Village of landowners Prostakovs. Mrs. Prostakova is angry: the serf tailor Trishka, she believes, sewed a caftan that was too narrow for her beloved son, the sixteen-year-old undersized Mitrofanushka. Trishka makes an excuse by saying that he did not study tailoring, but the lady does not want to listen to anything. Her husband, Prostakov, a narrow-minded man who is obedient to his wife, expresses the opinion that the caftan is baggy. And Taras Skotinin, Prostakova’s brother, thinks that the caftan is “pretty well sewn.”
The caftan itself is a new thing for Mitrofanushka for Skotinin’s conspiracy with Sofia, a distant relative of the Prostakovs. Sophia's father died when she was still a baby. The girl grew up with her mother in Moscow. But six months have already passed since she was left an orphan. The Prostakovs took her in to “oversee her estate as if it were their own.” Sophia's uncle, Starodum, left for Siberia. For a long time there was no news about him, and the Prostakovs believe that he died long ago.
Skotinin wants to marry Sophia - not because he likes the girl, not because he wants to take over her villages, but because in these villages there are a lot of... pigs, and he is a big hunter of them. And Sophia still doesn’t know who they predict to be her husband.
Sophia receives a letter from Starodum. Mrs. Prostakova, hearing about this, is extremely irritated: her hopes did not come true, her uncle turned out to be alive. Prostakova accuses Sophia of lying: the letter, they say, is amorous. But she cannot verify the statement, because she is illiterate. Her husband and brother are not much of a reader either. Guest Pravdin helps them out. He reads a letter in which Starodum notifies his niece that he makes her the heiress of his fortune, acquired by him in Siberia, which gives an income of ten thousand a year. Mrs. Prostakova is amazed by this news. She gets new idea: to marry Sophia to his son, the ignorant Mitrofan.
Soldiers pass through the Prostakov village. They are led by officer Milon. Here he meets his old friend, Pravdin. He says that he is a member of the vicegerental board. Pravdin travels around the district and especially pays attention to the “malicious ignoramuses” who mistreat their people. It was precisely such ignoramuses that he found in the person of the Prostakovs.
Milon says that he is in love and has been separated from his beloved for more than six months. Recently he learned that his beloved was left an orphan and some distant relatives took her to their villages... At the moment when Milon talks about this, he suddenly sees his beloved - this is Sophia.
The lovers are happy to meet. But Sophia says that Mrs. Prostakova wants to marry her to Mitrofanushka. Milo is tormented by jealousy. True, it weakens when he learns more about his “rival”.
Skotinin passing by unceremoniously declares his views on Sophia. Pravdin tells him about Mrs. Prostakova’s plans. Skotinin is furious. He catches the eye of Mitrofan, who is being taken to study by nanny Eremeevna. The uncle wants to explain himself to his nephew and was about to attack him with his fists. But Eremeevna shields Mitrofanushka and drives Skotinin away.
Mitrofanushka's teachers arrive: Sidorich - Kuteikin and Pafnutich - Tsyfirkin. Kuteikin, a deacon from the Intercession, who did not study at the seminary, teaches Mitrofan to read and write in the Book of Hours and the Psalter. And Tsyfirkin, a retired sergeant, is an arithmetic teacher.
Mitrofan refuses to study. He complains to his mother that after his uncle’s “task,” studying doesn’t come to his mind. Eremeevna talks about the collision with Skotinin. Prostakova consoles her son and promises to marry him soon. She orders the teachers to be fed lunch and sent back again. The lady is dissatisfied with Eremeevna: she “didn’t dig into Skotinin’s mug” and “didn’t tear his snout up to his ears.” Prostakova is going to “conversate” with her brother in her own way. Zealous Eremeevna cries from resentment. The teachers console her.
Starodum arrives. Before appearing to the owners, he talks with an old acquaintance, Pravdin. Starodum remembers his father, who served Peter the Great, and praises those times. Starodum came to free his niece from “ignoramuses without a soul.” He was forced to leave public service. When Starodum was still serving in the military, he became friends with the young count. Upon the declaration of war, Starodum hurried to the army, but the count avoided this. And soon after this, the count was promoted to rank, and Starodum, wounded in the war, was bypassed. After retiring, Starodum came to St. Petersburg to the court. But later he decided that “it is better to lead life at home than in someone else’s hallway.”
Starodum meets with Sophia and promises to take his niece away from the Prostakovs. The conversation is interrupted by the appearance of Prostakova and Skotinin. Sister and brother fight, and Milon separates them. The old man is amused by this scene. Mrs. Prostakova is irritated by the stranger’s amusement, but upon learning that it is Starodum, she changes her tone to the most servile and obsequious one. She wants to flatter a rich relative and contribute to the marriage of Mitrofanushka to Sophia.
But Starodum promises to take Sophia to Moscow the very next morning in order to marry her off to a certain “ young man great merits." This news plunges everyone into despondency, and Sophia “seems amazed.” Then Starodum tells her that the choice of a worthy groom is entirely in her will. This gives everyone hope again. Mrs. Prostakova boasts to Starodum about Mitrofanushka’s education. She is especially pleased with the German Adam Adamych Vralman, whom she hired for five years. She pays him three hundred rubles a year (other teachers - ten). Vralman teaches Mitrofan “French and all sciences.” But the main thing is that he “does not captivate the child.”
Meanwhile, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin are sad that the teaching is not going very well. Mitrofan has been studying arithmetic for three years, but “he can’t count three.” He has been studying literacy for four years, and still “can’t understand a new line.” And the whole trouble is that Vralman indulges the lazy student and interferes with his studies.
Mrs. Prostakova persuades her son to study. He demands that there be an agreement as soon as possible: “I don’t want to study, I want to get married.” Tsyfirkin gives Mitrofan two tasks. But the mother intervenes and does not allow them to be solved. In general, arithmetic seems to her to be an empty science: “There is no money - what to count? There is money - we’ll figure it out well without Pafnutich.” Tsyfirkin has to finish the lesson. Kuteikin takes his place. Mitrofan senselessly repeats after him lines from the Book of Hours. Then Vralman appears. He explains to Mrs. Prostakova that filling your head too much is very dangerous. Vralman believes that it is possible to do without Russian literacy and arithmetic. Mitrofanushka, he says, only needs to know how to live in the light. Vralman lets Mitrofan go to frolic.
Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin want to beat Vralman. The retired sergeant swings a board, and the sexton swings the Book of Hours, but the German manages to escape.
Sophia is reading Fenelon's book about raising girls. Starodum talks with her about virtue. He receives a letter from Count Chestan. This is Milon's uncle, who wants to marry his nephew to Sophia. Talking to Sophia about her marriage, Starodum again notices that she is embarrassed... Then Pravdin and Milon appear. Pravdin introduces Milon to Starodum. It turns out that Milon in Moscow often visited Sophia’s mother’s house, and she loved him like a son. Starodum, talking with Milo, becomes convinced that he is dealing with a worthy person. Milon asks for Sophia's hand, mentioning his “mutual inclination” with the girl. Starodum is happy to learn that Sophia has chosen exactly the one whom he himself predicts as her husband. He agrees to this marriage.
But other contenders for Sophia’s hand know nothing and do not give up their hopes. Skotinin begins to talk about the antiquity of his family. Starodum jokingly pretends that he agrees with him on everything. Mrs. Prostakova invites Starodum to see how Mitrofanushka is trained. Sophia’s uncle pretends to be delighted with Mitrofanushka’s learning. However, he refuses both Skotinin and Mitrofanushka, saying that Sophia has already been agreed. He announces that he will leave with Sophia at seven in the morning. But Mrs. Prostakova decides that before this time she will have time to “put her foot down.” She places “sentinels” around the house.
Pravdin receives the package; he is ordered to take custody of the Prostakovs’ house and villages at the first occasion when Prostakova’s temper threatens the safety of the people under her control. Pravdin tells Starodum about this. Their conversation is interrupted by noise...
Prostakova's people drag the resisting Sophia to the carriage to marry Mitrofanushka. Milo, who caught this scene, frees the bride. Pravdin threatens that Prostakova will appear in court as a “disturber of civil peace.” Mrs. Prostakova violently repents of her actions. Starodum and Sophia forgive her. Prostakova is glad to be forgiven: now she will take revenge on her servants for the failure that occurred! But she fails to do this: Pravdin announces that, by government decree, he is taking custody of the Prostakovs’ house and villages.
Skotinin, in good health, leaves for his place, to his beloved barns. Mrs. Prostakova asks Pravdin to give her power for at least three days. But he doesn’t agree. He calls the teachers to settle accounts with them. Eremeevna brings Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin and Vralman. Pravdin lets them go home. Kuteikin demands that he be paid for his studies, for his worn-out boots... But Tsyfirkin refuses payment, because Mitrofanushka has not learned anything. For such generosity, Starodum, Milon and Pravdin give him money. And Pravdin offers Kuteikin to settle accounts with the lady herself. He exclaims in horror: “I am giving up everything.” In Vralman, Starodum recognizes his former coachman. It turns out that Vralman could not find a position as a coachman anywhere and he had to become a teacher. Starodum agrees to take him on as a coachman again.
Starodum, Sophia and Milon are getting ready to leave. Prostakova hugs Mitrofanushka: “You’re the only one left with me...” But her son is rude to her. The mother faints. Pravdin decides to send Mitrofan to serve. Having woken up, Mrs. Prostakova laments: “I am completely lost...” And Starodum, pointing at her, says: “These are the fruits of evil!”
Starodum comes to the Prostakovs' estate. The first to meet him is Pravdin, who knows him. In a dialogue with Pravdin, Starodum briefly tells the story of his life. His father, who served Peter the Great, raised him according to the customs of the Peter the Great era, when “the courtiers were warriors.” He taught Starodum to be truthful and honestly serve the fatherland, to have a straight soul, without which “the most enlightened clever woman is a pitiful creature.”
Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin
In his youth, Starodum entered the military service, participated in a military campaign, was wounded, but retired when he learned that one of his acquaintances, a noble but cowardly count, was honored with a higher rank, although he was hiding from the battles. Having left the army, Starodum came to St. Petersburg and accidentally ended up at the court, but did not get along there either, because “almost no one drives straight on this big road, but everyone turns around in a detour, and if they meet on the way, they cannot disperse, one knocks over the other " At court “they care only about themselves; they are fussing about one real hour.” Starodum hurried to “get out of there without hassle,” otherwise he would have survived anyway. “I decided that it was better to lead life at home than in someone else’s hallway. I left the court without villages, without a ribbon, without ranks, and brought home my soul, my honor, my rules intact.”
Having acquired wealth in Siberia through honest labor, Starodum recently heard that rude relatives were oppressing his niece Sophia, and came to help her. But he is in no hurry to act immediately and at random, but wants to find out everything first, to look around. “My rule is: don’t start anything in the first movement.”
Fonvizin. Minor. Maly Theater performance
Phenomenon II
Sophia appears and joyfully rushes to Starodum. He hugs his niece and says that he came to her rescue: “I have never been so pleased with myself as when I happened to snatch the spoils of vice from my hands.”
Starodum tells Sophia about his life in Siberia, a land “where money is obtained without exchanging it for conscience, without vile seniority, without robbing the fatherland.” He says that he made so much money there “so that during your marriage the poverty of a worthy groom would not stop us.” Starodum, however, is not a slave to his wealth. He speaks of money with disdain: “Respect alone should be flattering to a person - spiritual; and only those who are in rank not by money, and in the nobility not by rank, are worthy of spiritual respect.”
Scene III
Brief summary of the comedy by D.I. Fonvizin "Undergrown" for a reader's diary.
Village of landowners Prostakovs. Mrs. Prostakova is angry: the serf tailor Trishka, she believes, sewed a caftan that was too narrow for her beloved son, the sixteen-year-old undersized Mitrofanushka. Trishka makes an excuse by saying that he did not study tailoring, but the lady does not want to listen to anything. Her husband, Prostakov, a narrow-minded man who is obedient to his wife, expresses the opinion that the caftan is baggy. And Taras Skotinin, Prostakova’s brother, thinks that the caftan is “pretty well sewn.”
The caftan itself is a new thing for Mitrofanushka for Skotinin’s conspiracy with Sofia, a distant relative of the Prostakovs. Sophia's father died when she was still a baby. The girl grew up with her mother in Moscow. But six months have already passed since she was left an orphan. The Prostakovs took her in to “oversee her estate as if it were their own.” Sophia's uncle, Starodum, left for Siberia. For a long time there was no news about him, and the Prostakovs believe that he died long ago.
Skotinin wants to marry Sophia - not because he likes the girl, not because he wants to take over her villages, but because in these villages there are a lot of... pigs, and he is a big hunter of them. And Sophia still doesn’t know who they predict to be her husband.
Sophia receives a letter from Starodum. Mrs. Prostakova, hearing about this, is extremely irritated: her hopes did not come true, her uncle turned out to be alive. Prostakova accuses Sophia of lying: the letter, they say, is amorous. But she cannot verify the statement, because she is illiterate. Her husband and brother are not much of a reader either. Guest Pravdin helps them out. He reads a letter in which Starodum notifies his niece that he makes her the heiress of his fortune, acquired by him in Siberia, which gives an income of ten thousand a year. Mrs. Prostakova is amazed by this news. She comes up with a new idea: to marry Sophia to her son, the ignorant Mitrofan.
Soldiers pass through the Prostakov village. They are led by officer Milon. Here he meets his old friend, Pravdin. He says that he is a member of the vicegerental board. Pravdin travels around the district and especially pays attention to the “malicious ignoramuses” who mistreat their people. It was precisely such ignoramuses that he found in the person of the Prostakovs.
Milon says that he is in love and has been separated from his beloved for more than six months. Recently he learned that his beloved was left an orphan and some distant relatives took her to their villages... At the moment when Milon talks about this, he suddenly sees his beloved - this is Sophia.
The lovers are happy to meet. But Sophia says that Mrs. Prostakova wants to marry her to Mitrofanushka. Milo is tormented by jealousy. True, it weakens when he learns more about his “rival”.
Skotinin passing by unceremoniously declares his views on Sophia. Pravdin tells him about Mrs. Prostakova’s plans. Skotinin is furious. He catches the eye of Mitrofan, who is being taken to study by nanny Eremeevna. The uncle wants to explain himself to his nephew and was about to attack him with his fists. But Eremeevna shields Mitrofanushka and drives Skotinin away.
Mitrofanushka's teachers arrive: Sidorich - Kuteikin and Pafnutich - Tsyfirkin. Kuteikin, a deacon from the Intercession, who did not study at the seminary, teaches Mitrofan to read and write in the Book of Hours and the Psalter. And Tsyfirkin, a retired sergeant, is an arithmetic teacher.
Mitrofan refuses to study. He complains to his mother that after his uncle’s “task,” studying doesn’t come to his mind. Eremeevna talks about the collision with Skotinin. Prostakova consoles her son and promises to marry him soon. She orders the teachers to be fed lunch and sent back again. The lady is dissatisfied with Eremeevna: she “didn’t dig into Skotinin’s mug” and “didn’t tear his snout up to his ears.” Prostakova is going to “conversate” with her brother in her own way. Zealous Eremeevna cries from resentment. The teachers console her.
Starodum arrives. Before appearing to the owners, he talks with an old acquaintance, Pravdin. Starodum remembers his father, who served Peter the Great, and praises those times. Starodum came to free his niece from “ignoramuses without a soul.” He was forced to leave government service. When Starodum was still serving in the military, he became friends with the young count. Upon the declaration of war, Starodum hurried to the army, but the count avoided this. And soon after this, the count was promoted to rank, and Starodum, wounded in the war, was bypassed. After retiring, Starodum came to St. Petersburg to the court. But later he decided that “it is better to lead life at home than in someone else’s hallway.”
Starodum meets with Sophia and promises to take his niece away from the Prostakovs. The conversation is interrupted by the appearance of Prostakova and Skotinin. Sister and brother fight, and Milon separates them. The old man is amused by this scene. Mrs. Prostakova is irritated by the stranger’s amusement, but upon learning that it is Starodum, she changes her tone to the most servile and obsequious one. She wants to flatter a rich relative and contribute to the marriage of Mitrofanushka to Sophia.
But Starodum promises to take Sophia to Moscow the next morning to marry her there to a certain “young man of great merit.” This news plunges everyone into despondency, and Sophia “seems amazed.” Then Starodum tells her that the choice of a worthy groom is entirely in her will. This gives everyone hope again. Mrs. Prostakova boasts to Starodum about Mitrofanushka’s education. She is especially pleased with the German Adam Adamych Vralman, whom she hired for five years. She pays him three hundred rubles a year (other teachers - ten). Vralman teaches Mitrofan “French and all sciences.” But the main thing is that he “does not captivate the child.”
Meanwhile, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin are sad that the teaching is not going very well. Mitrofan has been studying arithmetic for three years, but “he can’t count three.” He has been studying literacy for four years, and still “can’t understand a new line.” And the whole trouble is that Vralman indulges the lazy student and interferes with his studies.
Mrs. Prostakova persuades her son to study. He demands that there be an agreement as soon as possible: “I don’t want to study, I want to get married.” Tsyfirkin gives Mitrofan two tasks. But the mother intervenes and does not allow them to be solved. In general, arithmetic seems to her to be an empty science: “There is no money - what to count? There is money - we’ll figure it out well without Pafnutich.” Tsyfirkin has to finish the lesson. Kuteikin takes his place. Mitrofan senselessly repeats after him lines from the Book of Hours. Then Vralman appears. He explains to Mrs. Prostakova that filling your head too much is very dangerous. Vralman believes that it is possible to do without Russian literacy and arithmetic. Mitrofanushka, he says, only needs to know how to live in the light. Vralman lets Mitrofan go to frolic.
Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin want to beat Vralman. The retired sergeant swings a board, and the sexton swings the Book of Hours, but the German manages to escape.
Sophia is reading Fenelon's book about raising girls. Starodum talks with her about virtue. He receives a letter from Count Chestan. This is Milon's uncle, who wants to marry his nephew to Sophia. Talking to Sophia about her marriage, Starodum again notices that she is embarrassed... Then Pravdin and Milon appear. Pravdin introduces Milon to Starodum. It turns out that Milon in Moscow often visited Sophia’s mother’s house, and she loved him like a son. Starodum, talking with Milo, becomes convinced that he is dealing with a worthy person. Milon asks for Sophia's hand, mentioning his “mutual inclination” with the girl. Starodum is happy to learn that Sophia has chosen exactly the one whom he himself predicts as her husband. He agrees to this marriage.
But other contenders for Sophia’s hand know nothing and do not give up their hopes. Skotinin begins to talk about the antiquity of his family. Starodum jokingly pretends that he agrees with him on everything. Mrs. Prostakova invites Starodum to see how Mitrofanushka is trained. Sophia’s uncle pretends to be delighted with Mitrofanushka’s learning. However, he refuses both Skotinin and Mitrofanushka, saying that Sophia has already been agreed. He announces that he will leave with Sophia at seven in the morning. But Mrs. Prostakova decides that before this time she will have time to “put her foot down.” She places “sentinels” around the house.
Pravdin receives the package; he is ordered to take custody of the Prostakovs’ house and villages at the first occasion when Prostakova’s temper threatens the safety of the people under her control. Pravdin tells Starodum about this. Their conversation is interrupted by noise...
Prostakova's people drag the resisting Sophia to the carriage to marry Mitrofanushka. Milo, who caught this scene, frees the bride. Pravdin threatens that Prostakova will appear in court as a “disturber of civil peace.” Mrs. Prostakova violently repents of her actions. Starodum and Sophia forgive her. Prostakova is glad to be forgiven: now she will take revenge on her servants for the failure that occurred! But she fails to do this: Pravdin announces that, by government decree, he is taking custody of the Prostakovs’ house and villages.
Skotinin, in good health, leaves for his place, to his beloved barns. Mrs. Prostakova asks Pravdin to give her power for at least three days. But he doesn’t agree. He calls the teachers to settle accounts with them. Eremeevna brings Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin and Vralman. Pravdin lets them go home. Kuteikin demands that he be paid for his studies, for his worn-out boots... But Tsyfirkin refuses payment, because Mitrofanushka has not learned anything. For such generosity, Starodum, Milon and Pravdin give him money. And Pravdin offers Kuteikin to settle accounts with the lady herself. He exclaims in horror: “I am giving up everything.” In Vralman, Starodum recognizes his former coachman. It turns out that Vralman could not find a position as a coachman anywhere and he had to become a teacher. Starodum agrees to take him on as a coachman again.
Starodum, Sophia and Milon are getting ready to leave. Prostakova hugs Mitrofanushka: “You’re the only one left with me...” But her son is rude to her. The mother faints. Pravdin decides to send Mitrofan to serve. Having woken up, Mrs. Prostakova laments: “I am completely lost...” And Starodum, pointing at her, says: “These are the fruits of evil!”
Phenomenon I Ms. Prostakova, looking at Mitrofan's new caftan, scolds Trishka for burdening and ruining the thing. She sends Eremeevna for the tailor, and Mitrofan for his father.
Phenomenon II Prostakova, calling Trishka a “cattle” and a “thief’s mug,” scolds him for his ruined caftan. Trishka makes an excuse: he is self-taught. To this Prostakova replies that the first tailor also did not learn from anyone. To which Trishka brilliantly objects: “Yes, the first tailor, perhaps, sewed worse than mine.”
Scene III Prostakova scolds her husband for hiding from her and asks to resolve the dispute about the caftan. Prostakov thinks that the caftan is baggy (i.e. big). Prostakova scolds her husband, and he replies: “Before your eyes, mine don’t see anything.” Prostakova complains that God gave her a foolish husband.
Phenomenon IV Skotinin appears and asks who the sister wants to punish on the day of his conspiracy? Another day, he himself will help punish anyone: “If I weren’t Taras Skotinin, if not every fault is my fault.” Looking at Mitrofan’s caftan, Skotinin says that it is made “pretty well.” Prostakova tells Eremeevna to feed Mitrofan, because the teachers will come soon. Eremeevna replies that he has already eaten 5 rolls, and before that he spent the whole night from gluttony. Mitrofan says that he was tormented by nightmares: his mother beat his father. Mitrofan regrets that his mother is tired of the fight. Ms. Prostakova calls her son “my consolation” and sends him off to frolic.
Phenomenon V Prostakova and Skotinin talk about Sophia. Skotinin suggests: it would not be a sin for her to find out about the conspiracy. Prostakova replies that there is nothing to report to her. And she remembers how well she treats the orphan. Prostakov clarifies that together with Sophia we undertook to supervise her village. His wife abruptly cuts him off. Skotinin can’t wait to get married in order to unite the lands and raise pigs, which he has a “mortal desire” for. Prostakova claims that Mitrofan is just like his uncle and also loves pigs.
Scene VI Sophia enters with a letter, but neither Skotinin nor Prostakova can read it and boast that there have never been literate people in their family.
Scene VII Pravdin enters, Prostakova asks him to read the letter, but Pravdin first asks Sophia’s permission, explaining that he does not read other people’s letters. From the letter it turns out that Sophia is “the heir to an income of ten thousand.” Skotinin and Prostakova are stunned. Prostakova rushes to hug Sophia. Skotinin understands that his agreement will no longer exist.
Scene VIII The servant announces to Prostakov that soldiers and an officer have entered the village. Prostakova is frightened, but her husband reassures her that the officer will not allow the soldiers to become disorderly.
Act two
Phenomenon I Milon unexpectedly meets with his old friend Pravdin and says that he is hastily going to Moscow, grieving that he does not know anything about his beloved, who may be subjected to cruelty. To which Pravdin says that in this family there is a cruel wife and a stupid husband. He, Pravdin, hopes to put an end to “the anger of his wife and the stupidity of her husband.” Milo is pleased that his friend has the authority to do this. Sophia enters.
Phenomenon II Milon is happy from meeting his beloved, and Sophia complains about the oppression that she had to endure in the Prostakovs’ house. Sophia is surprised by Prostakova’s change in attitude towards her today. Milon is jealous, but Sophia describes Mitrofan’s stupidity, and Milon calms down. Sophia is sure that her fate is in the hands of her uncle, who will arrive soon. Skotinin appears.
Scene III Skotinin complains that his sister, who called him from the estate to negotiate, abruptly changed her intentions. He tells Sophia that no one will take her away from him. Milo is outraged by such insolence. Skotinin threatens to take revenge on Mitrofan, who crosses his path.
Phenomenon IV Eremeevna persuades Mitrofan to study, and he calls her “an old bastard.” Skotinin enters and threatens Mitrofan with violence. Eremeevna rushes to protect her pet. Skotinin retreats.
Phenomenon V Prostakova curries favor with Milon and Sophia, says that she can’t wait to see her uncle, and then begins to tell how she loves Mitrofan and takes care of him, just to bring him into the public eye. Teachers appear, God knows what kind, but they are cheap to pay. Tsyfirkin complains that for the third year he cannot teach Mitrofan how to operate with fractions. Pravdin and Milon are convinced that the teachers are useless and leave so as not to interfere with Mitrofan’s classes.
Scene VI Prostakova asks Mitrofan to repeat what he has learned with the teachers. And her son complains to her about his uncle, who almost killed him. Prostakova attacked Eremeevna, asking why she didn’t stand up for the “child.” Then she tells the mother to feed the teachers and continue teaching. As they leave, the teachers complain about their unfortunate lot.
Act three
Phenomenon I Pravdin and Starodum, talking, recall the era of Peter the Great, when people were valued by their intelligence, and not by rank and wealth. They talk about the merits of traditional education, when they educated not only the mind, but also the soul. Starodum tells a story when he met an unworthy person, but did not immediately recognize it. Starodum served his fatherland, fought and received wounds, but learned that the young man, thanks to his father’s closeness to the court, had surpassed him in the service, without showing the slightest zeal for business, then Starodum left the public service and resigned. Once at the court, Starodum was surprised that no one there walked along a straight road, but everyone took detours, just to get around each other. He didn’t like all this and chose to leave. Having received neither ranks nor villages, he retained “soul, honor and rules.” Starodum pronounces a verdict on the reigning house: “It is in vain to call a doctor to the sick without healing. The doctor won’t help here unless he gets infected himself.”
Phenomenon II Starodum and Sophia meet joyfully and cordially. Sophia says that she was very worried about where he disappeared for so many years. Starodum reassures her that he made enough money in Siberia to marry her off well. Sophia expresses her respect and gratitude to him. They hear a terrible noise.
Scene III Milon separates Prostakova and Skotinin from fighting. Skotinin is pretty shabby. If it weren't for Milo, things would have gone very badly for him. Sophia points Milon to Starodum with her eyes, Milon understands her.
Phenomenon IV Prostakova scolds Eremeevna that she doesn’t see anyone from the servants except her. Eremeevna says that Palashka is sick and is raving “like a noble woman.” Prostakova is surprised. She orders her husband and son to be called to introduce them to Uncle Sophia.
Phenomenon V Starodum, barely escaping Prostakova’s embrace, immediately ends up with Skotinin. Then he meets Milon. A -
Mitrofan and Prostakov are already grabbing his hands. Mitrofan intends to kiss Starodum’s hand and fawns over him under his mother’s dictation. Prostakova tells Starodum that she has never quarreled with anyone because she has a quiet disposition. Starodum sarcastically replies that he managed to notice this. Pravdin adds that he has been watching the battles for three days. Starodum says that he is not a fan of such spectacles, so tomorrow he will leave with Sophia for Moscow. Prostakova literally cries that she will not survive Sophia’s departure. Starodum says that he is going to marry Sophia to a worthy man. Prostakova remembers her parents, who had 18 children, but only two survived: she and her brother. Her father always said that he would curse his son if he studied. And now the century is different, so she teaches her son something. Prostakova boasts about Mitrofan and wants Starodum to appreciate his successes. Starodum refuses, saying that he is a bad judge.
Scene VI Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin are indignant that they have to wait a long time for their student every time. Kuteikin sympathizes with the local servants, saying that he is a service man, has been in battles, but here it is worse. Tsyfirkin regrets that it is impossible to properly punish Mitrofan for stupidity and laziness.
Scene VII Mitrofan agrees to study for the last time for the sake of his mother, but so that the agreement will be today: “I don’t want to study, but I want to get married.” Mitrofan repeats what he has learned with his teachers, but cannot decide simplest task. The mother constantly interferes, teaches her son not to share with anyone, but there is no need to know geography, that’s why there are cab drivers.
Scene VIII Teacher Vralman speaks with a strong foreign accent, you can barely understand him. He is sure that a child should not be stuffed with science, as long as he is healthy. He scolds Russian teachers who are ruining Mitrofanushka’s health. Prostakova completely agrees with him. She leaves to look after her son so that he does not accidentally anger Starodum.
Scene IX Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin attack Vralman, who runs away so that his sides are not crushed.
Act four
Phenomenon I Sophia reads a book and waits for her uncle.
Phenomenon II Starodum sees Sophia's book and says that the author of Telemak cannot write a bad book. He believes that Sophia is reading an excellent book. They talk about good and bad people. Sophia assures that happiness is nobility and wealth. Starodum agrees with her, saying that he has his own calculations. He values nobility by the number of deeds a person has accomplished for the benefit of the Fatherland, and he sees wealth not in accumulating money in chests, but in giving the excess to those in need. Sophia agrees with him. Starodum talks about man in general. He talks about a family in which the husband and wife hate each other - this is a misfortune for them and those around them, the children in such a family are abandoned and the most unfortunate creatures. And all because people do not consult their hearts. Sophia is happy that she has such a wise mentor.
Scene III The valet brings a letter to Starodum. Sophia goes to get glasses for her uncle.
Phenomenon IV Starodum thinks about Milo. He wants to marry Sophia to him.
Phenomenon V Sophia confesses her love for Milon to Starodum.
Scene VI Pravdin introduces Milon to the Starodum. Sophia says that her mother loved him like her own son. Milon expresses his views on service and man, which are close to the views of Starodum. Milo shows himself to be an educated and sensible young man. Starodum likes him, and he blesses Sophia and Milon for marriage.
Scene VII Skotinin appears and asks to bless him and Sophia. He shows himself to be an absolute fool. Starodum laughs.
Scene VIII Ms. Prostakova wonders if anyone prevented Starodum from resting; she forced everyone to walk on tiptoe so as not to disturb such a dear guest. Prostakova again asks Starodum to examine Mitrofan. Mitrofan shows absolute ignorance of basic things. The mother, defending her son, says that people have lived for a century without science, and he will live well.
Scene IX Prostakova wonders whether Starodum recognized her son. He replies that he got to know both of them very well. To Mitrofan's question, he replies that Sophia should not come after him, she has already arranged for someone else. Prostakova runs around the room in anger and makes plans: to kidnap Sophia at six in the morning, before she leaves with her uncle.
Act five
Phenomenon I Pravdin and Starodum talk about how to put an end to Prostakova’s evil behavior. Pravdin was instructed to take custody of the estate. Pravdin and Starodum talk about the virtues of the king, who is entrusted with the lives of his subjects, and how great of a soul he must be. Next, they move on to a discussion about nobles, “who must be well-behaved.”
Phenomenon II Milon, with a sword in his hands, fights Sophia off from Eremeevna and Prostakova’s people, who forcibly dragged the girl into the carriage and wanted to take her to church to marry Mitrofan.
Scene III Pravdin is sure that this crime gives his uncle and fiance a reason to turn to the government to punish the criminals. Prostakova is on her knees begging for mercy.
Phenomenon IV But Starodum and Milon refuse to complain about the Prostakovs, who are pathetic and disgusting in their humiliation. Skotinin does not understand anything about what is happening. Prostakova gets up from her knees when she realizes that she has been forgiven, and is immediately going to inflict reprisals on her people who “let Sophia out of their hands.” She says that she is free to flog everyone if she wants. Here Pravdin takes out a paper about guardianship of the estate. Skotinin, fearing that they will get to him, prefers to leave.
Phenomenon V Prostakova asks Pravdin to pardon or give a reprieve, at least for three days. He doesn't give me even three hours.
Scene VI Starodum recognizes Vralman as his former coachman. Kuteikin demands money for his work, and Prostakova says that he did not teach Mitrofan anything. He objects that it is not his fault. Tsyfirkin refuses the money, because in three years Mitrofan has not learned anything worthwhile. Pravdin shames Kuteikin and rewards Tsyfirkin for his kind soul. Milo also gives him money. Vralman asks Starodum to be a coachman.
Scene VII Starodum's carriage has arrived, and Vralman is ready to take the place of coachman: Starodum takes him into his service.
The last phenomenon Starodum, Sophia, Milon say goodbye to Pravdin. Prostakova rushes to Mitrofan, her last hope, and Mitrofan replies: “Let go, mother, how you imposed yourself...” Prostakova is killed by “the betrayal of her son.” Even Sophia rushes to console her. Pravdin decides to put Mitrofan into service. Starodum says, pointing to Prostakova: “These are the worthy fruits of evil.”
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The comedy was written by D.I. Fonvizin in 1781. The main problem of the work is the condemnation of the traditional education of nobles, in particular provincial ones, their stupidity and evil behavior. The play “The Minor” was written in a classic style, which is reflected in the “speaking” surnames of the characters, a clear division into positive and negative characters, as well as the unity of time, place and action: the events take place over 2 days, in the village of Prostakov. The name “Nedorosl” is associated with the decree of Peter I, who forbade uneducated nobles to serve and marry, calling such young people “minors.”
For a general overview of the plot of the work, we offer a brief summary of “The Minor.”
Main characters
Mrs. Prostakova- Prostakov's wife. An active, rude, uneducated woman who thinks more about her own profit than about the people around her and virtue, tries to solve everything by force or cunning.
Prostakov Mitrofan- the son of the Prostakovs, a minor, a young man of 16 years old, as stupid as his parents, completely weak-willed, agrees to everything his mother or others say (in the end he immediately agrees to go into the army).
Pravdin- a guest of the Prostakovs, a government official who came to sort out the problems in their estate and resolve the issue of Prostakova’s cruelty towards the servants. A highly moral man, a representative of the “new” educated nobility, personifies the truth and the word of the law in the work “The Minor.”
Starodum- a person with high moral principles who achieved everything in life on his own, without resorting to deception or cunning. Sophia's uncle and guardian.
Sophia- honest, educated, kind girl. After losing her parents, she lives with the Prostakovs and is in love with Milon.
Milo- Sophia's fiance, whom they have not seen for several years. An officer distinguished himself in the service by courage and boldness, has high concepts of human virtue and honor.
Skotinin- brother of Mrs. Prostakova. A stupid, uneducated man, looking for profit in everything, easily lies and flatters for profit.
Other characters
Prostakov- Prostakova's husband. He solves practically nothing in the house, essentially a shadow and henpecked wife, uneducated, weak-willed.
Eremeevna- Mitrofan's nanny.
Kuteikin(a seminarian who himself quit studying halfway through because he couldn’t master science, cunning and greedy, a grammar teacher), Vralman(a former groom of Starodum, simple, but able to skillfully deceive, called himself a German teacher of social life), Tsyfirkin(retired sergeant, honest man, arithmetic teacher) - Mitrofan's teacher.
Trishka- tailor, Prostakov's servant.
Action 1
The play begins with Mrs. Prostakova scolding Trishka for sewing a bad caftan for Mitrofan, although he warned about his inability to sew. Prostakov agrees with his wife. The woman decides to punish the tailor. Skotinin claims that the caftan is well made and Trishka is kicked out.
The conversation turns to Mitrofan - he must have gotten sick, since he didn’t sleep well all night. During the discussion, the son claims that he did not eat at all, but in fact he had a hearty dinner, drank kvass all night, and at night he saw his mother beating his father. To this, Prostakova hugs her son, saying that he is her only consolation, and Mitrofan runs away to the dovecote.
Skotinin, Prostakova and Prostakov discuss that they want to give the orphan Sophia for Skotinin. The girl’s only relative, Starodum, left for Siberia a long time ago and did not remind him of himself. The conversation reveals the selfish, evil personality of Skotinin, who likes not Sophia, but the many pigs in her villages.
Sophia brings a letter from Starodum who suddenly appeared. The Prostakovs do not believe that he is alive, they try to convince the girl that this is actually a letter from a fan. When Sophia invites them to read it themselves, it turns out that everyone is illiterate.
Pravdin enters and is instructed to read the letter. Those present learn that Starodum made Sophia the heiress of 10 thousand rubles. Now not only Skotinin wants to woo the girl, but Prostakova also begins to flatter the girl, wanting to marry her to Mitrofan. While the women are leaving, a servant runs in and tells the men that soldiers passing by have stopped in their village.
Act 2
Milon and Pravdin turn out to be old friends. Pravdin says that he came to the village to put the “despicable fury” Prostakova in her place. Milon shares that he is going to Moscow to meet his beloved, whom he has not seen for a long time, since after the death of her parents she was taken into the care of distant relatives.
By chance, Sophia passes by. The lovers are happy with each other. Sophia tells Milon that Prostakova wants to marry her to her stupid 16-year-old son.
Immediately they meet Skotinin, who is worried that he might go home without his wife and money. Pravdin and Milon urge him to quarrel with his sister, saying that she is playing with him like a ball. Skotinin loses his temper.
Mitrofan and Eremeevna pass by. The nanny tries to force the young man to study, but he does not want to. Skotinin quarrels with Mitrofan about their upcoming marriage, since both are not against taking Sophia as their wife. However, Eremeevna and Pravdin do not allow them to fight. Skotinin leaves angry.
The Prostakovs appear. Prostakova flatters Milon and apologizes for not coming out to meet him on time. She praises Sophia and tells how she has already arranged everything for her uncle. The girl and Prostakov leave to look at the room. They are replaced by Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin. The teachers tell Pravdin about themselves, how they learned to read and write and how they ended up in the Prostakovs’ house.
Act 3
Pravdin, seeing Starodum’s carriage from the window, went out to meet him first. The official talks about the Prostakovs’ outrages towards Sonya. Starodum says that one cannot act on the first impulse, since experience has shown him that ardor is not always good, he tells Pravdin about his life, how he saw that people are different.
Sophia comes up here. Starodum recognizes his niece, they are glad to meet. The uncle says that he dropped everything and left, because he could not otherwise earn money without “trading it for his conscience.”
At this time, Prostakova and Skotinin managed to fight. After Milon pacified them, Prostakova notices Starodum and orders Eremeevna to call her son and husband. The entire Prostakov family and Skotinin greet Starodum with excessive joy, hugging him and flattering him in every possible way. Mitrofan repeats after his mother that Starodum is his second father. This surprises Uncle Sophia very much.
Starodum says that he is taking the girl to Moscow to get married. Sophia, not knowing that her uncle chose Milon as her husband, nevertheless agrees with his will. Prostakova and Skotinin are trying to convince him. The woman says that in their family, studying was not held in high esteem, but Mitrofan allegedly does not get up because of the book and studies diligently. Pravdin interrupts the woman, saying that the guest is tired from the road and everyone leaves.
Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin remain, who complain to each other that Mitrofan cannot study arithmetic for three years and literacy for four. They blame the German Vralman for interfering with the teaching and both are not against beating the unfortunate student, if only he would start doing something.
Mitrofan and Prostakova enter. The woman persuades her son to study, at least for show. Tsifirkin sets two problems, but in both cases, before Mitrofan calculates, Prostakova solves them based on her personal experience: “I found the money, didn’t share it with anyone. Take it all for yourself, Mitrofanushka. Don’t learn this stupid science.” As soon as Kuteikin begins to teach the young man to read and write, Vralman appears and says that Mitrofan does not need to learn to read and write and that in general it is better to make friends with “our own” illiterate people, in which Prostakova supports him. Vralman makes a reservation that he saw the light while sitting on the cab's box, but he comes to his senses in time and the woman does not notice that he is lying to her.
Prostakova and Mitrofan leave. Teachers quarrel. Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin want to beat Vralman, but he runs away.
Act 4
Starodum and Sophia talk about virtue, about how people stray from the righteous path. The uncle explains to his niece that nobility and wealth should not be calculated by deeds for one’s own benefit, but by deeds for the fatherland and other people. The man explains that the position should correspond to the deeds, and not just one title. He also talks about family life that husband and wife must understand each other, support each other, that the origin of the spouses does not matter if they love each other, but this love must be friendly.
Then they bring Starodum a letter from which he learns that the young man to whom he was going to marry Sophia is Milo. Starodum, talking with Milon, learns that he is a man with high concepts of duty and honor. The uncle blesses the niece and the young man.
Skotinin interrupts them from the conversation, trying to show himself in a favorable light, but only makes them laugh with his absurdity. Pravdin, Prostakova and Mitrofan arrive. The woman again praises her son's literacy. Pravdin decides to check. Mitrofan does not give a single correct answer, while his mother tries in every possible way to justify his stupidity.
Prostakova and Skotinin continue to ask Starodum who he will choose for his niece, to which they receive the answer that she already has a fiancé and they are leaving tomorrow morning. Skotinin and Mitrofan with Prostakova separately plan to intercept the girl on the road.
Action 5
Pravdin and Starodum are discussing what everyone will soon know, that without truth and good morals it is impossible to achieve anything worthwhile, that the key to the well-being of the state is worthy, honest, educated, well-mannered people.
They are interrupted when they hear a noise. As it turns out, Eremeevna wanted to take Sophia away by force on Prostakova’s orders, but Milon prevented her. Pravdin says this is an illegal action. He points out that the girl’s uncle and fiance can accuse the Prostakovs of crime and demand immediate punishment. The woman tries to beg forgiveness from Sophia, who forgives her. Prostakova, only she is freed from guilt, is going to punish the servants who prevented the crime from happening and let the girl go. However, Pravdin stops her - he reads out a paper that came from the government that from now on the Prostakovs’ house and villages will come under his care. Prostakova is indignant and asks for at least three days, but Pravdin refuses. Then the woman remembers the debts to the teachers and Pravdin agrees to pay them off himself.
Vralman, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin arrive. Vralman's deception is revealed - that he is actually a retired groom of Starodum, and not a German teacher and expert high society. Vralman agrees to serve Starodum again. Tsyfirkin does not want to take extra money from Prostakova, since for all this time he has not been able to teach Mitrofan anything. Pravdin, Starodum and Milon reward Tsyfirkin for his honesty. Kuteikin is not against receiving money even for fruitless science, but he is left with nothing.
Starodum, Milon and Sophia are getting ready to leave. Mitrofan tells his mother to get rid of him, his father reproaches him for this. Pravdin invites the young man to go serve and he agrees. Prostakova is in despair because she has lost everything. Starodum sums up what happened: “These are the worthy fruits of evil!”
Conclusion
The comedy “The Minor” by Fonvizin is a landmark work of the 18th century, revealing the pressing issues of that time. The play contrasts education, good manners, and high moral principles with stupidity, ignorance, anger and waywardness. The writer’s subtle humor and his understanding of global human problems allow us to read classic comedy even today. We advise you not only to read the retelling of “The Minor” step by step, but also to evaluate the work in its entirety.
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