An elderly widowed official who manages a government office. To the right is the door to the bedroom of Famusov’s daughter, Sophia. Today she has a date with her admirer, Famusov’s secretary, Molchalin, who lives here. The maid Lisa was ordered to guard her mistress's date from her father, but she fell asleep in the middle of the living room - and wakes up when it was already dawn. (See the full text of "Woe from Wit".)
Lisa knocks on the door to Sofya and Molchalin, shouting that it’s time to leave. But the lovers are in no hurry. To scare them, Lisa sets the clock forward and they play ahead of schedule.
Woe from the mind. Maly Theater performance, 1977
At the sound of the clock, the owner of the house, Sophia’s father, Famusov, enters. The playful old man begins to playfully pester Lisa. She breaks out of his hands. Famusov asks if Sophia is sleeping. Lisa says that she read all night, only recently slept, and can easily wake up.
Sophia's voice is heard calling Lisa. Fearing that his daughter will catch him harassing the maid, Famusov tiptoes out of the living room. Lisa is glad that she got rid of him, saying: “Pass us more than all sorrows, both the lord’s anger and the lord’s love.”
Sophia and Molchalin come out of the room on the right. Lisa points out to them that it has long since dawned, and Sophia’s father has already come to the living room. Sophia makes an excuse: “happy people don’t watch happy hours.” Molchalin goes from the living room to his place, but at the door he encounters Famusov, who has entered again.
Surprised Pavel Afanasyevich inquires why his daughter and secretary ended up together so early in the morning - and right next to Sophia’s room. Molchalin tries to assure him that he happened to pass here by chance, returning from a walk, but Famusov demands: “Isn’t it possible to choose a nook for a walk further away?” He makes stern remarks to Sophia, using his own monastic behavior after the death of her mother as an example. (Liza tries to object, but Famusov shuts her up with a shout.) According to Pavel Afanasyevich, the fault for the free behavior of young girls is the current fashionable upbringing: “all Kuznetsky Most, and the eternal French.” Famusov also reproaches the rootless Molchalin, who was warmed up by him and transferred from Tver to Moscow, and now has thanked his benefactor so poorly.
Famusov, Sofya, Molchalin, Lisa. Illustration by D. Kardovsky for Griboedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit”
Sophia is deliberately indignant at her father’s hints. She explains her appearance in the living room as a terrible dream that made her jump out of bed early. Molchalin holds the papers under his arm - he allegedly took them to Famusov to sort them out. Famusov and Molchalin leave.
Lisa and Sophia, left alone, talk about matters of the heart. Lisa believes that Famusov will never marry his daughter to poor Molchalin. He has Colonel Skalozub in mind for the role of son-in-law: “and a golden bag, and aims to be a general.” Sophia considers Skalozub to be a narrow-minded fruity person who has never uttered a smart word. Lisa then reminds her about the young, merry fellow and witty Alexander Andreevich Chatsky. From an early age he grew up with Sophia, in his youth he was clearly in love with her, but three years ago, succumbing to the desire to wander, he went on a long trip. Sophia, however, thinks that Chatsky is too mocking and impudent. She prefers the shy Molchalin, who at love meetings only presses her hand to his heart and sighs without saying a word. Hearing about such languid tenderness, Lisa laughs.
Meanwhile, the servant who came in reported that Chatsky, who had come from afar, had come for a visit. Alexander Andreevich himself immediately runs in. Looking at Sophia with adoration, talking incessantly, he asks her about life, Moscow events, about relatives and mutual friends. Chatsky’s speech is indeed very smart and sharp, but he mentions most of the people known to him and Sophia with fervent sarcasm, ridiculing the habits and way of life of Moscow society, its excessive craving for foreignness, slavish veneration, and the ingratiation of the inferior to the superior. He also speaks with contemptuous irony about Molchalin, noting: he will go far, because now they love dumb. Sophia doesn't like this very much. She says aside that Chatsky is “not a man, a snake!”, and he is surprised at her cold reception.
Sophia leaves, Famusov enters. He hugs Chatsky, who is well known to him. Chatsky, having briefly driven right off the road, hurries to his place, promising to return soon and tell in detail about his journey. Famusov, reasoning with himself, expresses dissatisfaction with this new possible groom of Sophia: Molchalin is a beggar, and Chatsky is a dandy, a spendthrift and a tomboy. “What a commission, Creator, to be the father of an adult daughter!” – Pavel Afanasyevich complains.
After reading brief retelling of the work, you can learn about all the events that the author describes in the play “Woe from Wit.” The chapter-by-chapter summary below conveys the main essence of the work and answers the question: “How many actions are there in Griboyedov’s work?”
In contact with
The characters in the play by Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov:
- Famusov Pavel Afanasyevich is a widower raising his only daughter.
- Sophia is the seventeen-year-old daughter and heiress of Famusov.
- Molchalin Alexey Stepanovich is a cowardly young man who helps Famusov conduct the deal and lives in his house.
- Chatsky Alexander Andreevich is Sophia’s childhood friend. In love with her. Recently returned from abroad.
- Lizanka is a servant in the Famusovs' house.
- Skalozub Sergei Sergeevich is a stupid, but wealthy man. They want to marry Sophia to him.
- Repetilov is one of the minor characters of the work. He is a parody reflection of Chatsky.
Plot of the play
All 4 actions of the work take place in Famusov's house. A summary of the chapters, which in a dramatic work are called actions, will help to trace the course of events.
Important! In the 1st act of the play “Woe from Wit” the reader learns that Sophia loves Molchalin and is indifferent to Chatsky.
Lovers have to say goodbye. But Famusov finds Molchalin near the door and asks what the young man is doing here so early. Pavel Afanasyevich also scolds his daughter for allowing herself early meetings with a young man.
When father leaves the maid claims that Famusov will never give consent to the daughter's marriage to an unknown person. The father thinks that the girl needs marry the rich and noble Colonel Skalozub. Sophia recalls her first love for Alexander Chatsky, a cheerful and intelligent young man. But, according to the girl, these cannot be called true love. At this moment, the butler appears to report that Alexander Andreevich has arrived at the house.
The guest is sincerely happy to meet a girl to whom he is not indifferent. The cold reception of his beloved somewhat moderates his ardor. Unexpected guest begins to indulge in memories of past relationships with the girl. But Famusov’s daughter calls the past feelings between them childish. Then the man asks if the girl's heart is occupied thoughts about someone else. The young lady claims that her embarrassment is caused by Alexander Andreevich’s frank questions.
Father appears. Sophia runs away. Begins conversation between Pavel Afanasyevich and Alexander Andreevich. The young man makes it clear that he still likes his girlfriend from his youth.
Conflict between the characters of the play - Act 2
Important! In the play Woe from Wit 2, the action tells the reader about Famusov’s attitude towards Chatsky’s feelings for Sophia, and Molchalin appears in a completely different light.
Famusov is making plans for the near future. Chatsky appears. He openly asks the owner of the house what answer he will receive if he wooes his daughter. Pavel Afanasyevich replies that it would not hurt the unexpected guest to receive a higher rank. The young man begins to blame those who make up an opinion about a person only by his rank. Famusov, listening to the guest’s fiery speech, concludes that he adheres to revolutionary ideas. Knotted conflict between Pavel Afanasyevich and Alexander Andreevich.
At this time he came Colonel Skalozub, which Pavel Afanasyevich is very happy about. Famusov and the colonel begin to discuss Skalozub’s brother, who quit his service and went to the village. Here wedges ourselves into the conversation Alexander Andreevich and stands up for those who are not trying to curry favor with the authorities. Such a heated discussion is interrupted by the departure of the owner of the house.
Suddenly Sophia appears with the message that Molchalin fell from his horse. The excited girl faints. Alexander Andreevich understands who she likes. Skalozub goes out to help the victim. Chatsky and Lizanka They are busy around the young lady. Skalozub and Molchalin return. The colonel calms everyone down, explaining that the victim only had a bruise on his arm. Chatsky, offended by his beloved, leaves. Sergei Sergeevich retires to Famusov’s office.
Alexey Stepanovich reproaches the girl for so openly demonstrating her feelings for him. Molchalin is afraid that rumors about their relationship will reach the girl’s father. The maid advises the young lady to start flirting with Chatsky in order to mislead her father. Sophia leaves in thought. Molchalin begins to flirt with Lisa.
Climax - Act 3
Important! In Woe from Wit 3, the act contains the climax of the work. When Chatsky confesses his love to Sophia, the girl does not say who she really likes.
In the evening to Famusov's house Numerous guests come to the ball. They are all influential people. Molchalin begins to curry favor with them. Famusov's daughter casually notices that Alexander Andreevich has gone crazy. This phrase, said figuratively, is perceived as real news. The sensation immediately spreads throughout the hall.
Among Famusov's guests, Repetilov attracts the reader's interest. His long monologues and emotional exclamations are somewhat reminiscent of Chatsky's speech. Even the appearance and departure of the hero are as unexpected as the arrival and departure of Chatsky. Repetilov is a parody of Alexander Andreevich.
Alexander Andreevich I’m discouraged by the fact that in Russia only everything foreign is in fashion. But none of the guests listens to the man, perceiving his ideas as madman's ravings. This climax is the last step in the conflict between Famusov society and Chatsky. The open ending of the work allows the reader to only guess about the outcome.
Denouement - Act 4
Suddenly Sophia appears. Chatsky is hiding behind the nearest column. Sophia sends Lisa to check if Alexander Andreevich is really downstairs. Having looked around, Lisa knocks on Molchalin’s door to invite him to the young lady. A conversation takes place between the maid and Alexei Stepanovich. Molchalin explains that he does not love Famusov’s daughter. Sophia hears everything and is disappointed in her lover. Alexander Andreevich approaches her to reproach her for her lack of love.
At this moment Famusov appears with servants and candles. The father is surprised that he found his daughter with Chatsky, because the girl herself started the rumor that he had gone crazy. Chatsky understands that his beloved is the culprit of false gossip. He is going to leave Moscow forever.
The fourth act allows the characters to see the true state of things:
- Chatsky’s dreams and hopes collapsed, and contempt for Famus society appeared.
- Sophia revealed Molchalin's real character and fell out of love with him.
- Famusov learned about his daughter’s secret meetings.
- Moskovskoe speaks of Chatsky as a madman.
Woe from Wit Act III Scene 1 - 5
Analysis of the 4th act of the comedy "Woe from Wit".
Year of writing: 1824
Genre: tragicomedy
Main characters: Chatsky, Famusov, his daughter Sophia, Famusov’s secretary Molchalin
Plot:"Woe from Wit" is a comedy that glorified Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov. This comedy shows the morals of Moscow nobles. The whole conflict occurs between Chatsky, who is considered the main hero of the new generation, and Famusov’s society, where they value not people, but money and rank. There is also a love line, which also has conflict.
It involves three heroes: Chatsky, Sophia and Molchalin. All these lines flow from one to another. To identify the features of the composition of the work and its dramatic action, it is necessary to carry out an analysis. So, the exposition includes all the actions in the first act until Chatsky arrived.
Here the reader is told about the place where the action takes place, and the love story of Sophia and Molchalin is shown, but they are also told about when there were tender feelings between Chatsky and Sophia. But he left to travel. The moment when Chatsky appears is the beginning. Then follows the development of love and social lines, and in parallel.
A conflict develops between Chatsky and Famusov’s society, which reaches its peak at the ball, this is the culmination of the work. Then, already in the fourth act, Chatsky conducts his monologue, which is the denouement of both the social and love lines. At the end, he gives up his position in front of society, because, unfortunately, he is in the minority. But there is no point in saying that he lost. Perhaps it’s just not his time yet, but nevertheless, a split occurred among the nobles
The main idea. The main idea of the work lies in the contradiction that existed during the era of the crisis of ideas of the Enlightenment. For the philosophy of enlightenment, “mind” and “happiness” are synonymous. During this era, thinkers were insightful and understood that the power of the mind would face serious challenges.
The main characters of the comedy Woe from Wit by Griboyedov
In the play, like in any other work, there are main and additional characters. So the main ones include:
Famusov Pavel Afanasyevich, he is a manager in a government house, who is also Sophia's father. The rank that a person occupies comes first. He listens and cares about the opinion of society. But still, he is wary of people who are educated.
Sophia- daughter of Famusov. She is 17 years old, raised by her father because her mother died. She is smart and beautiful, and also able to withstand public opinion.
Alesey Molchalin works as a secretary for Famusov. He lives in his house. He is cowardly, does not belong to any noble sex, but Sophia loves him.
Alexander Chatsky grew up with Sophia and was in love with her. But then he left to travel and was absent for 3 years. He is smart, eloquent and more about service than people.
Other characters in the play
Lizanka is a servant of the Famusovs, it is she who helps keep the secret about the meeting with Molchalin.
Colonel Skalozub- stupid, but very rich. Wants to become a general. Many believe that he will become Sophia's husband.
Picture or drawing of Griboyedov - Woe from Wit
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The third act of Alexander Griboedov's play "Woe from Wit" begins in the house of the nobleman Famusov with a conversation between a young pretty lady Sofia Pavlovna Famusova and the educated and eloquent nobleman Alexander Andreevich Chatsky.
At first, Chatsky is tormented by doubts about who is still dear to the heart of his beloved, and then, when Sophia enters, a stormy explanation takes place between them. Chatsky tries to find out from Sophia the name of her new lover, simultaneously confessing his ardent love to her. At this point in the play, Sophia hints to Chatsky about the uselessness and even harmfulness for the life of his mind, his defiant speeches, and sets Molchalin as an example for him, as an example of humility, tolerance, compliance, modesty. Sophia admits Molchalin’s lack of a brilliant mind, however, she says that intelligence is not necessary for family life, since it is only a source of worry and unnecessary worries.
Chatsky sees all of Molchalin’s listed advantages in a completely different light; for him, Molchalin is simply an insensitive, obsequious and wordless fool, incapable of either his own judgments or deep emotions. It is in this conversation that Chatsky tells Sophia that he is going crazy with love for her, and for the first time she voices the idea that she has driven him crazy. Then there is a discussion of the candidate groom Sergei Sergeevich Skalozub, about whom Chatsky, just like Molchalin, cannot speak without mockery and irony. Sophia says about him that he is “not the hero of my novel.” Then the young lady leaves, and Molchalin enters.
An interesting conversation takes place between the young people, which is almost entirely divided into well-known quotes.
Molchalin announces to Chatsky his two main talents: “moderation and accuracy,” which makes him laugh and a hail of witticisms.
Then Molchalin asks Chatsky why he does not have any significant ranks, to which Chatsky answers him that “ranks are given by people, but people can be deceived.” Then Molchalin kicks Chatsky that he does not go to a certain Tatyana Yuryevna to gain patronage and favor in the service, to which Chatsky answers him that, of course, he goes to women, but not for that. Then the men discuss the works of a certain Foma Fomich, whom Molchalin considers a genius of the pen, and Chatsky considers an empty and worthless person.
From the conversation, the reader understands that for Chatsky there are no authorities; he judges people solely by their merits, and not by rank and wealth, while for Molchalin a high rank is already a sign of the greatest talents and virtues, and the personal qualities of its owner are not play no role.
In addition, Molchalin declares that “one must depend on others” and “one should not dare to have one’s own judgment,” which infuriates Chatsky.
Afterwards, guests come to Famusov’s house for a ball. The first to arrive are Natalya Dmitrievna and Platon Mikhailovich Gorichev, with whom Chatsky conducts a nostalgic conversation. Then Prince and Princess Tugoukhovsky arrive with six daughters, who at first consider Chatsky as a promising groom for their daughters, however, upon learning that he is not noble and not rich, they immediately forget about him.
Next are the countesses, grandmother and granddaughter of Khryumina. The granddaughter also has a conversation with Chatsky, in which she extols everything foreign, both fashion and milliners, and Chatsky answers her that everything domestic is much more original. Then Zagoretsky arrives, a “swindler” and “rogue”, as Platon Mikhailovich characterizes him.
The last to arrive is old woman Khlestova, a grouch and a gossip, who, after talking with all the guests, remains dissatisfied, and only Molchalin arouses her favor, as he praises her dog.
Chatsky, having met Sophia, again cannot resist making barbs at Molchalin, calling him a lightning rod for the old woman’s bile and bad mood.
Social sentiments of the Russian nobility at the end of the 19th century
This is already the last straw that has overflowed Sophia’s patience and she immediately, in a conversation with the next guest, hints that Chatsky has gone crazy. The news spreads around the society gathered at the ball at the speed of light, acquiring facts and details. Zagoretsky readily reports how Chatsky was “taken to the yellow house and put on a chain,” although he was temporarily released. And each of the guests has confirmation of the fact of the hero’s madness; they look for those moments in past conversations with Chatsky when he gave them some advice, or openly and shamelessly expressed his own point of view about something. This, according to the guests, can only indicate the hero’s mental illness, and not at all about his intelligence and courage of judgment. This general opinion is voiced by Famusov, saying that “learning is the plague, learning is the reason” that there are many crazy people who dare to form their own opinions and their own deeds that run counter to the interests of society.
Everyone gets it: professors, chemists, botanists, and fabulists; a proposal is made to burn all books to preserve the mental health of the nation. Khlestova says that Chatsky was once a worthy person, since he had “three hundred souls”; a person, of course, cannot have great merits.
Then Chatsky enters and the lively conversation subsides. Famusov is interested in his well-being, and Chatsky says that “his head is tired of trifles, shuffling and exclamations.”
The action ends with Chatsky’s monologue about how foreign influence is alien to him, how upset and annoyed he is by the thoughtless admiration of the Russian nobility for everything foreign, how oppressive he is that the nobles do not want to recognize the intelligence, merits and originality of their own people, but are mired only in blind imitation Europe.
With annoyance, she asks if Chatsky is going to propose to her. He asks: “how would you feel about my matchmaking?” “I would say, firstly: don’t be a whim, brother, don’t mismanage your property, and, most importantly, do some service,” answers Famusov. “I’d be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served,” says Chatsky.
Famusov reproaches young people for their pride and in a lengthy monologue remembers his deceased uncle Maxim Petrovich. This big man, covered in orders, ate on gold, had a hundred people at his service and was constantly at the court of Catherine II. But when he had to help himself, “he bent over backwards.” Famusov tells how Maxim Petrovich stumbled at one courtyard reception, fell awkwardly, but, getting up and seeing the highest smile, “suddenly fell in a row - on purpose, and the laughter was worse, he did the same at the third.” For this buffoonery, my uncle fell into favor. Famusov is proud of his “smartness.”
Woe from the mind. Maly Theater performance, 1977
