Wolves and Sheep

Summary

The play «Wolves and Sheep» by Alexander Ostrovsky tells the story of a struggle for inheritance and power in a provincial town. The main characters are the cunning and deceitful Meropa Davydovna Murzavetskaya and the honest but naive Pavel Ivanovich Berkutov. Murzavetskaya seeks to seize the property of the widow Kupavina through intrigue and deception. Meanwhile, Berkutov tries to protect Kupavina and restore justice. The play explores themes of greed, hypocrisy, and the struggle for power, contrasting the images of «wolves» and «sheep» as symbols of predators and victims in society.

Main Ideas

• The battle between good and evil: The play depicts the conflict between honest and kind-hearted individuals and selfish, immoral characters.
• Social injustice: Ostrovsky addresses the theme of social injustice, showing how the wealthy and influential exploit their positions for personal gain.
• Morality and ethics: The author examines questions of morality and ethics, illustrating how different characters behave in challenging situations and the consequences of their actions.
• Hypocrisy and deceit: The play reveals the theme of hypocrisy and deceit, where characters conceal their true intentions and feelings for personal advantage.
• The power of love and friendship: Despite all difficulties, the play highlights the strength of love and friendship, which help the characters overcome life's challenges.

Historical Context and Significance

The play «Wolves and Sheep» by Alexander Ostrovsky, written in 1875, is a significant work in Russian drama. It reflects the social and moral issues of Russian society in the second half of the 19th century, such as corruption, hypocrisy, and the struggle for power. Ostrovsky masterfully portrays the characters and their relationships, making the play relevant even today. Its influence on culture is evident in its numerous theatrical productions and its inclusion in school curricula, aiding in the understanding of the historical and social context of that era.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Meropa Davydovna Murzavetskaya — a wealthy widow, a cunning and deceitful woman who seeks to preserve and increase her wealth by any means. She manipulates those around her to achieve her goals.
• Pavel Ivanovich Berkutov — a young man who falls in love with Glafira and tries to counter Murzavetskaya's schemes. He is honest and noble, but his naivety and trustfulness make him vulnerable.
• Glafira Alekseevna — Murzavetskaya's niece, a beautiful and intelligent girl who becomes the object of her aunt's manipulations. She dreams of freedom and happiness but is forced to comply with Murzavetskaya's will.
• Apollon Viktorovich Chugunov — a wealthy landowner who also gets caught in Murzavetskaya's web of intrigue. He tries to maintain his dignity and independence but faces challenges.
• Anfusa Tikhonovna — Murzavetskaya's old servant, who is loyal to her mistress and assists in her schemes. She carries out all of Murzavetskaya's orders without considering morality or consequences.

Style and Technique

The comedy «Wolves and Sheep» by Alexander Ostrovsky is written in the genre of social and domestic drama, where the author skillfully combines elements of satire and realism. The style of the work is characterized by lively and expressive language, rich with folk expressions and proverbs, giving the dialogues a natural and lifelike quality. Ostrovsky uses techniques of contrast and antithesis, opposing the images of «wolves» and «sheep» as symbols of predators and victims in society. The structure of the play is clearly constructed, with a classic division into acts and scenes, allowing for the gradual development of conflict and the revelation of characters. The author also employs irony and sarcasm to expose societal vices such as greed, hypocrisy, and self-interest. Stage directions play an important role in the work, not only describing the actions and expressions of the characters but also creating an atmosphere that underscores the emotional tension of the scenes.

Interesting Facts

• The play is one of Alexander Ostrovsky's most famous comedies and was written in 1875.
• The main characters, Murzavetskaya and Berkutov, represent opposite types of people: a cunning and deceitful woman and an honest and straightforward man.
• The title of the play symbolizes the confrontation between cunning and deceitful people (wolves) and simple and trusting ones (sheep).
• The play was first staged at the Maly Theatre in Moscow and was a great success.
• In this play, Ostrovsky masterfully uses elements of satire to critique the social vices of his time.

Book Review

Alexander Ostrovsky's play «Wolves and Sheep» is a vivid example of satirical depiction of societal morals and vices. At the heart of the plot is a struggle for inheritance and power, where each character seeks their own advantage, sparing no means. Critics praise Ostrovsky's skill in creating lively and memorable characters, such as the deceitful Murzavetskaya and the naive Glafira. The play explores themes of greed, hypocrisy, and moral decay, making it relevant even today. Witty dialogues and dynamic plot development keep the audience and readers engaged, while the deep psychological portrayal of characters reveals traits common to people of all eras. «Wolves and Sheep» is not only a social satire but also a profound exploration of human nature.