Vassa Zheleznova

Summary

The play «Vassa Zheleznova» by Maxim Gorky tells the story of a strong and authoritative woman, Vassa Borisovna Zheleznova, who runs a large steamship business. The action takes place in the Zheleznova household, where family conflicts and tragedies unfold. Vassa tries to keep her family and business intact while facing betrayal, moral decay, and the death of loved ones. At the heart of the plot is Vassa's struggle for power and control, her ruthlessness and determination, as well as her internal contradictions and tragedy.

Main Ideas

• The conflict between personal interests and social responsibilities
• Complex family relationships and their impact on the individual
• Moral and ethical dilemmas in a capitalist society
• Female strength and independence in a patriarchal world
• Social injustice and class struggle

Main Characters and Their Development

• Vassa Zheleznova - the main character, a strong-willed woman managing the family business. She is tough and uncompromising, willing to do anything to preserve her enterprise and family. Her character is revealed through conflicts with family members and others, showing her internal struggle between personal feelings and duty.
• Anna Onegovna - Vassa's daughter, a frail and sickly woman who cannot stand up to her mother. Her development highlights the tragedy of a person oppressed by a strong personality.
• Lyudmila - Vassa's younger daughter, a rebel seeking freedom and independence. She clashes with her mother and tries to find her own path in life, leading to dramatic consequences.
• Prokhor Zheleznov - Vassa's brother, a drunkard and idler. His character contrasts with the strong and determined Vassa, showcasing degradation and weakness.
• Melania - a servant in the Zheleznov household, loyal and devoted to Vassa. Her character emphasizes the harshness and severity of the main heroine.

Style and Technique

In the play «Vassa Zheleznova», Maxim Gorky employs a realistic style that allows for a deep and accurate portrayal of the social and psychological aspects of the characters' lives. The language of the work is rich with dialogues that reveal the characters' personalities and their internal conflicts. Literary devices include the use of symbolism and metaphors, which help underscore the main themes of the play, such as power, morality, and family relationships. The structure of the work is clearly organized, with a focus on plot development through character interactions and dialogues. The play consists of four acts, each gradually unveiling the inner world of the characters and their relationships, leading to a climax and resolution of the conflict.

Interesting Facts

• The play was written in two versions: the first in 1910 and the second in 1935.
• The main character, Vassa Zheleznova, embodies a strong and determined woman willing to do anything to preserve her family and business.
• Vassa Zheleznova is one of the most complex and multifaceted female roles in Russian drama.
• The play reflects the social and political changes in early 20th-century Russia.
• Vassa Zheleznova was staged at the Moscow Art Theatre and was highly successful.

Book Review

«Vassa Zheleznova» by Maxim Gorky is a powerful drama that explores complex relationships within the family and society. Critics note that Gorky masterfully portrays the main character, Vassa Zheleznova, as a strong and determined woman who, despite all difficulties, strives to maintain her family and business. The work raises important social and moral questions, such as power, money, family values, and human cruelty. Gorky uses realistic dialogues and vivid imagery to convey the tension and drama of the situation. Critics also emphasize that the play, written in the early 20th century, remains relevant today, reflecting timeless human conflicts and dilemmas.