Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky is a brilliant Russian playwright. His famous play The Dowry was written in 1878. The author worked long and hard on the work for four years. “The Dowry” raised many questions and contradictions among critics and spectators who were the very first to see the play staged on stage.
As often happens, people’s recognition of “Dowry” came only a few years after the death of the author himself. The first performances staged in the St. Petersburg and Moscow theaters, unfortunately, were very disastrous, critics gave bad ratings and wrote conflicting reviews. However, the play quickly and easily passed censorship and was immediately published in the journal Otechestvennye zapiski in 1879.
It is believed that Ostrovsky wrote the drama based on real events that he had to observe during his life as a magistrate in Kineshma district.
The idea of this work was conceived by the author in the fall of 1874, but the work on it took a long time and painstakingly. During the time of its writing, the author released several more works, and finished “Dowry” only in January 1879. The play, which was not accepted and recognized at the time, has now become a classic and has gained true respect and immortality.
First, it’s worth deciding who the dowry is? This is how in the old days they called girls who were poor and had no dowry, which was supposed to go into the capital of her future family. A woman in those days did not work, therefore, the man took her as his dependent, and, apart from the money received from his parents, he had nothing to hope for, his wife could not help him in any way in financial matters, and her children were automatically left without an inheritance with one of the parties. As a rule, such girls diligently tried to win the attention of suitors with their beauty, pedigree and inner virtues.
Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky in his play describes the real internal state of an ordinary homeless woman who stubbornly seeks real, sincere love on earth, but realizes that it does not exist. No one ever dared to look into her soul and show sincere interest in her, so the girl becomes an ordinary thing for a rich man, she simply has no other choice or even a chance to receive decent treatment. Another option to arrange your life is to marry the pathetic, selfish and unassuming Karandyshev, a petty clerk who again marries Larisa for the sake of self-affirmation. But she rejects this option too. The author demonstrates all the contradictions in life that surround us, using the example of the destinies of the heroes. The essence of the play "Dowry" is to show the reader how mercilessly and vilely people change true love and friendship for an ordinary deal, from which one can only draw one’s own benefit.
Drama human soul in an immoral society - this is the main essence of the main tragic theme in Ostrovsky’s play “Dowry,” which the author widely reveals through the heroine Larisa Ogudalova. She did not receive dowry from her mother, so she will have to suffer in this inhumane world. Suitors who are fighting for a girl do not take her seriously; she becomes either an object for them to brag about, or just a toy and thing.
The theme of disappointment in the world is also present in the work. The main character faces a terrible end: devastation, despair, dishonor and death. The girl believed in the best and new life, believed in love and kindness, but everything that surrounded her could prove to her that there was simply no love or a hint of enlightenment. All storylines The work touches on social issues. Larisa lives in a world where everything can be found for money, even love.
Of course, in a tragedy one cannot do without ambiguous and complex issues. The issues in the play by Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky are quite extensive and multifaceted.
Ostrovsky wrote a very emotional drama that will not disappoint even an experienced and fastidious reader with its ideological and thematic content. The main idea of Ostrovsky's drama "Dowry" is to condemn the too high importance of wealth and money in society. Material wealth plays the most important role in life; a person who does not have them can only be a toy in the hands of a rich man, not entitled to sincere feelings. Poor people become the subject of sale to heartless barbarians who languish over their fortune. Everything around Larisa Ogudalova is saturated with crude cynicism and cunning, which destroy her pure, bright soul. These qualities determined the price of a woman’s life, reselling it among themselves as a faceless and soulless thing. And this price is low.
Using the example of the heroine, the writer shows how the heart of a homeless woman suffers, who is only to blame for the fact that she does not have a fortune behind her. Fate is so dishonest and unjust towards the poor, but very bright and smart people. The girl loses faith in humanity, in her ideals, experiencing numerous betrayals and humiliations. What is the cause of the tragedy of the homeless woman? She could not come to terms with the collapse of her dreams, with the destruction of her beliefs, and decided to get reality to arrange itself the way it needed to, as it should have happened in natural conditions. The heroine knows from the very beginning that she is taking a mortal risk, as evidenced by her farewell remark to her mother. She set conditions for the whole world: either her dream comes true, or she leaves this life without humiliating herself to marriage and cohabitation of convenience. Even if Karandyshev had not killed her, she would have followed her own warning and drowned herself in the Volga. Thus, the young woman became a victim of her illusions, her pride and her intransigence with the vulgarity of the environment.
Before us is a classic clash of romantic dreams and harsh, vulgar reality. In this battle, the latter always wins, but the author does not lose hope that at least some people will come to their senses and stop creating and maintaining unfair conditions of social relations. He places emphasis on true virtue and genuine values, which one must learn to distinguish from the vain squabbles of empty and petty scoundrels. The heroine's rebellion inspires courage to fight for her beliefs to the end.
Drama, as a genre, presents the reader with the fate of the hero in a contradictory and cruel world, an acute conflict between a person’s soul and the society in which he lives. The purpose of psychological drama is to show the dramatic position of an individual in a hostile environment. As a rule, drama characters face a tragic fate, spiritual suffering, and internal contradictions. In a work of this type you can find many living emotions and experiences that are inherent in many of us.
Thus, Ostrovsky’s play vividly describes the internal state of Larisa Ogudalova, who rebels against the inhumane order in society, sacrifices herself in order not to sacrifice her principles. The heroine has difficulty accepting the circumstances that overtake her; she endures with horror all the trials that fate has prepared for her. This is Larisa’s personal tragedy, which she cannot survive. The psychological drama ends with her death, which is typical for works in this genre.
Ostrovsky's play highlights the life and customs of the Russian province, nobles and merchants. They are all very similar and, at the same time, different from each other. The heroes behave quite relaxed and are not at all afraid to show others their true colors; it doesn’t matter to them that sometimes they look rather stupid. They are not afraid not because of their courage or openness of character. They just don't realize that they look ignorant, stingy, suspicious or insignificant.
Men do not shy away from open communication with women; for them, betrayal is not considered shameful. For them, this is an element of status: a mistress becomes a reflection of wealth. One of the heroes of the work, Mr. Knurov, invited Larisa to become his kept woman, although he himself had been married for a long time, he did not care what the heroine felt, only his own benefit and lust came first.
A girl in the provinces of that time, as we have already found out, must be in good condition in order to successfully marry and live well. In such a world it is very difficult to find true love and respect, in a world where everything is saturated with the power of money and bad customs greedy people, an honest and intelligent woman simply could not find a proper place for herself. Larisa was literally destroyed by the cruel and dishonest morals of her contemporaries.
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Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky is a talented Russian playwright. His work for a long time determined the foundations of the national repertoire of the Russian theater; his performances are still staged by all the most famous Russian theaters.
In front of you summary psychological drama "Dowry", created in 1878.
ACTING HEROES.
ACT ONE
The action takes place in the large city of Bryakhimov on the Volga. Morning. A deserted city boulevard on a high bank. The barman Gavrilo is standing in the doorway of the coffee shop, his servant Ivan is tidying up the furniture on the landing. Mokiy Parmenych Knurov goes for a walk. Having finished his exercise, he sits down in the coffee shop. Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov appears from behind the mountain. Says goodbye to Knurov. Vozhevatov is coming from the pier, where he met, but did not meet, the shipowner Sergei Sergeich Paratov. Paratov sells him his steamship “Swallow”.
Tavrilo notices a steamer on the Volga and recognizes it as the subject of conversation. Paratov most likely decided to come on the Lastochka himself. You can easily verify this: when Paratov docks or sails, a cannon fires from his barge. And the carriage went to the pier with four pacers and a gypsy in a ceremonial Cossack coat.
The leisurely conversation between Knurov and Vozhevatov is accompanied by champagne. They are talking about an exhibition in Paris, where they will go one of these days. Vozhevatov reports the news: Larisa Dmitrievna Ogudalova is marrying Karandyshev. Ogudalova is homeless and cannot find a suitable match. Her mother, Kharita Ignatievna, had already married two daughters: one to a Caucasian, the other to a foreigner who turned out to be a cheater.
Many people go to a nice young lady, but no one gets married. Larisa is not stupid, but she is simple-minded and has no cunning. Last year, Paratov went to her, fought off all the suitors and disappeared. Larisa was grieving, trying to catch up with him, her mother returned her from the second station. Later, the suitors were an old man with gout, a drinking manager and a stealing cashier, who was arrested at the Ogudalovs. After this, Larisa said that she would not be ashamed and would marry the first one who wooed her. Here the poor official Karandyshev, who had been waiting for this moment for three years, took advantage of the situation.
Knurov expresses the opinion that Larisa Ogudalova is destined for luxury, not poverty. In a miserable environment, she can become vulgar and die. He is not averse to polishing this diamond himself. Vozhevatov thinks that Larisa will leave her husband as soon as she looks at him more closely.
The Ogudalovs and Yuliy Kapitonich Karandyshev enter the coffee shop. Vozhevatov bows, Knurov takes out a newspaper. Larisa sits on a bench and looks beyond the Volga through binoculars. Kharita Ignatievna and Karandyshev approach the table. Vozhevatov gives his hand to both, Knurov gives his hand to Ogudalova and nods slightly to Karandyshev. They sit down and drink tea. Karandyshev sits down at a distance. He orders Ivan to serve him at dinner today and invites everyone to dinner in honor of Larisa. The invitation, supported by Kharita Ignatievna’s request, is accepted. Karandyshev does not participate in the general conversation, they do not pay attention to him or brush him aside.
After the men leave to watch the appropriate “Swallow,” Larisa asks to be taken to the village, and Karandyshev displeasedly asks what Vozhevatov was quietly telling her and why she familiarly calls him Vasya. Irritably she says that she needs to give up old habits and cannot tolerate this “gypsy camp” that was in their home. Larisa asks not to reproach her and to support her, she admits that she is very sensitive and impressionable, and in the “camp” there were also good, noble people. Including Paratov. Karandyshev is fuming: why is he worse than Paratov? For Larisa, Sergei Sergeich is the ideal man, so her fiancé cannot be compared with him. She admits that one glance from Paratov is enough for her to follow him, but, most likely, they will never meet. A cannon salvo is heard. Larisa gets scared, she and Karandyshev leave.
Knurov, Vozhevatov, Paratov and his friend Robinson (provincial actor Arkady Schastlivtsev) come to the coffee shop. Paratov says that he will marry rich girl and takes gold mines as a dowry, he came to say goodbye to his freedom, to spend his last free days more cheerfully. He learns about Larisa's upcoming marriage and thinks that he can come to the Ogudalovs' house without reminding him of the past.
ACT TWO
A room in Ogudalova’s house, where they are preparing for the reception. Vozhevatov sends a gift for Larisa. Knurov arrives and talks with Kharita Ignatievna about Karandyshev. Knurov hints that he is not averse to taking part in Larisa’s fate for his own benefit, and is ready to pay for her wedding wardrobe.
Larisa tells her mother that Yuliy Kapitonych intends to run for magistrate judge in Zabolotye. She wants to leave home as quickly as possible, she says that every corner after the life that she experienced will seem like paradise. He calls Ilya to tune the guitar and says that he will play and sing romances in the village out of boredom. Karandyshev doesn’t want to leave so quickly, he needs to show off with his bride in the city. His pride requires him to convince strangers that Larisa’s choice was free, and not out of despair. That's why he packs lunch. Larisa wants the wedding to be as modest as possible, and Karandyshev wants to take revenge for three years of ridicule from other suitors. He wants to boast that Larisa appreciated him.
Karandyshev is the first to tell Larisa about Paratov’s arrival: “A squandered reveler, a depraved man has arrived” . Larisa gets scared and asks to be taken away, she is afraid not for herself, but for her groom. Yuliy Kapitonich objects to her and says that he will not be offended. They report Paratov's arrival. Larisa and her groom go into the room and ask her mother to get rid of Sergei Sergeich’s visits.
Paratov tells Kharita Ignatievna that he came to Bryakhimov on purpose and immediately came to them. He explains that he left in a hurry because he had to save his property. Now his business is not going well, so he intends to marry profitably, taking half a million as a dowry for the bride. He asks if he can see Larisa.
Larisa comes out to him, in a conversation with her, Sergei Sergeich tries to find out what feelings she is experiencing for him now. Larisa says that she waited for him for a long time and stopped long ago. Paratov calls her to be frank and finds out that Larisa loves him. " I can give you up, but it would be hard for me to give up your love " Paratov promises to keep the same memories and break up best friends. He says that marriage is a sacred matter for him, and asks what merits Larisa’s fiancé has. She answers that there is only one thing: he loves her.
Paratov is introduced to Karandyshev, Karandyshev starts a petty argument with him, putting the Ogudalovs in an awkward position. Larisa orders him to apologize. Kharita Ignatievna forces Karandyshev to invite Paratov to dinner as a sign of reconciliation. Karandyshev invites, but Paratov, although he agrees, still wants to teach the arguer a lesson.
Vozhevatov and Robinson arrive. Vozhevatov says that he taught the actor three English words; Robinson answers only with these words in the conversation. Paratov tells Karandyshev to invite his friend Robinson to dinner. The guests leave one by one. Paratov and Vozhevatov remain in the room. When asked by Vozhevatov whether he liked Larisa’s fiancé, Sergei Sergeich replies: “ Anyone who might like him decided to get cocky.” He says that he will still make fun of him. The guests leave the Ogudalovs.
ACT THREE
The action takes place in Karandyshev's office, furnished with pretensions, but without taste. There is a carpet nailed over the sofa, and weapons are hung on it. Ivan asks Aunt Karandyshev for lemons for tea, but she instead offers cranberry juice in an old decanter.
Larisa talks to her mother. She is ashamed of Karandyshev’s behavior, but he does not notice anything. The mother answers her:
“He had never seen decent people having lunch. He thinks that he has surprised everyone with his luxury, but they are deliberately getting him drunk... they want to have fun... You are tormented, what will happen next?
But Larisa replies that nothing can be fixed.
Efrosinya Potapovna enters, complaining about how much food they have taken for the table and how long the guests have been sitting, because neither feather beds were brought to the house, nor sables as a dowry, there is nothing to spend on.
In the office of Knurov, Vozhevatov and Paratov. Knurov is going to the club for dinner; he didn’t eat anything at the table. The owner is stupid and got drunk himself. Paratov tells him that it was he who decided to get the owner drunk with the help of Robinson, who will never refuse a glass, but does not agree to drink without the owner. Paratov asks Knurov to wait. Larisa Dmitrievna must sing.
Robinson complains to Paratov about the bad wine. Karandyshev offers everyone cigars of the same low quality. He boasts about his Turkish weapons.
Ogudalova tries to open the eyes of her future son-in-law and asks her to stop mocking him. Paratov invites Karandyshev to have a drink with him for brotherhood. Robinson: " Karandyshev died. I started it, and Serge will finish it.”
The gypsy Ilya comes and says that all the gypsies have gathered. Paratov asks to bring a guitar so that Larisa can sing, then everyone wants to go beyond the Volga. They decide to take Larisa with them and get rid of Robinson. Vozhevatov invites him to go to Paris instead of the Volga, sends him to his place to sleep off and wait for him.
Paratov tells Larisa that she and Karandyshev are friends forever, and asks her to sing. Karandyshev forbids the bride to sing, but she agrees to spite him. Sings " Don't tempt me unnecessarily " Paratov sits with his hands in his hair. Everyone admires Larisa's singing. Karandyshev orders champagne to be brought, no one brings it, and he goes to get it himself, Kharita Ignatievna follows him.
Paratov seduces Larisa and persuades her to go beyond the Volga. Hearing that Sergei Sergeich is leaving tomorrow, Larisa agrees to spend the last day with him.
Karandyshev comes with champagne and makes a toast to Larisa Dmitrievna’s choice. Paratov offers to bring more wine and drink to “ the happiest of mortals, Yulia Kapitonich Karandysheva " Karandyshev leaves to get some wine, everyone leaves without waiting for him. Vozhevatov takes Robinson to his home. Larisa tells her mother: “ Either you rejoice, or look for me in the Volga. Apparently you can't escape your destiny " Karandyshev returns and finds out that everyone has left. He gets angry, cries and decides to take revenge on everyone. He grabs a loaded pistol from the table and runs away.
ACT FOUR
Bright summer night. Coffee shop. Robinson plays for money with Ivan, the servant refuses to play on credit. Robinson, upset that he was not taken, decides to pay a debt at the buffet so that they can pay for it later. Karandyshev appears, Ivan tells Robinson that yesterday Karandyshev left the house with a pistol. Robinson gets confused and tries to hide behind a bottle. Karandyshev approaches him and asks where his comrades are. The actor sends him to the pier, and he hides in the coffee shop and asks Ivan to tell Karandyshev that he is not there. The bartender Tavrilo comes out and asks if the company has arrived back. Ivan says that she has arrived, the gypsies can be heard. The gypsies come to the coffee shop. Knurov and Vozhevatov appear and talk. Knurov believes that the drama is already beginning. Vozhevatov has already seen tears in Larisa’s eyes, but believes that her fiancé will get angry and "It will be the same again " Knurov:
“To leave the groom almost on the eve of the wedding, you need to have a reason. Just think: Sergei Sergeich came for one day, and she leaves her fiancé for him, with whom she will live for the rest of her life. This means that she has hope in Sergei Sergeich; Otherwise why would she need him!”
Vozhevatov asks: “ Do you think that there was some deception here, that he again lured her with words? “Knurov replies that otherwise Larisa would not have believed the man who had already deceived her once. But, in his opinion, Paratov would not exchange a bride with a large dowry for Larisa.
Robinson goes out onto the porch of the coffee shop, he expects Vozhevatov to take him to Paris. Vozhevatov jokes with him; instead of the capital of France, he suggests going to the Paris tavern. Knurov again starts talking about Larisa, believes that now he and Vozhevatov are obliged to take part in her fate. Knurov has the opportunity to take Larisa with him to Paris, but he does not want competition with Vozhevatov. Vasily Danilych says that he will not accept compensation, Larisa is being played toss. Knurov wins.
Paratov and Larisa arrive. Paratov thanks her for the happiness that she brought to the entire company with her presence. Larisa asks not to say “phrases”, waits for an answer to the question: “ Am I your wife or not? Paratov avoids answering and postpones the conversation until tomorrow. Larisa doesn’t want to go home, but Paratov says that spending the night with them in a tavern is a reason for gossip. Larisa believes: if Paratov took her away, he should bring her back, gossip doesn’t scare her. She believes that she should come with Paratov or not come home at all. She explains to the uncomprehending Paratov that she intends to commit suicide if he refuses. Sergei Sergeich believes that Karandyshev will only be happy if Larisa returns; and from him, Paratov, she cannot demand much. Larisa talks about how she waited for him and suffered, but Paratov explains that he got carried away, but was shackled by the chains of his engagement. " Get away from me! Enough! I'll think about myself ", exclaims Larisa.
Knurov, Vozhevatov and Robinson come out onto the porch of the coffee shop. Paratov tells Robinson to take Larisa Dmitrievna home. Robinson is afraid of Karandyshev, but obeys Paratov.
Larisa comes up to Vozhevatov and says that she is dying, asks him to help her, to have pity. But he refers to his chains - the merchant’s word of honor. Knurov approaches Larisa and offers her a trip to Paris and full provision for life. Larisa is silent and turns her head in the other direction. Knurov says that he would like to offer her his hand, but he cannot - he is married. He says that he is in no hurry to answer, bows respectfully and leaves for the coffee shop. Larisa is left alone. She wants to throw herself off a cliff, she’s scared. He rests his head on his hand and sits in oblivion. Robinson and Karandyshev arrive. Robinson told Karandyshev that Paratov had insulted Larisa and told him to take her home. Karandyshev says that she herself is to blame, but only he has the right to judge her, he is obliged to stand up for her and punish the offenders. He asks Robinson to leave them, goes to the table and sits down opposite Larisa. She tells him how disgusting he is and sends him away. To Karandyshev’s words about revenge for the insult, Larisa replies that the most serious insult for her is his patronage. Karandyshev says that they played a toss with her, they look at her as if she were a thing. Larisa is offended by the word “thing”:
“They are right, I am a thing, not a person. I am now convinced that I have tested myself... I am a thing! Finally, a word has been found for me... Go away!... Every thing must have an owner, I will go to the owner.”
Karandyshev says that he is her owner, but Larisa objects:
“Every thing has its own price... Ha, ha, ha... I’m too, too expensive for you... Come send Knurov to me.”
Yuliy Kapitonich asks her to leave the city with him and forgives her. But Larisa does not forgive herself, and, in her opinion, it is too late to leave: gold glittered before her eyes, diamonds sparkled. Karandyshev is too small and insignificant for her. He confesses his love to Larisa, she says that this is a lie, no one tried to look into her soul: “I haven’t found love, so I’ll look for gold. Come on, I can’t be yours.” These words hurt Karandyshev. He gets up and says that Larisa should be his. " It may be anyone's but not yours! Never! “- he hears in response. In the heat of the moment, Karandyshev takes out a pistol and shoots: “ So don't let anyone get you ! After the shot, he drops the gun, realizing what he had done. Larisa thanks him for his “good deed,” picks up the gun and puts it on the table. Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson, Tavrilo and Ivan come out of the coffee shop, everyone asks what happened. " It's me! It's nobody's fault…" - Larisa answers. The gypsies in the coffee shop start singing a song, Paratov shouts:
“Tell me to shut up!” Larisa, in a gradually weakening voice, says: “No, no, why... Let those who have fun have fun... I don’t want to disturb anyone! Live, live everything! You need to live, but I need... to die... I don’t complain about anyone, I don’t take offense at anyone... you all good people... I love you all ... love you all.”
Larisa sends everyone a kiss. The gypsies sing loudly.
I hope this summary of the play “Dowry” by Ostrovsky helped you prepare for your Russian literature lesson.
A large fictional city on the Volga - Bryakhimov. An open area near a coffee shop on Privolzhsky Boulevard. Knurov (“one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune,” as the stage directions say about him) and Vozhevatov (“a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company, European in costume), having ordered champagne from a tea set, begin discuss the news: the well-known beauty and homeless woman Larisa Ogudalova is marrying a poor official Karandyshev. Vozhevatov explains the modest marriage by the desire of Larisa, who experienced a strong infatuation with the “brilliant master” Paratov, who turned her head, fought off all the suitors and suddenly left. After the scandal, when the next groom was arrested for embezzlement right in the Ogudalovs’ house, Larisa announced that she would marry the first one who wooed, and Karandyshev, a long-time and unlucky admirer, “and right there.” Vozhevatov reports that he is waiting for Paratov, who sold him his steamboat “Swallow”, which causes joyful revival of the owner of the coffee shop. The best quadruple in the city galloped to the pier with their owner on a box and gypsies in formal clothes.
The Ogudalovs and Karandyshev appear. Ogudalova is treated to tea, Karandyshev puts on airs and, as an equal, turns to Knurov with an invitation to dinner. Ogudalova explains that the dinner is in honor of Larisa, and she joins the invitation. Karandyshev reprimands Larisa for being too familiar with Vozhevatov, and several times condemningly mentions the Ogudalovs’ house, which offends Larisa. The conversation turns to Paratov, whom Karandyshev treats with envious hostility, and Larisa with delight. She is outraged by the groom’s attempts to compare himself with Paratov and declares: “Sergei Sergeich is the ideal man.” During the conversation, cannon shots are heard, Larisa gets scared, but Karandyshev explains: “Some tyrant merchant is getting off his barge,” meanwhile, from the conversation between Vozhevatov and Knurov, it is known that the shooting was in honor of Paratov’s arrival. Larisa and her groom leave.
Paratov appears accompanied by the provincial actor Arkady Schastlivtsev, whom Paratov calls Robinson, because he removed him from a desert island, where Robinson was landed for rowdy behavior. When asked by Knurov whether he would be sorry to sell the Lastochka, Paratov replies: “What is a pity, I don’t know that. If I find a profit, I’ll sell everything, whatever,” and after this he announces that he is marrying a bride with gold mines, and has come to say goodbye to his bachelor’s will. Paratov invites him to a men’s picnic across the Volga, makes a rich order for the restaurateur and invites him to dine in the meantime. Knurov and Vozhevatov regretfully refuse, saying that they are having dinner with Larisa’s fiancé.
The second action takes place in the Ogudalovs' house, the main feature of the living room is a piano with a guitar on it. Knurov arrives and reproaches Ogudalova for giving Larisa away to a poor man, predicts that Larisa will not endure the miserable half-bourgeois life and will probably return to her mother. Then they will need a respectable and rich “friend” and offer themselves as such “friends”. After this, he asks Ogudalova, without stinting, to order Larisa’s dowry and wedding dress, and to send him the bills. And he leaves. Larisa appears and tells her mother that she wants to leave for the village as soon as possible. Ogudalova paints village life in dark colors. Larisa plays the guitar and sings the song “Don’t tempt me unnecessarily,” but the guitar is out of tune. Seeing the gypsy choir owner Ilya through the window, she calls him to tune his guitar. Ilya says that the master arrives, whom they “have been waiting for all year,” and runs away to the call of other gypsies, who announced the arrival of a long-awaited client. Ogudalova is worried: did they rush into the wedding and miss out on a more profitable match? Karandyshev appears, whom Larisa asks to leave for the village as soon as possible. But he does not want to rush to “glorify himself” (Ogudalova’s expression) with Larisa, to satisfy his pride, which for so long suffered from neglect of him, Karandyshev. Larisa reproaches him for this, without at all hiding the fact that she does not love him, but only hopes to love him. Karandyshev scolds the city for its attention to the depraved, squandered reveler, whose arrival drove everyone crazy: restaurateurs and sex workers, cab drivers, gypsies and townspeople in general, and when asked who it is, he irritably throws out: “Your Sergei Sergeich Paratov” and, looking out window, says that he came to the Ogudalovs. Frightened Larisa goes to other rooms with her groom.
Ogudalova kindly and familiarly receives Paratov, asks why he suddenly disappeared from the city, learns that he went to save the remains of the estate, and is now forced to marry a bride with a half-million dollar dowry. Ogudalova calls Larisa, an explanation takes place between her and Paratov in private. Paratov reproaches Larisa that she soon forgot him; Larisa admits that she continues to love him and is getting married in order to get rid of the humiliation of “impossible suitors.” Paratov's pride is satisfied. Ogudalova introduces him to Karandyshev, a quarrel occurs between them, as Paratov seeks to hurt and humiliate Larisa’s fiancé. Ogudalova settles the scandal and forces Karandyshev to invite Paratov to dinner. Vozhevatov appears, accompanied by Robinson, posing as an Englishman, and introduces him to those present, including Paratov, who himself recently lost Robinson to him. Vozhevatov and Paratov conspire to have fun at Karandyshev’s dinner.
The third act is in Karandyshev’s office, decorated poorly and tastelessly, but with great pretensions. On stage is Aunt Karandysheva, comically complaining about losses from lunch. Larisa appears with her mother. They discuss the terrible dinner, Karandyshev's humiliating misunderstanding of his position. Ogudalova says that the guests deliberately get Karandyshev drunk and laugh at him. After the women leave, Knurov, Paratov and Vozhevatov appear, complaining about the crappy dinner and terrible wines and rejoicing that Robinson, who can drink anything, helped get Karandyshev drunk. Karandyshev appears, putting on airs and bragging, not noticing that they are laughing at him. He is sent for cognac. At this time, the gypsy Ilya reports that everything is ready for the trip beyond the Volga. The men say among themselves that it would be nice to take Larisa, Paratov undertakes to persuade her. Larisa appears and is asked to sing, but Karandyshev tries to forbid her, then Larisa sings “Don’t tempt.” The guests are delighted, Karandyshev, about to say a long-prepared toast, leaves to get champagne, the rest leave Paratov alone with Larisa. He turns her head, saying that a few more moments like this, and he will give up everything to become her slave. Larisa agrees to go on a picnic in the hope of returning Paratov. Karandyshev appears and makes a toast to Larisa, in whom the most valuable thing to him is that she “knows how to sort people out” and therefore chose him. Karandyshev is sent for more wine. Upon returning, he learns about Larisa’s departure for a picnic, finally understands that they laughed at him, and threatens to take revenge. He grabs the gun and runs away.
The fourth act is again in the coffee shop. Robinson, who was not taken to the picnic, learns from a conversation with a servant that Karandyshev was seen with a pistol. He appears and asks Robinson where his comrades are. Robinson gets rid of him, explaining that these were casual acquaintances. Karandyshev leaves. Knurov and Vozhevatov, returning from the picnic, appear, believing that “the drama is beginning.” Both understand that Paratov made serious promises to Larisa, which he does not intend to fulfill, and therefore she is compromised and her situation is hopeless. Now their dream of going with Larisa to Paris for an exhibition can come true. In order not to disturb each other, they decide to toss a coin. The lot falls to Knurov, and Vozhevatov gives his word to leave.
Larisa appears with Paratov. Paratov thanks Larisa for the pleasure, but she wants to hear that she has now become his wife. Paratov replies that he cannot break up with his rich bride because of his passion for Larisa, and instructs Robinson to take her home. Larisa refuses. Vozhevatov and Knurov appear, Larisa rushes to Vozhevatov asking for sympathy and advice, but he resolutely evades, leaving her with Knurov, who offers Larisa a joint trip to Paris and maintenance for life. Larisa is silent, and Knurov leaves, asking her to think. In despair, Larisa approaches the cliff, dreaming of dying, but does not dare to commit suicide and exclaims: “As if someone would kill me now...” Karandyshev appears, Larisa tries to drive him away, talking about her contempt. He reproaches her, says that Knurov and Vozhevatov played her like a thing. Larisa is shocked and, picking up his words, says: “If you are a thing, then it’s expensive, very expensive.” She asks to send Knurov to her. Karandyshev tries to stop her, shouting that he forgives her and will take her away from the city, but Larisa rejects this offer and wants to leave. She does not believe his words about his love for her. Enraged and humiliated, Karandyshev shoots her. The dying Larisa gratefully accepts this shot, puts the revolver next to herself and tells those who come running to the shot that no one is to blame: “It’s me myself.” Gypsy singing can be heard behind the stage. Paratov shouts: “Tell him to shut up!”, but Larisa does not want this and dies to the accompaniment of a loud gypsy choir with the words: “... you are all good people... I love you all... I love you all.”
The action takes place in a large fictional city on the Volga - Bryakhimov. An open area near a coffee shop on Privolzhsky Boulevard. Knurov (“one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune,” as the stage directions say about him) and Vozhevatov (“a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company, European in costume), having ordered champagne from a tea set, begin discuss the news: a well-known beauty in society homeless woman Larisa Ogudalova marries a poor official Karandyshev. Vozhevatov explains the modest marriage by the desire of Larisa, who experienced a strong infatuation with the “brilliant master” Paratov, who turned her head, fought off all the suitors and suddenly left. After the scandal, when the next groom was arrested for embezzlement right in the Ogudalovs’ house, Larisa announced that she would marry the first one who wooed her, and Karandyshev, a long-time and unlucky admirer, “and right there.” Vozhevatov reports that he is waiting for Paratov, who sold him his steamer “Swallow”, which causes joyful revival of the owner of the coffee shop. The best quadruple in the city galloped to the pier with their owner on a box and gypsies in formal clothes.
Appear Ogudalovs With Karandyshev. Ogudalova is treated to tea, Karandyshev puts on airs and, as an equal, turns to Knurov with an invitation to dinner. Ogudalova explains that the dinner is in honor of Larisa, and she joins the invitation. Karandyshev reprimands Larisa for being too familiar with Vozhevatov, and several times condemningly mentions the Ogudalovs’ house, which offends Larisa. The conversation turns to Paratov, whom Karandyshev treats with envious hostility, and Larisa with delight. She is outraged by the groom’s attempts to compare himself with Paratov and declares: “Sergei Sergeich is the ideal man.” During the conversation, cannon shots are heard, Larisa gets scared, but Karandyshev explains: “Some tyrant merchant is getting off his barge,” meanwhile, from the conversation between Vozhevatov and Knurov, it is known that the shooting was in honor of Paratov’s arrival. Larisa and her groom leave.
Appears Paratov accompanied by provincial actor Arkady Schastlivtsev, whom Paratov calls Robinson, because he removed him from a desert island, where Robinson was landed for rowdy behavior. When asked by Knurov whether he would be sorry to sell the Lastochka, Paratov replies: “What is a pity, I don’t know that.<...>I’ll find a profit, so I’ll sell everything, whatever,” and after this he says that he’s marrying a bride with gold mines, he’s come to say goodbye to his bachelor’s will. Paratov invites him to a men’s picnic across the Volga, makes a rich order for the restaurateur and invites him to dine in the meantime. Knurov and Vozhevatov regretfully refuse, saying that they are having dinner with Larisa’s fiancé.
The second action takes place in the Ogudalovs' house, the main feature of the living room is a piano with a guitar on it. Knurov arrives and reproaches Ogudalova for giving Larisa away to a poor man, predicts that Larisa will not endure the miserable half-bourgeois life and will probably return to her mother. Then they will need a respectable and rich “friend” and offer themselves as such “friends”. After this, he asks Ogudalova, without stinting, to order Larisa’s dowry and wedding dress, and to send him the bills. And he leaves. Larisa appears and tells her mother that she wants to leave for the village as soon as possible. Ogudalova paints village life in dark colors. Larisa plays the guitar and sings the song “Don’t tempt me unnecessarily,” but the guitar is out of tune. Seeing the gypsy choir owner Ilya through the window, she calls him to tune his guitar. Ilya says that the master arrives, whom they “have been waiting for all year,” and runs away to the call of other gypsies, who announced the arrival of a long-awaited client. Ogudalova is worried: did they rush into the wedding and miss out on a more profitable match? Karandyshev appears, whom Larisa asks to leave for the village as soon as possible. But he does not want to rush to “glorify himself” (Ogudalova’s expression) with Larisa, to satisfy his pride, which has suffered for so long from neglect of him, Karandyshev. Larisa reproaches him for this, without at all hiding the fact that she does not love him, but only hopes to love him. Karandyshev scolds the city for its attention to the depraved, squandered reveler, whose arrival drove everyone crazy: restaurateurs and sex workers, cab drivers, gypsies and townspeople in general, and when asked who it is, he irritably throws out: “Your Sergei Sergeich Paratov” and, looking out window, says that he came to the Ogudalovs. Frightened Larisa goes to other rooms with her groom.
Ogudalova kindly and familiarly receives Paratov, asks why he suddenly disappeared from the city, learns that he went to save the remains of the estate, and is now forced to marry a bride with a half-million dollar dowry. Ogudalova calls Larisa, an explanation takes place between her and Paratov in private. Paratov reproaches Larisa that she soon forgot him; Larisa admits that she continues to love him and is getting married in order to get rid of the humiliation of “impossible suitors.” Paratov's pride is satisfied. Ogudalova introduces him to Karandyshev, a quarrel occurs between them, as Paratov seeks to hurt and humiliate Larisa’s fiancé. Ogudalova settles the scandal and forces Karandyshev to invite Paratov to dinner. Vozhevatov appears, accompanied by Robinson, posing as an Englishman, and introduces him to those present, including Paratov, who himself recently lost Robinson to him. Vozhevatov and Paratov conspire to have fun at Karandyshev’s dinner.
The third act is in Karandyshev’s office, decorated poorly and tastelessly, but with great pretensions. On stage is Aunt Karandysheva, comically complaining about losses from lunch. Larisa appears with her mother. They discuss the terrible dinner, Karandyshev's humiliating misunderstanding of his position. Ogudalova says that the guests deliberately get Karandyshev drunk and laugh at him. After the women leave, Knurov, Paratov and Vozhevatov appear, complaining about the crappy dinner and terrible wines and rejoicing that Robinson, who can drink anything, helped get Karandyshev drunk. Karandyshev appears, putting on airs and bragging, not noticing that they are laughing at him. He is sent for cognac. At this time, the gypsy Ilya reports that everything is ready for the trip beyond the Volga. The men say among themselves that it would be nice to take Larisa, Paratov undertakes to persuade her. Larisa appears and is asked to sing, but Karandyshev tries to forbid her, then Larisa sings “Don’t Tempt”. The guests are delighted, Karandyshev, about to say a long-prepared toast, leaves to get champagne, the rest leave Paratov alone with Larisa. He turns her head, saying that a few more moments like this and he will give up everything to become her slave. Larisa agrees to go on a picnic in the hope of returning Paratov. Karandyshev appears and makes a toast to Larisa, in whom the most valuable thing to him is that she “knows how to sort people out” and therefore chose him. Karandyshev is sent for more wine. Upon returning, he learns about Larisa’s departure for a picnic, finally understands that they laughed at him, and threatens to take revenge. He grabs the gun and runs away.
The fourth act is again in the coffee shop. Robinson, who was not taken to the picnic, learns from a conversation with a servant that Karandyshev was seen with a pistol. He appears and asks Robinson where his comrades are. Robinson gets rid of him, explaining that these were casual acquaintances. Karandyshev leaves. Knurov and Vozhevatov, returning from the picnic, appear, believing that “the drama is beginning.” Both understand that Paratov made serious promises to Larisa, which he does not intend to fulfill, and therefore she is compromised and her situation is hopeless. Now their dream of going with Larisa to Paris for an exhibition can come true. In order not to disturb each other, they decide to toss a coin. The lot falls to Knurov, and Vozhevatov gives his word to leave.
Appears Larisa with Paratov. Paratov thanks Larisa for the pleasure, but she wants to hear that she has now become his wife. Paratov replies that he cannot break up with his rich bride because of his passion for Larisa, and instructs Robinson to take her home. Larisa refuses. Vozhevatov and Knurov appear, Larisa rushes to Vozhevatov asking for sympathy and advice, but he resolutely evades, leaving her with Knurov, who offers Larisa a joint trip to Paris and maintenance for life. Larisa is silent, and Knurov leaves, asking her to think. In despair, Larisa approaches the cliff, dreaming of dying, but does not dare to commit suicide and exclaims: “As if someone would kill me now...” Karandyshev appears, Larisa tries to drive him away, talking about her contempt. He reproaches her, says that Knurov and Vozhevatov played her like a thing. Larisa is shocked and, picking up his words, says: “If you’re going to be a thing, it’s so expensive, very expensive.” She asks to send Knurov to her. Karandyshev tries to stop her, shouting that he forgives her and will take her away from the city, but Larisa rejects this offer and wants to leave. She does not believe his words about his love for her. Enraged and humiliated, Karandyshev shoots her. The dying Larisa gratefully accepts this shot, puts the revolver next to herself and tells those who come running to the shot that no one is to blame: “It’s me myself.” Gypsy singing can be heard behind the stage. Paratov shouts: “Tell him to shut up!”, but Larisa does not want this and dies to the accompaniment of a loud gypsy choir with the words: “... you are all good people... I love you all... I love you all.”
We know A. N. Ostrovsky for his immortal plays. “Dowry” is one of the most significant works of the great master. This article provides a summary of the play. The action takes place in the large Volga city of Bryakhimov. This is fictional locality, which you won't find on the map.
A. N. Ostrovsky, “Dowry”: summary. Act one
Venue: summer open area near the coffee shop. An elderly rich businessman Knurov and a young aspiring merchant Vozhevatov are sitting at a table and discussing the news: a local beauty is marrying a poor and stupid official Karandyshev. And it happened like this. A lot of people always gathered in her family’s house; famous suitors came and tried to woo the girl. Larisa is poor, and her marriage should improve the family. Her mother dreams of finding a profitable match for her daughter. But at the last such reception in the Ogudalovs’ house, a scandal broke out when the next groom was arrested right in front of the would-be bride. After this, Larisa made a promise to marry the first person who wooed her. And this despite the fact that the beauty’s heart is not free. She is in love with the “brilliant master” Paratov, who turned the girl’s head and immediately left. Poor, but with immodest claims, Karandyshev turned up at Larisa’s arm in time and made her an offer, to which she agreed. All this was discussed by Vozhevatov and Knurov in the coffee shop. The first of them was waiting for the arrival of Paratov, who sold him his steamship “Swallow”. We went to meet the “brilliant master” with gypsies and songs. And at this time the Ogudalovs and Karandyshev appear in the coffee shop. Larisa's new fiancé puts on airs and, wanting to impress the public, invites Knurov to dinner.
A. N. Ostrovsky, “Dowry”: summary. Act two
The main location: the Ogudalovs' house. Soon, Paratov appears at the coffee shop, accompanied by a certain Robinson, a provincial actor, and announces that he is marrying a rich bride “with gold mines.” In honor of this event, he organizes a men's picnic across the Volga and invites Knurov and Vozhevatov to it. But they refuse, citing the fact that they have already been invited to dinner at the Ogudalovs’ house. Soon Knurov arrives at the house of the beautiful Larisa. There he has a conversation with her mother, in which he reproaches the woman for marrying her daughter to a beggar. Knurov offers himself as Larisa's patron. He is sure that she will soon be disappointed in her worthless husband, and she will really need an “influential friend.”
After this conversation he leaves. Larisa appears in the living room. She takes the guitar, wanting to perform her signature romance “Don’t tempt me...”. But the instrument is out of tune, and the beauty calls a gypsy from the street to fix it. The latter informs the girl that a gentleman has arrived in the city, whom “they have been waiting for all year.” This is Paratov. Soon the culprit of the city commotion himself appears in the Ogudalovs’ house. Larisa’s mother receives him very kindly and asks where he went so urgently. Paratov tells the woman that he was forced to leave the city in order to save the remains of his estate. He found a solution in marrying a rich bride. Larisa appears in the room. Young people have an explanation in private. The beauty admits to Paratov that she still continues to love him. Soon she introduces him to her fiancé Karandyshev, who invites the master to his place for dinner. Paratov accepts the invitation only to laugh at the unlucky groom.
Ostrovsky. "Dowryless" (Summary). Act three
Location: Karandyshev's office. All invited guests appear in the room. The office is poorly decorated and tasteless. The same can be said about his owner. The visitors discuss the cheap wine, the crappy lunch, and the Karandyshevs' lack of understanding of their humiliating position. Larisa notices that the guests are pouring wine into her fiancé’s glass, laughing at him. He, in turn, puts on airs and does not notice the mockery. The owner is sent to buy cognac, and at this time Larisa is persuaded to join a male company led by Paratov, which is preparing to go on a picnic across the Volga. The returning groom does not find the bride. Now he understands that they laughed at him. Grabbing his gun, he runs off to look for her.
A. N. Ostrovsky, “Dowry”: summary. Act four
Scene: again a coffee shop. Robinson, who was not taken to the picnic, appears on the stage. Karandyshev is trying to find out from him where his guests and Larisa went. Having achieved nothing from Robinson, the would-be groom runs further in search of his bride. Soon Knurov and Vozhevatov come to the coffee shop and discuss the current situation of Larisa Ogudalova. They understand that Paratov has compromised the girl, but he will not marry her. Therefore, they have a chance to make the beauty their mistress. In order to decide which of them has the right to do so, the businessmen throw a coin. The lot falls to Mr. Knurov. Vozhevatov promises him to get rid of him.
Meanwhile, a conversation takes place between Paratov and Larisa, where the master thanks the girl for her love. The beauty is eager to hear that her beloved will now marry her. But he says that this is impossible, since he already has a bride. Realizing that her situation is hopeless, Larisa approaches the fence of the steamer deck with the intention of throwing herself into the water. At this time, Karandyshev appears and says that he will forgive the bride everything. But she insults him and drives him away. The enraged groom shoots at Larisa and kills her. She accepts this death with gratitude.
Ostrovsky's drama "Dowry" was filmed in 1984 by director E. Ryazanov. This is the most popular artistic interpretation of the play. The film is called "Cruel Romance". This film will soon be thirty years old, and we still watch it with awe and interest.
