The Philistines

Brief Overview

The play «The Philistines» by Maxim Gorky tells the story of the Bessemenov family, a typical example of bourgeois life. The head of the family, Vasily Vasilyevich Bessemenov, holds strict patriarchal views and seeks to control his children's lives. His son, Pyotr, a student, is disillusioned with life and sees no purpose in his studies, while his daughter, Tatyana, dreams of freedom and independence. The household also includes a lodger, Nil, who represents the new generation striving for change and progress. The conflict between the old and the new, between conservatism and the desire for freedom, becomes the central theme of the play. Ultimately, each character faces the necessity of choosing between tradition and new ideals, leading to dramatic consequences.