friend S.N. Begichev: “I was in this squad for only 4 months, and now I haven’t been able to get on the right path for 4 years.”
Until 1815, Griboyedov served in the rank of cornet under the command of cavalry general A.S. Kologrivova. In 1814, cornet Griboyedov published correspondence “On cavalry reserves”, “Letter from Brest-Litovsk to the publisher” in the journal “Bulletin of Europe”. In 1815, Griboyedov’s comedy “The Young Spouses” was published and staged - a reworking of the comedy by the French playwright Creuset de Lesser “La secret du menage”, which caused criticism from M.N. Zagoskina. Griboedov responded with the pamphlet “Lubochny Theater.” In 1816, after retiring, Griboyedov settled in St. Petersburg. In 1817, he enlisted in the College of Foreign Affairs and met writers - V.K. Kuchelbecker, N.I. Grech, and somewhat later with A.S. Pushkin.
At the beginning of his literary activity, Griboyedov collaborated with P. A. Katenin, A. A. Shakhovsky, N. I. Khmelnitsky, A. A. Gendre. In 1817, the comedy “Student” was written (together with Katenin), directed against the poets of “Arzamas”, followers of N. M. Karamzin. Making fun of them, Griboyedov polemicized both with the sensitivity of sentimentalism and with the dreaminess of romanticism in the spirit of V. A. Zhukovsky. Sharing the literary views of I. A. Krylov and G. R. Derzhavin, Katenin and Kuchelbecker, Griboedov was close to the group of so-called “archaists” who were members of the “Conversation of Lovers of the Russian Word” society, headed by A. S. Shishkov. These views were reflected in Griboyedov’s article “On the analysis of the free translation of the Burger ballad “Leonora”,” in which he defended the translation made by Katenin from criticism by N. I. Gnedich. The comedy “One’s Own Family, or The Married Bride” was written in 1817 mainly by Shakhovsky, but with the help of A.S. Griboyedov (who wrote the beginning of the second act) and Khmelnitsky. The comedy “Feigned Infidelity”, which is a free translation (written together with Gendre) of the comedy of the French playwright Barthes “Les fausses infidelites”, was presented on the stages of St. Petersburg and Moscow in 1818, and in Orel in 1820.
In mid-1818, Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov was appointed secretary of the Russian diplomatic mission in Tehran. The assignment to Persia was essentially an exile, the reason for which was Griboyedov’s participation as a second in the duel between officer V.A. Sheremetev and Count A.P. Zavadovsky over the artist Istomina. It was the famous “quadruple duel”, when the seconds fought after the opponents.
The story of the duel is as follows: for two years Istomina was the lover of the cavalry guard headquarters captain Sheremetev. There was a quarrel, and Istomina moved in with her friend. On November 17, the aspiring writer Griboyedov, who was friends with Sheremetev, took the ballerina “for tea” to another friend of his, the chamber cadet Count A.P. Zavadovsky, with whom he shared an apartment in the capital. The ballerina “had tea” at her friends’ apartment for two days. Then there was a reconciliation between Sheremetev and Istomina, and she admitted everything. Incited by A.I. Yakubovich, Sheremetev challenged Zavadovsky to a duel. Seconds Yakubovich and Griboyedov also promised to fight. The conditions are the most brutal: shoot from six steps.
Sheremetev shot first. The bullet flew so close that it tore off the collar of Zavadovsky's coat. The enraged Zavadovsky called the enemy to the barrier and hit him in the stomach. A day later, Sheremetev died. Due to the tragic outcome of the first pair's fight, the second duel was postponed. It took place only in the autumn of 1818. Yakubovich was transferred to Tiflis for service, and Griboedov also happened to be passing through there, heading on a diplomatic mission to Persia. Griboyedov shot first and missed. Yakubovich shot him in the palm of his left hand.
In February 1819 A.S. Griboyedov arrived in Tabriz. Probably, an excerpt from his poem “Traveler” (or “Wanderer”) - “Kalyanchi” - about a captive Georgian boy who is sold at the Tabriz market, dates back to this time. Since 1822 A.S. Griboyedov is on the staff of the Chief Administrator of Georgia, General A.P. Ermolov “on the diplomatic side” in Tiflis. The first two acts of the comedy “Woe from Wit,” conceived, according to S. N. Begichev, back in 1816, were written here. In 1823-25 A.S. Griboyedov was on a long vacation. In the summer of 1823, on the Tula estate of his friend Begichev, he wrote the third and fourth acts of the comedy “Woe from Wit.” In the autumn of the same year, together with P. A. Vyazemsky, he wrote the vaudeville “Who is Brother, Who is Sister, or Deception after Deception,” for which the music was composed by A. N. Verstovsky. In the summer of 1824, Griboyedov completed the final revision of the comedy “Woe from Wit.”
At the end of 1825 A.S. Griboyedov returned to the Caucasus. Alexander Sergeevich had ideas for new works, which, unfortunately, have reached us only in fragments. The plan for the drama “1812” (1824-25) indicates that Griboedov intended to portray the characters Patriotic War, among whom is a serf peasant who experienced a sense of high patriotism in battles; returned at the end of the war “under the stick of his master,” he commits suicide. Came down to us in a fragment and in a retelling by F.V. Bulgarin's tragedy “Georgian Night” (1826-27), based on Georgian legend, is imbued with anti-serfdom thought. The plan of the tragedy from the history of Ancient Armenia and Georgia “Rodamist and Zenobia” shows that A.S. Griboyedov paid, on the one hand, tribute to his inclination to historical research, and on the other - political problems of the present, transferred to a distant era, reflected on the royal power, the failure of the conspiracy of the nobles who did not rely on the people, etc.
From January 22 to June 2, 1826 A.S. Griboyedov was under investigation in the Decembrist case. However, no charges were brought against him. Moreover, it turned out that long before the Decembrist putsch A.S. Griboyedov left the Masonic lodge, refusing any cooperation with them. After returning to the Caucasus in September 1826, A.S. Griboyedov is already acting as statesman and a distinguished diplomat.
In 1827, Griboyedov was ordered to be responsible for diplomatic relations with Persia and Turkey. Alexander Griboyedov takes part in issues of civil governance in the Caucasus, draws up the “Regulations on the governance of Azerbaijan”. With his participation, the Tiflis Gazette was founded in 1828, and a “workhouse” was opened for women serving sentences. A.S. Griboyedov, together with P. D. Zaveleisky, draws up a project on the “Establishment of the Russian Transcaucasian Company” in order to boost the industry of the region. In 1828, Griboedov took part in the Turkmanchin Peace Treaty concluded with Persia. He is then appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia.
In August 1828, in Tiflis, before leaving for Persia, Griboedov married N.A. Chavchavadze, with whom he only lived for a few weeks. From her he had a son, Alexander, who did not live a day.
Foreign embassies were located not in the capital, but in Tabriz, at the court of Prince Abbas Mirza. Leaving his wife in Tabriz, Griboedov went on an embassy mission to Tehran to introduce himself to the ruler of Persia, Feth Ali Shah. During this visit, on January 30, 1829, the Russian diplomatic mission in Tehran was attacked by a crowd of religious Islamic fanatics. The crowd suddenly burst into the house, looting and destroying everything around. Most likely, the Islamists were directed by dignitaries from the entourage of Feth Ali Shah, who were bribed by England. England was very afraid of strengthening Russia's position in Persia after the Russian-Persian War of 1826-28, and the Turkmanchak Peace Treaty largely undermined the interests of the British crown in this region.
During the attack, all members of the mission were killed, except for secretary Maltsov. It is believed that Griboedov climbed into the chimney to hide, but did not get through and got stuck. There he was found and killed. His body was tormented by the angry crowd for a long time. The circumstances of the pogrom of the Russian mission are described in different ways. Maltsov, the only surviving witness, does not mention the death of Griboyedov, but only writes that about 15 people defended themselves at the door of the envoy’s room. Maltsov writes that 37 people in the embassy were killed (all except him alone) and 19 Tehran residents. Another witness Riza-Kuli writes that Griboyedov was killed with 37 comrades, and 80 people from the crowd were killed. The envoy's corpse was so mutilated that he was identified only by a mark on his left hand, received in the famous duel with Yakubovich. Griboedov's body was taken to Tiflis and buried on Mount Mtatsminda in a grotto at the Church of St. David.
The Persian Shah sent his grandson to St. Petersburg to resolve the diplomatic scandal. To compensate for the shed blood, he brought rich gifts to the Russian Tsar, including the Shah diamond. This magnificent diamond, framed with many rubies and emeralds, once adorned the throne of the Great Mughals. Now it shines in the collection of the Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin, as a “ransom” for Russia for the death of the well-known playwright. To this day, Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit” begins the study of Russian literature in every Russian school.
At the grave of her husband, the widow Nina Chavchavadze erected a monument with the inscription: “Your mind and deeds are immortal in Russian memory, but why did my love survive you?”.
The last years of A.S.’s life Yuri Tynyanov dedicated the novel “The Death of Vazir-Mukhtar” (1928) to Griboyedov.
A.S. Griboyedov entered the ranks of great Russian and world playwrights as the author of the comedy “Woe from Wit.” Rejected by censorship (during Griboedov’s lifetime, only excerpts were published in the anthology “Russian Waist”, 1825), the comedy was distributed in numerous lists, was divided into quotations and idioms, many of which have not lost their relevance today.
A.S. Griboedov is a famous Russian playwright, a brilliant publicist, a successful diplomat, one of the smartest people of its time. He entered the list as the author of one work - the comedy "Woe from Wit". However, Alexander Sergeevich’s creativity is not limited to writing the famous play. Everything that this man undertook bears the imprint of unique talent. His fate was decorated with extraordinary events. The life and work of Griboedov will be briefly outlined in this article.
Childhood
Griboyedov Alexander Sergeevich was born in 1795, January 4, in the city of Moscow. He was brought up in a wealthy and well-born family. His father, Sergei Ivanovich, was a retired second major at the time of the boy’s birth. Alexander's mother, Anastasia Fedorovna, bore the same last name as a girl as she had when she was married - Griboyedova. The future writer grew up as an unusually developed child. At the age of six he already owned three foreign languages. In his youth, he began to speak fluent Italian, German, French and English. (Ancient Greek and Latin) were also an open book for him. In 1803, the boy was sent to a noble boarding school at Moscow University, where he spent three years.
Youth
In 1806, Alexander Sergeevich entered Moscow University. Two years later he became a candidate of literary sciences. However, Griboedov, whose life and work are described in this article, did not abandon his studies. He entered first the moral and political department, and then the physics and mathematics department. The young man's brilliant abilities were obvious to everyone. He could have made an excellent career in science or in the diplomatic field, but war suddenly burst into his life.
Military service
In 1812, Alexander Sergeevich volunteered to join the Moscow Hussar Regiment, commanded by Pyotr Ivanovich Saltykov. Young cornets from the most famous noble families became the young man’s colleagues. Until 1815, the writer was in military service. His first literary experiments date back to 1814. Griboyedov's work began with the essay "On Cavalry Reserves", the comedy "Young Spouses" and "Letters from Brest-Litovsk to the Publisher."
in the capital
In 1816, Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov retired. The writer’s life and work began to develop according to a completely different scenario. He met A.S. Pushkin and V.K. Kuchelbecker, became the founder of the Masonic lodge "Du Bien" and got a job in the diplomatic service as a provincial secretary. In the period from 1815 to 1817, Alexander Sergeevich, in collaboration with friends, created several comedies: “Student”, “Feigned Infidelity”, “Own Family or Married Bride”. Griboyedov's creativity is not limited to dramatic experiments. He's writing critical articles(“On the analysis of the free translation of the Burger ballad “Lenora”) and writes poetry (“Lubochny Theater”).
On South
In 1818, Alexander Sergeevich refused to work as an official in the United States and was appointed secretary to the tsar's attorney in Persia. Before his trip to Tehran, the playwright finished work on the play "Sideshow Trials". Griboedov, whose work was just gaining fame, began keeping travel diaries on the way to Tiflis. These recordings revealed another facet of the writer’s sparkling talent. He was an original author of ironic travel notes. In 1819, Griboedov’s work was enriched with the poem “Forgive me, Fatherland.” Around the same time, he completed work on the “Letter to the Publisher from Tiflis dated January 21.” Diplomatic activities in Persia were very burdensome for Alexander Sergeevich, and in 1821, for health reasons, he moved to Georgia. Here he became close to Kuchelbecker and made the first rough sketches of the comedy "Woe from Wit". In 1822, Griboyedov began work on the drama "1812".
Capital life
In 1823, Alexander Sergeevich managed to leave the diplomatic service for a while. He dedicated his life to the creation, continued work on “Woe from Wit”, composed the poem “David”, dramatic scene"Youth of the Prophetic" and the cheerful vaudeville "Who is the brother, who is the sister or Deception after deception." Griboedov's creativity, briefly described in this article, was not limited to literary activity. In 1823, the first edition of his popular waltz "e-moll" was published. In addition, Alexander Sergeevich published discussion entries in the magazine "Desiderata". Here he polemicizes with his contemporaries on issues of Russian literature, history and geography.
"Woe from Wit"
In 1824, a great event took place in the history of Russian drama. Finished work on the comedy "Woe from Wit" by A.S. Griboyedov. The creativity of this talented person It will forever remain in the memory of posterity thanks to this work. The bright and aphoristic style of the play contributed to the fact that it was completely “dispersed into quotations.”
The comedy combines elements of classicism and realism and romanticism, innovative for that time. The merciless satire on the capital's aristocratic society of the first half of the 19th century was striking in its wit. However, the comedy "Woe from Wit" was unconditionally accepted by the Russian public. From now on, everyone recognized and appreciated Griboyedov’s literary work. A briefly described play cannot give a complete idea of the genius of this immortal work.
Back to the Caucasus
In 1825, Alexander Sergeevich had to abandon his intention to travel to Europe. The writer needed to return to service, and at the end of May he went to the Caucasus. There he learned Persian, Georgian, Turkish and Arabic languages. On the eve of his trip to the south, Griboedov completed the translation of the fragment “Prologue in the Theater” from the tragedy “Faust”. He also managed to compile notes for the work of D.I. Tsikulina "Unusual adventures and travels...". On the way to the Caucasus, Alexander Sergeevich visited Kyiv, where he talked with prominent figures of the revolutionary underground: S.P. Trubetskoy, M.P. Bestuzhev-Ryumin. After this, Griboyedov spent some time in Crimea. Creativity, briefly presented in this article, has received a new development these days. The writer conceived the idea of creating an epic tragedy about Epiphany in Rus' and constantly kept a travel diary, which was published only thirty years after the death of the author.
Sudden arrest
After returning to the Caucasus, Alexander Sergeevich wrote “Predators on Chegem” - a poem created under the impression of participation in the expedition of A.A. Velyaminova. However, another fateful event soon happened in the life of the writer. In January 1926, he was arrested on suspicion of belonging to the secret society of the Decembrists. Griboedov's freedom, life and work were under threat. A brief biography of the writer gives an understanding of the incredible stress he was under all these days. The investigation was unable to find evidence of Alexander Sergeevich’s involvement in the revolutionary movement. Six months later he was released from arrest. Despite his complete rehabilitation, the writer was under secret surveillance for some time.
last years of life
In 1826, in September, A.S. Griboyedov returned to Tiflis. He again took up diplomatic activities. Thanks to his efforts, Russia concluded the beneficial Turkmanchay Peace Treaty. Alexander Sergeevich himself delivered the text of the document to St. Petersburg, received the post of Resident Minister (Ambassador) in Iran and left for his destination. On the way he made a stop in Tiflis. There he met his friend’s grown-up daughter, Nina Chavchavadze. Struck by the beauty of the young girl, the writer immediately proposed to her. He married Nina a few months later - on August 22, 1828. Alexander Sergeevich took his young wife with him to Persia. This gave the happy couple a few more weeks of life together.
Tragic death
In Persia, Alexander Sergeevich had to work hard. He constantly visited Tehran, where he conducted diplomatic negotiations in a very tough manner. The Russian emperor demanded inexorable firmness from his ambassador. For this, the Persians called the diplomat “hard-hearted.” This policy bore its tragic fruits. In 1929, on January 30, the Russian mission was destroyed by a crowd of rioting fanatics. Thirty-seven people died at the embassy. Among them was A.S. Griboyedov. His torn body could later be identified only by his left hand, which had been injured in his youth. This is how one of the most gifted people of his time died.
Many literary projects Griboyedov never had time to complete it. The creativity briefly described in this article is replete with unfinished works and talented sketches. One can understand what a gifted writer Russia lost at that moment.
A table of Griboyedov’s life and work is presented below.
Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov was born. |
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1806 - 1811 | The future writer is studying at Moscow University. |
Griboyedov joins the Moscow Hussar Regiment with the rank of cornet. |
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Alexander Sergeevich resigns and begins social life in the capital. |
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Griboyedov becomes an employee |
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1815-1817 | The playwright writes his first comedies, independently and in collaboration with friends. |
Alexander Sergeevich takes the post of secretary of the Russian diplomatic mission in Tehran. |
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The writer finished work on the poem "Forgive me, Fatherland!" |
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Griboyedov is involved as a secretary in the diplomatic unit under General A.P. Ermolov, commander of all Russian troops in the Caucasus. |
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Alexander Sergeevich is finishing work on the comedy "Woe from Wit". |
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1826, January | Griboyedov is arrested on suspicion of connections with Decembrist rebels. |
Alexander Sergeevich is released from custody. |
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The Russian-Persian War begins. Griboyedov goes to serve in the Caucasus. |
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Conclusion of the Turkmanchay Peace Treaty, signed with the direct participation of Griboyedov |
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1828, April | Alexander Sergeevich is appointed to the post of Plenipotentiary Minister-Resident (Ambassador) to Iran. |
Griboyedov is married to Nina Chavchavadze. The wedding location is Tiflis Sioni Cathedral. |
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Alexander Sergeevich dies during the defeat of the Russian mission in Tehran. |
Even an abbreviated sketch of Griboyedov’s life and work gives an idea of what an extraordinary personality Alexander Sergeevich was. His life turned out to be short, but surprisingly fruitful. Until the end of his days he was devoted to his homeland and died defending its interests. These are the people our country should be proud of.
Griboyedov Alexander Sergeevich (1795-1829)
Russian writer and diplomat.
Belonged to noble family. Received an excellent education. Griboyedov's multifaceted talent was revealed very early; in addition to literary talent, he also showed a bright composing talent (two waltzes for piano are known). He studied at the Moscow University Noble Boarding School, then entered Moscow University. After graduating from the verbal department, Griboyedov continued to study at the ethical and political department.
One of the most educated people of his time, Griboedov spoke French, English, German, Italian, Greek, Latin languages, later mastered Arabic, Persian, Turkish languages.
With the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, Griboyedov stopped his academic studies and entered the Moscow Hussar Regiment as a cornet. Military service(as part of reserve units) brought him together with D.N. Begichev and his brother S.N. Begichev, who became a close friend of Griboyedov. After retiring (early 1816), Griboyedov settled in St. Petersburg and was assigned to serve in the Collegium of Foreign Affairs.
He leads a secular lifestyle, moves in the theatrical and literary circles of St. Petersburg (gets close to the circle of A. A. Shakhovsky), he writes and translates for the theater (the comedies “The Young Spouses” (1815), “One’s Own, or The Married Bride” (1817 .) together with Shakhovsky and N.I. Khmelnitsky, etc.).
As a result of “ardent passions and powerful circumstances” (A.S. Pushkin) there were dramatic changes in his fate - in 1818 Griboedov was appointed secretary of the Russian diplomatic mission to Persia (not the least role in this kind of exile was played by his participation as a second in duel between A.P. Zavadsky and V.V. Sheremetev, which ended in the death of the latter) After three years of service in Tabriz, Griboyedov transferred to Tiflis to the chief administrator of Georgia A.P. Ermolov (February 1822).
The first and second acts of “Woe from Wit” were written there; their first listener was the author’s Tiflis colleague V.K. Kuchelbecker. In the spring of 1823, Griboyedov went on vacation to Moscow, as well as to the estate of S.N. Begichev near Tula, where he spends the summer, the third and fourth acts of “Woe from Wit” are created.
By the autumn of 1824, the comedy was completed. Griboedov travels to St. Petersburg, intending to use his connections in the capital to obtain permission for its publication and theatrical production. However, he soon becomes convinced that comedy is “nothing to miss.” Only excerpts published in 1825 by F.V. Bulgarin in the almanac “Russian Waist” (the first complete publication in Russia -1862, the first production on the professional stage -1831) were passed through censorship. Nevertheless, Griboyedov’s creation immediately became an event in Russian culture, spreading among the reading public in handwritten lists, the number of which was close to the book circulation of that time (the distribution of lists was facilitated by the Decembrists, who considered comedy as a mouthpiece for their ideas; already in January 1825
I. I. Pushchin brought A. S. Pushkin to the Mikhailovskoye list of “Woe from Wit”) Success Griboyedov's comedy, which has taken a strong place among Russian classics, is largely determined by the harmonious combination in it of the urgent and timeless.
Through the brilliantly drawn picture of Russian society of the pre-Decembrist era (disturbing debates about serfdom, political freedoms, problems of national self-determination of culture, education, etc., masterfully outlined colorful figures of that time, recognizable by contemporaries, etc.), “eternal” themes are discerned: the conflict of generations , drama love triangle, antagonism between the individual and society, etc.
At the same time, “Woe from Wit” is an example of an artistic synthesis of the traditional and innovative: paying tribute to the canons of classicism aesthetics (unity of time, place, action, conventional roles, mask names, etc.), Griboedov “revives” the scheme with conflicts and characters taken from life, freely introduces lyrical, satirical and journalistic lines into comedy.
The accuracy and aphoristic precision of the language, the successful use of free (various) iambic, conveying the element of colloquial speech, allowed the text of the comedy to retain its sharpness and expressiveness; as Pushkin predicted; many lines of “Woe from Wit” have become proverbs and sayings (“The legend is fresh, but hard to believe,” “ Happy Hours are not observed”, etc.). In the fall of 1825, Griboedov returned to the Caucasus, but already in February 1826 he again found himself in St. Petersburg - as a suspect in the Decembrist case (there were many reasons for the arrest: four Decembrists were interrogated, including S.P. Trubetskoy and E.P. Obolensky, named Griboedov among the members of the secret society; lists of “Woe from Wit”, etc. were found in the papers of many of those arrested).
Warned by Ermolov about the impending arrest, Griboyedov managed to destroy part of his archive. During the investigation, he categorically denies his involvement in the conspiracy. At the beginning of June, Griboedov was released from arrest with a “cleaning certificate.” Upon returning to the Caucasus (1826), Griboyedov took part in several battles of the Russian-Persian War. Achieves significant success in the diplomatic field (according to N.N. Muravyov-Karsky, Griboedov “replaced... with his single person an army of twenty thousand”), and is preparing, among other things, the Turkmanchay Peace Treaty, beneficial for Russia.
Having brought the documents of the peace treaty to St. Petersburg (March 1828), he received awards and a new appointment - minister plenipotentiary (ambassador) to Persia. Instead of literary studies, to which he dreamed of devoting himself (in his papers are plans, sketches - poems, tragedies “Rodamist and Zenobia”, “Georgian Night”, drama “1812”), Griboedov is forced to accept a high position. His last departure from the capital (June 1828) was tinged with gloomy forebodings.
On his way to Persia, he stops for a while in Tiflis. He has plans for economic transformations in Transcaucasia. In August he marries L. Chavchavadze’s 16-year-old daughter, Nina, and goes with her to Persia. Among other matters, the Russian minister is engaged in sending captive Russian citizens to their homeland. The appeal to him for help by two Armenian women who ended up in the harem of a noble Persian was the reason for reprisals against the talented diplomat. On January 30, 1829, a crowd, incited by Muslim fanatics, defeated the Russian mission in Tehran. The Russian envoy was killed. Griboyedov was buried in Tiflis on St. David's. Nina Griboedova-Chavchavadze is carved on the gravestone: “Your mind and deeds are immortal in Russian memory, but why did mine outlive you?”
The Renaissance man is a title of human greatness and at the same time a curse of oblivion. Leonardo da Vinci himself indicated the profession of “musician,” but his ancestors did not preserve his melodies for us. Something similar happens to all great people: while admiring one talent, descendants, as a rule, miss other, no lesser talents of the poor genius. The same story happened to one of our compatriots. He spoke flawless French, German, Italian, English, Greek, Latin, Arabic, Persian and Turkish, actively helped the Decembrists, was a member of the St. Petersburg Masonic Lodge, played the piano, organ and flute, and was an ambassador Russian Empire in Persia. And they know him exclusively as the author of the play “Woe from Wit.” Yes, we are talking about Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov - a Russian man of the Renaissance.
Born on January 15, 1795, the son of a nobleman received a good education at home, which became a strong base for further development playwright, composer and diplomat. The most important thing - the credo of life - was passed on to him by his well-behaved father.
At the age of 8, Griboedov was sent to a Moscow boarding school, and three years later he went to Moscow University. He managed to complete his studies at the Faculty of Literature and Law, but he was not destined to complete the program of the third Faculty of Physics and Mathematics: the war with Napoleon began.
Brought up in the noble tradition, Griboyedov immediately entered the hussar regiment with the rank of cornet. However, fortunately or unfortunately, by the time the regiment was sent to the front, the war with the French was already over, and young Alexander with fellow soldiers they were transferred to the outback of Belarus. The nobleman quickly became bored with his good fun and morals, and Griboyedov will remember these years rather with regret, although the characters of many of his hussar friends will be clearly depicted in the famous “Woe from Wit.”
History of success
In 1815, the playwright returned to St. Petersburg, acquired useful contacts, and broke into intellectual elite northern capital, enters service in the College of Foreign Affairs. The dramatic outcome of a duel typical of noble circles, where Griboedov was present as a second, served as the reason for sending the young diplomat to Persia - a kind of political exile.
The brilliant mind, talents of Alexander Sergeevich, numerous acquaintances and the heroic rescue of Russian prisoners made Griboyedov a real hero of our time. Appreciating his merits, General Ermolov petitioned for the diplomat to be transferred to Tiflis.
Creative path
The year 1824 is marked by a return to St. Petersburg: the playwright at that time finished the comedy of his life and hoped to present it. In many ways, the publication was facilitated by the Decembrists, who considered the play a kind of manifesto of the movement: a combination of literary innovations with classical canons, the comedy of new characters truly became a breakthrough word of the time.
A year later, on the way to the Caucasus, this help almost played a role with Griboyedov cruel joke. Alexander Sergeevich was arrested on suspicion of preparing the Decembrist uprising, which the writer, naturally, denied, and therefore escaped punishment. Griboyedov is allowed to continue his journey to his destination.
Here his service was as brilliant as his completed diplomatic mission in Persia.
Tragic death
Griboedov actually received a promotion and the status of ambassador, but he was still returned to Tehran: only such a talented diplomat could cope with the most complex political agreements.
Griboyedov's new appointment became a fatal epilogue in his life: on the way from Tabriz to Tehran, where he was preparing for the upcoming wedding with Nina Chavchavadze, the Russian diplomatic mission was attacked by angry Muslim fanatics. There are many versions of the reasons for what happened, be it disrespectful attitude Griboyedov himself to the traditions of Persia and the ceremony of marrying an Armenian woman, or a conspiracy of the British carried out by the hands of the Persians, the result remains the same: the most talented Russian playwright and selfless diplomat died on a foreign land, not having time to reunite with the woman he loved, but leaving his descendants as a souvenir of the immortal “Grief from mind."
Interesting? Save it on your wall!Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov, whose biography will be presented in this article, was very gifted and He mastered four professions: playwright, musician, poet and diplomat. He is best known for his legendary play in verse, “Woe from Wit.” He is a descendant of an ancient noble family.
Childhood and studies
The boy's mother was involved in his education. She was a swaggering and proud representative of the upper class, but at the same time she had more than enough intelligence and practicality. Nastasya Fedorovna understood perfectly well that a high position in society and career advancement can be achieved not only by connections and origin, but also by a person’s level of education. Therefore, in the Griboedov family it was a priority. Mom hired the best French tutors for Alexander, and sometimes invited professors for lessons. Even in childhood (contained in this article) I read as many books as a common person can't master it in a lifetime.
In 1803, the boy was sent to the Noble boarding school, and three years later he entered Moscow University. Before 1812, Alexander graduated from the verbal and legal departments. The outbreak of war did not allow him to complete his studies at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics.
Even at the university, everyone around recognized the future playwright as the most educated person. He knew everything perfectly world classics, read and spoke fluently in several languages, composed music and played the piano masterfully.
Military service
Biography of Griboedov, summary which is known to all fans of his work, was marked in 1812 important event. To protect the Fatherland, Alexander voluntarily enlisted in the hussar regiment. But while its formation was taking place, Napoleon’s army was thrown far from Moscow. And soon she returned to Europe altogether.
Despite this, Alexander Sergeevich still decided to remain in the army. His regiment was transferred to the most remote regions of Belarus. These years almost disappeared from the writer’s life. He will regret them in the future. On the other hand, many of his colleagues became the prototypes of the heroes of the comedy “Woe from Wit.” In 1815, the writer realizes that he can no longer exist in the army environment and plans to complete his service.
Life in St. Petersburg
Griboyedov's biography, a brief summary of which was known to the playwright's contemporaries, changed dramatically with his move to St. Petersburg in 1816. Here he became close to the leading people of that time and imbued with their ideas. Alexander Sergeevich then found many new friends, who in the future became organizers of secret communities. In secular salons, the writer shone with his cynicism and cold wit. He was drawn to the theatrical stage. During that period, he wrote and translated a lot for the comedy theater. Also, thanks to the necessary acquaintances, Griboyedov was able to get a job. The writer’s measured life was disrupted by his participation in a duel, which ended in the death of his opponent. His mother’s connections allowed him to go on a diplomatic mission away from the capital.
Service in the Caucasus and Persia
In 1819, Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov, whose biography is rich interesting events, arrived for duty in Tehran. There he received many new impressions, met with local princes, courtiers, wandering poets and ordinary people. The service was not difficult, and Griboedov had enough time for self-education and literary creativity. He read a lot and honed his knowledge of Arabic and Persian. Also, to the joy of the playwright, his comedy “Woe from Wit” was written here easily and fruitfully.
At that time, the author simply did heroic deed- took Russian prisoners out of the country. Griboyedov’s courage was noted by General Ermolov, who decided that such a person should not vegetate in Persia. Thanks to his efforts, Alexander Sergeevich was transferred to the Caucasus (Tiflis). Here the writer completely completed and edited two acts of the work “Woe from Wit”.
Return to St. Petersburg and arrest
In 1823 creative biography Griboyedov, a brief summary of which is well known to high school students, was marked by the completion of the main work of his life - the play “Woe from Wit”. But in attempts to publish it and theatrical production he met with categorical opposition. With great difficulty, the writer agreed with the almanac “Russian Waist” to print several excerpts. The book was also distributed by the Decembrists, who considered it their own “printed manifesto.”
In “Woe from Wit,” classicism and innovation, extensive character development and strict adherence to the canons of comedy construction are intertwined. A significant decoration of the work is the use of aphoristic and precise language. Many lines of the essay quickly became quotable.
Twist of fate
Who knows how Griboedov’s biography, a brief summary of which was described above, would have developed if not for his trip to the Caucasus in 1825. Most likely, the writer would have resigned and plunged headlong into literary activity. But Alexander Sergeevich’s mother took an oath from him to continue his career as a diplomat.
During the Russian-Persian War, the playwright participated in several battles, but he achieved much greater success as a diplomat. Griboedov “bargained” a very profitable peace treaty for Russia and came to St. Petersburg with documents. Alexander Sergeevich hoped to stay at home and finish the works “Georgian Night”, “1812” and “Rodomist and Zenobia”. But the king decided otherwise, and the writer had to return to Persia.
Tragic ending
In mid-1828, Griboyedov left St. Petersburg with great reluctance. He delayed his departure with all his might, as if he felt his death approaching. If not for this trip, the biography could have continued to the delight of the writer’s fans.
The last ray of happiness in the life of Alexander Sergeevich was his ardent love for Nina, the daughter of his friend A. G. Chavchavadze. Passing through Tiflis, he married her, and then headed to Tehran to prepare everything for his wife’s arrival.
Concerning further developments, then there are several versions of how Griboyedov died. Biography, death - all this interests admirers of Alexander Sergeevich’s talent. We will list the three most common versions:
- Griboyedov was killed by Muslim fanatics while trying to remove Armenian women from the Shah's harem. The entire Russian mission was destroyed.
- The mission staff, together with the writer, showed disrespect for Persian laws and the Shah. And the rumor about an attempt to remove women from the harem was the last straw that overflowed the Shah’s patience. Therefore, he ordered the murder of the insolent strangers.
- The Russian mission was attacked by religious fanatics incited by British diplomats.
This ends short biography Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov, who died on January 30, 1829. In conclusion, here are a few facts about the playwright.
The life of a wonderful man
- Griboyedov knew Turkish, Persian, French, Arabic, Latin, English, Greek, Italian and German very well.
- The writer was a member of a large Masonic lodge in St. Petersburg.
- While in the Caucasus, Alexander Sergeevich used his position and connections to make life easier for the Decembrists. He was even able to smuggle several people out of Siberia.