Mozart and Salieri

Summary

«Mozart and Salieri» is a dramatic scene in two acts written by Alexander Pushkin. The plot centers on the relationship between two great composers: the brilliant and carefree Mozart and the envious yet diligent Salieri. Tormented by jealousy of Mozart's talent, Salieri decides to poison him. In the finale, Salieri offers Mozart poisoned wine, and Mozart, unaware of his friend's malicious intentions, drinks it. Pushkin raises questions about the nature of genius and envy, as well as the moral dilemmas faced by creative individuals.

Main Ideas

• The contrast between genius and envy: Mozart embodies natural talent and brilliance, while Salieri symbolizes envy and mediocrity.
• The theme of envy and its destructive power: Despite his efforts and hard work, Salieri cannot come to terms with Mozart's superiority and resorts to crime.
• Philosophical reflections on justice and fate: Salieri questions why genius is granted to one person and not another, seeking justification in his actions.
• Moral dilemma and inner conflict: Salieri is aware of the immorality of his deed, but his envy and sense of injustice prove stronger.
• The tragedy of the creative individual: Pushkin shows how envy and the inability to acknowledge another's talent can lead to tragic consequences.

Historical Context and Significance

«Mozart and Salieri» is one of Alexander Pushkin's «Little Tragedies», written in 1830. This work explores the theme of envy and genius, using the historical figures of composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Pushkin creates a dramatic situation in which Salieri, envious of Mozart's talent, decides to murder him. This play significantly influenced the cultural perception of these historical figures, cementing the myth of the rivalry between Mozart and Salieri. Its influence extended to music, theater, and film, inspiring numerous interpretations and adaptations, including Rimsky-Korsakov's opera and Milos Forman's film «Amadeus».

Main Characters and Their Development

• Mozart: In Alexander Pushkin's «Mozart and Salieri», Mozart is portrayed as a brilliant and carefree composer who creates his works with ease and joy. He is sincere, open, and trusting, unaware of the envy and malice lurking in Salieri's heart. Mozart lives in a world of music and art, unconcerned with material wealth and recognition.
• Salieri: In Pushkin's play, Salieri is a talented but envious and embittered composer. He works hard to achieve success and cannot accept that Mozart, in his view, receives everything too easily. Salieri is tormented by his envy and ultimately decides to commit the crime of poisoning Mozart. His inner conflict and struggle between talent and envy are central themes of the work.

Style and Technique

Alexander Pushkin's «Mozart and Salieri» is a verse drama written in the genre of «little tragedies». The style of the work is characterized by conciseness and deep psychological development of the characters. Pushkin uses the classical poetic meter — iambic pentameter, which gives the text rhythm and musicality. The language of the work is rich in metaphors, allusions, and symbols, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters' inner worlds. Literary devices include dialogic form, monologues, antitheses, and contrasts, highlighting the conflict between Mozart and Salieri. The narrative structure is simple and focused on the two main characters, allowing for concentration on their relationship and inner conflict. Pushkin masterfully conveys the tragedy and drama of the situation using minimalist yet expressive means.

Quotes

• Genius and villainy are two things incompatible.
• No, I could not kill him!

Interesting Facts

• The work is one of four tragedies included in the cycle «Little Tragedies».
• The plot is based on the legend that Salieri poisoned Mozart out of envy for his talent.
• Pushkin uses real historical figures but interprets their characters and actions artistically.
• The tragedy raises questions about the nature of genius and envy, as well as the relationship between talent and mediocrity.
• The work is written in the form of a dramatic dialogue, giving it a special dynamism and tension.
• Pushkin masterfully conveys Salieri's inner turmoil and torment, making his character multifaceted and complex.

Book Review

Alexander Pushkin's «Mozart and Salieri» is a dramatic miniature that explores the theme of envy and genius. The plot centers on the conflict between two composers: the brilliant Mozart and the envious Salieri. Pushkin masterfully conveys Salieri's inner struggles, his battle with his own feelings and moral principles. Critics note that Pushkin raises important questions about the nature of talent and envy, and how these feelings can destroy a person. Special attention is given to the language and style of the work, which emphasize the drama and depth of the conflict. The play is also considered a philosophical reflection on fate and justice, making it relevant even today.