The Forest

Historical Context and Significance

The play «The Forest» by Alexander Ostrovsky, written in 1871, is an important work of Russian drama. It reveals the social and moral issues of Russian society in the second half of the 19th century, such as hypocrisy, greed, and spiritual emptiness. Ostrovsky masterfully portrays the life of provincial nobility and merchants, showing their internal conflicts and contradictions. The play had a significant impact on the development of Russian theater, becoming a classic and frequently performed on various stages. It also contributed to the formation of critical realism in Russian literature, emphasizing the importance of social and moral questions. «The Forest» remains relevant today, drawing attention to timeless human problems and relationships.