The Minor

Summary

The comedy «The Minor» by Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin tells the story of the life of the Prostakov noble family. The main character, Mitrofanushka, is a lazy and ignorant young man whom his mother, Mrs. Prostakova, wants to marry off advantageously to a wealthy orphan, Sophia. However, Sophia is in love with the officer Milon. Sophia's uncle, Starodum, arrives at the Prostakovs' home and decides to take his niece with him and marry her to Milon. By the end of the play, the Prostakovs lose their influence and wealth, while Sophia finds happiness with Milon. The work mocks the ignorance and cruelty of the nobility, emphasizing the importance of education and morality.

Main Ideas

• Critique of the shortcomings of noble education and upbringing in 18th-century Russia
• Ridicule of the vices of the Russian nobility, such as ignorance, greed, and pettiness
• Demonstration of the mismatch between formal education and the actual needs and interests of individuals
• Emphasis on the importance of sensible upbringing based on kindness, honesty, and diligence
• The idea of enlightenment and education as key elements for the harmonious development of individuals and society

Historical Context and Significance

«The Minor» is a comedy written by Denis Fonvizin in 1782, considered an outstanding work of 18th-century Russian literature and a classic of Russian comedic drama. This work is pivotal in the development of the genre of social morality comedy, having a significant influence on the formation of Russian theatrical art and literature as a whole. «The Minor» reflects the social problems and vices of the time, such as ignorance, bureaucracy, and embezzlement, highlighting the importance of education and upbringing of the youth. Fonvizin, through satire and humor, critiques the feudal-serfdom relations in Russia, presenting progressive ideas for his time about the necessity of enlightenment and humanism. «The Minor» not only resonated greatly among the author's contemporaries but also remains relevant today, showcasing the universality of the themes it addresses.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Mitrofanushka - the main character, a lazy and uneducated young man, son of a wealthy landowner. His character demonstrates a reluctance to learn and complete submission to his mother's will.
• Pravdin - a kind and honest nobleman, the opposite of Mitrofanushka in character and behavior. He serves as a moral ideal, aiming to correct the vices of society.
• Skotinin - Mitrofanushka's uncle, a self-satisfied and rude landowner, symbolizing the flaws of the nobility of that time. His interests are limited to hunting and pleasures.
• Sophia - a young educated girl, ward of Pravdin. She represents the ideal of female virtue and intellect, opposing Mitrofanushka as a representative of enlightened society.

Style and Technique

«The Minor» by Denis Fonvizin is written in the genre of comedy, which defines the work's distinctly satirical nature. This piece is characterized by wit and irony aimed at ridiculing the vices of the society contemporary to the author. Fonvizin predominantly uses simple and accessible language, focusing on dialogues between characters, which makes his literary style direct and lively. The structure of the story is notable for its sequential plot development, where each act presents new obstacles for the characters on their path to resolving the conflict, typical of a classic five-act comedy. The work actively employs literary devices such as hyperbole and antithesis, helping the author vividly express the caricature and absurdity of certain characters' behavior and worldview, thereby achieving a comedic effect and enhancing the critique of societal shortcomings.

Quotes

• I don't want to study, I want to marry.
• Here are the worthy fruits of evil disposition!
• For me, wherever they command.
• Oh, leave me alone, mother, as you have clung!
• People live and have lived without sciences.

Interesting Facts

• The play is one of the first works of Russian classicism to mock the vices of the nobility and serfdom.
• The main character, Mitrofanushka, has become a byword for an ignorant and lazy young man.
• Mitrofanushka's phrase «I don't want to study, I want to marry» has become a catchphrase in the Russian language.
• The work was written in 1782 and immediately gained wide recognition and popularity.
• The play raises important social issues of its time, such as upbringing, education, and the moral decay of the nobility.
• Characters like Prostakova and Skotinin have become symbols of cruelty and ignorance.

Book Review

The comedy «The Minor» by Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin is a vivid example of a satirical work aimed at criticizing the morals and vices of the 18th-century nobility. Critics note that Fonvizin masterfully uses comedic elements to expose ignorance, cruelty, and hypocrisy. The main character, Mitrofanushka, has become a symbol of lack of education and immorality, while his mother, Mrs. Prostakova, embodies despotism and coarseness. The work also raises questions of upbringing and education, showing how improper upbringing can lead to the degradation of personality. Critics highly praise Fonvizin's language and style, noting his ability to create vivid and memorable images. «The Minor» remains relevant to this day, continuing to spark interest and discussions among readers and literary scholars.