Alexander Nikolayevich Ostrovsky's play "The Dowry" is considered to be a true masterpiece of Russian dramaturgy. It compares favorably with deep psychologism, colorful images, and the acuteness of social and personal issues. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the literary analysis of the work according to the plan, which will be useful to students in grade 10 in preparation for a lesson in literature.
Brief analysis
Year of writing- 1874-1878 years.
History of creation- As the basis of the plot, Ostrovsky, who held the honorary position of a justice of the peace, took the real story of the death of a young woman who died at the hands of her own husband. The author worked on the play for four years, from 1874 to 1878. At first, the work did not receive recognition, but after a while it became a resounding success.
Topic- Distorted relationships in a society in which the principles of "purchase and sale" reign. Any person, any act can be bought, the only question is the price.
Composition– A work consisting of four acts is characterized by a linear composition. The first act is the exposition and application (the arrival of Paratov), the second act is the development of the plot (Larisa's strong love for Paratov, for which she is ready for great sacrifices), the third act is the culmination (lunch at Karandyshev's), the fourth act is the denouement (Larisa's death) .
Genre- A play. Socio-psychological drama.
Direction- Realism.
History of writing
In the 70s of the 19th century, Alexander Nikolayevich served as a magistrate of the Kineshma district. On duty, he took part in high-profile court hearings and was well acquainted with the criminal chronicle of that time. All this gave Ostrovsky, as a writer, rich literary material, which he often used in his works.
Presumably, the plot of "Dowry" was based on a real story that shocked the entire Kineshma district, when a local resident Ivan Konovalov killed his own young beautiful wife.
Ostrovsky began writing the play in the fall of 1874. However, parallel work on other works delayed her writing for four long years. Having successfully passed the censorship, "Dowry" was published in 1879 in the literary magazine "Domestic Notes".
The first performances were a failure and caused sharp criticism in their address. Such rejection was due to the fact that the author managed to open painful ulcers on the body of society. Such courage was not to everyone's taste, and was received with hostility by both theater critics and ordinary readers.
And only in the 90s of the 19th century, almost 10 years after the death of the writer, the well-deserved success came to the play.
Topic
The essence of Ostrovsky's drama fully reflects the meaning of the title- "Dowry". Previously, this was the name of poor girls who did not have a penny for their souls. Their position was very humiliating and difficult - rarely did anyone want to create a family with a dependent, who had to be fully supported all his life. Only beauty, upbringing and inner qualities could attract the attention of a worthy groom, ready to turn a blind eye to the lack of a dowry from the bride.
Thus, the author draws one of the serious problems of a society in which a person appears as a commodity that can be bought or sold. Few people are interested in the personality of a person, his emotional experiences, since everyone pursues only one goal - not to sell too cheap.
Larisa Ogudalova is a sensitive, kind and vulnerable girl, a real beauty, who, nevertheless, has one significant drawback - the lack of a dowry. They see the meaning of their life in the search for true love, and soon find it in the person of Sergei Paratov. She sees his image in a kind of halo, endowing him with virtues that do not exist in reality.
However, soon the romantic veil falls from the eyes of the heroine, and she sensibly assesses the current situation. The people around her, including her own mother, see in her only luxurious fun, an expensive toy that can be boasted in society. Even in close circle, no one seeks to look into her soul, to show sincere participation in her.
Larisa comes to the sad conclusion that she is a thing that should be sold at a higher price. The collision of a pure soul with a vicious material world invariably leads to a tragic denouement - the death of the main character. However, Larisa finds consolation in her death, as it gives her long-awaited freedom.
Composition
In The Bride, the analysis includes a description of the compositional structure of the work. The composition of the play is sustained according to all classical laws, and consists of four acts:
- first act contains an exposition and a plot (a description of the life of Larisa and her family, the arrival of Paratov);
- in the second act a development of events takes place (Larisa is becoming more and more convinced that her personal happiness is possible only with Paratov, and for his sake she is ready to sacrifice a lot);
- third act- climax (lunch at Karandyshev's, Larisa's singing, which, in fact, is a pure and sincere declaration of love for Paratov);
- fourth act- denouement (the death of Larisa, who, at the moment of her death, from the bottom of her heart forgives all those who, one way or another, are guilty of her death).
All events take place during the day, which further enhances the drama of the story. The linear composition allows the author to convey the motives of the behavior of the main characters as accurately as possible. It becomes clear that their actions are largely determined not only by character traits, but also by the environment in which they live.
main characters
Genre
The play "Dowry" is fully consistent with the genre of drama, since it presents the difficult fate of the main character, forced to live in a constant conflict of her soul and society.
The purpose of the socio-psychological drama, to which "Dowry" belongs, is to reveal to the reader all the hardships that a person has to face in an alien environment. As a rule, the main characters of the drama expect internal contradictions, spiritual suffering, and, as a result, a tragic fate. But at the same time, the drama fully reflects the realities of life around, making you think about many important problems that prevail in any society.
Artwork test
Analysis Rating
Average rating: 4.4. Total ratings received: 708.
A. N. Ostrovsky described quite accurately the picture of indifference and heartlessness of those times. Today we will consider the characteristics of the heroes. "Dowry" is a work that has entered the annals of world literature. So let's get started.
Karandyshev
Julius Kapitonych in the play is a poor official who cannot boast of either a full wallet or self-respect. The main feature of the hero is pride, which, in principle, led to a tragic end. What are the characteristics of heroes? "Dowry" by Ostrovsky A.N. is a work that is slightly simplified by the fact that the outstanding playwright endowed his characters with speaking names. Consider this technique of the author on the example of the same Karandyshev.
Although he has the name of a great man (Julius Caesar), the surname originates from the word "karatysh". The author shows us the discrepancy between his desires and real possibilities. Larisa is for him a way of self-affirmation, so he cherishes his pride. The Ogudalov family considers him a backup option, the only possible way out of the situation, although not very successful, Julius Kapitonych is greatly offended. His "lover" is a way to defeat a stronger opponent, Paratov.
What is the characterization of the characters? "Dowry" is a work that does not require much effort to understand, as the author accurately and in detail describes his characters, their feelings and true being. The tragic end is another moment by which A. N. Ostrovsky makes fun of Karandyshev's nature. Since Julius Kapitonich cannot defeat his rival, he kills the subject of their dispute. The figure of this man is very pathetic and funny.
Paratov
This character continues our characterization of heroes. "Dowry" is a work that cannot do without an analysis of the image of the main rival Yuliy Kapitonych. We have already spoken above about the distinguishing feature of A. N. Ostrovsky and about speaking names. So, the surname of Sergei Sergeyich originates from the word "paraty", which means "predator".
Note that his behavior in the play can also be characterized: "He has no heart, that's why he was so bold." This is a quote characterizing the hero as a heartless and cruel character. He is young and ambitious, a very prudent and greedy person: “And now, gentlemen, I have other things to do and other calculations. I marry a very rich girl, I take gold mines as a dowry.
Larisa
Who else can continue the characterization of heroes? "Dowry" is a work that cannot ignore the main character, who has become the subject of a dispute between two heartless and greedy people. She evokes a feeling of compassion, as she is really passionate about Sergei Sergeyich, who betrayed her for profit. Larisa Ogudalova is a dowry, a girl from a poor family, but she is an incredibly subtle and sensual nature.
When Paratov rejected her, she has the last hope - to marry Karandyshev, since she considers him a man with a good soul and heart, incomprehensible to anyone, but incredibly kind. When Larisa realized that she was a toy in the wrong hands, she tried to kill herself, but she did not have the strength to do it. Only Karandyshev's shot helps her get rid of torment.
"Dowry": characteristics of the heroes. Table
Let's try to systematize the analysis of the main characters of the drama using a table.
Characteristic |
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A nobleman, 30 years old, a respected person, a lover of luxury, incredibly prudent, heartless, all his actions are connected with profit. |
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Karandyshev | A young, poor official, proud and envious. Always reproaches Larisa for the "gypsy camp" in her house. The rival of Sergei Sergeyich, trying to imitate him in everything, even speaking about educated and respected people with Paratov, puts them side by side. |
A young girl of marriageable age from a poor family, a dowry. He is going to marry Karandyshev because of the hopelessness of the situation, so as not to live with his mother. A talented, beautiful and educated girl, but a doll in the hands of men. |
This is how we presented the characteristics of the main characters. In order to draw your own conclusions, we advise you to read this work.
The characters of "Dowry" are representatives of Russia at one of the turning points in its social and cultural development. The new time gives rise to new values that shape attitudes, life programs, human behavior and exacerbate the problems of personal culture. A. N. Ostrovsky depicts and evaluates these changes from the point of view of Christian morality, defending the soul, love, beauty, the unity of people as eternal truth, the eternal blessings of human existence. According to A. I. Zhuravleva, “the basis of all Ostrovsky’s activities was undoubtedly a firm moral attitude to art as a matter of enlightenment and guidance on the path of goodness, but not from the position of the Teacher and the Prophet, but by means of the artist - through showing everyday situations and the moral ones that arise in them. collision".
We set ourselves the task of first revealing the attitudes of the characters in The Dowry. It will be about etiquette, gestures, playful and comical forms of character creation.
The attitudes in the actions of those who surround Larisa Ogudalova are united at their starting point. Everyone is full of self-loving ambitions, a thirst to “be magnified”, to show off in the chosen society. The very thought of becoming "a parable on everyone's lips" is tempting. The sphere of values recognized by this circle of society is voluminously expressed in the words of Knurov about Karandyshev: “Perhaps, from his point of view, he is not stupid. What is he? Who knew him, who paid attention to him? And now the whole city will talk about him, he fits into the best society. Climbing to a higher, and therefore more noticeable step, to stay on it is perhaps the only goal of the “heroes” of “Dowry”. In order to “take place” in society, everyone is persistently looking for a proper appearance.
Characters concerned with their prestige - Knurov, Vozhevatov, Ogudalova, Paratov, Karandyshev - invariably follow certain rules of conduct, let's call them etiquette, which, however, is not intended by anyone or anything - is not strictly prescribed, but careful observance of its tacit guidelines has a special value in the city of Bryakhimov.
The most striking figure in this regard is Knurov. For him, the observance of etiquette is a sign of belonging to a high stratum of society; it is important for him to convince the Briakhimovites of their absolute superiority, to keep the “throne”. The emotional atmosphere of Knurov's behavior is tension and anxiety. If noble etiquette was carried out organically and unstressedly, then merchants try to observe etiquette rules with a certain amount of anxiety and anxiety, additionally taking care to exalt themselves in the eyes of society. (It is curious how the “etiquette” is transformed, being borrowed by the merchants: the drawing of Larisa in the “toss” is a kind of reversal of a noble duel, and Vozhevatov’s “honest merchant’s word” is a bad double of the nobleman’s “word of honor”.)
So, Knurov needs a mask of restraint and aloofness, inaccessibility and power - everything that would make others respectfully reckon with him. But his prudence and caution, constant looking back at other people's opinions, etc., acquire a comic connotation in the eyes of the playwright. It is also ridiculous that etiquette is observed in front of people who are openly despised. Knurov’s remarks are expressive in their constancy: “people will look, they will say”, “they have a lot of all sorts of rabble, then they meet, bow, climb to talk.” Such details prepare the reader and the viewer for a comical perception of Knurov's first question in a conversation with Ogudalova - he was asked almost anecdotally, bluntly, “at the door”: “Do you have anyone?”.
The characters, asserting themselves through etiquette, seek to make others understand who they are, and at the same time emphasize the differences in the social status of those around them. In this regard, Gogol’s “Dead Souls” is recalled: “It must be said that in Russia, if they have not kept pace with foreigners in some respects, they have far surpassed them in their ability to communicate. It is impossible to enumerate all the nuances and subtleties of our appeal ... We do not have that, we have such wise men who will speak with a landowner who has two hundred souls in a completely different way than with one who has three hundred of them, but with one who has three hundred , they will again speak not like with the one who has five hundred of them, but with the one who has five hundred of them, again not like with the one who has eight hundred of them - in a word, even go up to a million, there are all shades. .
The scene of the invitation to dinner presents both Knurov, and Vozhevatov, and Ogudalova, and Karandyshev as virtuosos of etiquette, revealing social and hierarchical distances. Here, contrasting variants of circumvention unexpectedly coexist. Knurov is solidly taciturn in communication with Ogudalova and, as it were, does not notice Karandyshev. To match Mokiy Parmenych and Vozhevatov, allowing a casually commanding tone with Ogudalova and caustic mockery in dealing with Karandyshev. Ogudalova freely moves from the familiar manner of speaking with Vasya to flattering flattery in front of Knurov. And Karandyshev is familiar with the subtleties of treatment: he addresses Vozhevatov casually, and respectfully and fearfully to Knurov. Numerous shades and really do not count. Everyone demonstrates their art of getting around. At the same time, “everyone loves themselves,” as Larisa will say. Etiquette behavior, serving self-affirmation in earthly existence, is devoid of an inspiring beginning and therefore embodies a false hierarchy of values.
The reasoning of the characters in "Dowry" looks inorganic, like the moralistic masks of the heroes of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth". The roll call between the reasoners of "Dowry" and the plays of classicism has a parody-comic character. If the heroes of tragedies and comedies of the XVIII century. wear the masks of preachers of a new morality, then the characters of the "Dowryless" make themselves "idols" of the philistine milieu. This reasoning appears artificial and ridiculous because it does not have any moral basis. They elevate ambition, posturing, lying to the rank of a serious and lofty principle. The heroes of Ostrovsky admire themselves in the forms of reasoning.
Paratov and Karandyshev are united by the author in their acting aimed at imposing and beautiful self-affirmation: each deliberately creates his own appearance in order to stand out from the general background and impress the city. The element of Paratov's behavior is recklessness, unbridled revelry, which enchants the Bryakhimovites, including Larisa. Karandyshev, too, at first, without condemnation, notes the joyful revival in the city upon the arrival of the “brilliant gentleman”. But the playwright is more perceptive than his heroes, he is not inclined to be seduced by Paratov's "broad nature". Ostrovsky appeals to a sober and at the same time ironic assessment of the hero's behavior as a self-representation, as a "spectacle". Let's remember: Paratov is expected in Bryakhimov, but he is delayed in order to make noise and effect.
A.N. Ostrovsky created an amazing gallery of Russian characters. Representatives of the merchant class became the main characters - from "domostroevsky" tyrants to real businessmen. The playwright's portrayals of women were no less vivid and expressive. Some of them looked like the heroines of J.S. Turgenev: they were just as brave and resolute, had warm hearts and never gave up their feelings. Below is an analysis of Ostrovsky's "Dowry", where the main character is a bright personality, different from the people who surrounded her.
History of creation
The analysis of Ostrovsky's "Dowry" should begin with the history of its writing. In the 1870s, Alexander Nikolayevich was an honorary judge in one county. Participation in lawsuits and familiarity with various cases gave him a new opportunity to search for topics for his works.
Researchers of his life and work suggest that the plot for this play was taken from his judicial practice. It was a case that made a lot of noise in the county - the murder of a local resident of his young wife. Ostrovsky began writing the play in 1874, but progress was slow. And only in 1878 the play was completed.
Actors and their brief description
The next point in the analysis of Ostrovsky's "Dowry" is a small description of the characters in the play.
Larisa Ogudalova is the main character. A beautiful and impressionable noblewoman. Despite her sensitive nature, she is a proud girl. Its main disadvantage is poverty. Therefore, her mother tries to find a rich groom for her. Larisa is in love with Paratov, but he leaves her. Then, out of desperation, she decides to marry Karandyshev.
Sergey Paratov is a nobleman who is over 30 years old. An unprincipled, cold and calculating person. Everything is measured in money. He is going to marry a rich girl, but does not tell Larisa about it.
Julius Kapitonych Karandyshev is a petty official who has little money. Vain, his main goal is to win the respect of others and impress them. Jealous of Larisa to Paratov.
Vasily Vozhevatov is a young rich merchant. I've known the main character since childhood. A cunning person without any moral principles.
Moky Parmenych Knurov is an elderly merchant, the richest man in the city. He likes the young Ogudalova, but he is a married man. Therefore, Knurov wants her to become his kept woman. Selfish, he cares only for his own interests.
Harita Ignatievna Ogudalova - Larisa's mother, widow. Cunning, she tries to profitably give her daughter in marriage so that they do not need anything. Therefore, he believes that any means are suitable for this.
Robinson is an actor, mediocrity, a drunkard. Friend of Paratov.
One of the points in the analysis of Ostrovsky's "Dowry" is a brief description of the plot of the play. The action takes place in the Volga city of Bryakhimov. In the first act, the reader learns from the conversation between Knurov and Vozhevatov that Sergei Paratov, a wealthy gentleman who loves to appear spectacularly in society, is returning to the city.
He left Bryakhimov so hastily that he did not say goodbye to Larisa Ogudalova, who was in love with him. She was in despair because of his departure. Knurov and Vozhevatov say that she is beautiful, smart and performs romances incomparably. Only her suitors shun her, because she is a dowry.
Realizing this, her mother constantly keeps the doors of the house open, in the hope that a rich groom will marry Larisa. The girl decides to marry a petty official, Yuri Kapitonych Karandyshev. During the walk, the merchants inform them of Paratov's arrival. Karandyshev invites them to a dinner party in honor of his fiancee. Julius Kapitonych arranges a scandal for the bride because of Paratov.
Meanwhile, Paratov himself, in a conversation with the merchants, says that he was going to marry the daughter of the owner of the gold mines. And Larisa is no longer interested in him, but the news of her marriage makes him think.
Larisa quarrels with her fiancé because she wants to leave with him for the village as soon as possible. Karandyshev, despite the constraint on funds, is going to give a dinner party. Ogudalova is having an explanation with Paratov. He accuses her of cheating and asks if she loves him. The girl agrees.
Paratov decided to humiliate Larisa's fiancé in front of the guests. He gets him drunk at dinner, and then persuades the girl to go on a boat trip with him. After spending the night with her, he tells her that he has a fiancee. The girl realizes that she is disgraced. She agrees to become the kept woman of Knurov, who won her in a dispute with Vozhevatov. But Yuri Karandyshev shot Larisa out of jealousy. The girl thanks him and says that she is not offended by anyone.
The image of Larisa Ogudalova
In the analysis of Ostrovsky's "Dowry" one should also consider the image of the main character. Larisa appeared before the reader as a beautiful, educated noblewoman, but without a dowry. And, finding herself in a society where the main measure is money, she was faced with the fact that no one takes her feelings seriously.
Possessing an ardent soul and a warm heart, she falls in love with the treacherous Paratov. But because of his feelings, he cannot see his true character. Larisa feels lonely - no one even tries to understand her, everyone uses her like a thing. But despite the subtle nature, the girl has a proud disposition. And just like all heroes, she is afraid of poverty. Therefore, she feels even more contempt for her fiancé.
In the analysis of Ostrovsky's "Dowry" it should be noted that Larisa does not have great fortitude. She does not decide to commit suicide or start living the life she wants. She accepts the fact that she is a thing and refuses to fight any further. Therefore, the groom's shot brought her peace, the girl was glad that all her suffering was over, and she found peace.
The image of Yuri Karandyshev
In the analysis of the play "Dowry" by Ostrovsky, one can also consider the image of the heroine's fiancé. Julius Kapitonych is shown to the reader as a small person who is important to earn the recognition of others. For him, a thing has value if rich people have it.
This is a proud man who lives for show and causes only contempt from others because of his pathetic attempts to be like them. Karandyshev, most likely, did not like Larisa: he understood that all men would envy him, because she was the dream of many. And he hoped to get the public recognition he so desired after their wedding. Therefore, Julius Kapitonich could not come to terms with the fact that she left him.
Comparison with Katerina
Comparative analysis of "Thunderstorm" and "Dowry" by Ostrovsky helps to find not only similarities, but also differences between the works. Both heroines are bright personalities, and their chosen ones are weak and weak-willed people. Katerina and Larisa have warm hearts and fall in love with men who match their imaginary ideal.
Both heroines feel lonely in society, and the internal conflict is heating up more and more. And this is where the differences come in. Larisa did not have the inner strength that Katerina had. Kabanova could not come to terms with life in a society where tyranny and despotism reigned. She rushed into the Volga. Larisa, realizing that for everyone she is a thing, cannot decide on such a step. And the girl does not even think about the fight - she just decides to live now like everyone else. Perhaps that is why the viewer immediately liked the heroine Katerina Kabanova.
Stage productions
In the analysis of Ostrovsky's drama "Dowry", it can be noted that, contrary to expectations, the performances failed. The viewer seemed bored with a story about a provincial girl who was deceived by a fan. Critics also did not like the acting: for them it was too melodramatic. And only in 1896 the play was staged again. And even then the audience was able to accept and appreciate it.
An analysis of Ostrovsky's work "Dowry" allows us to show what a serious psychological subtext the play has. How detailed the characters are. And, despite the sentimental scenes, the play belongs to the genre of realism. And her characters have replenished the gallery of Russian characters, masterfully described by A.N. Ostrovsky.
The psychological drama of Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky "Dowry" is the strongest classical play of the 19th century. A typical Volga merchant town with bankrupt nobles, where serious passions flare up. It may seem that the basis of the play is love. After reading, instead of a creative one, we see a calculation that becomes a miscalculation, as a result - a failed "bidding". The image of Larisa Ogudalova appears as the embodiment of a beautiful and desirable “thing”.
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How the play was created
The history of the creation of "Dowry" is as follows. The work, which today is considered a classic of world drama, is studied according to the school curriculum, but was not accepted during the author's lifetime.
The premiere performance based on the play "Dowry" took place in the autumn of 1878 and caused rejection from theater critics and spectators. The further fate of the play was not easy due to the failure of the first productions. The genre of the drama was not chosen by chance: in order to reveal the depth of the psychological experiences of the main characters.
The author actually spent five years working on the play, during which he either postponed work (the plot of the work changed somewhat), then returned again. Ostrovsky served as a justice of the peace, therefore there is an opinion that the play is based on real events: if the main character really had a prototype, then a specific person is to blame for the death of this girl.
Now the concept of “dowry” is practically not used, its meaning has changed. Previously, the presence of a dowry for a girl was a must. Basically, who is the poor girl? - just a stone around her husband's neck, because then the woman did not have the opportunity to work and increase her capital. Even a smart, beautiful girl with a rich spiritual world was perceived as a second-class person. The dowry had to endure everything meekly, there was almost no hope for sincere, mutual love.
Main characters
The main characters of the play are residents of a small county town on the banks of the Volga. Names and characteristics of heroes:
- Larisa Ogudalova is a marriageable bride, but without a dowry. Nature is dreamy, impulsive, creatively developed, passionately loving life, but forced to step on her throat because of the severity of her financial situation. The character of Larisa Ogudalova in the play was clearly defined by the author, showing active development.
- Harita Ignatievna - mother, by origin - a noblewoman, widowed, ruined. Cunning, prudent, forgetting about moral values. The image of Larisa Ogudalova is shown by the author on the principle of contrast with her.
- Yuri Karandyshev is the image of a “little man” with an exorbitant pride. Although he is a groom and a winner, he is ridiculous and unlucky, he does not cause respect from any of the characters. The image of Karandyshev in the drama is tragic and pathetic at the same time.
- Sergey Paratov is a romantic hero, in behavior he is the “master of life”, but in fact he is a ruined nobleman, forced to enter into a marriage of convenience in order to improve his financial situation.
- Vasily Vozhevatov is a merchant who came out of the people and made himself. Initially, it is presented as a friend of Larisa's childhood and youth, but then the meanness of his thoughts is revealed. Ready to sacrifice human lives and destinies for the sake of a bet.
- Mokiy Knurov is a successful merchant who considers people as things, from the position of a “commodity”. Knurov's sympathy for the main character of the play is just a thirst for possession of a "beautiful thing." The merchant is married, so he offers her to become a kept woman.
- Robinson is Paratov's jester, he was once an actor Schastlivtsev. He drank a lot, because of this he fell down the social ladder.
- Gavrilo is the owner of the coffee shop.
- Ivan is Gavrila's servant.
Larisa Ogudalova - marriageable bride
Outline of the storyline
We offer a summary of the chapters. In the play "Dowry" the plot is structured as follows.
Act one
Merchants Knurov and Vozhevatov meet near the city coffee shop, waiting for Paratov's return. Vozhevatov decided to buy the Lastochka from the shipowner.
In a conversation “for tea” (they drink champagne from tea cups), Vozhevatov tells the story of Larisa Ogudalova, who was forced to marry Karandyshev. Knurov is surprised by this choice: having despaired after Paratov's departure, the girl agreed to marry the first who would marry.
There also come the newly-made groom. Karandyshev draws himself, invites merchants (as equals) to his dinner dedicated to the bride.
Left alone with Larisa, he brings the girl to tears in his own words. The "ideal man" for her is Sergey Paratov. A salute shot is heard about the arrival of Paratov. Larisa, frightened, asks to take her away.
Paratov returns after a year's absence, Robinson with him. Knurov wonders if it's a pity to part with the "Swallow"? Sergei Sergeevich replies that this feeling is alien to him, expresses his readiness to sell everything profitably. Then he talks about his rich bride with gold mines. Before the imminent wedding, Paratov wants to have plenty of fun. Then Vozhevatov discusses an evening picnic with Gavrila, almost forgetting about Karandyshev's invitation.
Action two
Knurov comes to the Ogudalovs, outraged by Karandyshev's poverty and future marriage in general. The merchant offers Harita Ignatyevna to make Larisa his kept woman, as he is sure that it is expedient to leave such a husband.
The prudent mother takes advantage of this offer, Knurov himself says that the girl should be sewn good outfits, and the bills sent to him.
Larisa feels bad in the city, the girl thinks about the village - a "quiet corner". He wants to play a romance on the guitar - she is upset. Seeing the gypsy Ilya, he calls him to her. He talks about the return of Paratov. The mother sees this circumstance as the appearance of another suitor, although her daughter refuses to endure such humiliation.
Karandyshev arrives, cruelly condemning the customs of the city, opposes the departure, although the bride asks him about it. Unexpectedly for everyone, Paratov comes to them.
Talking to his mother, the ex-fiance talks about his upcoming wedding, then asks to call the girl. Left alone, he reproaches her, talks about windiness, like any other woman. She is offended, but at the end of the conversation she blurts out her love for Paratov, and in response she hears an offer to remain friends. Having achieved his goal, talking, he offends Karandyshev who came to them, a quarrel occurs between them. The mother forces the future son-in-law to invite Paratov to dinner. Then Vozhevatov arrives, trying to pass off Robinson, who was accompanying him, as a foreigner.
Act Three
In the groom's office, the girl and her mother are discussing how this dinner party failed. Everyone laughed at the owner and even made him drunk on purpose. This is where guests come in. Knurov is outraged at how bad the wines and appetizers were.
All the men laugh at the master again. Karandyshev, who came here, continues to show off, does not respond to the bride's remarks. At the request of Paratov, Larisa performs a romance with the gypsy, although the groom is against it in every possible way, and then, delighted, leaves for champagne.
Paratov, left alone with Larisa, persuades them to go with them on the ship. She recognizes him as her master and agrees to everything. While Karandyshev once again goes for wine, everyone runs away. Returning, he swears revenge, takes a gun and runs away.
act four
Karandyshev is in a coffee shop, trying to ask Robinson about where everyone else is, but he pretends not to understand anything.
The picnic is over. Knurov and Vozhevatov discuss the current situation. It is clear to them that Paratov will not refuse a profitable wedding. Each of the men is ready to take the compromised girl as his mistress, they play her toss. Knurov wins.
Paratov is grateful to Larisa for being with them at the picnic, but reminds him that he cannot get married, since he has a fiancee. He consoles with the fact that even now Karandyshev will take her back, and instructs Robinson to take her home.
Desperate, the girl turns to Vozhevatov for help, but he gives her to Knurov, and he calls with him to Paris for full support. Larissa doesn't answer.
She is found by Karandyshev, who was ready to become her protector, but this is precisely what the girl perceives as an insult. Then the fiance, blinded by jealousy, says that she is for everyone a thing played in a toss.
The girl agrees to be a thing, but does not intend to belong to him, so she decides to go with Knurov. In a fit of anger, Karandyshev shoots her. Full of gratitude, the heroine dies, saying that it is all herself. And behind the scenes the gypsies sing. It is difficult to say who is really to blame for Larisa's death.
Attention! Gypsies sing at all the key moments of the play.
Ostrovsky specifically introduces this contrast technique to show how a Russian person loves the “holiday of life” and is drawn to it, and at the same time that this fun is alien, not characteristic of him.
"Dowry". Alexander Ostrovsky
A brief retelling of the drama by A. N. Ostrovsky "Dowry".
Conclusion
The author shows in the play "Dowry" the unattractive side of his contemporary society, where everything is bought and sold. Circumstances lead to the death of a young girl who could not survive among the cruelty and.