Sofia Famusova- this is a real example of a good and decent girl. And the point is not at all in education, but in Famusova's personal convictions. Her character is firm and confident, but by no means can you call a girl callous. The heroine is smart, her intelligence manifests itself in many aspects. Sofia loves to dream. Often she dreams of things that will never happen. Famusova's solid character doesn't come out as much because of her warm heart, which makes it clear how good-natured the heroine can be.
The girl is very smart. It is enough to take one of her statements: "Happy hours do not watch." This is an incredibly clever statement that gives another characteristic about Sophia - if she is happy, then time will not matter to her. But the heroine was not talking about herself at all. It’s impossible to say what the girl’s happiness was, but sometimes she really didn’t have enough happy moments. Sophia received a good upbringing thanks to French governesses, who gave the girl the right upbringing. The fact that the heroine was quite close to the governesses is confirmed by her phrases, peculiar exclusively to French women. Let's say "tell you a dream" - such phrases are not characteristic of the Russian people. However, there were many vernaculars in Famusova's speech. For example, "to laugh." Such phrases, of course, did not emphasize the intelligence of the lady, but there were not so many of them in Sophia's speech.
Sophia, as a positive personality, was quite difficult to develop in the Famus society. The upbringing in this society was far from ideal. Lies, hypocrisy - for the surrounding people of the heroine, these qualities were quite acceptable. Moreover, the qualities were imposed on Famusova, although she was well aware that such a society was not suitable for her. The generally accepted norms inherent in the circle of people in which the girl had to "spin" were abnormal. In part, the heroine was aware of this, in part - no. Still, society had a negative effect on the heroin. And as much as she did not want to deny all the qualities inherent in her society, some features went to the girl against her will.
When Chatsky stays in Moscow, he does not see his beloved in the girl. For three years, Sophia has not changed for the better. And the reason for this is the environment of the girl. In a word, Famusova became a representative of a society that had previously been completely unacceptable to her. Chatsky immediately noticed this, so it was painful for him to observe how much a person’s environment can change.
Despite her strong character, Sophia, as a female representative, was quite soft and open. The heroine did not fully show her passion, but she was. Sophia is a real “living mind”, which is not characteristic of all the heroines of the work. Sophia also has a hard time, because she was touched by tragedy at the moment when she found out who her lover really is. Disappointment in a loved one was a serious blow for the girl, and all because of the conversation between Lisa and Molchanin, which Famusova decides to overhear, and, as it turned out, not in vain.
/V.A. Ushakov. Moscow ball. The third act from the comedy "Woe from Wit" (Benefit performance of Mrs. N. Repina). "Moscow Telegraph", 1830, No. 11 and 12./
Beautiful in appearance, intelligent, educated Sophia, during the absence of her childhood friend, her beloved Chatsky, has reached the age when the need for love turns out to be in the full sense, when it is no longer friendship, but the need to be loved and become attached to her admirer disturbs the heart of a young girl . Sophia, who lost her mother in her infancy, is the only daughter of a man who breathes only ambitious calculations, Sophia, helpless in relation to her morality, having no mentors and prudent supervision of herself, in an inconspicuous way clings to a man who in all actions speaks of his lowly origin. This is Molchalin, an official living in the house of Famusov, his benefactor, but unable to feel the value of the beneficence. This despicable Alexei Stepanovich, who, according to his father's will, is obliged to please all people without exception, and even the janitor's dog, so that it is affectionate, this face is so natural, so often encountered in our everyday life and so well signifies the gift of observing the immortal Griboedov, - completely justifies unfortunate Sophia in that crazy love that she had for him.
Chatsky could please and be loved by a child, a fourteen-year-old girl, whom he entertained with his wit and caresses. Seventeen-year-old Sophia was involuntarily carried away by the tricks of her parent's obedient servant, ready to imagine himself in love and even passionate like Werther, in order to stay in his favorable position with a significant official. The poor girl has forgotten the wandering friend of her youth and has fallen in love with the scoundrel Molchalin, who responds to her inclination with touching words and meanwhile drags after her maid! Here is a true picture of what is often done in the big world! Here is a perfect knowledge of human passions and inclinations!<...>
But what is Chatsky doing in the meantime, this seeker of perfection, this moral Don Quixote, who, like the Knight of the lamentable image, must be deceived in all his hopes? Tired of the vain pursuit of dreamy perfection, having overthrown the yoke of decency, he came to his homeland with a renewed love for Sophia and with the confidence that he would please her with his return, that all the pleasures of her former love would also revive for her, and ... alas! .. poor Chatsky must confess with a sigh that:
He say: love is the end, Who will leave for three years!
Sophia accepts him with coldness, no longer amuses himself with his satirical antics, does not reveal to him the secrets of her heart and torments him with bewilderment. A sad meeting in this homeland, where the restless Chatsky hoped to find at least the bliss of family life, and where, apart from Sophia, there is and cannot be anything attractive for a dear dreamer!
Read also other critics' articles about the comedy "Woe from Wit":
- Aphorisms, winged words and expressions in Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit"
V.A. Ushakov. Moscow ball. The third act from the comedy "Woe from Wit"
- Characteristics of Sophia
- Society in the comedy "Woe from Wit". The current age and the past
V. Belinsky. "Woe from Wit". Comedy in 4 acts, in verse. The composition of A.S. Griboyedov
In comedy A.S. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit" presents the customs of the Moscow nobles of the early 19th century. The author shows the clash between the conservative views of the feudal landlords and the progressive views of the younger generation of nobles who began to appear in society. This clash is presented in the form of a struggle between two camps: the “past century”, which protects its mercantile interests and personal comfort, and the “present century”, striving to improve the structure of society through the manifestation of true citizenship. However, there are characters in the play who cannot be unambiguously attributed to any of the opposing sides. This is the image of Sophia in the comedy "Woe from Wit".
Sophia's opposition to the Famus society
Sofya Famusova is one of the most complex characters in the work of A.S. Griboyedov. The characterization of Sophia in the comedy "Woe from Wit" is contradictory, because on the one hand, she is the only person close in spirit to Chatsky, the main character of the comedy. On the other hand, it is Sophia who turns out to be the cause of Chatsky's suffering and his expulsion from Famus society.
The protagonist of the comedy is not without reason in love with this girl. Now let Sophia call their youthful love childish, nevertheless, she once attracted Chatsky with her natural mind, strong character, and independence from other people's opinions. And he was nice to her for the same reasons.
From the first pages of the comedy, we learn that Sophia received a good education, loves to spend time reading books, which causes the anger of her father. After all, he believes that “in reading, the use is not great,” and “learning is the plague.” And this is the first discrepancy in the comedy "Woe from Wit" of the image of Sophia with the images of the nobles of the "past century".
Sophia's passion for Molchalin is also natural. She, as a fan of French novels, saw in the modesty and laconicism of this man the features of a romantic hero. Sophia does not suspect that she has become a victim of deceit by a two-faced person who is next to her only for personal gain.
In her relationship with Molchalin, Sofya Famusova shows such character traits that none of the representatives of the "past century", including her father, would ever dare to show. If Molchalin is mortally afraid to make public this connection to society, since “evil tongues are worse than a gun,” then Sophia is not afraid of the opinion of the world. She follows the dictates of her heart: “What is the rumor to me? Whoever wants, so judges. This position makes her related to Chatsky.
Features that bring Sophia closer to the Famus society
However, Sophia is the daughter of her father. She was brought up in a society where only rank and money are valued. The atmosphere in which she grew up certainly had an impact on her.
Sophia in the comedy "Woe from Wit" chose Molchalin not only because she saw positive qualities in him. The fact is that in the Famus society, women rule not only in society, but also in the family. It is worth remembering a couple of Goriches at a ball in Famusov's house. Platon Mikhailovich, whom Chatsky knew as an active, active military man, under the influence of his wife, turned into a weak-willed creature. Natalya Dmitrievna decides everything for him, gives answers for him, disposing of him like a thing.
It is obvious that Sophia, wanting to dominate her husband, chose Molchalin as her future husband. This hero corresponds to the ideal of a husband in the society of the Moscow nobles: "A husband-boy, a husband-servant, from the wife's pages - the high ideal of all Moscow men."
The tragedy of Sofia Famusova
In the comedy Woe from Wit, Sophia is the most tragic character. More suffering falls to her lot than even Chatsky's.
Firstly, Sophia, possessing by nature determination, courage, intelligence, is forced to be a hostage to the society in which she was born. The heroine cannot afford to surrender to feelings, regardless of the opinions of others. She was brought up among the conservative nobility and will live according to the laws dictated by them.
Secondly, the appearance of Chatsky threatens her personal happiness with Molchalin. After the arrival of Chatsky, the heroine is in constant tension and is forced to defend her lover from the caustic attacks of the protagonist. It is the desire to save your love, to protect Molchalin from ridicule, that pushes Sophia to spread gossip about Chatsky's madness: “Ah, Chatsky! Do you like to dress everyone up as jesters, would you like to try on yourself? However, Sophia turned out to be capable of such an act only because of the strong influence of the society in which she lives and with which she gradually merges.
Thirdly, in the comedy there is a cruel destruction of the image of Molchalin that has developed in Sophia's head when she hears his conversation with the maid Liza. Her main tragedy lies in the fact that she fell in love with a scoundrel who played the role of her lover only because it could be beneficial for him to receive the next rank or award. In addition, the exposure of Molchalin takes place in the presence of Chatsky, which hurts Sophia as a woman even more.
conclusions
Thus, the characterization of Sophia in the comedy "Woe from Wit" shows that this girl is in many ways opposed to her father and the entire noble society. She is not afraid to stand against the light, protecting her love.
However, this same love makes Sophia defend herself from Chatsky, with whom she is so close in spirit. It is with the words of Sophia that Chatsky is blackened in society and expelled from it.
If all the other heroes of the play, with the exception of Chatsky, participate only in social conflict, protect their comfort and their usual way of life, then Sophia is forced to fight for her feelings. “She, of course, is harder than everyone else, even harder than Chatsky, and she gets her “million torments”,” wrote I.A. Goncharov about Sophia. Unfortunately, in the finale it turns out that the heroine's struggle for the right to love was in vain, because Molchalin turns out to be an unworthy person.
But even with someone like Chatsky, Sophia would not have found happiness. Most likely, she will choose as her husband a man who corresponds to the ideals of the Moscow nobility. The strong character of Sophia needs realization, which will become possible with her husband, who allows him to command and lead himself.
Sofya Famusova is the most complex and controversial character in Griboyedov's comedy Woe from Wit. The characteristics of Sophia, the disclosure of her image and the description of the role in the comedy will be useful to grade 9 when preparing materials for an essay on the theme of the image of Sophia in the comedy "Woe from Wit"
Artwork test
WORSE FROM WITNESS
(Comedy, 1824; published with omissions - 1833; in full - 1862)
Sofia (Sofya) Pavlovna Famusova - the central female character of the comedy; 17-year-old daughter of the owner of the Moscow house in which the action takes place; after the death of her mother, she was brought up by "madama", the old Rosier, who, for the "extra" 500 rubles. moved as a teacher to another house. S.'s childhood friend was Chatsky; he also became the hero of her first adolescent "novel". But in the three years that Chatsky was absent, both S herself and her heartfelt affection changed. On the one hand, S. became a “victim” of Moscow habits and mores, on the other hand, a “victim” of the latest Russian (and Russoist) literature, the Karamzin literary school, on the other hand.
She imagines herself to be the sentimental heroine of a “sensitive” novel and therefore rejects both the overly sarcastic, not Moscow-like courageous Chatsky, and the traditionally Moscow fiance Colonel Skalozub, narrow-minded but rich (her father dreams of this party). Having “calculated” S. and skillfully playing the role of a Platonic admirer who is ready to sublimely be silent alone with his beloved until dawn, Molchalin, the obsequious secretary of his father, finds a corner in her heart and, in fact, took root in the Famusovs’ house.
In the end, everyone is dissatisfied with her. And Chatsky, who cannot believe that his S. is fascinated by such insignificance, and his father. One blames Moscow for everything with its retrograde influence, the other, on the contrary, explains everything by French influence, fashions of the Kuznetsk bridge and reading books. Both are right to some extent. Having no opportunity to develop mentally in the absence of Chatsky, S. imperceptibly becomes infected with the "Moscow" spirit - and at the same time replaces his personality with a conditional image of a fashionable heroine. She behaves either like Julia from Rousseau's novel, or like a Moscow gossip; and over that, and over the other "mask" the author of the comedy is ironic.
In the 1st village, Famusov finds Molchalin (who has just left the girls' room) in the living room with Sophia; to avert her eyes, S. invents a dream, as if she had dreamed it. Naturally, this dream is “built” according to the laws of a ballad in the spirit of Zhukovsky, whom Griboyedov condemned in print, and in place of the “creepy” ballad characters, completely inappropriate Famusov was substituted (“The floor has opened - and you are from there, / Pale as death , and a hair on end!") and Molchalin ("Here the doors were thrown open with a thunder / Some not people and not animals, / We were apart - and they tortured the one who was sitting with me"). Repeating the usual comedy "movement", Griboyedov makes S. clothe the ballad plot in an inappropriate size and style, in this case - a fable; and Famusova - to "quote" the finale of Zhukovsky's ballad "Svetlana": "Where there are miracles, there is little warehouse."
In the 2nd d., having learned about the fall of Molchalin from a horse, S. again behaves not like a well-bred young lady, but like a heroine in love with a novel - she faints: “I fell! Killed!" The more contrasting is her typically “Moscow” behavior in the 3rd day, during the ball, when S. viciously turns Chatsky’s rhetoric (“I can beware of madness”) against him and spreads the rumor about the insanity of the former lover. The romantic mask has been torn off, beneath it is the face of an irritated Moscow young lady.
And therefore, retribution awaits her, too, "double", literary and everyday. At the end of the comedy, love dope S will dissipate, the novel plot invented by her will collapse, and she herself will find out about her removal from Moscow. This happens on the 11th appearance, when S. accidentally becomes a witness to how Molchalin flirts with Lisa and speaks insultingly about herself. Immediately the father appears (“... and on end of a hair”), surrounded by servants with candles; a ballad dream comes true; Famusov promises his daughter to send her out of Moscow “to the village, to her aunt, to the wilderness, to Saratov”, and to remove Molchalin (“We are apart - and they tortured the one who was sitting with me”).
"Woe from Wit" is a comedy, but it does not just entertain the reader, but shows the drama of the collision of two worlds: the old and the new. Alexander Griboedov, the author of the work, truthfully depicted the struggle between the views of conservative serf landlords and the progressive ideas of the younger generation of nobles. In the comedy, the old world is represented by the Famus society, and the new world is represented by the main character Alexander Chatsky. There is a huge and understandable gap between them. But there is an image that is difficult to understand and attribute to only one of the warring parties. This is the image of the daughter of Pavel Famusov.
The origin and education of Sophia
Sofya Pavlovna Famusova is the main female image in comedy. She is the only daughter of an influential Moscow official. She was raised by her father and a French governess. The girl is quite educated, knows how to sing, dance, play musical instruments. Sophia likes French novels, which gave her her first ideas about love. At seventeen, the heroine has already blossomed and shamelessly, according to her father, plays with the hearts of gentlemen. But not only this worries Famusov. He considers teaching a plague, so he does not encourage Sophia's passion for reading. The Moscow official sees no value in books, because he knows only one way to achieve a position in society - cunning.
Contradictory image of the heroine
Sophia does not share her father's views on education - and this is her first difference from the Famus society. The second significant difference is her attitude to human rumor. The heroine does not depend on the opinions of her environment in the same way that her father and officials like him depend. She considers herself a smart and brave girl. This is how the main character Chatsky sees her. Perhaps that is why he decided to marry Sophia, because he saw in her the makings of a new progressive person. So why didn't their relationship work out?
The girl had good potential to become a person, but she could not realize herself among the feudal landlords. And the mores that prevailed in that society influenced the way of thinking of the still young heroine. The brilliant mind of Chatsky frightened Sophia, she understood that she could not manage such a person. And the heroine got used to power, because from a young age she felt like the mistress of the house and the only heiress of her father. Therefore, Sophia prefers the quiet and compliant Molchalin, and not the free-thinking and intelligent Chatsky. It is possible that the image of Sophia is the image of people who already understood that changes in society were needed, but subconsciously they were not yet ready for them. This could explain Sophia's attitude towards Chatsky. She saw in him a new person who would turn her familiar world upside down. Therefore, the heroine does not accept Alexander's feelings and even takes revenge on him.
The attractiveness of the image of Sophia
Despite the ambiguity, the image of Sophia is very attractive to many readers. She is smart and loves to read books. But she's only seventeen, so it's no surprise that she prefers to read French romance novels. Sophia fell in love with deceit, as did Tatyana Larina. Often these images are compared. However, Griboyedov's heroine is not as chaste as Pushkin's Tatyana. She is capable of a strong feeling, which she is ready to defend, despite the rumor. But the heroine also knows how to take revenge. The way she treats Chatsky is disgusting. At the end of the comedy, her illusory world of love is destroyed, but she admits that she herself is to blame for the delusion and this shows the strength of her character.