So in tsarist Russia of the 17th century they called the young man noble origin who has not reached the age of majority, and therefore cannot be accepted for service.

In contact with

But the word also had a second meaning. A minor was called someone who had reached the age of sixteen, but did not show a desire to learn, a narrow-minded, lazy sissy. The main problem of comedy is to condemn the traditions of raising noble children, especially provincial.

Fonvizin spoke about such a young man in his comedy. Mitrofan was stupid, did not seek to learn.

Who wrote this immortal and relevant work to this day? Comedy written by Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin at the end of 1781. It has five actions.

Brief description of the plot

The action of the play takes place on the estate of the landowners Prostakov, who are distinguished by dense ignorance and wild morals. In the house, of course, from the point of view of the material, there is everything. But there is no love, kindness and truth here. The house is like an empty box.

Attention! Heroes represent different layers Russian society XVIII century: employee, nobleman, serf, teacher.

Main characters are Mitrofanushka with her mother. This imperious and rude woman manages the household, commands the servants, her husband, and manages the upbringing and education of her son. Although his mother does not particularly burden herself with the latter, she only tries to fulfill the moral and moral conventions that were fashionable at that time.

Work plan

Events take place in the estate of the Prostakovs. The first action highlights the following events:

1. Trishka submits her work: a caftan for Mitrofanushka.
2. The dream of the mistress's beloved son.
3. Skotinin's plans to marry Sophia.
4. Message from Starodum.
5. Mother dreams of making a rich heiress Mitrofan's bride.
6. Arrival in the village of soldiers to wait.

In the next action events are like this:

1. Pravdin's conversation with Milon.
2. Milon's meeting with his beloved Sophia.
3. Sophia became aware of Skotinin's plans for her.
4. Skotinin and Mitrofanushka quarrel, because both want to marry Sophia.
5. How Mitrofanushka "does"
6. A quarrel between Prostakova and Eremeevna.

Events of the third act:

1. Fight.
2. Sophia's fate is being decided.
3. Prostakova boasts to Starodum about her son.
4. Kuteikin and Tsifirkin.
5. Teacher Vralman.
6. How literate is Mitrofanushka.

In the fourth act:

1. Sophia is reading a book about the upbringing of secular ladies.
2. The groom is back on stage. This time Skotinin.
3. Prostakova takes care of Starodum's rest.
4. Mitrofan's exam.
5. Starodum's refusal to give Sophia to Mitrofan.

In the last action,:

1. Sophia talks with her uncle about moral principles.
2. Uncle agrees to the marriage of Sophia and Milon.
3. Starodum becomes aware that Mrs. Prostakova intended to forcibly marry her son and Sophia, secretly from everyone.
4. Pravdin announces the document on guardianship of the Prostakovs' estate.
5. Starodum recognizes his coachman in Vralman.
6. Starodum, his niece and Milon drive off.
7. Disappointment Prostakova.

For a more detailed acquaintance, you need to study short story by actions.

Action 1

The comedy begins with a scene in which the hostess reprimands Trishka for a badly tailored caftan for her son. Trishka replies that he informed her about the inability to do this work. The lady is going to punish the tailor. Skotinin intervenes in the scandal, protecting Trishka, but the tailor is driven away.

The girl has no one but her uncle. But he went to Siberia, does not let me know about himself. In the conversation, the selfish essence of Skotinin is exposed. He needs pigs in the villages belonging to Sonya, and prosperity.

Sophia comes with a message from her uncle. The Prostakovs are trying to convince the girl that Starodum could not have written the letter. When Sophia tries to convince them otherwise by reading the letter herself, it turns out that the participants in the conversation are unable to read. The letter is instructed to be read by the incoming guest, Pravdin. From this message it becomes known that Sophia is rich.

At this moment, the servant reports about the soldiers stationed in the village with the commander Milon.

Action 2

It turns out that Milon and Pravdin are friends. They tell each other about the purpose of their visit.

Pravdin came here on behalf of the sovereign to bring down the arrogance of the undergrowth mother. Milon travels to the capital to meet his beloved, whom he has not seen for several years, since her relatives took her into custody after her parents died.

At this time, Sonya passes by them. It is she who is milo's beloved. The girl complains that the Prostakovs want to marry her to the stupid Mitrofan.

Mitrofan and Eremeevna are passing by. The nanny convinces the pupil to study.

Action 3

Starodum arrives, Pravdin tells him about the Prostakovs' plans for Sophia.

Here comes the niece, she is glad meeting with uncle. During this period, a fight broke out between Prostakova and Skotinin.

Prostakova sees Starodum and instructs Eremeevna to call her son and her husband. The whole family greets Uncle Sophia with mock joy, flatteringly hugging him. Mitrofanushka repeats the words of her mother.

Starodum reports that he is taking his niece to marry. Prostakova, together with Skotinin, are trying to convince her uncle that it is better to leave her niece here. The lady claims that studies are not respected in their family, but Mitrofanushka is diligently studying. Pravdin says that the guest needs to rest. Everyone goes about their business.

Mitrofan's teachers remain. They talk about Mitrofan does not want to study nothing.

Mitrofan enters with his mother, who begs her son to work out a little. But when Tsifirkin sets tasks for Mitrofan, the mother solves them for her son, but in her own way. And as soon as Kuteikin starts teaching the young man to read and write, Vralman arrives and begins to convince Mitrofan of the uselessness of such training. His mother supports him.

Action 4

Starodum talks with his niece. Her uncle explains to her that nobility should not be accrued by deeds, but by who and how much has done for the fatherland. He talks about the family: a husband and wife are obliged to understand and support each other.

In this action, events occur that lead Starodum to a decision give Sophia for Milo.

Action 5

The logical end of the play: the Prostakovs will have to answer for their deeds and atrocities.

A brief retelling of the "Undergrowth" allows you to understand the main essence of the work, even for those who have not read it.

"Winged" statements by Prostakova

Mitrofan's mother herself is illiterate, not really striving for a culture of speech. She negatively affects for raising a son. And quotes from the work speak of her character. Here, for example, is how she lies to Starodum about herself: “I’m old, father, I didn’t quarrel with anyone. I have such a temper."

During a lesson with an arithmetic teacher, she teaches her son like this: “I found the money, don’t share it with anyone. Take everything for yourself, Mitrofanushka.

... "if learning is so dangerous for your little head, then stop for me ..."

As a result, her beloved son grew up selfish, betrays his mother, setting an example of heartlessness.

Important! The problem of education has always been and will be. Therefore, it will be interesting and useful for the current reader to study comedy. It will show what consequences an unworthy upbringing can lead to, it will make parents and their children think.

Letter to Mitrofan

What would modern schoolchildren write to Mitrofan? Let's try to give one of the examples.

Hello Mitrofan! A schoolgirl from 2017 is writing to you. I read the comedy "Undergrowth" and concluded that you do not at all strive to know anything, you do not like to learn. You are not interested in any science. This attitude towards learning is unacceptable! In the third millennium, one cannot live without education. If you don’t know anything and don’t learn anything, then it will be impossible to find a job. And this will not give an opportunity to earn money so that you can live.

We don't respect stupid people like that. And in society it will be impossible to adapt. I would tell you: “Learn, learn the world. It's so interesting!"

Fonvizin's comedy is a landmark work that showed acute problems of society, contemporary author. The play contrasts education, upbringing, moral principles with stupid ignorance, wayward and spiteful actions of landowners. The subtle satire of Fonvizin, his ability to show the problems of society, allows even now to read comedy with pleasure.

Denis Fonvizin, Undergrowth

Conclusion

The village of landowners Prostakovs. Mrs. Prostakova in anger: serf tailor Trishka, she believes, he sewed a too narrow caftan for her beloved son, sixteen undersized Mitrofanushka. Trishka justifies herself by saying that she did not learn tailoring, but the lady does not want to listen to anything. Her husband, Prostakov, a narrow-minded and obedient man to his wife, expresses the opinion that the caftan is baggy. And it seems to Taras Skotinin, Prostakova's brother, that the caftan is "quite well sewn."

The caftan itself is a new thing for Mitrofanushka to collude with Skotinin and Sophia, a distant relative of the Prostakovs. Sophia's father died when she was still a baby. The girl grew up with her mother in Moscow. But six months have already passed since she remained an orphan. The Prostakovs took her in to "supervise her estate as if it were their own." Sophia's uncle, Starodum, left for Siberia. For a long time there was no news about him, and the Prostakovs believe that he died long ago.

Skotinin wants to marry Sofya - not because he likes the girl, not because he wants to take possession of her villages, but because there are a lot of ... pigs in these villages, and he is a big hunter before them. But Sophia still does not know who is predicted for her husband.

Sophia a letter arrives from Starodum. Mrs. Prostakova, having heard about this, is extremely annoyed: her hopes did not come true, her uncle turned out to be alive. Prostakova accuses Sofya of lying: the letter, they say, is amorous. But she cannot verify the statement, because she is illiterate. Her husband and brother are also not much of a reader. They are rescued by the guest Pravdin. He reads a letter in which Starodum informs his niece that he makes her the heiress of his fortune, acquired by him in Siberia, which gives an income of ten thousand a year. Mrs. Prostakova is amazed by this news. She has a new idea: to marry Sophia for her son, an ignoramus Mitrofan.

Soldiers pass through the village of Prostakov. They are led by officer Milon. He meets here his old friend, Pravdin. He says that he is a member of the governor's board. Pravdin travels around the district and especially pays attention to the "evil-tempered ignoramuses" who mistreat their people. It was precisely such ignoramuses that he found in the person of the Prostakovs.

Milon, on the other hand, says that he is in love and has been separated from his beloved for more than six months. Recently, he learned that his beloved was left an orphan and some distant relatives took her to their villages ... At the moment when Milon talks about this, he suddenly sees his beloved - this Sofia.

The lovers are happy to meet. But Sophia says that Mrs. Prostakova wants to marry her to Mitrofanushka. Milon is tormented by jealousy. True, she weakens when he learns more about his "rival".

Skotinin, passing by, unceremoniously declares his views on Sophia. Pravdin tells him about Mrs. Prostakova's plans. Skotinin is furious. Mitrofan catches his eye, being led to study by his nanny Eremeevna. The uncle wants to explain himself to his nephew and was already attacking him with his fists. But Yeremeyevna shields Mitrofanushka with her body and drives Skotinin away.

Mitrofanushka's teachers come: Sidorych - Kuteikin and Pafnutich - Tsyfirkin. Kuteikin, a deacon from Pokrov, who did not finish his studies at the seminary, teaches Mitrofan to read and write in the Book of Hours and the Psalter. And Tsyfirkin, a retired sergeant, is a teacher of arithmetic.

Mitrofan refuses to study. He complains to his mother that after his uncle's "task" learning does not come to his mind. Eremeevna tells about the collision with Skotinin. Prostakova comforts her son, promises to marry him soon. She orders the teachers to be fed dinner and sent again. The lady is dissatisfied with Yeremeevna: she "did not bite into Skotinin's mug" and "did not tear his snout up to his ears." Prostakova is going to "transfer" with her brother in her own way. Zealous Yeremeevna cries out of resentment. The teachers console her.

is coming Starodum. Before showing himself to the owners, he talks with an old acquaintance, Pravdin. Starodum recalls his father, who served Peter the Great, praises those times. Starodum came to free his niece from "ignoramuses without a soul." He was forced to leave public service. When Starodum was still serving in the military, he became friends with the young count. Upon the declaration of war, Starodum hurried to the army, and the count evaded this. And soon after that, the count was promoted to the rank, and Starodum, wounded in the war, was bypassed. After retiring, Starodum came to St. Petersburg to the court. But later he decided that "it is better to lead a life at home than in someone else's front."

Starodum meets Sofya and promises to take his niece away from the Prostakovs. The conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Prostakova and Skotinin. Sister and brother fight, and Milon separates them. This scene amuses the old-timer. Mrs. Prostakova is annoyed by the stranger's fun, but, having learned that this is Starodum, she changes her tone to the most servile and obsequious. She wants to flatter herself with a wealthy relative and help Mitrofanushka marry Sofya.

But Starodum promises to take Sophia to Moscow the very next morning in order to marry her there to some "young man of great merit." This news plunges everyone into despondency, and Sophia "seems amazed." Then Starodum tells her that the choice of a worthy groom is entirely in her will. It brings hope back to everyone. Mrs. Prostakova boasts before Starodum about the formation of Mitrofanushka. She is especially pleased with the German Adam Adamych Vralman, whom she hired for five years. She pays him three hundred rubles a year (other teachers - ten). Vralman teaches Mitrofan "in French and all sciences." But the main thing is that he "does not captivate a child."

Meanwhile, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin are sad that the teaching is not going very well. Mitrofan has been studying arithmetic for the third year, but "he cannot count three." He has been studying the diploma for the fourth year, and still "doesn't understand a new line." And the whole trouble is that Vralman indulges a lazy student and interferes with his studies.

Mrs. Prostakova persuades her son to learn. He demands that there be an agreement as soon as possible: "I do not want to study, I want to get married." Tsyfirkin sets two tasks for Mitrofan. But the mother intervenes and does not allow them to be solved. In general, arithmetic seems to her an empty science: "There is no money - what to count? There is money - we will count well even without Pafnutich." Tsyfirkin has to finish the lesson. His place is taken by Kuteikin. Mitrofan senselessly repeats after him lines from the Book of Hours. Here comes Vralman. He explains to Mrs. Prostakova that it is very dangerous to stuff your head too much. Vralman believes that one can do without Russian literacy and arithmetic. Mitrofanushka, he says, only needs to know how to live in the world. Vralman lets Mitrofan frolic.

Tsyfirkin And Kuteikin want to beat Vralman. The retired sergeant brandishes the board, and the sexton - the Book of Hours, but the German manages to escape.

Sophia is reading Fenelon's book on the upbringing of girls. Starodum talks with her about virtue. He receives a letter from Count Chestan. This is Uncle Milon, who wants to marry his nephew to Sophia. Talking to Sophia about her marriage, Starodum again notices that she is embarrassed ... Then Pravdin and Milon appear. Pravdin introduces Milon to Starodum. It turns out that Milon in Moscow often visited the house of Sophia's mother, and she loved him like a son. Starodum, talking with Milon, is convinced that he is dealing with worthy person. Milon asks for Sophia's hand, mentioning his "mutual inclination" with the girl. Starodum is happy to learn that Sophia has chosen exactly the one whom he himself reads to her as her husband. He agrees to this marriage.

But other contenders for Sophia's hand know nothing and do not leave their hopes. Skotinin begins to talk about the antiquity of his kind. Starodum jokingly pretends to agree with him on everything. Mrs. Prostakova invites Starodum to see how Mitrofanushka is learned. Uncle Sofya pretends to be delighted with Mitrofanushka's learning. However, he refuses both Skotinin and Mitrofanushka, saying that Sophia has already been agreed. He announces that he will leave with Sophia at seven in the morning. But Mrs. Prostakova decides that before that time she will have time to "put on her own." She places sentries around the house.

Pravdin receives a package; he is ordered to take custody of the house and villages of the Prostakovs at the first occasion when Prostakov's temper threatens the safety of the people subject to her. Pravdin tells Starodum about this. Their conversation is interrupted by noise...

Prostakova's people are dragging the resisting Sophia to the carriage - to marry Mitrofanushka. Milon, who caught this scene, frees the bride. Pravdin threatens that Prostakova will be brought to trial as a "violator of civil peace." Mrs. Prostakova violently repents of her act. Starodum and Sophia forgive her. Prostakova is glad for forgiveness: now she will take revenge on her servants for the failure that has occurred! But she fails to do this: Pravdin announces that, by government decree, he takes custody of the house and villages of the Prostakovs.

Skotinin goes back to his place, to his favorite stables. Mrs. Prostakova asks Pravdin to give her power for at least three days. But he does not agree. He calls teachers to pay them off. Eremeevna brings Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin and Vralman. Pravdin lets them go. Kuteikin demands to be paid for his studies, for worn boots... But Tsyfirkin refuses to pay because Mitrofanushka hasn't learned anything. For such generosity Starodum, Milon and Pravdin give him money. And Pravdin offers Kuteikin to settle accounts with the mistress herself. He exclaims in horror: "I retreat from everything." In Vralman, Starodum recognizes his former coachman. It turns out that Vralman could not find a job as a coachman anywhere and he had to become a teacher. Starodum agrees to take him back as a coachman.

Starodum, Sofya and Milon are going to leave. Prostakova hugs Mitrofanushka: "You are the only one left with me ..." But her son is rude to her. The mother faints. Pravdin decides to send Mitrofan to serve. Waking up, Mrs. Prostakova laments: "I died completely ..." And Starodum, pointing to her, says: "Here are worthy fruits of malevolence!"

Retelling plan

1. Prostakova is dissatisfied with the caftan sewn for her son by the tailor Trishka.
2. Skotinin, Prostakova's brother, dreams of marrying Sofya out of selfish motives.
3. Sophia receives a letter from her uncle Starodum. Pravdin reads it aloud in front of everyone.
4. Pravdin, in a conversation with Milon, speaks about the purpose of his visit.
5. Sophia and Milon meet. They have been in love with each other for a long time.
6. Skotinin proposes to Sofya and finds out that Prostakova will read Sofya Mitrofan as his wife.
7. Skotinin rushes at Mitrofan, Eremeevna shields him.
8. Conversation between Pravdin and Starodum about their outlook on life.
9. All the heroes of the comedy express their attitude towards Starodum.
10. Exam Mitrofan.
11. A conversation between Sophia and Starodum about the moral foundations of life.
12. Starodum agrees to Sophia's marriage to Milon.
13. Skotinin and Prostakova woo Sophia.
14. Starodum learns that Prostakova wanted to secretly marry Mitrofan and Sophia.
15. Pravdin reports on the guardianship of the estate of Prostakova.
16. Departure of Starodum, Milon and Sophia.
17. Disappointment Prostakova.

retelling
Action 1

Prostakova and Yeremeevna are examining Mitrofan's newly sewn caftan. Prostakova says that he is badly sewn, and tells Eremeevna to call the tailor Trishka. Trishka begins to make excuses that he is self-taught, so it is better to give the caftan to a real tailor who will sew better. But Prostakova only swears. Prostakov appears. He obeys his wife in everything, therefore he cannot say anything intelligible about the caftan. Prostakova orders Trishka to be punished for bad work. But then Prostakova's brother, Skotinin, comes and asks on the day of his matchmaking not to punish anyone, but to postpone until tomorrow then he will help her.

Mitrofan complains that he didn’t eat much last night, so he had dreams about how mother beats the father, says that he was very sorry for mother, as she was tired of beating.

Skotinin is interested in where his bride is, is it not time for her to say that she is being married off. Prostakov says that Sofya was left an orphan, and her uncle Starodum went to Siberia and died there, and now she lives with the Prostakovs, and they look after her estate. Prostakova asks if Sophia really liked Skotinin so much. He replies that he does not like the bride, but what is in her village, i.e. pigs, whom he loves very much.

Sophia enters, reading a letter as she walks. Prostakova finds out that the letter is from Uncle Sophia Starodum, and almost faints. She begins to assure Sophia that her uncle has long died, even a prayer service was served for him, she suggests that the letter is a love letter written by an officer who wooed Sophia. Prostakova snatches a letter from Sophia and tells her husband or brother to read it, but none of them is literate, like herself. Sofya wants to read the letter to them, but Prostakova decides to wait for the teacher Mitrofanushka. She tells what kind of teachers she ordered for her son, what sciences they teach him and how much they pay for it.

Pravdin, the guest of the Prostakovs, arrives. The hostess introduces him to Skotinin, who asks him if there are pigs on his estate. Prostakova asks Pravdin to read the letter. Here everyone will find out that Starodum has returned from Siberia, that he has earned ten thousand by honest labor and wants to make Sophia his heiress. The news shocks everyone. Prostakova hugs Sophia and says that now she needs to find a worthy groom and that she would like such a bride for her son. Prostakova takes Sophia to her room.

A servant comes running and says that soldiers have come to the village to stay. Prostakov is frightened by this news, because he is afraid that the soldiers will completely ruin him. Pravdin offers to go to their officer. Skotinin understands that for the time being he cannot woo Sophia, and goes to the barnyard to watch the pigs.

Action 2

Pravdin meets with the commander of the arrived soldiers, Milon. From their conversation it becomes clear that Pravdin is a member of the viceroy and must familiarize himself with the affairs of the local nobility. He is amazed at how stupid the local landowner is and how much evil is in his wife. Milon announces that he must leave soon, because he wants to find the girl he is in love with. After the death of her mother, she was taken in by some distant relatives, and now Milon is afraid that they take advantage of her orphanhood and "keep her in tyranny." Sophia appears, in which Milon recognizes his beloved.

Sophia and Milon rejoice at a sudden meeting. Sophia tells how hard it was for her after their separation, how Prostakova, having learned that she is now a rich heiress, will read her as a bride to her son, so she became affectionate with her to meanness. Milon begins to be jealous of Sophia, but she and Pravdin calm him down by telling him what Mitrofan is. Skotinin approaches them. He complains that his sister promised him a bride, and now she says that it is better for him to get pigs than a wife. Then, turning to Sophia, he promises her that no one will take her away from him. Sofya is outraged that she is being married to Skotinin, and Skotinin describes how good it will be for her to live with him, with her money he is going to buy as many pigs as no one else has. Pravdin intervenes and says that Prostakova wants to give Sophia for Mitrofan. Skotinin promises to break his bones.

Mitrofan and Yereemeevna appear and ask him to study a little more. Skotinin, having learned that Mitrofan wants to marry, attacks him with his fists. Yeremeyevna shields Mitrofanushka with her body. All three fight. Skotinin leaves, the Prostakovs appear. The wife scolds her husband for letting the officer go, and now they don't know where to look for him. But then they see Milon, and Prostakova begins to praise his soldiers and apologize for her husband, because he lost sight of Milon. She tells how she prepared the room for the arrival of Starodum, because he is a kind guest for them. She sends Sophia to look at her uncle's room, and sends her husband after her.

Behind Prostakova appear Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin, Mitrofan's teachers. Milon recognizes a former soldier in Tsyfirkin. The teacher begins to tell that now he makes a living teaching arithmetic, complains that Mitrofan does not understand fractions well. And Kuteikin tells how he studied at the seminary. Pravdin wants to take Milon to his room, but Prostakova invites them to dine with the whole family. Prostakova persuades Mitrofan to take up teaching. But the son does not want to study, he begins to threaten that he will drown himself in the river. Eremeevna blames Skotinin for everything: it was he who scared the poor boy. Prostakova promises to deal with her brother.

Action 3

Pravdin meets Starodum in the Prostakovs' house. Starodum is outraged by the behavior of the local owners, who dared to take his niece to their place and dispose of her property. Starodum tells Pravdin how in his youth he was friends with an educated young officer, a count. When the news of the war came, Starodum was delighted and decided to go to the army to serve the fatherland, and his friend refused to go with him. Since then, Starodum felt only contempt for him.

In the war, Starodum was wounded several times, the commanders praised him for his courage and military merit. And suddenly Starodum finds out that instead of him a new rank was received by his former friend. He decided to retire and "went to court." But even there he did not stay, because he was not used to palace intrigues, was not used to using people for his own purposes and did not want to be used. He says that he left the court without villages, without a ribbon, without ranks, but he brought his heart home intact, as well as his soul, his honor, his rules.

Sophia enters. Seeing the Starodum, he rushes into his arms. Starodum says that he left in order to earn money in Siberia, because only there you can do it without losing your soul. Now that Sophia has such a rich dowry, she can marry the person for whom she has a heart, even if this person does not have a fortune. The important thing is that he be honest.

Fighting Prostakova and Skotinin and Milon appear on the stage, who separates them. The Old Man laughs at them. At first, Prostakova is angry with him, but when she finds out that this is Sophia's uncle, she gets scared and begins to bow before him. She tells Eremeevna to call her husband and son, because "their second parent has granted them." Starodum answers that they don't even know each other. Prostakova rushes to hug Starodum. He tries to escape and falls into the arms of Skotinin, and Mitrofan and Prostakov appear at the door, who are also waiting for their turn. Mitrofan wants to kiss Starodum's hand, calls him his second father. Milon is upset that now he will not be able to introduce himself to the guest, because you cannot break through the Prostakovs. Pravdin promises to introduce him later.

Starodum announces that he is going to take Sophia to Moscow, because there he found her a good groom. All the heroes are confused. And then Starodum says that Sophia herself can choose her groom. Skotinin begins to praise himself, and Prostakova - his son. Again there is a conversation about the upbringing of Mitrofanushka. Prostakova wants to show what he has learned, but Starodum expresses a desire to rest after the trip.

Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin arrive. They complain to each other that they have little money, and the German Vralman prevents them from teaching Mitrofan, Prostakova asks Mitrofan to learn at least for show, so that rumors about this reach Starodum. Mitrofan shouts that he does not want to study, but wants to get married, but he sits down at the board anyway. And Prostakova, meanwhile, is sewing a purse into which she is going to put Sophia's money.

Tsyfirkin asks Mitrofan how much money he and his two teachers will get if they find three hundred rubles. Prostakova tells Mitrofan not to give money to anyone, but to take everything for himself. Then Tsyfirkin asks Mitrofan how much he will receive a year if another ten rubles are added to his salary of ten. But Prostakova again intervenes and says that she will not add a penny to him, so there is no need to solve such a problem. Kuteikin tries to teach Mitrofan to read and write, but then Vralman comes and declares that they have completely tired the poor child with their teaching. Orders to stop everything immediately, as the teaching is harmful to the head. Prostakova agrees with the German. Vralman claims that the main thing for Mitrofan is to learn manners in order to be accepted in society, and that Vralman himself knows this society very well, since he is a member of it. But during the conversation, he almost blurts out that in fact he was a simple coachman. Prostakova and Mitrofan leave. And Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin attack Vralman with abuse, threatening to beat him. Vralman runs away.

Action 4

Sophia and Starodum meet in the living room. Sophia asks her uncle to give her advice that she will follow in her life. Starodum explains to his niece what it means to live according to conscience, what is the honor of a nobleman and a person in general, why people envy each other. Then he says that today's marriages are unhappy because people marry not for love, but for convenience. Starodum praises Sofya for growing up as an honest and kind person.

The valet brings Starodum a letter from Moscow. It is from his old friend, who writes about his nephew Milon and asks to give Sophia for him. When the girl returns, Starodum tells her about the young man whom he reads as her husband, but does not name him. Sophia is a little sad and wants to tell about her lover. But then Pravdin and Milon come. Starodum is very glad to meet his friend's nephew, and after talking with him, he realizes that he is a man of honor and a brave officer. Milon asks for Sophia's hand. Upon learning that young people have long loved each other, Starodum agrees to their marriage, especially since he himself wanted to give Sophia to Milon.

Skotinin appears and right from the doorway asks Starodum to give Sofya for him. Starodum laughs at him, but he thinks that this is from a great disposition towards him. The Prostakovs and Mitrofan arrive with Yeremeyevna. Prostakova again begins to describe the virtues of her son, tells what he has learned. Pravdin asks Mitrofan: “Door, for example, what name is it: a noun or an adjective?” Mitrofan replies that it is an adjective, because they attach it to the wall. He is asked what he knows from history, but he, apart from fairy tales, cannot remember anything. What is geography, he does not know at all, he does not need to know where which city is, because the cab will take him anyway.

Prostakova reports that a man came to Pravdin with a letter, and he hastened to leave. Milon also leaves, saying goodbye to Sophia with his eyes. Prostakova asks if Starodum liked her son, and Skotinin praises himself. Then Prostakova asks if Starodum wants to give Sophia for Mitrofanushka, but he refuses. Hearing this, Skotinin again begins to woo, but hears the same answer. Starodum announces to both of them that Sophia is already engaged. Skotinin says that tomorrow morning he will come to the old man again to persuade him. Prostakova orders Eremeevna to keep an eye on Sofya's bedroom, place servants in the hallway so that she looks after the guests, and orders a carriage to be placed at the back porch, in which they will hide Sofya. She still hopes to make the girl his son's wife.

Action 5

The next morning, Pravdin and Starodum meet at the Prostakovs' house, and Pravdin talks about the letter he received yesterday. It turns out that he was entrusted with custody of the estate and the people of the Prostakovs, if the hostess starts atrocities and goes berserk. Starodum rejoices at this news: finally, there was justice for people like Prostakova. Here they hear a noise. Milon, Sofya and Eremeevna run into the room, who grabs Sofya by the dress. Milon, with a sword in his hand, shouts that he will kill everyone who dares to touch Sophia. Eremeevna admits that they wanted to take Sophia to marry Mitrofan. Prostakova runs in. She scolds Milon for preventing her people from following orders. Pravdin tells Milon and Starodum that for the insult inflicted on Sophia, they can sue the Prostakovs. The hostess, her husband and Mitrofan fall at the feet of Starodum and ask him to forgive them. Hearing that both Sophia and Starodum are no longer angry with them, Prostakova is going to punish her servants for not being able to keep Sophia. Then Pravdin announces that in the name of the law he takes custody of the estate into his own hands, and the Prostakovs are no longer the masters here. Skotinin wants to leave as soon as possible so that he is not punished. Prostakova asks to leave her the estate for at least three days, but Pravdin refuses. He says that now he will put everything in order himself, and orders to call the teachers who need to be paid for their work. Those come and declare that they will not take money for their studies, since Mitrofan has not learned anything. But Pravdin, Starodum and Milon still give them money.

Vralman arrives, and Starodum recognizes him as his former coachman. He asks to take him back to his service, because now he has nowhere to go. The Old Man agrees. Starodum is going to leave with Sophia and Milon.

Prostakova wants to hug her son, he is now her only consolation in life. But Mitrofan refuses his mother. She faints. All those present condemn Mitrofan's behavior. Pravdin tells Mitrofan to go to serve in the army. Prostakova woke up and began to cry that now she had neither a home nor a son. Starodum, pointing to her, says: “Here are worthy fruits of malevolence!”

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Abridged version of the article:

The Age of Enlightenment is famous for its monuments of literature. One of them is the legendary play "Undergrowth", a summary of which the reader can see below. The author of the work is Denis Fonvizin, a Russian writer who entered the history of literature as a master of comedy.

The etymology of the word "undergrowth" and the meaning of the play

The comedy, humor of Fonvizin's work is partly related to the etymology of the word "undergrowth". unusual for the ear modern man word in the Age of Enlightenment Russian Empire meant a young aristocrat who did not receive a sign that he had completed his studies. These signs - certificates - were given by teachers to their students. To be undersized meant not to enter the service, not to marry for lack of required documents. In a certain sense, the presence of such a cultural phenomenon as undergrowth emphasized the importance of education and upbringing during the Enlightenment. The law stating that nobles who have not received education and certificates of "scholarship" do not have the right to serve and marry belongs to the times of Peter the Great.

The style that the writer chose for the text is attributed by literary critics to the classicism that was popular at that time. In particular, the author awarded the characters with bright surnames, hinting at the features that the characters in this play are the spokesmen for. Often such surnames are called "speaking". In addition, Fonvizin adheres to the canon characteristic of classic literature. We are talking about the fact that in the plays of classicism there is a unity of time when the described events, places, as well as the actions of the characters take place. Characters, by the way, are divided into carriers of pronounced negative and positive traits.

The main ideas of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth"

The date of writing the play is 1781. In the center of the plot are the problems associated with the traditional upbringing and education of the nobility. In this context, Fonvizin's work resembles the no less famous play by the French writer Moliere "The Tradesman in the Nobility". "Undergrowth" touches upon the problems of stupidity, provinciality, malevolence and laziness of representatives of the nobility.

The main characters of Denis Fonvizin's comedy

The image of Mrs. Prostakova, which was the wife of the landowner Prostakov. The woman was distinguished by active, rough features, had no education. Prostakov is only interested in questions of profit and self-interest, the heroine is selfish, capricious, stupid and stingy. Altruism and virtue are not included in the circle of interests of Prostakova. A woman's problem solving methods are simple - this is strength and cunning.

We offer you to get acquainted with the comedy by Denis Fonvizin “Undergrowth”

The image of Mitrofan Prostakov- the offspring of the Prostakovs.
It is Mitrofan who is characterized by the author as an undergrowth; Fonvizin's play was written about Mitrofan. The young man is 16 years old, but stupidity and the level of infantilism do not allow talking about Mitrofan as an adult and mature person. Stupidity is a quality inherited by the hero from his mother and father. For Mitrofan, the character is weak-willedness, laziness, inability to think and reflect, lack of one's own, reasoned opinion. The young man agrees with what the other characters say. As a result, Mitrofan agrees to serve in the army: of course, this decision does not belong to the hero, but is imposed from outside.

The image of Pravdin- this is the embodiment of the characteristic positive features of state officials of the new "model". Pravdin was a guest in the house of the Prostakovs. Initially, the bureaucrat arrives at the Prostakovs' estate in order to understand the cause of the riots, as well as to understand the problem associated with the abuse of servants. Mrs. Prostakova did not stand on ceremony in dealing with the servants. Pravdin is a bearer of clearly positive traits, since the hero is depicted as a man of high moral character, an educated and well-bred man. Pravdin is an illustration of the so-called "new nobility", for whom education was of great importance. Pravdin also embodies the metaphor of truth and the letter of the law.

The image of Starodum also belongs to the cohort of positive characters "Undergrowth". The hero is the embodiment of high morality, maturity, wisdom, intelligence. Starodum is characterized by observance of strict, unshakable principles. Deception and cunning are forbidden tricks for Starodum. A man takes care of a girl - Sophia, who is an uncle.

For the image Sophia also characterized by honesty, truthfulness, kindness. The girl embodies exclusively positive traits. Sophia is an honest and respectable heroine. The girl's parents died, after which Starodum took custody of her niece. In the future, Sophia is imbued with sympathy and love for Milon.

The image of Milo- betrothed, fiance of Starodum's niece - belongs to the category of positive characters. The hero is honest, virtuous, kind, sympathetic. Sophia did not see the groom for a long time. Milon serves as an officer, distinguished by high principles and strong moral guidelines. The hero is characterized by courage, bravery and honor.

The image of Skotinin speaks for itself already because of the surname with which the author awarded the character. Skotinin is Prostakova's brother. The hero is distinguished by the same features as all the Prostakovs: stupidity, greed, a tendency to lie, love of gain, stinginess, flattery.

Also in the play there are a number of secondary characters, among which Special attention deserve:
Mr. Prostakov- the weak-willed husband of an imperious wife. In the house, Prostakova runs all the affairs, not allowing her husband to resolve any issues around the house. Prostakov is a man without education, does not have his own opinion, is under the control of his wife.

Eremeevna, who served as a nanny for the son of the Prostakovs.

Kuteikin- this is the image of a negligent, deceitful person. The hero is a former seminarian who did not graduate. However, Kuteikin still claims to teach grammar to others. The man is greedy, greedy, selfish. Kuteikin solves most problems with the help of cunning.

Starodum had a groom named Vralman (a simpleton by nature, but a master of lies, as the hero's surname indicates; Vralman pretended to be a German - a connoisseur of good manners). Also, the hero of the second plan is the teacher of arithmetic Tsyfirkin (in the past, the hero served in the army as a sergeant, now Tsyfirkin is retired; this is an honest, kind character). Vralman and Tsyfirkin teach Mitrofan the mind-reason.

And also Trishka, who served as a tailor for the Prostakovs.

Events Actions First

The beginning of Fonvizin's work is a scene in which Prostakova scolded a tailor who sewed insufficiently high-quality clothes for the mistress's son, Mitrofan. Trishka had previously told Prostakova that he was bad at sewing. The husband - Mr. Prostakov - confirmed that the caftan was sewn in bad faith. Then the lady decides to punish the negligent tailor. The point of view of Skotinin, who believes that the caftan came out decent, differs from the opinion of the Prostakovs. Meanwhile, Trishka is still asked to leave.

Mitrofan and Prostakov

Mitrofan - the son of the Prostakovs - is a capricious child. Parents believe that the young man is sick, because he allegedly does not sleep normally, eats poorly and complains of problems in his health. In fact, at night Mitrofan dreamed that his father was being beaten by his mother, and before going to bed the young man had supper and drank kvass. After the mother gave her son a loving hug, the child ran away towards the dovecote.

Talk about the fate of Sophia

This is followed by a conversation between the Prostakovs and Skotinin. The latter says that he is not averse to marrying Sophia, an orphan who is in the care of an uncle who, according to rumors, disappeared somewhere in Siberia. Starodum left, but Sophia did not receive news from him. Meanwhile, Skotinin is interested in the girl not at all because of Sophia's qualities or beauty, but because in the village of Staroduma - Sophia's dowry - a large number of pigs.

The appearance of Starodum

Skotinin's plans are disrupted by the sudden appearance of Starodum. Sophia receives a letter from her uncle, but the Prostakovs try to convince the girl that the letter is fake, and in fact the text was written by some admirer of Sophia. Then the girl gives the letter to the Prostakovs, but it turns out that they cannot read.

Events of the Second Action

In this part of Fonvizin's comedy, the fact of the old friendship between Milon and Pravdin is revealed. It turns out that Pravdin's visit to the village is not accidental. The hero is going to show Prostakova - the arrogant, despicable fury, where her real place is. The military man says that he is on his way to Moscow, expecting to meet his beloved there, whom he has not seen for many years. The parents of Milon's beloved died, after which the girl lived with her only relative - her uncle.

Meeting of Milon and Sophia

Fate brings Sophia to Milon. The lovers met quite by chance and are now happy to be reunited. The girl told her betrothed that the lady planned to marry her son. Mitrofan is 16 years old and the young man is terribly stupid. At this moment, Skotinin passes by. The hero worries that, in the end, he will leave the village empty-handed, without getting a wife or money. Due to the teasing of Milon and Pravdin, Skotinin starts a quarrel with his sister. Old friends told Skotinin that he was only a weak-willed toy in the hands of his sister. Skotinin loses his composure.

Eremeevna's image

Mitrofan's infantilism is revealed. The young man walks with the nanny. Eremeevna showed herself to be a wise and mature woman. The woman supplies the pupil with parting words: study is light. However, the youth is lazy: the boy has no desire to learn. Mitrofan quarrel with Skotinin. The subject of the quarrel is the wedding and the rich heiress Sophia. Eremeevna keeps the heroes from the fight. Skotitin gets angry and leaves the stage.

Acquaintance of Pravdin and Mitrofan's teachers

The Prostakovs replace Skotinin. The lady flatteringly speaks of Sophia in front of Milon. The lady also convinces Milon that she is sorry: she did not have time to give a worthy meeting to Milon. After that, Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin appear on the stage. Pravdin learns the real facts of the biography of the boy's teachers Prostakov, as well as how the heroes managed to get into the service of the Prostakovs.

Events Actions Third

Wisdom of Starodum

Starodum returns to the village. Pravdin is the first to know about this event, as he sees the carriage in which the hero arrived. Pravdin told Starodum about the insidious plans of the Prostakovs, which the landowners hoped to realize regarding Sophia.

The wise uncle Sonya answers Pravdin that one must be guided by rationality in actions. You can not obey the first impulse, the first strong emotion.

As an example, Starodum cites Pravdina events from own life, demonstrating that vehemence should be avoided in actions. Traveling, the hero realized how different people can be.

Meeting Starodum and Sophia

Relatives are happy to be together again. The uncle tells the niece that the departure was connected with the purpose of obtaining funds. Working in Siberia is the only honest way to earn enough money, otherwise you would have to sacrifice your conscience, and Starodum could not allow this.

Prostakovs meet Starodum

While Starodum was talking with Pravdin and Sophia, the lady got into a fight with Skotinin. Brawlers put up with the help of Milo. Eremeevna, based on the order of the lady, calls Mr. Prostakov and Mitrofan. Flattering and hypocritical heroes "sincerely" and loudly meet the Starodum, rendering various honors to the man. The younger Prostakov - a weak-willed youth - mimics his mother, repeating all the actions of Prostakova, calling Starodum the second father. The hero is surprised at the strange greetings and words of the hypocritical family.

Plans for Sofia

The uncle is going to take his niece to the Moscow region to marry him off. The girl does not know that Starodum decided to marry Milon to her, but agrees with the decision of her beloved uncle. Meanwhile, the lady and Skotinin convince the man to take his niece away. Starodum does not like the illiterate Prostakovs, but the mistress convinces the hero that Mitrofan shows success in the sciences, studying with teachers.

Mitrofan's study

Starodum is saved by Pravdin, admonishing Prostakova to leave the guest alone and let Starodum rest after a long, exhausting journey. On the stage, after the departure of Uncle Sonya, Pravdin and Prostakova, Mitrofan's teachers appear on the stage. A mathematics teacher complains to a colleague that the Prostakovs' son is stupid, for several years the youngster has not learned arithmetic and grammatical wisdom. The German is to blame for the negligence of the student, since Vralman forbids the use of corporal punishment against Mitrofan. According to the teachers of mathematics and literacy, the boy cannot be taught the sciences without beatings.

Dear lovers of the classics! We invite you to get acquainted with Denis Fonvizin

Mother and son appear on the stage. Mother convinces Mitrofan that he should study, or at least pretend to study. Tsyfirkin sets Mitrofan tasks in arithmetic, but the youngster's mother has her own logic for solving math problems. Prostakova teaches her son not to share, to take everything for himself. And mathematics, according to the woman, is stupid, wrong science.

Kuteikin is trying to teach Mitrofan the wisdom of literacy, but Vralman interferes with the learning process, because he believes that the boy should make friends with people like himself - illiterate people. Mother supports Vralman's opinion. Here Vralman, carried away by the story of his life, suddenly admits that he served as a cab driver, but the lady did not notice the lies of the "German". Teachers scold, and teachers of arithmetic and grammar even want to beat Vralman. But he manages to escape.

Events Action Fourth

Reflections on the Virtues

Starodum is talking to his niece. The subject of the conversation is the question of virtue, the problem of the moral fall of people. Starodum says that nobility and wealth are not appropriated to a selfish and selfish person. These qualities are inherent only to those who take care of their neighbors, friends, relatives, compatriots. A position should be given for deeds, it is bad when there is nothing in the position but the title. Starodum also teaches his niece the intricacies of the life of a married woman. A family is a partnership in which a husband and wife should show attention to each other, mutual understanding and mutual assistance, listen and be able to hear. Spouses need to support each other. The question of origin is not the main thing in marriage. The main thing is love, sincere feelings.

Conversation between Starodum and Milo

Starodum receives a notice stating that the young man whom he spotted as a future spouse for his niece is Milon. Sophia's uncle is talking to Milon. Starodum likes Sony's betrothed. A wise man sees in Milo a person of high moral character, noble impulses and strong moral principles. Starodum gives Sophia and Milon his blessing.

Claims for Sophia's hand

The conversation between Milon and Starodum is interrupted by Skotinin. The hero tries to demonstrate his own positive aspects and qualities in order to force Starodum to change his mind and pass off his niece for him. However, the man only amused himself from the ridiculous behavior demonstrated by Skotinin.

The Prostakovs appear from Pravdin's company. The lady praises Mitrofan's learning and diligence. Then Pravdin comes up with the idea of ​​testing the knowledge of a youngster. The younger Prostakov, meanwhile, answers incorrectly to all the questions asked. But the lady shields her son, justifying Mitrofan's lack of knowledge with various excuses.

The Prostakovs find out from Uncle Sophia who will get the girl as a wife. The uncle replies that the girl is already engaged and will soon leave for Moscow with her fiancé. The Prostakovs and Skotinin had a plan: to kidnap the girl.

Events of Act Five

Philosophical pause from Fonvizin

The wise uncle is talking to Pravdin. The conversation raises questions of truth, prudence, an honest and virtuous life. These qualities are the key to the well-being of not only an individual family, but the state as a whole. A reader who is familiar with Eastern philosophy, as well as with the teachings of the Chinese sage Confucius, will easily notice the similarity of the views of Starodum and the Asian philosopher. The state rests on honest, worthy, educated and well-mannered people.

Sophia's kidnapping attempt

Eremeevna, following the order of the mistress, was going to kidnap Sofya. However, the bridegroom of the girl arrived in time and prevented the woman from taking the bride away. Pravdin and Starodum came to the noise. The official believes that Sophia's uncle and fiancé could well bring the failed kidnappers to justice, since kidnapping is a crime. According to Pravdin, the girl's uncle could demand the punishment of offenders. The mistress begs Sonya to forgive her. Sophia - a kind nature - forgives would-be kidnappers. However, the lady does not learn from mistakes, trying to punish the servants, whom Prostakova blames for the failure.

Results and the triumph of justice

An attempt to punish the servants is stopped by Pravdin, because the hero had just received a notice: lawlessness on the Prostakov estate forced the state to appoint a guardian for the illiterate gentlemen. The trustee turned out to be Pravdin, who from now on will control the affairs of the negligent family's estate. The lady asks the official to give a three-day reprieve, but the strict man does not submit to Prostakova. After that, the heroine asks Pravdin to solve the problem of arrears in payment to Mitrofan's teachers. Pravdin promises to deal with this issue on his own.

Three teachers of Mitrofan appear on the stage. The official discovers Vralman's lie: in the course of the proceedings, it turned out that the "German" had previously cared for the Starodumov horses. Accordingly, the lady learned that Vralman was far from high culture, German and aristocratic manners. Vralman decides to serve Uncle Sophia again. Tsyfirkin is an honest man. The man believes that he should not take payment for labor, since the efforts of the mathematics teacher did not bear fruit: the young man did not know the basics of arithmetic. Pravdin and Starodum are respected by the teacher for showing honesty and justice. The grammar teacher, on the contrary, wants to receive a monetary reward, but is left without money.

The final

The summary of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth" ends at the preparations for Sophia and the groom - Milon - on the road. The girl's uncle leaves with her lovers. Mitrofan was tired of his mother's excessive guardianship. The young man is trying to escape home which causes bewilderment and disapproval of the father. Pravdin believes that it is useful for the boy to serve in the army. The young man agreed to serve. The lady is upset: the woman despaired, believing that all plans were ruined. However, Starodum is sure that the story ended quite rightly.

Abridged version of the article.

Action one: meeting the inhabitants of the Prostakov village

Events unfold in the village of Prostakov, wealthy landowners. From the very first moments of the play, we get to know its main inhabitants - Mrs. and Mr. Prostakov and their son Mitrofan, who is affectionately called Mitrofanushka in the family, because he is still undersized. Everyone is busy trying on a new caftan that the tailor Trishka has sewn for the young master. Mrs. Prostakova is furious because the new thing does not sit well on Mitrofan. Trishka desperately justifies himself by saying that he is self-taught and bribes are smooth from him: “Yes, the tailor learned to twist, madam, but I didn’t.” And Mr. Prostakov, being a henpecked and weak-willed person, is terribly afraid to express his own opinion, which he had lost a long time ago. “With your eyes,” he babbles unctuously to his wife, “mine see nothing.”

The situation with the caftan is saved by the brother of Mrs. Prostakova, Taras Skotinin, who entered the room. He booms that the caftan fits his nephew and there is nothing to talk about such trifles when an important enterprise is at stake - today Skotinin is going to conspire (that is, make an offer) with Sophia. Sofya is an orphan, her parents have died, and she inherited the estate with the villages, which are still run by the Prostakovs. This well-bred, educated, honest girl contrasts sharply with the society in which she unwittingly found herself. Needless to say, Skotinin is attracted not by her virtues, but by her dowry. In addition, Prostakova's brother has one passion - pigs, he madly adores them, and in Sophia's villages, they say, there are very pretty pigs.

However, the morning, which promised so many sweet hopes for Taras Skotinin, was preparing to destroy his far-reaching plans. Sophia received a letter from Starodum, her beloved uncle. He went on a forced trip to Siberia and long time did not keep in touch, so everyone got used to the idea that Starodum had died. What was the surprise of Prostakovs and Skotinin when they learned from a letter that Starodum not only did not die, but was also in good health and was in a hurry to see his niece. In addition, the uncle has amassed a solid fortune (10 thousand income) and makes Sophia his heiress.

It turns out that Sophia is now not just an orphan with a small village, but a rich lady. Prostakova no longer wants to give such prey to her brother and decides to marry Sofya Mitrofanushka!

Reference. A minor is by no means jargon, as in the 18th century they called young men who had not reached the age of majority and had not yet entered the public service. There is another meaning that Fonvizin sewed into the meaning of the title of his play: the underage was also called the stupid dropout.

Act two: three suitors for Sophia

At the beginning of the second act, we meet Milon, a young officer who is in love with Sophia. The feelings of young people are mutual, but so far life circumstances do not allow them to be together. For the past six months, the couple has been apart, but, by a happy coincidence, Milon stays with the regiment in the village of Prostakov.

We find the young officer in conversation with Pravdin, a state official who came to the estate to sort out the lordly affairs. Milon tells Pravdin about the girl he is in love with, but just at that moment Sophia appears. The joy of the long-awaited meeting of the lovers was too short, because their conversation was immediately interrupted by Taras Skotinin, who still had views of Sophia. Because of his stupidity and limitations, Prostakova's brother does not know about Milon's connection with Sophia, and therefore naively, like a contented child, tells how happily his future wife will live. Happiness in Skotininsky, it must be said, is a subject of a very dubious persuasion.

Young people, not sparing the dreaming "groom", report that he has a rival - his own nephew, the undersized Mitrofanushka, who was also tempted by Sophia's enviable state. Skotinin immediately goes to sort things out with the impudent man and almost hits his relative in the face, but the old woman Eremeevna closes him with her chest. However, the nanny still gets from Mrs. Prostakova because she stood up for the “child” without proper agility. Mitrofanov's teachers Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin calm the tear-stained old woman.

Eremeevna. Not easy will not take me. I have been serving for forty years, but mercy is still the same ...
Kuteikin. How great is the blessing?
Eremeevna. Five rubles a year and five slaps a day.

Act three: the return of Starodum and the teachings of Mitrofanushka

Finally, Starodum arrives in the village of the Prostakovs. The first person the distant traveler meets is Pravdin. A conversation begins between them, in which Starodum talks about his life and service. His speeches are wise and aphoristic, he is the voice of the morality of the work.

“My father constantly told me the same thing: have a heart, have a soul, and you will be a man at all times. Fashion for everything else: fashion for minds, fashion for knowledge, like buckles and buttons”

Soon Sophia appears. The tender meeting of uncle and niece proves that these people sincerely yearned for each other and are happy to finally be together. True, Starodum reports that he has found an excellent match for Sophia, which scares her niece a lot, because her heart has already been given to Milon.

Prostakova enters with noise and screams, she scolds Skotinin for the recent attack on Mitrofanushka. The lady does not yet know that the rich Starodum is in front of her, therefore she behaves rudely and defiantly, but as soon as the guest of honor introduces herself, the poor thing begins to exude unctuous greetings and even climbs to hug.

In order to make a good impression on the guest, on whom the future wedding of Mitrofan and Sophia largely depends, Prostakova persuades her son to learn for the sake of appearance, the last time.

The scene of Mitrofan's “teachings” shows how stupid the classes of the master's offspring are. In the corner, Prostakova herself is attached, she knits a purse, “so that Sofyushka’s money has somewhere to put it.” And when Tsyfirkin asks Mitrofan a division problem, mother authoritatively teaches that the child should not share with anyone, and then summarizes:

Act four: a happy coincidence

Sophia and Starodum are finally left alone, they have accumulated a lot of topics for conversation. The uncle shares his life wisdom with his niece, talks about good manners and virtue, which are the main human values. He speaks of the mind, which, however, has no meaning if it is not backed up by a good heart.

“Minds corrupted in their concepts, hearts corrupted in their feelings. Oh my friend! Know how to distinguish, know how to stop with those in whom friendship would be a reliable guarantee for your mind and heart.

Well, and, of course, how not to talk with a marriageable girl about love and marriage. IN modern society almost forgotten that these two realities must go hand in hand. Marriage without love is a dummy, a torture for two people who are united by social status, rank, “good prospects”, but not by any kind of spiritual kinship.

After such a conversation, Sophia is no longer able to hide from her uncle - she and Milon open their feelings to Starodum. What a miracle! The old man is happy, because this is the young man, the nephew of his friend Chesten, whom he intended for his niece as a husband.

Starodum gives his blessing to the young. All three are extremely happy. However, the large Prostakov family still remains in sweet ignorance that Sophia is engaged. Starodum does not deny himself the opportunity to have some fun and draw intrigue, but then he reveals his cards - Sophia is conspired! But Mrs. Prostakova, like a drowning man clutching at straws in despair, decides to take the last desperate step - tonight they will steal Sophia and forcibly marry her to Mitrofan.

Act five: the collapse of Prostakova's plans and the betrayal of Mitrofanushka

Prostakova's plan to steal Sofya and give her away to Mitrofan fell apart - Milon saved his beloved from the hands of the servants, who were already pulling the stubborn girl to the carriage. The whole house was in awe. Mrs. Prostakova repents, falls at the feet of Starodum and Milon (Sure! He, it turns out, is Sophia's fiancé). Pravdin is going to judge Prostakova according to the law, but the generous Sophia and Starodum forgive her.

Having recovered from the shock, Prostakova is going to take out the evil on her servants, who failed to cope with the task, but even here she failed - Pravdin reports that, by government decree, he takes care of Prostakova's house and villages. The mistress is no longer mistress here and has no power over the servants.

The master's teachers are also released. Kuteikin, in addition to his salary, demands money for worn out boots, Tsyfirkin refuses remuneration, because Mitrofan has not learned anything, which means he has not fulfilled his main teaching task. Touched by the teacher's honesty, Starodum pays him out of his own pocket. But Vralman, Mitrofan's beloved teacher, who allowed him to simply do nothing, is brought to light.

The comedy was written by D. I. Fonvizin in 1781. The main problem of the work is the condemnation of the traditional upbringing of the nobles, in particular the provincial ones, their stupidity and malevolence. The play "Undergrowth" was written in a classic style, which was reflected in the "speaking" names of the characters, a clear division into positive and negative characters, as well as in the unity of time, place and action: the events take place within 2 days, in the village of Prostakov. The name "Undergrowth" is associated with the decree of Peter I, which forbade unlearned nobles to serve and marry, calling such young people "undergrowth".

For a general acquaintance with the plot of the work, we offer a summary of "Undergrowth".

Main characters

Mrs. Prostakova- Prostakov's wife. An active, rude, uneducated woman who thinks more about her own gain than about people around and virtue, tries to solve everything by force or cunning.

Prostakov Mitrofan- the son of the Prostakovs, an undergrowth, a young man of 16 years old, as stupid as his parents, completely weak-willed, agrees to everything that his mother or others say (in the end, he immediately agrees to join the army).

Pravdin- the guest of the Prostakovs, a government official who came to deal with the disorders in their estate, to resolve the issue of Prostakov's cruelty towards the servants. A highly moral person, a representative of the "new" educated nobility, personifies the truth and the word of the law in the work "Undergrowth".

Starodum- a person with high moral principles, who achieved everything in his life himself, without resorting to deceit or cunning. Sophia's uncle and guardian.

Sofia- an honest, educated, kind girl. After she lost her parents, she lives with the Prostakovs, in love with Milon.

Milon- Sophia's fiancé, whom they had not seen for several years. The officer, who was distinguished in the service by courage and courage, has high concepts of human virtue and honor.

Skotinin- the brother of Mrs. Prostakova. A stupid, uneducated man, looking for profit in everything, easily lies and flatters for the sake of profit.

Other characters

Prostakov- Prostakova's husband. Virtually nothing decides in the house, in fact the shadow and henpecked wife, uneducated, weak-willed.

Eremeevna Mitrofan's nanny.

Kuteikin(a seminarian who himself stopped studying halfway, because he did not master science, cunning and greedy, a grammar teacher), Vralman(the former groom of Starodum, simple, but able to skillfully deceive - called himself a German teacher of secular life), Tsyfirkin(retired sergeant, honest man, arithmetic teacher) - Mitrofan's teacher.

Trishka- tailor, Prostakov's servant.

Action 1

The play begins with Mrs. Prostakova scolding Trishka that he made a bad caftan for Mitrofan, although he warned about his inability to sew. Prostakov agrees with his wife. The woman decides to punish the tailor. Skotinin claims that the caftan is sewn well and Trishka is kicked out.

There is a conversation about Mitrofan - he must have fallen ill, because he did not sleep well all night. During the discussion, the son claims that he did not eat at all, but in fact he had a hearty supper all night drinking kvass, and at night he saw that his mother was beating his father. To this, Prostakova hugs her son, saying that he is her only consolation and Mitrofan runs away to the dovecote.

Skotinin, Prostakova and Prostakov are discussing that they want to give the orphan Sofya for Skotinin. The only relative of the girl, Starodum, left for Siberia long ago and did not remind of himself. The conversation reveals the self-serving, evil personality of Skotinin, who likes not Sofya but the many pigs in her villages.

Sophia brings a letter from Starodum who suddenly appeared. The Prostakovs do not believe that he is alive, they try to talk the girl into thinking that this is actually a letter from a fan. When Sophia invites them to read for themselves, it turns out that everyone is illiterate.

Pravdin enters, who is instructed to read the letter. Those present will learn that Starodum made Sophia the heiress of 10 thousand rubles. Now not only Skotinin wants to marry the girl, but Prostakova also begins to flatter the girl, wanting to pass her off as Mitrofan. As the women leave, a servant runs in and informs the men that passing soldiers have stopped in their village.

Action 2

Milon and Pravdin turn out to be old friends. Pravdin says that he came to the village to put in place the "despicable fury" Prostakov. Milon shares that he is going to Moscow to meet his beloved, whom he has not seen for a long time, since after the death of her parents, distant relatives took care of her.

By chance, Sophia passes by. The lovers are happy for each other. Sophia tells Milon that Prostakova wants to marry her to her stupid 16-year-old son.
Immediately they meet Skotinin, who is worried that he can go home without his wife and money. Pravdin and Milon urge him to quarrel with his sister, saying that she plays with them like a ball. Skotinin loses his temper.

Mitrofan and Yeremeevna are passing by. The nanny tries to force the young man to study, but he does not want to. Skotinin quarrel with Mitrofan about the upcoming marriage, since both do not mind marrying Sophia. However, Eremeevna and Pravdin do not allow them to fight. Skotinin angry leaves.

The Prostakov spouses appear. Prostakova flatters Milon and apologizes for not coming out to meet him in time. Praises Sophia and tells how she has already arranged everything for her uncle. The girl and Prostakov leave to look at the room. They are replaced by Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin. The teachers tell Pravdin about themselves, how they learned to read and write, and how they ended up in the Prostakovs' house.

Action 3

Pravdin, seeing Starodum's carriage from the window, went out to meet him first. The official talks about the atrocities of the Prostakovs in relation to Sonya. Starodum says that one cannot act on the first impulse, since experience has shown him that ardor is not always good, tells Pravdin about his life, as he saw that people are different.

This is where Sophia comes in. Starodum recognizes his niece, they are happy to meet. Uncle says that he left everything and left, because otherwise he could not earn money without “exchanging it for his conscience”.
At this time, Prostakova and Skotinin managed to fight. After they were pacified by Milon, Prostakova notices Starodum and orders Eremeevna to call her son and husband. The entire Prostakov family and Skotinin greet Starodum with excessive joy, hug and flatter in every possible way. Mitrofan repeats after his mother that Starodum is his second father. This surprises Uncle Sophia very much.

Starodum says that he is taking the girl to Moscow to marry. Sophia, not knowing that her uncle chose Milon as her husband, nevertheless agrees with his will. Prostakova and Skotinin are trying to convince him. The woman says that studies were not held in high esteem in their family, but Mitrofan allegedly does not get up because of the book and studies hard. Pravdin interrupts the woman, saying that the guest is tired from the road and everyone disperses.

Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin remain, who complain to each other that Mitrofan cannot learn arithmetic and four years of reading and writing. They blame the German Vralman for that, who interferes with the teaching, and both are not opposed to beating the unfortunate student, if only he would start doing something.

Mitrofan and Prostakova enter. The woman persuades her son to learn, at least for the sake of it. Tsifirkin sets two tasks, but in both cases, before Mitrofan counts, Prostakova solves them based on her personal experience: “I found the money, don’t share it with anyone. Take everything for yourself, Mitrofanushka. Don't study this stupid science." Only Kuteikin begins to teach the young man to read and write, when Vralman appears and says that Mitrofan does not need to learn to read and write, and in general it is better to make friends with “his own”, illiterate people, in which Prostakova supports him. Vralman makes a reservation that he saw the light while sitting on a cab, but he catches himself in time and the woman does not notice that he is lying to her.

Prostakova and Mitrofan leave. The teachers are arguing. Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin want to beat Vralman, but he runs away.

Action 4

Starodum and Sofya are talking about virtue, about how people go astray from the righteous path. The uncle explains to his niece that nobility and wealth should be calculated not by deeds for their own benefit, but by deeds for the fatherland and other people. The man explains that the position should correspond to the deeds, and not to one title. He also speaks about family life, that a husband and wife should understand each other, support that the origin of the spouses is not important, if they love each other, but this love should be friendly.

Here Starodum is brought a letter from which he learns that the young man for whom he was going to marry Sophia is Milon. Starodum, talking with Milon, learns that he is a man with high concepts of duty and honor. The uncle blesses the niece and the young man.

Skotinin tears them away from the conversation, trying to show himself in a favorable light, but only makes them laugh with his absurdity. Pravdin, Prostakova and Mitrofan arrive. The woman again praises her son's literacy. Pravdin decides to check. Mitrofan does not give a single correct answer, while his mother tries in every possible way to justify his stupidity.

Prostakova and Skotinin continue to ask Starodum who he will choose for his niece, to which they receive an answer that she already has a fiancé and they are leaving tomorrow morning. Skotinin and Mitrofan with Prostakova separately plan to intercept the girl on the road.

Action 5

Pravdin and Starodum are discussing what everyone will soon find out that without truth and good manners it is impossible to achieve something worthwhile, that the guarantee of the welfare of the state is worthy, honest, educated, well-mannered people.

They are interrupted upon hearing a noise. As it turns out, Yeremeevna wanted to take Sophia away by force on Prostakova’s orders, but Milon prevented her. Pravdin says that this is an illegal action. He points out that the girl's uncle and fiancé can accuse the Prostakovs of a crime and demand immediate punishment. The woman tries to beg forgiveness from Sophia, she forgives her. Prostakova, only she is released from guilt, is going to punish the servants who did not allow the atrocity to take place and missed the girl. However, Pravdin stops her - he reads out a paper that came from the government that from that moment the house and villages of the Prostakovs come under his care. Prostakova is indignant and asks for at least three days, but Pravdin refuses. Then the woman recalls the debts to the teachers and Pravdin agrees to pay them off himself.

Vralman, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin arrive. Vralman's deceit is revealed - that he is in fact a retired groom of Starodum, and not a German teacher and connoisseur of high society. Vralman agrees to go to the service of Starodum again. Tsyfirkin does not want to take extra money from Prostakova, since for all the time he could not teach Mitrofan anything. Pravdin, Starodum and Milon reward Tsyfirkin for honesty. Kuteikin is not against getting money even for fruitless science, but is left with nothing.

Starodum, Milon and Sophia are going to leave. Mitrofan tells his mother to get rid of him, his father reproaches him for this. Pravdin offers the young man to go to serve and he agrees. Prostakova is in despair, as she has lost everything. Starodum sums up what happened: "Here are worthy fruits of evil-mindedness!"

Conclusion

The comedy "Undergrowth" by Fonvizin is a landmark work of the 18th century, which exposed the acute issues of that time. The play contrasts education, upbringing, high moral principles with stupidity, ignorance, anger and waywardness. The subtle humor of the writer, his understanding of global human problems allows even today to read the classic comedy. We advise you not only to read the retelling of the "Undergrowth" by actions, but also to evaluate the work in full.

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