There Was Not a Penny, but Suddenly a Dime

Summary

The comedy «There Was Not a Penny, but Suddenly a Dime» tells the story of a young man named Ivan Petrovich Balzaminov, who dreams of becoming wealthy and marrying a rich bride. Balzaminov lives with his mother and constantly finds himself in humorous situations due to his attempts to secure a profitable match. Through a series of misunderstandings and coincidences, he indeed finds his happiness and marries a wealthy bride, leading to an unexpected turn in his life.

Main Ideas

• Social inequality and class differences: Ostrovsky highlights the contrast between the poor and the rich, their lifestyles, and attitudes towards money.
• Morality and ethics: The author explores how money and wealth influence people's moral principles and behavior.
• The power of love and loyalty: The work emphasizes the importance of true love and loyalty, which are not dependent on material wealth.
• The illusion of happiness through wealth: Ostrovsky demonstrates that money does not always bring happiness and can lead to moral decline.
• Critique of mercantilism: The author criticizes a society where money and material values are placed above human qualities and relationships.

Historical Context and Significance

Alexander Nikolayevich Ostrovsky's comedy «There Was Not a Penny, but Suddenly a Dime» was written in 1872 and is an important work of 19th-century Russian literature. In this play, Ostrovsky masterfully depicts the life and customs of the merchant class, showcasing their greed, hypocrisy, and pursuit of profit. The work critically reflects the social and economic realities of the time, mocking the vices of society. The play had a significant impact on the development of Russian theater, becoming one of the classic comedies still performed on stage today. It also contributed to shaping public opinion about the merchant class and its role in Russian society.

Style and Technique

The comedy «There Was Not a Penny, but Suddenly a Dime» by Alexander Nikolayevich Ostrovsky is written in the genre of domestic comedy, which is reflected in its style and language. Ostrovsky uses lively, colloquial language, rich with folk expressions and proverbs, giving the work authenticity and color. A key feature is the use of satire to critique social vices such as greed, hypocrisy, and foolishness. The structure of the play is traditional for the drama of that time: it consists of four acts, each divided into scenes. Literary devices include irony, hyperbole, and grotesque, which help to highlight the comedic and absurd situations the characters find themselves in. Ostrovsky skillfully uses dialogues to reveal the characters' personalities and motivations, creating vivid and memorable images.

Interesting Facts

• The play is one of Alexander Ostrovsky's most famous comedies and was written in 1872.
• The title of the play has become a proverbial expression used to describe unexpected wealth.
• The play mocks greed and hypocrisy, showing how money can change people and their relationships.
• In this play, Ostrovsky uses numerous folk proverbs and sayings, adding a special color and authenticity to the text.
• The play was staged at the Maly Theatre in Moscow shortly after it was written and was a great success with audiences.

Book Review

Alexander Nikolayevich Ostrovsky's comedy «There Was Not a Penny, but Suddenly a Dime» is a vivid example of a satirical work that mocks human vices and social shortcomings. At the center of the plot is the story of the main character's sudden enrichment, leading to both comedic and tragic consequences. Critics praise Ostrovsky's skill in creating lively and memorable characters, as well as his ability to convey the spirit of the time and social realities. Special attention is given to the language of the play, which is rich in folk expressions and aphorisms, adding a unique color to the work. Overall, the play has received high marks for its sharpness, relevance, and artistic value.