Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin worked together with Famusov - he was his secretary. Famusov, in turn, trusted his subordinate, although Molchalin had nothing to do with the nobility. The hero's surname is similar to his character - a modest man and never unnecessary words won't say a word. Sofia was glad to see how good-natured and compliant Alexey was. True, Famusova had no idea that in reality Molchalin was not at all who he pretended to be.
Interested Molchalina There are only two things in life - wealth and career. Alexey is in pursuit of a fun and wealthy life. And for the sake of such a life, he is ready to please important ranks. Molchalin approaches his goal quite cleverly. His “mask” allows him to cunningly move towards a good life, without presenting himself as a bad person. For the sake of increasing his reputation, Molchalin is not against praising Khlestova. He happily agrees to play a game of cards with her, and also finds beautiful words to praise the gorgeous dog woman. In front of Famusov, the hero positions himself in almost the same way - through respect and submission he tries to become one of the people. Alexei Stepanovich can be called a magnificent, and most importantly, patient actor. He is in no hurry to get to his goal as quickly as possible. Alexey acts carefully and carefully, thereby getting closer to a happy life every day.
Molchalin is a vile hypocrite in relation to Sofia. Alexei had no way of convincing the girl that he was really in love with her. In reality there was no love. The hero understood that in order to earn the respect of his boss, it was necessary to establish a relationship with his beloved daughter. Mochalin was more frank with Lisa than with Sofia. He directly tells Lisa that his love for Sofia is only limited by his position. Moreover, Alexey explains in detail why it is important for him to convince Famusova that he is really in love with her. Molchalin argues that you always need to please your superiors, in this case your superiors, in order to comply with your life principle and achieve the desired success.
Despite the fact that Alexey treated Lisa with some frankness, he still remained a hypocrite towards her. The fact is that Molchalin needed to gain Lisa’s respect and favor at any cost. Therefore, I decided to do the smart thing, promising the girl that he would give her “a very clever toilet.” The hypocrisy of the main character manifests itself fully at the moment when Famusova Sofia finally finds out who Molchalin really is. Alexey, even in such a situation, continues to openly deceive Sofia, falling on his knees in front of her and asking for forgiveness. But in reality the hero does not feel any guilt. He’s just fighting for his career, because if Sofia’s father finds out who his secretary really is, he’ll obviously be in trouble.
The moment Chatsky appears, Alexey realizes that further lies will not bring him any success at all. Unlike Sofia, Chatsky is more intelligent, so Alexei would definitely not have been able to achieve his favor. Therefore, Molchalin finds one only way out of this situation - escape. Chatsky reacted extremely negatively, one might say, with great hatred towards Molchalin. And he was more worried about the fact that such an insignificant person managed to win the heart of the beautiful girl Sophia, who was incapable of such selfish deception. If Molchalin had not rushed towards a career, but had been honest, Chatsky would not have suffered because of Sofia’s experiences, and Famusova, in turn, would not have been doomed to such long mental torment because of the vile hypocrite.
The epithets that are awarded to Alexei Molchalin are a flatterer, a sycophant and a heartless rogue. The anti-hero of the comedy “Woe from Wit” appears before readers as a truly grotesque figure, whose description is full of sarcastic clichés. And according to the law of the genre, the unpleasant guy who stole the heart of a naive girl will be exposed. Alas, such a plot is most often only possible in plays.
History of creation
Molchalin is colorful and bright character, with the help of which he exposed the typical secular society the times of serfdom. The writer created the first sketches of the comedy “Woe from Wit” back in 1820.
The results of the work, which lasted for four years, did not satisfy the author. In 1824, Griboyedov, while editing the resulting work, partially rewrote the character of Molchalin. The writer adds to the comedy final scenes, thereby exposing the secretary to the other characters.
The first attempts to publish “Woe from Wit” took place in December of the same year. Alas, censorship softened the characters’ remarks, smoothing over the acute social issues that Griboyedov raised. For example, Molchalin’s phrase “After all, you need to depend on others” was replaced with “After all, you need to keep others in mind.”
The comedy, not burdened by the censor's edits, was published only in 1831, and the play was specially translated into German. The Russian-language version of the poetic work appeared in Moscow in 1833.
Critical remarks about the play mainly affected the confrontation and Molchalin. Despite numerous censures from the secretary, life values characters are understandable and correspond to the spirit of the times. Vyazemsky subtly noticed this:
“Chatsky says about Molchalin that he was so stupid before that he is the most pitiful creature. Molchalin took it as a rule: moderation and accuracy. Let’s ask: what’s stupid and funny here?”
"Woe from Wit"
The plot of Alexander Griboedov's comedy develops on the territory of a landowner's estate. The elderly man’s household has been established for a long time; a secretary helps the man in work matters, full name whom Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin.
The man lives in his employer’s house, so he easily starts a relationship with Sofia Famusova. Young people spend a lot of time alone, talking about personal topics. Molchalin's biography undergoes drastic changes when Chatsky returns to his homeland.
The men disliked each other from the first minutes. Chatsky intends to understand the reasons for his beloved’s strange behavior. Molchalin is scared that secret romance will open up. The secretary does not want to lose his advantageous position, but the opportunity to become the son-in-law of a wealthy aristocrat is too tempting.
The girl herself has long lost interest in Chatsky and can hardly restrain herself from revealing her secret. When Molchalin falls from his horse, the younger Famusova cannot cope with her emotions. People around them begin to suspect that there is a secret connection between the heroes.
Having ridiculed the secretary's views on life, Chatsky incurs the girl's wrath. Gossip, intrigue and class prejudice surround people's relationships. Molchalin's well-fed life ends at the moment when, succumbing to feelings, the secretary opens his hands and confesses his insidious plans to the maid Liza.
The intimate conversation and unpleasant statements are heard by Sophia herself and the angry Chatsky. In this moment social problems Russian officials and love drama mixed together. Molchalin is expelled from a rich house, and his rival bitterly concludes:
“Silent people are blissful in the world!”
Image and character
The debate about whether Molchalin is pitiful or terrible does not subside among connoisseurs classical literature. Quote characteristic the character will put everything in its place, because Griboyedov expressed his attitude towards the character through the remarks of Molchalin himself and the people around him.
The hero of the comedy grew up in Tver and moved to Moscow in adulthood. The young man is poor, grew up in a middle-class family. His father also worked in service, so from childhood Molchalin was accustomed to groveling before strongmen of the world this:
“My father bequeathed to me: firstly, to please all people without exception - the owner where I happen to live, the boss with whom I will serve.”
The secretary follows his father’s precepts, so he settles into Famusov’s house with ease and comfort. Officially, the young man is listed in the “archives,” but in fact, he performs the duties of the landowner’s personal assistant. During his service, the man managed to receive three awards, which Molchalin is boastfully proud of.
Illustration for the comedy "Woe from Wit" Part of the secretary's characteristics are revealed through the character's appearance. Attractive young man has slim figure. A man dresses neatly and takes care of his own manners:
“Helpful, modest, with a blush in his face...”
The suit is a unique way for Alexei Stepanovich to achieve his own goals in life. A modest frock coat, colored vest and light trousers help Molchalin advance through career ladder. After all, the status of a creeping servant allows you to achieve a promotion faster. Yes and quiet young man It’s easier to gain the favor of the boss’s daughter.
The image of a modest and reserved person is exploited by Griboyedov even through the hero’s surname. This is what Chatsky thinks about the unpleasant hero:
“Have you not yet broken the silence of the seal?<...>However, he will reach the well-known levels, because nowadays they love the dumb.”
New sides of Molchalin’s character are revealed in the context of the secretary’s relationships with women. Ambition forces a man to look after Sophia, while Alexey is interested in the maid Lisa. The hero is not embarrassed that such actions are a sign of hypocrisy and duplicity. After all, in the struggle between the aristocracy and the bureaucracy, any methods are good.
Misconduct has consequences for a liquid and resourceful person. Alexey Stepanovich was caught red-handed, and various subterfuges will not save the bureaucrat. However, even after excommunication from the rich house, Molchalin will easily arrange own life, after all, as he wrote:
“Molchalin is devilishly smart when it comes to his personal gain.”
Film adaptations
In 2000, a video version of “Woe from Wit” was released, directed by. The play was included in the 5 most expensive stage projects in Moscow. The image of Molchalin was embodied by the actor.
Quotes
“Often we find patronage there where we don’t aim.”
“This frankness would not harm us.”
“What can’t you do to please the daughter of such a man.”
"Oh, gossips scarier than a pistol!
“I dare not pronounce my judgment.”
Among the heroes of “Woe from Wit” (see summary, analysis and full text), Famusov stands at the top steps of the official and social ladder. Molchalin, being on the lower steps of the same ladder, tries to climb it, following the principles and life rules of his boss. Adulation and servility, common in Famus society, were instilled in him from childhood:
“My father bequeathed to me
says Molchalin,
Firstly, to please all people without exception;
The owner, where he will live,
The boss with whom I will serve,
To his servant, who cleans the dress,
Doorman, janitor, to avoid evil,
To the janitor’s dog, to be more affectionate.”
We can say that Molchalin really fulfills his father’s wills! We see how he tries to please the noble old woman Khlestova, how he praises and caresses her dog; and although Khlestova treats him very condescendingly (“Molchalin, here’s your little closet!”), however, she allows him to lead her by the arm, plays cards with him, calls him “my friend,” “dear,” and probably won’t refuse he has protection when he needs it. Molchalin is sure that he is coming the right way and advises Chatsky to go “to Tatyana Yuryevna,” since, according to him, “we often find patronage there where we don’t aim.”
Woe from the mind. Maly Theater performance, 1977
Molchalin himself recognizes two “talents” in himself: “moderation” and “accuracy,” and there is no doubt that with such properties “he will reach the known levels,” as Chatsky notes, adding: “after all, nowadays they love the dumb.” Molchalin is truly dumb, since he not only does not express, but does not even have his own opinion - it is not for nothing that Griboedov called him “Molchalin”:
"At my age one should not dare
Have your own opinion,”
he says. Why risk “having your own judgment” when it is so much easier and safer to think, speak and act as the elders do, as Princess Marya Alekseevna does, as “everyone” does? And can Molchalin have his own opinion? He is undoubtedly stupid, limited, although cunning. This - petty soul. We see the baseness and meanness of his behavior with Sophia. He pretends to love her because he thinks it can be beneficial for him, and at the same time flirts with Lisa; he sneakily crawls on his knees in front of Sophia, begging for her forgiveness, and immediately after that he rushes to hide from Famusov’s anger, like a real coward. The pathetic type of Molchalin is depicted by Griboyedov with merciless realism.
A.S. Griboyedov finished his legendary comedy in 1824. But, despite all efforts, it was not possible to publish it. The censor did not let it through, since the nature of the play is accusatory. It spread in the lists, had big success among the young intelligentsia. Only in 1833 the play was published in an abridged form.
The author presented the reader with a galaxy of vivid images of the Moscow nobility of the 19th century. Most of them are still relevant today. The person who “is blissful in the world” is especially tenacious. This character personifies veneration for rank, careerism, and hypocrisy.
General characteristics of the hero
Molchalin is a young man of unknown origin. He comes from Tver, his parents became impoverished. Thanks to his efficiency and cunning, he ends up in the capital. Famusov gives him the rank of collegiate assessor and makes him his secretary. This position at that time gave hereditary nobility, regardless of material well-being. But the employer himself calls him “rootless,” although he settles him in his house.
Alexey Stepanovich, like most heroes of classical literature, wears telling surname. He is truly silent. The quality is inconsistent. Sophia, in love, considers it a virtue. They say the priest is angry, but Alexey does not argue, does not object, the hot-tempered master calms down. Chatsky considers this stupidity, lack of will, and self-respect. For Molchalin, this is just a cunning maneuver, opportunism. He doesn't mind.
The hero is young, the same age as Chatsky. But they are similar only in age.
Chatsky and Molchalin
These two social type are antagonists. People like Molchalin are ready to do anything to achieve high ranks and position in society. They don’t disdain anything. Lies, hypocrisy, ingratiation, sycophancy, humiliation, pretense - everything is used.
“Moderation and accuracy” are the only talents of Alexei Stepanovich. But he is clearly being modest, forgetting that adaptability, cunning, and business acumen are also a kind of talent.
Molchalin does not recognize his right to his own opinion. While he is in a small rank, it is necessary to depend on others. Therefore, he actively mimics and adapts.
Chatsky is a different person. He openly expresses his opinion in any environment. He sees no point in an empty service. He is ready to serve the cause, but not the persons. It's sickening to serve him. Famusov calls him a proud man and a fool. It is strange for a successful official to hear such speeches.
Molchalin, for the sake of profit, is ready to pretend in everything. Even in love.
Relation to Sophia
Pretending to be in love, Alexey becomes the friend of the owner's daughter's heart. She, in turn, endowed him with the features of French heroes romance novels. She created the perfect image for herself.
Alexey Stepanych visits the young lady’s room at night. But he behaves indecisively, modestly, and does not allow liberties. As it turned out later, not because he was deeply in love and well-mannered, but out of indifference. But he shows ardor and discourtesy towards Lisa. Shyness with the young lady and vulgar behavior with the maid. This contrast speaks volumes.
He looks after Sophia only to curry favor: “to please the daughter of such a man.” He himself doesn’t really understand why. There is no love, he doesn’t count on a wedding. Molchalin is a coward, insanely afraid of Famusov’s anger, of what he finds out about the affair.
Molchalin and guests
Ball at the Famusovs' house - key scene works. The family is officially in mourning after the death of their uncle. Therefore, only “our own” people are convened. It is necessary to give points to maintain connections.
Molchalin is equally amiable with all representatives of the “past century”. He finds an approach to everyone. Sophia saw kindness in this ability to adapt. They say Alexey Stepanovich found friendship with everyone in the house. Chatsky also notices this: “Here he’ll pet a pug in time, there he’ll rub a card just right.” And, indeed, it comes to the point of absurdity. Molchalin strokes and praises Lady Khlestova’s Pomeranian. And then he plays cards with the old people all evening, adjusting, playing along. Knowing their cool character.
The young man does everything on time. He seems to anticipate a social storm. As soon as a scandal brews in the house, he disappears into his room a minute before the owner appears.
“He will reach known degrees...”
All this will certainly help the hero in achieving his goals. He will not be embarrassed by mistakes or falls. There is no shame or timidity in him. From childhood, Alexei was instilled with the law of the need to please even the master’s janitor and his dog. And sycophancy, the ability to “bend too far” is highly valued in the capital.
