Ordinary Miracle

Summary

«Ordinary Miracle» is a play by Evgeny Schwartz that tells the story of a wizard who, for amusement, transforms a bear into a man with the condition that if the bear falls in love and is loved in return, he will turn back into a bear. The main character, the bear, meets a princess, and love blossoms between them. However, aware of the consequences, they try to avoid the inevitable. The play explores themes of love, freedom of choice, and responsibility for one's actions. In the finale, despite all efforts, a miracle occurs, and love proves stronger than magic.

Main Ideas

• The contrast between the ordinary and the miraculous, where the miracle becomes part of everyday life.
• The theme of love as a force capable of overcoming any obstacles and changing people's destinies.
• The idea that everyone is capable of a miracle if they believe in it and act with kindness and sincerity.
• Exploration of human nature through the lens of fairy-tale events and characters.
• Critique of social norms and conventions that prevent people from being happy and free.
• The importance of personal choice and responsibility for one's actions.
• A blend of philosophical reflections with humor and irony, making the work both accessible and profound.

Historical Context and Significance

Evgeny Schwartz's play «Ordinary Miracle» was written in 1954 and became one of his most renowned works. It is a fairy-tale story interwoven with elements of fantasy and reality, characteristic of Schwartz's writing. The play delves into themes of love, destiny, and human nature, using metaphorical language and allegories. «Ordinary Miracle» had a significant impact on Soviet and Russian culture, serving as the basis for several theatrical productions and film adaptations. Notably, the 1978 film of the same name, directed by Mark Zakharov, became a cult classic and remains popular to this day. Schwartz's work continues to inspire directors and audiences with its depth and universality, remaining relevant in the modern context.

Main Characters and Their Development

• The Wizard - a central character who creates and orchestrates magical situations. He plays the role of creator and observer, with his character revealed through interactions with others and his philosophical musings on life and love.
• The Princess - a young woman who falls in love with the Bear. Her character evolves from a naive and romantic girl to a mature woman ready to fight for her love.
• The Bear - a young man transformed into a bear by the wizard. His development involves overcoming the internal conflict between his human and animal nature, as well as finding true love.
• The King - the Princess's father, who initially opposes his daughter's relationship with the Bear but eventually understands the true value of love and happiness.
• The Queen - the Princess's mother, who supports her husband but also cares about her daughter's happiness.
• The Minister-Administrator - a comedic character who adds elements of satire and humor to the story, representing the bureaucratic system.

Style and Technique

In «Ordinary Miracle», Evgeny Schwartz employs a unique style that combines elements of fairy tales and philosophical parables. The language of the work is rich with metaphors and symbols, giving the text depth and complexity. Schwartz masterfully uses dialogues to reveal the characters' personalities and convey their inner experiences. Literary devices such as irony and grotesque help the author create an atmosphere of magic while simultaneously addressing serious philosophical questions about love, freedom, and destiny. The narrative structure intertwines reality and fantasy, creating a sense of a magical world where anything is possible. This allows the reader to reflect on human nature and the meaning of life while remaining within an engaging story.

Interesting Facts

• «Ordinary Miracle» is a play that combines elements of fairy tales and philosophical parables, making it unique in its genre.
• The main theme of the work is love, which can overcome any obstacles and change people's destinies.
• The play has been adapted into several films and theatrical productions, highlighting its popularity and significance in the cultural context.
• The work contains numerous allusions to classic fairy-tale motifs, which Schwartz reinterprets in his own way.
• Characters like the Wizard and the Bear have become iconic and are often quoted in Russian culture.
• Schwartz uses elements of grotesque and irony in the play, giving it special depth and complexity.

Book Review

Evgeny Schwartz's «Ordinary Miracle» is a play that captivates with its fairy-tale atmosphere and profound philosophical undertones. Critics note that Schwartz masterfully blends elements of fantasy and reality, creating a unique world where miracles become commonplace. The central theme of the work is love, which can overcome any barriers and change people's destinies. Despite their fairy-tale nature, the characters are very human and evoke genuine sympathy from readers. Schwartz uses irony and humor to highlight the absurdity of certain life situations, making the work not only profound but also easy to perceive. Critics also point out that «Ordinary Miracle» raises important questions about freedom of choice and responsibility for one's actions, making it relevant even today. The play leaves a bright feeling of hope and belief in miracles that can happen in anyone's life.