Courageous actions from literature. In what works of literature do we observe the de-romanticization of the concept of “heroism”

Sooner or later, life confronts every person with the problem of choice: to save yourself, your physical life, your comfortable and soft nest, where you are completely safe, or break the bonds of fear.

Perform an extraordinary Act (this word can only be heard with capital letters): save human life, help the widow, go against the stronger, standing up for justice. We offer a short essay “Courage and Cowardice” dedicated to this topic.

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Meaning of concepts

A quote from Maxim Gorky’s “Song of the Falcon” best characterizes the attitude towards brave people. They are admired, they are actions are praised. Surely all of us, listening to a story about someone’s feat, mentally try the situation on ourselves: “Could I do the same? Would I have the courage? First, let's figure out what this means. be brave.

What kind of person can be called brave? According to Ozhegov, this is “not knowing fear, decisive.” “Brave, undaunted” - this is the definition of another great expert V.I. Dalia.

A bit of reasoning

So, what is courage? From many it can be concluded that this special quality , allowing a person not to be afraid of anything that threatens life, health, position in society, or personal safety.

What does it mean to be brave and courageous? Go towards hostile circumstances, regardless of any risks?

This is partly true, but this concept is still worth considering more broadly and fully. Let's try to write an essay-discussion on this topic in order to “separate the wheat from the chaff.”

Essay “Courage and Cowardice” let's start with the introduction, where we will try to define these two concepts.

Can the absence of fear, the desire to rush “headlong” towards danger be called courage? Of course you can't. But to be able to overcome your own fears, doubts and always act as your conscience dictates, regardless of how the action will affect later life- This means to be brave.

Synonyms

When you start writing about what courage is, the essay will be incomplete if you do not make an attempt to match this concept with words that accurately reflect the essence of the concept being analyzed:

• bravery,
• courage,
• fearlessness.

What are the qualities of courage and bravery? First of all - in the ability to fight back not the enemy and circumstances, but to myself: own hesitations, uncertainty, desire to avoid danger and difficulties.

Therefore, the story of a brave deed does not always tell of a large-scale feat. Sometimes it's modest work about how the hero managed to help a child who was frightened by the upcoming plane flight. At the same time, he himself was so afraid of flying that during takeoff his heart “sank into his heels” from horror. And you yourself are not afraid to fly - that’s already not courage, but just an act of kindness to the child.

Attention! If you want to become a brave person, overcome your fear by helping others.

The essence of antithesis

Two opposing concepts are inseparable from each other. One man's most courageous act is illustrated by another's cowardice. At the same time, the coward gives various arguments that allow him to justify himself in his own eyes and in front of others. Why didn’t you help a first-grader whose tablet was taken away by two older kids? How could I have done this, the frightened one will answer when:

• there were two of them, and I was alone;
• they are still stronger;
• Next came the physical education teacher - so he should have intervened, because he was an adult.

Personal courage manifests itself in different ways. What does it mean to be a real hero:

• rush into a fight and protect the weak, although he himself has never fought;
• bring the old woman out of the burning house;
• object to the boss who unfairly deprived a competent specialist of his bonus due to personal hostility.

Final essay on courage such actions should not be about like jumping out of a third-story window or running across a red light. It will be a story not about courage, but about stupidity and recklessness.

No one is interested in such pseudo-bravery: doesn't benefit people, it only makes things worse for both the “hero” himself and his loved ones.

What are we talking about when we talk about courage? Not only about overcoming your own fears, but also that our action must give benefit to someone who really needs help.

The classics' point of view

Examples of courage are often found in works of art. Unforgettable classics and more modern authors talk about brave deeds. These stories are remembered for a long time, because this topic affects everyone, regardless of specific circumstances.

The most famous examples brave deeds in literature:

• the heroism of the girls from the story “The Dawns Here Are Quiet...” by Boris Vasiliev;
• the fortitude of an unknown soldier from the book by the same author, “Not on the Lists,” who defended Brest Fortress almost literally to the last drop of blood;
• the courage of the “weakling” Pierre Bezukhov from Leo Tolstoy’s “”, who rushed to save a girl from a burning house and protected a young Armenian woman from French marauders;
• the brave actions of the teacher from Rasputin’s French Lessons, who was not afraid to be fired in difficult, hungry times because she tried to help a little boy.

There are a lot of books whose heroes are truly brave people. And in life, what does it mean to be fearless? a brave person in real conditions?

Cluster plan for writing an essay on the topic “Courage and Cowardice.”

Life examples

Most often you have to face the need risk yourself to save yourself other representatives of such professions as:

• firefighter,
• pilot,
• military,
• rescuer.

But what kind of person do we call courageous? Only a rescuer or a fire fighter? Everything in life is much more complicated.

Examples of courage that we can observe in life include duel of 1837 Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin and his courageous behavior in last days before death. He would raised a challenge to society, not only to enemies, but also to friends who did not understand him, defending themselves and their innocent wife. Only after his death did the poet’s relatives realize that he had to go through. Until the end of their days, many blamed themselves for inaction, which left him alone to fight with the whole world.

Truly brave people are Evgenia Ginzburg and her husband, whom she met in the Stalinist camps of the late 30s. last century. He helped others giving yourself completely and not thinking about the need survive on your own. In terrible conditions, he remained a Man with a capital M.

From the latter - the life story of Elizaveta Petrovna Glinka, whom everyone lovingly called Doctor Lisa. Founded charitable foundation, this woman always went to help where it was needed, bullets whistled and blood flowed. She I wasn't thinking about myself, but only about those for whom her support could save life or make her last days and hours at least a little happier.

Courage and cowardice. Direction of the final essay

How to prepare for the final essay

Conclusion

Everyone has their own arguments that support the concepts of “courage and cowardice.” When preparing a final essay on this topic, any student is free to bring own point of view.

But, whatever the words, the main judge in this case is conscience. It is she who suggests which act should be called brave and which one should be ashamed, how manifestations of cowardice. Let's listen to her and our own hearts.

Courage and cowardice are two different things, opposite qualities, character traits, which, meanwhile, are closely related to each other. Both a coward and a daredevil can live in the same person. This problem has been raised frequently in the literature.

Thus, the heroes of Boris Vasiliev’s work “And the Dawns Here Are Quiet...” showed real heroism and courage. All characters story - five fragile girls: Zhenya Komelkova, Rita Osyanina, Sonya Gurvich, Galya Chetvertak, Liza Brichkina and Sergeant Major Vaskov are depicted in the struggle, giving all their strength in the name of saving the Motherland.

It was these people who brought our country’s victory closer in this terrible war.

More literary example, Maxim Gorky's story "Old Woman Izergil", namely its third part - the legend of Danko. He was a brave and fearless young man who sacrificed himself for the sake of the people. He decided to help his people and took leadership over them in order to lead them out of the impenetrable forest. The path was not easy, and when people, having lost their fortitude, fell upon Danko, he rips his heart out of his chest to illuminate the path and give people the warmth and goodness that came from his flaming heart. And when the goal was achieved, no one even noticed his death and that “his brave heart was burning next to Danko’s corpse.”

Danko saw the meaning of life in helping people.

And secondly, this is the problem of cowardice. In Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel “The Master and Margarita,” Pontius Pilate, out of fear of condemnation, commits a terrible act; he sent an innocent man, the philosopher Yeshua Ha-Nozri, to execution. The procurator did not listen to his inner voice. And cowardice in making the right decision became a punishment for Pilate. He will look for an excuse for his action, but will not find it.

Also not best quality The hero of Nikolai Gogol's story "Taras Bulba" - Andriy - also showed. For the sake of love for a woman, he was able to renounce everyone. Not having forgiven his son for betrayal and cowardice, Taras Bulba himself kills him. The payback for Andriy turned out to be too expensive - his own life.

Updated: 2017-09-12

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Useful material on the topic

• Is it possible to say that courage and cowardice are two sides of the same coin? Courage and cowardice. Essay Unified State Exam Arguments, examples from literature

If you think that a real hero- a muscular guy like Rambo, with a bunch of grenades on his belt and a heavy machine gun at the ready, dealing with crowds of terrorists and criminals, are forced to disappoint you: true courage and courage can be quiet and unnoticeable, but no less valuable.
Modest heroes evoke not only respect, but also a certain amount of bewilderment - why don’t they tell everyone about their exploits? Some of them have special reasons for this, such as obligations to the state, but most often, without exaggeration, the best people the planets simply do not attach any importance to fame and glory - the lives saved are enough for them. Here you will find six examples of desperate courage and reckless courage and not a single one of boasting and narcissism.

1. The policeman who talked dozens of people out of committing suicide

Kevin Briggs has been patrolling the San Francisco area for more than 22 years, which includes the famous Golden Gate Bridge - one of the most beautiful buildings peace. Unfortunately, the bridge is popular not only among tourists, but also among townspeople who decide to commit suicide: Kevin more than once had to save desperate lost souls intending to go on their last flight or, for example, shoot themselves.

Someone calculated that, on average, every month, thanks to Briggs, it is possible to save two potential suicides, so for him this has long become part of his usual work routine. Over two decades, a misfire happened only once: a 22-year-old young man did not heed Kevin’s arguments and still committed suicide. This performance would be the envy of many superheroes. For his outstanding services, his colleagues gave Briggs the ironic but undoubtedly honorable nickname “Guardian of the Golden Gate.”

2. A British diplomat saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust

Many people are familiar with the name of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who, during the years of persecution and extermination of Jews, provided shelter and work to many of them, thus saving about 1,200 people from the gas chambers and ovens of the “death camps.” However, we will not talk about him, but about Frank Foley, a British intelligence officer who gave life to nine thousand Jews.
He was perhaps one of the most unsung heroes of the Second World War: a humble employee of the British embassy in Berlin used his position to forge passports, allowing those fleeing Nazi rule to leave the country freely. Officer Foley even managed to rescue concentration camp prisoners from the clutches of the Gestapo, using visas and travel documents to provide them with an alibi.
His feat is practically unknown to the general public, since until his death in 1958, Frank preferred to keep his mouth shut: the information he possessed could cause significant harm to the diplomatic relations of the European powers, primarily, of course, Germany and Great Britain . In 2004, the government of the United Kingdom declassified some of the circumstances of Foley's activities, recognizing his services to victims of the Holocaust.

3. The Titanic's mechanics sacrificed themselves so that passengers could evacuate.

The disaster of the “unsinkable” Titanic became one of the largest in the history of navigation, and although more than a century has passed since the tragedy, films, books and other works of fiction are still dedicated to it.
According to eyewitness accounts, the sinking ocean liner looked like a huge brightly lit city stretching into the abyss of water, but few people think about why on the Titanic it was almost until last moment electricity was working, because, logically, all passengers and crew members wanted to leave the ship as soon as possible.
The credit for maintaining the lighting belongs entirely to the mechanics and stokers of the ship: while representatives of high society, distraught with fear, rushed about in search of free boats, the workers of the hold selflessly remained in their places. Thanks to the courage of the crew, the light stayed on for 45 minutes, which saved hundreds of lives.

4. British schoolgirl warned tourists about tsunami

10-year-old Tilly Smith and her family were vacationing in resorts in Thailand, sunbathing on the beaches and exploring the sights. One fine day, tourists noticed an unusual phenomenon: the sea first seemed to “boil”, and then began to “swell” like yeast dough. Idle beachgoers watched the process with curiosity, not feeling any danger, but Tilly immediately understood the threat of the “boiling” ocean - shortly before, in a geography lesson, they had been told about the signs of an approaching tsunami.
The girl immediately screamed at the top of her voice about her suspicions, but her parents and other “sober” thinking, self-confident adults did not believe her and continued to enjoy the unique spectacle. Finally, Tilly's crying and screams had the desired effect - the Smiths decided to leave the beach, but before that they shared their daughter's assumptions with one of the beach employees, who immediately gave the order to evacuate the vacationers.
Victims of that huge wave became more than 250 thousand people in 13 countries, but no one was injured on the beach where Tilly was, because her family and almost a hundred other tourists were taken to a safe area.

5. The surgeon performed 30,000 operations in a war zone

Doctors all over the world save many lives every day, but some of them have achieved real mastery in the art of pulling patients out, as they say, “from the other world.” Such wizards of anesthesia and a scalpel, of course, include surgeon Gino Strada, who specializes in heart and lung transplants.
Strada is the founder and chairman of the Italian organization "Emergency", but he is respected not only (and not so much) for this. Gino, as a field surgeon, visited the hottest spots in the world - Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Cambodia and some other countries. Strada provided free assistance to wounded military and civilians; over 25 years of practice, he personally performed about 30 thousand operations (an average of more than three operations per day), thanks to him, 47 medical centers appeared in combat areas, through which hundreds of thousands of people passed .
The brave medic often had to negotiate with radical terrorist organizations to be allowed to locate his facilities as close to the front line as possible, and Gino tried to ensure that the centers were equipped with last word technology. When Strada was asked if he wanted to stop charitable activities and return to his native Venice, Gino replied: “I’m probably a surgical animal - I like to live in the operating room.”

6. The head of the security service of one of the corporations foresaw the terrorist attack of 9/11

Horrified by the number of victims of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, many forget that under a certain set of circumstances there could have been much more: for example, if Rick Rescorla, the head of security at the financial company Morgan Stanley (which occupied most of the South Tower) , was not so far-sighted.
Rick, an experienced military man and Vietnam War veteran, took charge of the company's security department in the 1990s and immediately developed his own building evacuation plan, which, after the collapse of the Northern Twin, allowed more than 2,700 corporate employees to be evacuated from the second tower in a matter of minutes.
Thanks to Rick's truly brilliant foresight, only 13 people died under the rubble of the South Building. Unfortunately, he himself was among them: after the evacuation of most of the employees, Rescorla returned to the tower in search of stragglers, and at that moment a second plane with suicide bombers at the controls crashed into it.

FIPI commentary on “Courage and Cowardice”:
“This direction is based on a comparison of opposite manifestations of the human “I”: readiness for decisive actions and the desire to hide from danger, to avoid resolving difficult, sometimes extreme life situations. On the pages of many literary works"We present both heroes capable of courageous actions and characters demonstrating weakness of spirit and lack of will."

Recommendations for students:
The table presents works that reflect any concept related to the direction “Courage and Cowardice.” You DO NOT need to read all of the works listed. You may have already read a lot. Your task is to conduct an audit of your reading knowledge and, if you discover a lack of arguments within a particular direction, fill in the existing gaps. In this case, you will need this information. Take it as a guide to huge world literary works. Please note: the table shows only a portion of the works that contain the problems we need. This does not mean at all that you cannot make completely different arguments in your work. For convenience, each work is accompanied by small explanations (third column of the table), which will help you navigate exactly how, through which characters, you will need to rely on literary material(the second mandatory criterion when assessing a final essay)

An approximate list of literary works and carriers of problems in the direction of “Courage and Cowardice”

The topic “Courage and Cowardice” was proposed among other topics for the final essay on literature for graduates of 2019. Many great people have discussed these two phenomena. “Courage is the beginning of victory,” Plutarch once said. “The city takes courage,” A.V. Suvorov agreed with him many centuries later. And some even made provocative statements on this topic: “True courage rarely comes without stupidity” (F. Bacon). Be sure to include such quotations in your work - it will have a positive effect on your grade, as will mentioning examples from history, literature or real life.

What to write about in an essay on this topic? You can consider courage and cowardice as abstract concepts in their broadest sense, think about them as two sides of the coin of one person, about the truth and falsity of these feelings. Write about how courage can be a manifestation of excessive self-confidence, that there is a direct connection between selfishness and cowardice, but rational fear and cowardice are not the same thing.

A popular topic for thought is cowardice and courage in extreme conditions, for example, in war, when the most important and previously hidden human fears are exposed, when a person shows character traits previously unknown to others and to himself. Or vice versa: even the most positive people V emergency situation may show cowardice. Here it would be useful to talk about heroism, feat, desertion and betrayal.

As part of this essay, you can write about courage and cowardice in love, as well as in your mind. Here it would be appropriate to recall willpower, the ability to say “no,” the ability or inability to defend one’s opinion. You can talk about a person’s behavior when making decisions or learning something new, leaving their comfort zone, and the courage to admit their mistakes.

Other areas of the final essay.

Epics about Ilya Muromets

Hero Ilya Muromets, son of Ivan Timofeevich and Efrosinya Yakovlevna, peasants of the village of Karacharova near Murom. The most popular character in epics, the second most powerful (after Svyatogor) Russian hero and the first Russian superman.

Sometimes identified with the epic Ilya Muromets a real man, Rev. Elijah of Pechersk, nicknamed Chobotok, buried in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and canonized in 1643.

Years of creation. XII–XVI centuries

What's the point? Until the age of 33, Ilya lay, paralyzed, on a stove in parental home, until he was miraculously healed by wanderers (“walking kaliki”). Having gained strength, he equipped his father’s farm and went to Kyiv, along the way capturing the Nightingale the Robber, who was terrorizing the surrounding area. In Kyiv, Ilya Muromets joined the squad of Prince Vladimir and found the hero Svyatogor, who gave him a treasure sword and mystical “real power”. In this episode he demonstrated not only physical strength, but also high moral qualities, without responding to the advances of Svyatogor’s wife. Later, Ilya Muromets defeated the “great force” near Chernigov, paved the direct road from Chernigov to Kyiv, inspected the roads from the Alatyr-stone, tested the young hero Dobrynya Nikitich, saved the hero Mikhail Potyk from captivity in the Saracen kingdom, defeated Idolishche, and walked with his squad to Constantinople, one defeated the army of Tsar Kalin.

Ilya Muromets was not alien to simple human joys: in one of the epic episodes, he walks around Kyiv with “tavern heads,” and his son Sokolnik was born out of wedlock, which later leads to a fight between father and son.

What it looks like. Superman. Epics describe Ilya Muromets as “a remote, portly good fellow", he fights with a club "ninety pounds" (1440 kilograms)!

What is he fighting for? Ilya Muromets and his squad very clearly formulate the purpose of their service:

“...to stand alone for the faith for the fatherland,

...to stand alone for Kyiv-grad,

...to stand alone for the churches for the cathedrals,

...he will take care of Prince and Vladimir.”

But Ilya Muromets is not only a statesman - he is at the same time one of the most democratic fighters against evil, as he is always ready to fight “for widows, for orphans, for poor people.”

Way of fighting. A duel with an enemy or a battle with superior enemy forces.

With what result? Despite the difficulties caused by the numerical superiority of the enemy or the disdainful attitude of Prince Vladimir and the boyars, he invariably wins.

What is it fighting against? Against internal and external enemies of Rus' and their allies, violators of law and order, illegal migrants, invaders and aggressors.

2. Archpriest Avvakum

"The Life of Archpriest Avvakum"

Hero. Archpriest Avvakum worked his way up from a village priest to the leader of the resistance to the church reform of Patriarch Nikon and became one of the leaders of the Old Believers, or schismatics. Habakkuk is the first religious figure of such magnitude, not only suffered for his beliefs, but also described it himself.

Years of creation. Approximately 1672–1675.

What's the point? A native of a Volga village, Avvakum from his youth was distinguished by both piety and violent disposition. Having moved to Moscow, he took an active part in church educational activities, was close to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, but sharply opposed the church reforms carried out by Patriarch Nikon. With his characteristic temperament, Avvakum led a fierce struggle against Nikon, advocating for the old order of church rites. Habakkuk, not at all shy in his expressions, conducted a public and journalistic activities, for which he was repeatedly imprisoned, was cursed and defrocked, and was exiled to Tobolsk, Transbaikalia, Mezen and Pustozersk. From the place of his last exile, he continued to write appeals, for which he was imprisoned in an “earth pit.” He had many followers. Church hierarchs tried to persuade Habakkuk to renounce his “delusions,” but he remained adamant and was eventually burned.

What it looks like. One can only guess: Avvakum did not describe himself. Maybe the way the priest looks in Surikov’s painting “Boyaryna Morozova” - Feodosia Prokopyevna Morozova was a faithful follower of Avvakum.

What is he fighting for? For cleanliness Orthodox faith, for preserving tradition.

Way of fighting. Word and deed. Avvakum wrote accusatory pamphlets, but he could personally beat the buffoons who entered the village and break them musical instruments. He considered self-immolation a form of possible resistance.

With what result? Avvakum's passionate preaching against church reform made resistance to it widespread, but he himself, along with three of his comrades-in-arms, was executed in 1682 in Pustozersk.

What is it fighting against? Against the desecration of Orthodoxy by “heretical novelties”, against everything alien, “external wisdom”, that is, scientific knowledge, against entertainment. Suspects the imminent coming of the Antichrist and the reign of the devil.

3. Taras Bulba

"Taras Bulba"

Hero.“Taras was one of the indigenous, old colonels: he was all about scolding anxiety and was distinguished by the brutal directness of his character. Then the influence of Poland was already beginning to exert itself on the Russian nobility. Many had already adopted Polish customs, had luxury, magnificent servants, falcons, hunters, dinners, courtyards. Taras did not like this. He loved simple life Cossacks and quarreled with those of his comrades who were inclined to the Warsaw side, calling them slaves of the Polish lords. Always restless, he considered himself the legitimate defender of Orthodoxy. He arbitrarily entered villages where they only complained about the harassment of tenants and the increase in new duties on smoke. He himself carried out reprisals against them with his Cossacks and made it a rule that in three cases one should always take up the saber, namely: when the commissars did not respect the elders in any way and stood before them in their caps, when they mocked Orthodoxy and did not respect the ancestral law and, finally, when the enemies were the Busurmans and the Turks, against whom he considered in any case permissible to raise arms for the glory of Christianity.”

Year of creation. The story was first published in 1835 in the collection “Mirgorod”. The 1842 edition, in which, in fact, we all read Taras Bulba, differs significantly from the original version.

What's the point? All his life, the dashing Cossack Taras Bulba has been fighting for the liberation of Ukraine from its oppressors. He, the glorious chieftain, cannot bear the thought that his own children, flesh of his flesh, may not follow his example. Therefore, Taras kills Andria’s son, who betrayed the sacred cause, without hesitation. When another son, Ostap, is captured, our hero deliberately penetrates into the heart of the enemy camp - but not in order to try to save his son. His only goal is to make sure that Ostap, under torture, does not show cowardice and does not renounce high ideals. Taras himself dies like Joan of Arc, having previously given Russian culture the immortal phrase: “There is no bond holier than comradeship!”

What it looks like. He is extremely heavy and fat (20 pounds, equivalent to 320 kg), gloomy eyes, very white eyebrows, mustache and forelock.

What is he fighting for? For the liberation of the Zaporozhye Sich, for independence.

Way of fighting. Hostilities.

With what result? With deplorable. Everyone died.

What is it fighting against? Against the oppressor Poles, the foreign yoke, police despotism, old-world landowners and court satraps.

4. Stepan Paramonovich Kalashnikov

“Song about Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich, the young guardsman and the daring merchant Kalashnikov”

Hero. Stepan Paramonovich Kalashnikov, merchant class. Trades silks - with varying success. Moskvich. Orthodox. Has two younger brothers. He is married to the beautiful Alena Dmitrievna, because of whom the whole story came out.

Year of creation. 1838

What's the point? Lermontov was not keen on the theme of Russian heroism. He wrote romantic poems about nobles, officers, Chechens and Jews. But he was one of the first to find out that the 19th century was rich only in the heroes of its time, but heroes for all times should be sought in the deep past. There, in Moscow, Ivan the Terrible was found (or rather, invented) a hero with the now common name Kalashnikov. The young guardsman Kiribeevich falls in love with his wife and attacks her at night, persuading her to surrender. The next day, the offended husband challenges the guardsman to a fist fight and kills him with one blow. For the murder of his beloved guardsman and for the fact that Kalashnikov refuses to name the reason for his action, Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich orders the execution of the young merchant, but does not leave his widow and children with mercy and care. Such is royal justice.

What it looks like.

“His falcon eyes are burning,

He looks at the guardsman intently.

He becomes opposite to him,

He pulls on his combat gloves,

Straightens his mighty shoulders.”

What is he fighting for? For the honor of his woman and family. Neighbors saw Kiribeevich's attack on Alena Dmitrievna, and now she cannot appear in front of honest people. Although, going into battle with the oprichnik, Kalashnikov solemnly declares that he is fighting “for the holy mother truth.” But the heroes sometimes distort.

Way of fighting. Fist fight with fatal. Essentially a murder in broad daylight in front of thousands of witnesses.

With what result?

“And they executed Stepan Kalashnikov

A cruel, shameful death;

And the little head is mediocre

She rolled onto the chopping block covered in blood.”

But they buried Kiribeevich too.

What is it fighting against? Evil in the poem is personified by the guardsman with the foreign patronymic Kiribeevich, and also a relative of Malyuta Skuratov, that is, the enemy squared. Kalashnikov calls him “the son of Basurman,” hinting at his enemy’s lack of Moscow registration. And this person of Eastern nationality delivers the first (aka the last) blow not to the merchant’s face, but to the Orthodox cross with relics from Kyiv, which hangs on the brave chest. He says to Alena Dmitrievna: “I am not some kind of thief, a forest murderer, / I am a servant of the Tsar, the terrible Tsar...” - that is, he hides behind the highest mercy. So heroic deed Kalashnikov is nothing more than a deliberate murder motivated by national hatred. Lermontov, who himself participated in the Caucasian campaigns and wrote a lot about the wars with the Chechens, was close to the theme of “Moscow for Muscovites” in its anti-Basurman context.

5. Danko “Old Woman Izergil”

Hero Danko. Biography unknown.

“In the old days, there lived only people in the world; impenetrable forests surrounded the camps of these people on three sides, and on the fourth there was the steppe. These were cheerful, strong and brave people... Danko is one of those people..."

Year of creation. The short story “Old Woman Izergil” was first published in Samara Gazeta in 1895.

What's the point? Danko is the fruit of the uncontrollable imagination of the same old woman Izergil, after whom Gorky’s short story is named. A sultry Bessarabian old woman with a rich past tells a beautiful legend: during Ona’s time there was a redistribution of property - there was a showdown between two tribes. Not wanting to stay in the occupied territory, one of the tribes went into the forest, but there the people experienced mass depression, because “nothing - neither work nor women, exhausts the bodies and souls of people as much as sad thoughts exhaust.” At a critical moment, Danko did not allow his people to bow to the conquerors, but instead offered to follow him - in an unknown direction.

What it looks like.“Danko... a handsome young man. Beautiful people are always brave.”

What is he fighting for? Go figure. In order to get out of the forest and thereby ensure freedom for his people. It is unclear where the guarantee is that freedom is exactly where the forest ends.

Way of fighting. An unpleasant physiological operation, indicating a masochistic personality. Self-dismemberment.

With what result? With duality. He got out of the forest, but died immediately. Sophisticated abuse of one’s own body is not in vain. The hero did not receive gratitude for his feat: his heart, torn out of his chest with his own hands, was trampled under someone’s heartless heel.

What is it fighting against? Against collaboration, conciliation and sycophancy before conquerors.

6. Colonel Isaev (Stirlitz)

A body of texts, from “Diamonds for the Dictatorship of the Proletariat” to “Bombs for the Chairman,” the most important of the novels is “Seventeen Moments of Spring”

Hero. Vsevolod Vladimirovich Vladimirov, aka Maxim Maksimovich Isaev, aka Max Otto von Stirlitz, aka Estilitz, Bolzen, Brunn. An employee of the press service of the Kolchak government, an underground security officer, an intelligence officer, a history professor, exposing a conspiracy of Nazi followers.

Years of creation. Novels about Colonel Isaev were created over 24 years - from 1965 to 1989.

What's the point? In 1921, security officer Vladimirov freed Far East from the remnants of the White Army. In 1927, they decided to send him to Europe - it was then that the legend of the German aristocrat Max Otto von Stirlitz was born. In 1944, he saves Krakow from destruction by helping the group of Major Whirlwind. At the very end of the war, he was entrusted with the most important mission - to disrupt separate negotiations between Germany and the West. In Berlin, the hero carries out his difficult task, simultaneously saving the radio operator Kat, the end of the war is already close, and the Third Reich is collapsing to the song “Seventeen Moments of April” by Marika Rekk. In 1945, Stirlitz was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

What it looks like. From the party description of von Stirlitz, a member of the NSDAP since 1933, SS Standartenführer (VI Department of the RSHA): “A true Aryan. Character - Nordic, seasoned. Supports workmates a good relationship. Fulfills his official duty impeccably. Merciless towards the enemies of the Reich. An excellent athlete: Berlin tennis champion. Single; he was not noticed in any connections that discredited him. Recognized with awards from the Fuhrer and commendations from the Reichsfuhrer SS..."

What is he fighting for? For the victory of communism. It’s unpleasant to admit this to yourself, but in some situations - for the homeland, for Stalin.

Way of fighting. Intelligence and espionage, sometimes the deductive method, ingenuity, dexterity and camouflage.

With what result? On the one hand, he saves everyone who needs it and successfully carries out subversive activities; reveals secret intelligence networks and defeats the main enemy - Gestapo chief Müller. However Soviet country, for whose honor and victory he is fighting, thanks his hero in his own way: in 1947, he, who had just arrived in the Union on a Soviet ship, was arrested, and by order of Stalin, his wife and son were shot. Stirlitz leaves prison only after Beria's death.

What is it fighting against? Against whites, Spanish fascists, German Nazis and all enemies of the USSR.

7. Nikolai Stepanovich Gumilyov “Look into the eyes of monsters”

Hero Nikolai Stepanovich Gumilyov, symbolist poet, superman, conquistador, member of the Order of the Fifth Rome, ruler Soviet history and a fearless dragon slayer.

Year of creation. 1997

What's the point? Nikolai Gumilyov was not shot in 1921 in the dungeons of the Cheka. He was saved from execution by Yakov Wilhelmovich (or James William Bruce), a representative of the secret order of the Fifth Rome, created in the 13th century. Having acquired the gift of immortality and power, Gumilyov strides through the history of the 20th century, generously leaving his traces in it. Puts Marilyn Monroe to bed, simultaneously building chickens for Agatha Christie, gives valuable advice Ian Fleming, due to his absurd character, starts a duel with Mayakovsky and, abandoning his cold corpse in Lubyansky Proezd, runs away, leaving the police and literary scholars to compose a version of suicide. He takes part in a writers' convention and becomes addicted to xerion, a magical drug based on dragon blood that gives immortality to members of the order. Everything would be fine - the problems begin later, when evil dragon forces begin to threaten not only the world in general, but the Gumilyov family: his wife Annushka and son Styopa.

What is he fighting for? First for goodness and beauty, then he no longer has time for lofty ideas - he simply saves his wife and son.

Way of fighting. Gumilyov participates in an unimaginable number of battles and battles, masters hand-to-hand combat techniques and all types of firearms. True, to achieve special sleight of hand, fearlessness, omnipotence, invulnerability and even immortality, he has to throw in xerion.

With what result? Nobody knows this. The novel “Look into the Eyes of Monsters” ends without giving an answer to this burning question. All the continuations of the novel (both “The Hyperborean Plague” and “The March of the Ecclesiastes”), firstly, are much less recognized by fans of Lazarchuk-Uspensky, and secondly, and this is the most important thing, they also do not offer the reader a solution.

What is it fighting against? Having learned about real reasons disasters that befell the world in the 20th century, he fights primarily against these misfortunes. In other words, with a civilization of evil lizards.

8. Vasily Terkin

"Vasily Terkin"

Hero. Vasily Terkin, reserve private, infantryman. Originally from near Smolensk. Single, no children. He has an award for the totality of his feats.

Years of creation. 1941–1945

What's the point? Contrary to popular belief, the need for such a hero appeared even before the Great Patriotic War. Tvardovsky came up with Terkin during the Finnish campaign, where he, together with the Pulkins, Mushkins, Protirkins and other characters in newspaper feuilletons, fought with the White Finns for the Motherland. So Terkin entered 1941 as an experienced fighter. By 1943, Tvardovsky was tired of his unsinkable hero and wanted to send him into retirement due to injury, but letters from readers returned Terkin to the front, where he spent another two years, was shell-shocked and was surrounded three times, conquered high and low heights, led battles in the swamps, liberated villages, took Berlin and even spoke with Death. His rustic but sparkling wit invariably saved him from enemies and censors, but it definitely did not attract girls. Tvardovsky even appealed to his readers to love his hero - just like that, from the heart. Still don't have Soviet heroes the dexterity of James Bond.

What it looks like. Endowed with beauty He was not excellent, Not tall, not that small, But a hero - a hero.

What is he fighting for? For the cause of peace for the sake of life on earth, that is, his task, like that of any liberator soldier, is global. Terkin himself is sure that he is fighting “for Russia, for the people / And for everything in the world,” but sometimes, just in case, he mentions Soviet power- no matter what happens.

Way of fighting. In war, as we know, any means are good, so everything is used: a tank, a machine gun, a knife, a wooden spoon, fists, teeth, vodka, the power of persuasion, a joke, a song, an accordion...

With what result?. He came close to death several times. He should have received a medal, but due to a typo in the list, the hero never received the award.

But imitators found it: by the end of the war, almost every company already had its own Terkin, and some had two.

What is it fighting against? First against the Finns, then against the Nazis, and sometimes also against Death. In fact, Terkin was called upon to fight depressive moods at the front, which he did with success.

9. Anastasia Kamenskaya

A series of detective stories about Anastasia Kamenskaya

Heroine. Nastya Kamenskaya, Major of the Moscow Criminal Investigation Department, Petrovka’s best analyst, a brilliant operative, investigating serious crimes in the manner of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot.

Years of creation. 1992–2006

What's the point? The work of an operative involves difficult everyday life (the first evidence of this is the television series “Streets of Broken Lights”). But Nastya Kamenskaya finds it difficult to rush around the city and catch bandits in dark alleys: she is lazy, in poor health and loves peace more than anything else. Because of this, she periodically has difficulties in relations with management. Only her first boss and teacher, nicknamed Kolobok, had unlimited faith in her analytical abilities; to others, she has to prove that she best investigates bloody crimes by sitting in her office, drinking coffee and analyzing, analyzing.

What it looks like. Tall, thin blonde, expressionless facial features. He never wears cosmetics and prefers discreet, comfortable clothes.

What is he fighting for? Definitely not for a modest police salary: knowing five foreign languages and having some connections, Nastya could leave Petrovka at any moment, but she does not. It turns out that he is fighting for the triumph of law and order.

Way of fighting. First of all, analytics. But sometimes Nastya has to change her habits and go out on the warpath on her own. In this case, acting skills, the art of transformation and feminine charm are used.

With what result? Most often - with brilliant results: criminals are exposed, caught, punished. But in rare cases, some of them manage to escape, and then Nastya does not sleep at night, smokes one cigarette after another, goes crazy and tries to come to terms with the injustice of life. However, there are clearly more successful endings so far.

What is it fighting against? Against crime.

10. Erast Fandorin

A series of novels about Erast Fandorin

Hero. Erast Petrovich Fandorin, a nobleman, the son of a small landowner who lost his family fortune at cards. He began his career in the detective police with the rank of collegiate registrar, managed to attend Russian-Turkish War 1877–1878, serve in diplomatic corps in Japan and cause the disfavor of Nicholas II. He rose to the rank of state councilor and resigned. Private detective and consultant to various influential people since 1892. Phenomenally lucky in everything, especially in gambling. Single. Has a number of children and other descendants.

Years of creation. 1998–2006

What's the point? The turn of the 20th–21st centuries once again turned out to be an era that is looking for heroes in the past. Akunin found his defender of the weak and oppressed in the gallant XIX century, but in that professional field that is becoming especially popular right now - in the intelligence services. Of all Akunin's stylizing endeavors, Fandorin is the most charming and therefore enduring. His biography begins in 1856, the action of the last novel dates back to 1905, and the end of the story has not yet been written, so you can always expect new achievements from Erast Petrovich. Although Akunin, like Tvardovsky before, since 2000 everyone has been trying to do away with his hero and write the last novel about him. "Coronation" is subtitled "The Last of the Romances"; “Death's Lover” and “Death's Mistress,” written after it, were published as a bonus, but then it became clear that Fandorin’s readers would not let go so easily. The people need, the people need, an elegant detective, knowledgeable of languages and is wildly popular with women. Not all “Cops”, indeed!

What it looks like.“He was a very handsome young man, with black hair (of which he was secretly proud) and blue eyes (alas, it would have been better if they were black too) tall, with white skin and a damned, ineradicable blush on his cheeks.” After the misfortune he experienced, his appearance acquires an intriguing detail for ladies - gray temples.

What is he fighting for? For an enlightened monarchy, order and legality. Fandorin dreams of new Russia- ennobled in the Japanese style, with firmly and reasonably established laws and their scrupulous implementation. About Russia, which did not go through the Russo-Japanese and the First World War, revolution and civil war. That is, about Russia, which could be if we had enough luck and common sense build it.

Way of fighting. A combination of the deductive method, meditation techniques and Japanese martial arts with almost mystical luck. By the way, there is also female love, which Fandorin uses in every sense.

With what result? As we know, the Russia that Fandorin dreams of did not happen. So globally he suffers a crushing defeat. And in small things too: those whom he tries to save most often die, and the criminals never end up behind bars (they die, or pay off the trial, or simply disappear). However, Fandorin himself invariably remains alive, as does the hope for the final triumph of justice.

What is it fighting against? Against the unenlightened monarchy, bombing revolutionaries, nihilists and socio-political chaos, which can occur in Russia at any moment. Along the way, he has to fight bureaucracy, corruption in the highest echelons of power, fools, roads and ordinary criminals.

Illustrations: Maria Sosnina