Count Nulin

Summary

The poem «Count Nulin» by Alexander Pushkin tells the story of a young count who, on his way to Moscow, is forced to stop in a village due to a broken carriage. Count Nulin stays with a landowner and his wife, Natalia Pavlovna. At night, the count decides to seduce the lady of the house, but his attempt ends in failure. Natalia Pavlovna rejects him and sends him away. In the morning, the count departs, and Natalia Pavlovna decides not to tell her husband about the incident to avoid a scandal.

Main Ideas

• A satirical depiction of provincial nobility and its morals.
• The theme of marital fidelity and frivolous behavior.
• The contrast between the outward glamour and inner emptiness of the aristocracy.
• A comedic situation arising from misunderstandings and coincidences.
• Critique of the emptiness and idleness of the noble society.

Historical Context and Significance

«Count Nulin» by Alexander Pushkin is a poem written in 1825, which serves as a vivid example of early 19th-century Russian literature. In it, Pushkin masterfully combines elements of comedy and satire, mocking the manners and customs of the noble society of that time. The poem has significant cultural influence as it demonstrates the transition from classicism to realism in Russian literature. «Count Nulin» is also important because Pushkin uses lively colloquial language, making the work accessible and understandable to a wide audience. This piece influenced the development of Russian poetry and prose tradition, as well as the subsequent works of many Russian writers and poets.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Count Nulin — a young and frivolous nobleman who stops at the landowner's house due to a broken carriage. He attempts to seduce Natalia Pavlovna, but his efforts are unsuccessful. Ultimately, he is forced to leave the house without achieving his goal.
• Natalia Pavlovna — the young and beautiful wife of the landowner, who remains faithful to her husband despite Count Nulin's attempts to seduce her. She shows intelligence and determination, refusing to succumb to the count's persuasion and protecting her honor.
• Vladimir Pavlovich — Natalia Pavlovna's husband, a landowner who trusts his wife and is unaware of the incident with Count Nulin. His character is not elaborated in detail, but he is portrayed as a kind and loving husband.

Style and Technique

«Count Nulin» by Alexander Pushkin is written in the genre of a poem, which lends the work a lightness and musicality. Pushkin's style in this piece is characterized by irony and humor, evident in the depiction of characters and situations. The language of the poem is simple and elegant, using colloquial expressions and idioms, making the text accessible and lively. Literary devices include allegories, metaphors, and hyperboles, which help create vivid images and emphasize the comedic aspects of the plot. The narrative structure is linear, with a clear beginning, development, and conclusion, facilitating easy comprehension and enjoyment of the text. Pushkin skillfully uses rhyme and rhythm, giving the poem a special melodiousness and expressiveness.

Interesting Facts

• The work is written in verse form and consists of two songs.
• The plot revolves around a comedic situation where Count Nulin tries to seduce a married woman but fails.
• Pushkin wrote this piece in just two days while staying in Boldino.
• The work contains an autobiographical element: Pushkin describes village life, which was familiar to him.
• Count Nulin is one of the few comedic characters in Pushkin's oeuvre.
• The work was first published in the magazine «Northern Flowers» in 1827.

Book Review

«Count Nulin» by Alexander Pushkin is a brilliant example of a light and ironic poem, in which the author masterfully combines humor and subtle satire. Critics note that Pushkin, in this work, mocks high society and its morals, creating comedic situations and vivid images. The main character, Count Nulin, becomes a symbol of emptiness and insignificance, emphasized by his surname. The poem also stands out for its lively and dynamic language, making it an engaging and enjoyable read. Overall, «Count Nulin» is considered one of the finest examples of Pushkin's poetry, showcasing his skill in creating satirical works.