“Woe from Wit” brought Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov worldwide fame. This comedy presents the morals of the Moscow nobility of the 19th century in a satirical manner. The main conflict flares up between Chatsky, a representative of the new generation of nobles, and Famusov’s society, in which it is customary to value not a person, but his rank and money. In addition, the play also contains a love conflict, the participants of which are three characters: Sophia, Chatsky and Molchalin. These storylines are closely intertwined and flow from one another. A summary of “Woe from Wit” by action will help you understand the problems of the play in more detail.
Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov- manager in a state house, Sophia's father. For him, the most important thing in a person is rank. He is very concerned about the world's opinion of him. Famusov is afraid of educated people and enlightenment.
Sophia– Famusov’s 17-year-old daughter. Raised by her father from the cradle, because... her mother died. A smart and brave girl who is ready to resist the opinions of society.
Alexey Molchalin- Famusov’s secretary, who lives in his house. Silent and cowardly. He, a man of humble birth, was warmed up by Famusov and gave him the rank of assessor. Sophia is in love with him.
Alexander Chatsky– grew up with Sophia. Was in love with her. Then he went to wander around the world for 3 years. Smart, eloquent. Prefers to serve the cause rather than people.
Lizanka- the Famusovs’ maid, who helps Sophia keep her meetings with Molchalin secret.
Colonel Skalozub- a stupid but very wealthy man. Aims to become a general. He is tipped to be Sophia's wife.
The first act of the play "Woe from Wit" begins with a scene where Lizanka, a maid in the Famusovs' house, wakes up in an armchair complaining that she did not sleep well. The reason is that her owner Sophia was expecting a friend, Molchalin, to visit. Lisa had to make sure that their meeting remained a secret from the rest of the household.
Lisa knocks on Sophia’s room, from where the sounds of a flute and piano are heard, and informs the young hostess that morning has come, and it’s time to say goodbye to Molchalin, so as not to be caught by her father. To speed up the process of saying goodbye to lovers, Lisa resets the clock. They start hitting.
Famusov, Sophia's father, catches Lisa doing this. During the conversation, Famusov clearly flirts with the maid. Their conversation is interrupted by the voice of Sophia, who calls Lisa. Famusov hastily leaves.
Lisa begins to reproach Sophia for her carelessness. Sophia says goodbye to Molchalin. Famusov appears at the door. He wonders why his secretary Molchalin was here so early. Molchalin claims that he was returning from a walk and just came to see Sophia. Famusov angrily scolds his daughter for catching her with a young man.
Lisa advises Sophia to be careful and beware of unkind rumors. But Sophia is not afraid of them. However, Lisa believes that Sophia and Molchalin have no future, because Famusov will not allow his daughter to marry a poor and humble man. The most profitable match for Sophia, according to her father, is Colonel Skalozub, who has both rank and money. Sophia replies that it is better to drown herself than to marry Skalozub, because he is very stupid.
In a conversation about intelligence and stupidity, Lisa recalls the former story of the youthful tender love of Sophia and Alexander Andreevich Chatsky, who was distinguished by both his cheerfulness and his extraordinary intelligence. But this is a matter of long ago. Sophia believes that this could not be considered love. They simply grew up with Chatsky. There was only childhood friendship between them.
A servant appears at the door and reports to Sophia that Chatsky has arrived.
Chatsky is delighted to meet Sophia, but is surprised by the cold reception. Sophia assures him that she is glad to meet you. Chatsky begins to remember past years. Sophia calls their relationship childish. Chatsky wonders if Sophia is in love with someone, because she is so embarrassed. But the girl says that she is embarrassed by Chatsky’s questions and looks.
In a conversation with Famusov, Chatsky admires Sophia and says that he has never met anyone like her anywhere and ever. Famusov is afraid that Chatsky might woo his daughter.
After Chatsky leaves, Famusov is left wondering which of the two young people occupies Sophia’s heart.
In the second scene of the second act, Chatsky asks Famusov what he would answer if he wooed Sophia. The father of Chatsky’s beloved says that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to serve the state and receive a high rank. Chatsky utters the famous phrase: “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served.” Then Famusov calls Chatsky a proud man and cites as an example his uncle Maxim Petrovich, who served at court and was a very rich man. And all thanks to the fact that he knew how to “curry favor.” Once, at a reception with Catherine II, he stumbled and fell. The Empress laughed. Having caused her to smile, he decided to repeat his fall twice more, but this time on purpose, thereby giving pleasure to the empress. But, thanks to his ability to turn such an incident to his advantage, he was held in high esteem. Famusov considers the ability to “serve” to be very important for achieving a high position in society.
Chatsky pronounces a monologue in which he compares the “present century” and the “past century.” He accuses Famusov’s generation of judging a person by rank and money and calls that time the age of “obedience and fear.” Chatsky would not want to be a buffoon even in front of the sovereign himself. He prefers to serve “the cause rather than persons.”
Meanwhile, Colonel Skalozub comes to visit Famusov, which makes Famusov very happy. He warns Chatsky against expressing free thoughts in front of him.
The conversation between Famusov and Skalozub concerns the colonel’s cousin, who received many advantages in his service thanks to Skalozub. However, on the eve of receiving a high rank, he suddenly left the service and went to the village, where he began to lead a measured life and read books. Skalozub speaks about this with evil mockery. This way of life is unacceptable for the “Famus society.”
Famusov admires Skalozub because he has been a colonel for a long time, although he has served only recently. Skalozub dreams of the rank of general, and he doesn’t want to earn it, but to “get it.” Famusov wonders if Skalozub is going to get married.
Chatsky enters the conversation. Famusov condemns his freethinking and unwillingness to serve. Chatsky responds with a monologue that it is not Famusov’s place to judge him. According to Chatsky, there are no role models in Famusov’s society. Representatives of the Famus generation despise freedom, their judgments are outdated. Their morals are alien to Chatsky. He will not bow his head before this society. Chatsky is outraged that everyone in the world is afraid of people who are engaged in science or art, and not in obtaining ranks. Only a uniform covers up the lack of morality and intelligence in Famus society.
Sophia comes running, frightened that Molchalin was killed by falling from his horse, and faints. While Lisa is trying to bring the girl to her senses, Chatsky sees a healthy Molchalin through the window and understands that Sophia was in vain worried about him. Sophia, waking up, asks about Molchalin. Chatsky answers coldly that everything is fine. Sophia accuses him of indifference. Chatsky finally understands who occupies Sophia’s heart, because she so carelessly betrayed her reverent attitude towards Molchalin.
Molchalin reproaches Sophia for expressing her feelings too openly. Sophia doesn't care about other people's opinions. Molchalin is afraid of rumors, he is cowardly. Lisa recommends that Sophia flirt with Chatsky in order to divert suspicion from Molchalin.
Alone with Lisa, Molchalin openly flirts with her, compliments her, and offers her gifts.
At the beginning of the third act, Chatsky tries to find out from Sophia who is dear to her: Molchalin or Skalozub. Sophia avoids answering. Chatsky says that he is “crazy” in love with her. In the conversation, it turns out that Sophia appreciates Molchalin for his meek disposition, modesty, and quietness, but again avoids directly declaring her love for him.
In the evening, a ball is planned at the Famusovs' house. The servants hastily prepare to greet the guests.
Guests are arriving. Among them are Prince Tugoukhovsky with his wife and six daughters, Countess Khryumina, grandmother and granddaughter, Zagoretsky, a gambler, a master of serving everyone, Khlestova, Sophia’s aunt. All these are influential people in Moscow.
Molchalin goes so far as to praise the smooth coat of Khlestova’s Spitz in order to gain her favor. Chatsky noticed this and laughed at Molchalin’s helpfulness.
Sophia reflects on Chatsky's pride and anger. In a conversation with a certain Mr. N, she casually says that Chatsky is “out of his mind.”
The news of Chatsky's madness spreads among the guests. When Chatsky appears, everyone backs away from him. Famusov notices signs of madness in him.
Chatsky says that his soul is filled with grief, he feels uncomfortable among these people. He is dissatisfied with Moscow. He was outraged by the meeting in the next room with a Frenchman who, when going to Russia, was afraid that he would end up in a country of barbarians and was afraid to go. And here he was greeted with affection, he did not hear Russian speech, did not see Russian faces. It was as if he was back in his homeland. Chatsky condemns the dominance of everything foreign in Russia. He is disgusted that everyone bows to France and imitates the French. While Chatsky was finishing his speech, all the guests left him, spun in a waltz or went to the card tables.
In the fourth act, the ball ends and the guests begin to leave.
Chatsky hurries the footman to bring the carriage faster. This day dispelled his dreams and hopes. He wonders why everyone thinks he’s crazy, who started this rumor that everyone picked up, and whether Sophia knows about it. Chatsky does not realize that it was Sophia who was the first to declare his madness.
When Sophia appears, Chatsky hides behind a column and becomes an involuntary witness to Lisa’s conversation with Molchalin. It turns out that Molchalin not only does not intend to marry Sophia, but also does not have any feelings for her. The maid Lisa is much nicer to him, he directly states this to her: “Why isn’t she you!” He pleases Sophia only because she is the daughter of Famusov, for whom he serves. Sophia accidentally overhears this conversation. Molchalin throws himself on his knees and asks for forgiveness. But Sophia pushes him away and orders him to leave the house by morning, otherwise she will tell everything to her father.
Chatsky appears. He reproaches Sophia for betraying their love for the sake of Molchalin. Sophia declares that she could not even think that Molchalin would turn out to be such a scoundrel.
Famusov comes running with a crowd of servants with candles. He did not expect to see his daughter with Chatsky, because she “she herself called him crazy.” Now Chatsky understands who started the rumor about his madness.
Famusov is indignant and scolds the servants for not looking after his daughter. Liza is sent “to the hut”, “to go after the birds,” and Sophia herself is threatened to be sent “to the village, to her aunt, to the wilderness, to Saratov.”
Chatsky pronounces his last monologue about how his hopes were not justified. He hurried to Sophia, dreaming of finding his happiness with her. Blames her for giving him false hope and not telling him directly that their childhood love means nothing to her. And he lived only with these feelings for all three years. But now he doesn't regret the breakup. There is no place for him in Famus society. He is going to leave Moscow forever.
After Chatsky’s departure, Famusov is worried about only one thing: “What will Princess Marya Aleksevna say!”
The comedy “Woe from Wit” has become iconic in the history of Russian culture and literature. It presents the issues that worried society after the War of 1812, and shows the split that emerged among the nobility.
A brief retelling of “Woe from Wit” allows us to imagine the breadth of themes and issues of this work and the features of the disclosure of plot lines. However, it does not convey the linguistic richness of comedy, which is famous for its abundance of expressions that have become “catch-word”. We recommend that you read Griboyedov’s “Woe from Wit” in its entirety to enjoy the author’s subtle irony and the famous lightness of the style of this play.
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A good summary of actions is a detailed and accurate work, where the main events are correctly and concisely indicated. This is exactly the summary provided by the Literaguru team. And for a full-scale immersion in the text, we recommend that you read .
The play begins with the awakening of the maid Lizanka, who had been guarding her mistress Sophia all night (here), because a friend, Molchalin, had secretly visited her (here). She knocks on the girl’s door, informing her that it’s time to leave, but the lovers do not want to part with each other. Therefore, Lizanka decides to change the clock; they hit. The head of the family and Sophia’s father, Famusov, enters the room and immediately begins to flirt with the maid.
He asks about his daughter, whether she is sleeping now, and when he learns that she has been reading novels all night, he begins to complain about the books. Their conversation is interrupted by Sophia, who calls out to her maid, after which Famusov leaves. His heiress comes out along with his employee. Lisa begins to say that the couple is not being careful and they could get caught like this. The lovers say goodbye, Molchalin leaves, but on the threshold he meets Famusov, who is extremely surprised how his assistant ended up next to his daughter’s room at such a time. The secretary tries to get out of this situation, saying that he simply ended up in another room by mistake while walking, but the boss does not believe him. He begins to scold his daughter for finding her alone with a man at such an early hour.
After they leave, Lisa tells Sophia that she needs to be extremely careful, and she should also understand that her father will never allow her to marry a poor man. Only someone like Skalozub with a successful career and big money is suitable for her as a groom. But the young lady is categorically against him, considering him too stupid a person. Lisa remembers Chatsky, about their emotional relationship in childhood, but Sophia considers it just fun, because then they were children.
At the same moment, the servant announces the arrival of Chatsky (here is him), who went abroad a couple of years ago. The man is very happy to see his childhood friend and begins to remember past years. But the girl herself does not share her enthusiasm for this and calls their relationship childish. Their conversation is interrupted by Famusov, who is glad to see the guest and tries to find out from him what it was like for him abroad. But the young man does not answer his questions, only casually mentions that Sophia has changed a lot, and later runs away. And Famusov remains in his thoughts, thinking about how difficult it is to be the father of an adult daughter.
Famusov talks to the servant, telling him to take out a calendar to mark the affairs and meetings that need to be attended. Later, Chatsky comes, who is interested in Sophia’s condition and asks her father how he would react if Alexander asked his daughter’s hand in marriage. The man responded by telling him that he should serve and receive a high rank. But the guest does not agree with this; he is happy to serve, but not to be waited on. Then Famusov calls him proud and tells a story about his uncle, who achieved great rank because of his ability to serve. But, according to Chatsky, you need to do your job well, and not suck up to people who are higher in rank. His opponent believes that with such an approach the young wit will achieve nothing.
At this moment, Colonel Skalozub arrives, whom the owner of the house considers an ideal candidate for his daughter, and he himself asks him about this issue. But Chatsky intervenes in the conversation, starting to talk about Famusov’s entourage, in which rank plays a more significant role than the person himself. The elderly nobleman accuses the guest of dissent, and later leaves, leaving the two candidates for the hand of his daughter alone.
A couple of minutes later, Sophia comes running into the room in a state of fright. Looking out the window, she falls unconscious, thinking that Molchalin died by falling from a horse. Chatsky later notes that everything is fine with the man and he is alive, but you can only worry about your “best friend.” The young lady accuses him of coldness, revealing to her insightful interlocutor her true attitude towards Molchalin.
The secretary appears and apologizes for the fuss he caused. Sophia also says that she reacts too violently to everything. Soon Chatsky, followed by Skalozub, leave the room. The heroine expresses all her concern to Molchalin, and in response he accuses her of being too frank, which could ruin them. Lisa advises talking with Chatsky in order to avoid unnecessary accusations towards Molchalin. The young lady goes to her father, leaving the maid and her lover alone, who begins to flirt with the maid and confess his love to her. He loves Sophia only because of her position, but she doesn’t interest him at all. After he leaves, the lady comes into the room and asks Lisa to tell Molchalin to come see her.
Chatsky wants to find out from Sophia who her lover is, but she does not open up to him. However, the man already understands that her heart belongs to Molchalin.
At this moment, the servants are preparing the house for the upcoming ball. Guests are slowly arriving, among them: Natalya Dmitrievna and Platon Mikhailovich Gorichi, Prince Tugoukhovsky with his wife and six daughters, Countesses Khryumina (grandmother and granddaughter), Anton Antonovich Zagoretsky, Old Woman Khlestova. Everyone begins to revolve around Chatsky, because he has just returned from abroad, and is also a bachelor. He himself watches the guests and chuckles. While talking with Sophia, he notices how Molchalin skillfully sucked up to Mrs. Khlestova, praising her Pomeranian. After he leaves, the girl spreads a rumor about Alexander's madness. The guests enthusiastically picked up this news, saying that they immediately understood it, because the young man condemns serfdom, cronyism, nepotism and careerism of the highest ranks. How can anyone in their right mind say this?
Chatsky enters, all the guests avoid him. He himself says that he was disappointed by Moscow. He talks about his meeting with a foreigner in another room, when the man did not want to go to Russia because he was afraid of strangers, but when he arrived, he realized that he was very mistaken, because he lived as if he had never left his home. Chatsky does not like the fashion for imitating foreigners; he ridicules the “mixture of French with Nizhny Novgorod” in which high society communicates. While he was saying this, all the guests scattered around the hall, starting to go about their business.
The ball is over, and the guests begin to leave Famusov's house. The main character is in a sad mood waiting for his crew. Suddenly Repetilov runs out to meet him, happy to see him. He begins to talk about his life, about where he was now. He persuades his friend to go with him, but Chatsky manages to escape when the interlocutor switches to Skalozub. Later, Zagoretsky tells him about Chatsky’s madness, but he does not believe it. He starts asking different guests, but the answer is the same. This news amazes Alexander, who inadvertently overhears the conversation of those leaving.
Hearing Sophia's voice calling Molchalin, he decides to hide and see how the matter ends. At the same time, Lisa calls the secretary, and he, in turn, showers her with compliments, saying that he acts according to his father’s principle, pleasing everyone, but he is not going to marry Famusov’s daughter. Sophia hears all this, she understands that the gentleman deceived her. Seeing her, he begs for forgiveness, and the young lady tells him to leave here, otherwise she will tell her father about everything. Next comes Chatsky, who accuses her of betraying him for the sake of a scoundrel. She asks for leniency, saying that the blame lies only with her.
In a couple of minutes the whole house comes down. Famusov is amazed that he found his daughter with a madman, whom she herself exposed. It dawns on Chatsky that Sophia is to blame for the false rumor. The owner of the house continues to be indignant: he decides to send the girl into isolation from city society, and he orders Alexander to leave. Chatsky decides to leave Russia forever, since this country did not live up to his hopes. In the end, he blames Sophia, who fooled him, while he was blinded by memories and hope. But now he doesn’t regret the breakup. Famusov is most worried about what Princess Marya Aleksevna will think!
Interesting? Save it on your wall!About comedy. The plot of Alexander Griboedov's comedy will take you to Moscow in the 19th century. The nobility is represented by different characters. The plot is based on the conflict of generations. On the one hand, there are conservative nobles who are outliving their era, on the other, there are new representatives of the emerging class of enlightened nobles. A brief summary of “Woe from Wit” based on the actions will help you understand the peculiarities of an interesting, but already bygone century; a quick read will allow you to understand the essence and meaning of the plot of the work of art.
The plot develops in the house of the manager in the government place, Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov. It all starts in the spacious living room. The maid Lizonka is dozing in an armchair; pleasant music is heard from the master’s daughter’s bedroom. Two instruments - a flute and a piano - help to understand that there are two people in the bedroom. The frightened maid wakes up and, seeing that daylight is already approaching outside the window, begins to knock on the mistress. She hurries and frightens the hidden lovers with a meeting with her father, but they are deaf to her requests. Famusov appears in response to the noise in the room. He flirts with the maid, trying to figure out where the noise came from. Lisa makes even more noise, and the owner leaves. The lovers leave the room. This is Sophia, Famusov’s daughter, and Molchalin, a secretary living in his house. They didn't hear what was happening in the living room. Lisa tries to send Molchalin out, but runs into Famusov at the door. The lovers are trying to get out. One says that he ended up here by accident, returning from a walk, and the daughter blames everything on her father, who woke up her tender sleep with a loud voice. The girl tells her father about a dream that alarmed her. She dreamed of the poor lover, screams and arguments with her father. In the dream there were monsters, laughter and roars. Famusov proceeds to question Molchalin. He, it turns out, was also in a hurry to hear the owner’s voice in order to present him with the papers early. The men leave, and the girls remain in the room. They continue talking about men. The maid is trying to convey to the young lady that meetings with Molchalin will be of no use. My father will not allow me to tie my fate with a poor man. The blinded girl hopes for a different outcome. Lisa invites her rich daughter to take a closer look at Colonel Skalozub.
Lisa explains to Sofia that her father wants a son-in-law in rank and with the stars. But the flighty girl doesn’t want to hear about military movements: the front and the ranks. With admiration, Lisa talks about Alexander Andreevich Chatsky. He is cheerful, sensitive, sharp-tongued, and reminds of the young man’s love for Sofia. Famusov's daughter laughs at Chatsky, she loves Mochalin, who sits nearby all night, sighing without saying a word. The maid becomes even more cheerful when she imagines this ridiculous picture.
The girls' conversation is interrupted with the arrival of Chatsky. He is in a hurry to see his beloved, to find out how she lives. In his speech, the young man tries to remind her of childhood pranks and fun, carefree days of games and hide-and-seek. In the conversation, the young man begins to make fun of everyone he knew, asking if they have changed:
Gradually Chatsky reached Molchalin. He wonders if the silent fool has changed. Sofia is angry, she is ready to send her former friend to the fire, just not to hear his ridicule of her beloved.
The owner of the house, Famusov, appears. Sofia, taking advantage of this, hides in her room. Famusov begins a conversation with the guest. He wonders where Chatsky was for 3 years, what he learned new, but the young man is busy with his own thoughts. The lover is amazed at how prettier Sofia has become, his feelings inflamed even more. He apologizes to Famusov and explains: he wanted to see Sofia so much that he didn’t stop by home. Alexander Andreevich says goodbye, promising to return in the evening.
Famusov is left alone in his doubts. He does not understand what his daughter is hinting at when she says that “sleep is in your hand.” He is not satisfied with either the morning guest, the beggar Molchalin, or Chatsky, whom he considers a fashionista and sharp-tongued.
Famusov and his servant fill out a calendar of events for the week. The life of a nobleman is so busy that every day is scheduled:
You can’t listen to plans without a sarcastic grin: “she hasn’t given birth, but according to (my) calculations she should give birth.”
Chatsky enters Famusov’s office. An interesting dialogue begins between representatives of two generations of nobility. The young man is interested in everything connected with Sofia. In response, the father tries to find out his plans: have he decided to get married? Chatsky finds out what Famusov would answer to his matchmaking. He says that he would like to see him as a skilled manager of the estate. The main thing is that Famusov wants to send the young man to serve. Alexander Andreevich counters him with a phrase that has become popular: “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served.”
Famusov gives the example of Maxim Petrovich, his late uncle. He achieved respect and respect through an absurd situation. Having stumbled once and amused the noble people, he repeated the fall several times. He attracted attention and became a person who himself gives ranks and distributes pensions. Chatsky, after listening to the example, was simply amazed at how one could get a position through one’s own humiliation (“they knocked on the floor without sparing”), flattery (flattery was woven like lace). The ancestors hid all the meanness under the guise of admiration for the king, but in fact they only dreamed of their career growth and money. The young man’s speeches frighten Famusov. He sees in him a “carbonari” (a secret political society of a revolutionary hue), a dangerous person. And the more Chatsky speaks, the more scared Famusov becomes. The owner of the house no longer hears the end of the speech, he simply asks to let him go, not to argue and not to continue criticizing the events and people of his century.
The servant announces that Colonel Skalozub has arrived. Frightened Famusov shouts that Chatsky needs to be brought to justice. Only the third time was the servant able to shout to the owner. He asks Chatsky to behave carefully and respectfully in front of Skalozub, not to engage in arguments or false ideas. He talks about the colonel's possible desire to marry Sofia. Famusov does not see an urgent need for this wedding, but does not exclude such a possibility.
Chatsky is left alone for a few minutes. He reflects that an unknown number of suitors have appeared around his beloved. Love, in his opinion, comes to an end, unable to withstand 3 years of separation.
Sergei Sergeevich Skalozub, Famusov and Alexander Andreevich Chatsky are located in the same room and begin a conversation.
The colonel's speech is constructed one-sidedly. He thinks only in clear military terms. Therefore, it’s funny to hear his answer to the question about his relationship with a woman: “We didn’t serve together with her.” All he knows about his relatives is who served where and when, and how he distinguished himself. Among Skalozub’s relatives there is a brother who, instead of receiving a rank, went to the village to read books. Skalozub is friends with those who open job vacancies for him. He envies those who are more successful and feels sorry for himself. He had to travel with the regiment for 2 years to receive the next rank. Skalozub's dream is to become a general. Famusov asks about his plans for marriage. The Colonel is not averse to getting married.
The description of Moscow sounds interesting: the distances are huge, the fire contributed a lot to its decoration. The feeling of patriotism is described even more original in Famusov’s words. Girls flock to the military because they are patriots.
Chatsky joins the conversation when it comes to Moscow. His very first judgment frightens Famusov. The young man says that there are new houses in the capital, but old prejudices. The owner asks you to remember what you asked for at the beginning of the meeting. He has to introduce the young man to the colonel. There is a lot of negativity and criticism in his words:
The words turn on Chatsky. He answers all the arguments of the older generation. Another phrase that sounded in the mouth of the young man: “Who are the judges?” began to circulate as an independent phrase immediately after the book was published. The owner no longer listened to the long speech of the representative of the new generation; he went into the office, calling the colonel with him. Out of the entire tirade, Skalozub heard only thoughts about the military.
Sofia runs into Chatsky and Skalozub’s room along with the maid. She rushes to the window and screams that someone has fallen and broken. Alexander Andreevich notices the girl’s genuine fear. Skalozub imagines that the old owner “gave a blunder.” Lisa explains to everyone in the room that the misfortune happened to Molchalin, who was unable to climb onto the horse. The Colonel is interested in how the pathetic rider fell: on his chest or on his side.
Chatsky does not know how to help his beloved. Lisa asks for water to bring Sofia back to consciousness. Having woken up, the girl scolds Alexander Andreevich for not helping Molchalin, but Lisa takes her to the window to see: everything worked out, and there is no reason to panic.
Chatsky is waiting to meet Sofia, hoping to find out who the girl loves. He doubts among two admirers: Molchalin and Skalozub. But the young lady avoids talking and calls her lover strange. Chatsky admits that he is crazy about the girl. Sofia confesses her love for Molchalin. Her words sound so ridiculous that Alexander Andreevich doubts. He cannot imagine how one can love such a nonentity: “he is silent when he is scolded,” he has no opinion of his own. Sofia’s answer about Skalozub is very short: “The hero is not my novel.”
Sofia, under the pretext of the hairdresser coming, goes to meet her beloved. Chatsky remains even more confused, the riddle remains completely confused. Molchalin approaches him. Their conversation just makes me laugh. Chatsky is trying to understand how such a person can be liked. Molchalin's talent is moderation and accuracy. Molchalin talks with envy about the gossip that was spread about Chatsky. He talks enthusiastically about some Tatyana Yuryevna, whom you definitely need to go to. There are balls every day and an ongoing celebration. But Chatsky does not see any attractiveness in balls. The longer the young man talks with Molchalin, the more he becomes convinced of the impossibility of a relationship between him and Sofia.
Guests begin arriving at Famusov’s house: a dinner party is planned. Many of them are old acquaintances of Chatsky, there are descriptions of their meetings and conversations. Some of the guests are funny and absurd:
They all evaluate Chatsky.
Sofia is dating Mr. N. She shares her opinion that Chatsky is out of his mind. The young lady, having uttered these words, understands that she said the wrong thing, but she begins to like the idea of \u200b\u200bspreading such thoughts among the guests. She makes her lover look like a buffoon and waits for events to develop.
Gossip is quickly gaining momentum. Everyone shares the news, adding their own. Zagoretsky accelerates the gossip: “They grabbed me, took me to the yellow house, and put me on a chain.” No one doubts madness; everyone, on the contrary, finds signs of it in Alexander Andreevich’s behavior. When the young man appears in the hall, everyone dances diligently, the old people play cards. Nobody listens to his speeches, everyone tries to stay away.
The guests are leaving the ball.
Countess Khryumina and her granddaughter are unhappy with those who were invited: “freaks from the other world.”
Gorina Natalya Dmitrievna was having fun, her husband was dozing or dancing at his wife’s direction.
Chatsky asks the footman to give him a carriage. The coachman is not there, the footman goes to look for him, Chatsky remains. Repetilov runs up to him. He begins to chaotically declare his love for Alexander Andreevich. He doesn’t believe it and says it’s a lie and nonsense. He warns that Repetilov is late and the ball is already over. Repetilov is all about boasting; he considers himself one of the smart people who understand politics and books. He is a member of a secret club, invites a young man to join them, promises to introduce him to interesting people. But all the names listed do not arouse interest among the interlocutor. The speech stops when Skalozub's carriage is announced. Repetilov is heading there. And he begins to declare his love to the colonel. But apparently this is not the first time he listens to such speeches. He is frightening in that he will end all noisy meetings with formations in ranks. Unnoticed, Zagoretsky appears in Skalozub’s place. He begins to ask Repetilov about Chatsky. He wonders if his head is normal. Repetilov does not believe that Chatsky is mad.
The following guests appear: the princess with 6 daughters, Princess Khlestova. She is led by Molchalin. Zagoretsky asks everyone for confirmation of his words. It turns out that the news about madness is already outdated.
Molchalin accompanies Khlestova, who lets him into the room. Sarcasm can be heard in the name of the secretary's place of residence - closet. Repetilov does not know where to go next, he asks the lackey to take him somewhere.
Chatsky, who was in the Swiss station all this time, heard what was said about him. He is amazed. The absurdity of madness is amazing; he wants to know who spread such terrible rumors. His thoughts are interrupted by Sofia, who, with a candle in her hand, makes her way to Molchalin’s room. He hides behind a column, hoping to wait and find out the secrets hidden in the house.
Lisa with a candle moves along another dark corridor. She needs to call Molchalin to Sofia.
Chatsky and Sofia are hiding in different places. Lisa knocks on Molchalin’s room. She calls him to the young lady, scolds him for sleeping and not preparing for the wedding. Molchalin’s response speeches are frightening with blasphemy. He explains to Lisa that he is simply “dragging” time, afraid of offending the owner’s daughter, and does not want him, having learned about his connection with Sophia, to kick him out of the house. He begins to confess his love to the maid. Sofia perceives his words as baseness, and Chatsky as meanness. Lisa calls the deceiver to his conscience. Molchalin tells the girl what the meaning of his life is - to please. He is ready to please everyone:
Molchalin asks Lisa to allow herself to be hugged so that he can go and share love with the deplorable young lady, but Sofia does not let him in. She says she is ashamed of herself and her feelings. Molchalin crawls on his knees, but the girl remains adamant. She understands that his speeches are lies and deception. The girl thanks Molchalin for his shyness on dates. She is glad that she found out everything at night, and there are no witnesses to her shame. At this moment Chatsky appears.
Molchalin runs to his closet, Liza drops the candle out of fear. The young man turns to Sofia, he is surprised who she exchanged his real feelings for. Sofia is crying.
A crowd of servants runs into the corridor along with Famusov. He is outraged that Sofia, who declared Chatsky insane, meets him in the dark. Chatsky, having learned to whom he owes his madness, is even more surprised. Famusov scolds the young man and asks him not to appear in his house until he improves. Alexander Andreevich laughs at himself and quickly leaves to look for a corner where he can retire and forget about the insults he has received.
Chatsky is surprised by Sophia's behavior, and he wonders if she is in love with Molchalin? It’s hard for him to believe that a smart girl could fall in love with such an insignificant person. He asks her about the merits of his father's secretary, and she highlights his modesty.
Molchalin appears, and Chatsky arranges a kind of interrogation for him. The secretary, “who once worked in Tver,” has acquired acquaintances and connections in three years, which he proudly tells his rival about. He highlights his two most important qualities - “moderation and accuracy,” explaining that at his age “one should not dare to have one’s own judgment.” All these arguments finally assure Chatsky that Sophia could not fall in love with a person with such qualities, which means that he still has hope for her reciprocal feelings.
Meanwhile, guests are gathering at Famusov’s house for a big ball. The Gorici couple appear first. Natalya Dmitrievna tells Chatsky about her husband as if this is her next acquisition, as if a new outfit. In her husband Platon Mikhailovich, Chatsky hardly recognizes his former colleague. His wife changed everything about him: his military suit, movements, habits, views, and invented fashionable diseases for him (“rheumatism and headaches”). And the former colleague admits with a sigh that he is no longer the same, causing displeasure from his wife, who so persistently shows concern for his health.
The Tugoukhovsky princes appear with six marriageable daughters. Then Countess Khryumina arrives with her granddaughter. Natalya Dmitrievna switches to them, talking about her satin “tulle”, and Gorich himself introduces Zagoretsky to Chatsky, recommending him as a “swindler” and a “rogue.”
The powerful old woman-serf Khlestova, Famusov’s sister-in-law, arrives. She brags about her “blackamoor girl” and asks to feed her in the kitchen along with her own dog. Molchalin admires her lovely Spitz, for which Khlestova shows him a favorable attitude. Chatsky, not without irony, notes that Molchalin will always succeed in everything, because he pleases everyone very well: “Here he will pet a pug on time, here he will wipe a card on time!”
This sarcastic tone completely infuriates Sophia: when a conversation comes up among the guests about Chatsky, she first inadvertently, and then specifically hints that he is supposedly out of his mind. The rumor instantly spreads among Famusov's guests. Everyone strives to find the cause of madness: someone remembers their deceased mother, as if she was crazy, someone blames everything on drunkenness. Famusov, joining the conversation, explains everything by the excessive “learnedness” of his long-time acquaintance.
Chatsky, who reappeared in the hall, causes fear among the guests, fear that he could rush into a fight at any moment. And he complains to Sophia that everyone around them worships someone else’s, that some “Frenchman from Bordeaux” has captivated all the young ladies. When he finishes, he sees that everyone has left, leaving him in splendid isolation.
“Woe from Wit” brought Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov worldwide fame. This comedy presents the morals of the Moscow nobility of the 19th century in a satirical manner. The main conflict flares up between Chatsky, a representative of the new generation of nobles, and Famusov’s society, in which it is customary to value not a person, but his rank and money. In addition, the play also contains a love conflict, the participants of which are three characters: Sophia, Chatsky and Molchalin. These storylines are closely intertwined and flow from one another. A summary of “Woe from Wit” by action will help you understand the problems of the play in more detail.
Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov- manager in a state house, Sophia's father. For him, the most important thing in a person is rank. He is very concerned about the world's opinion of him. Famusov is afraid of educated people and enlightenment.
Sophia– Famusov’s 17-year-old daughter. Raised by her father from the cradle, because... her mother died. A smart and brave girl who is ready to resist the opinions of society.
Alexey Molchalin- Famusov’s secretary, who lives in his house. Silent and cowardly. He, a man of humble birth, was warmed up by Famusov and gave him the rank of assessor. Sophia is in love with him.
Alexander Chatsky– grew up with Sophia. Was in love with her. Then he went to wander around the world for 3 years. Smart, eloquent. Prefers to serve the cause rather than people.
Lizanka- the Famusovs’ maid, who helps Sophia keep her meetings with Molchalin secret.
Colonel Skalozub- a stupid but very wealthy man. Aims to become a general. He is tipped to be Sophia's wife.
The first act of the play "Woe from Wit" begins with a scene where Lizanka, a maid in the Famusovs' house, wakes up in an armchair complaining that she did not sleep well. The reason is that her owner Sophia was expecting a friend, Molchalin, to visit. Lisa had to make sure that their meeting remained a secret from the rest of the household.
Lisa knocks on Sophia’s room, from where the sounds of a flute and piano are heard, and informs the young hostess that morning has come, and it’s time to say goodbye to Molchalin, so as not to be caught by her father. To speed up the process of saying goodbye to lovers, Lisa resets the clock. They start hitting.
Famusov, Sophia's father, catches Lisa doing this. During the conversation, Famusov clearly flirts with the maid. Their conversation is interrupted by the voice of Sophia, who calls Lisa. Famusov hastily leaves.
Lisa begins to reproach Sophia for her carelessness. Sophia says goodbye to Molchalin. Famusov appears at the door. He wonders why his secretary Molchalin was here so early. Molchalin claims that he was returning from a walk and just came to see Sophia. Famusov angrily scolds his daughter for catching her with a young man.
Lisa advises Sophia to be careful and beware of unkind rumors. But Sophia is not afraid of them. However, Lisa believes that Sophia and Molchalin have no future, because Famusov will not allow his daughter to marry a poor and humble man. The most profitable match for Sophia, according to her father, is Colonel Skalozub, who has both rank and money. Sophia replies that it is better to drown herself than to marry Skalozub, because he is very stupid.
In a conversation about intelligence and stupidity, Lisa recalls the former story of the youthful tender love of Sophia and Alexander Andreevich Chatsky, who was distinguished by both his cheerfulness and his extraordinary intelligence. But this is a matter of long ago. Sophia believes that this could not be considered love. They simply grew up with Chatsky. There was only childhood friendship between them.
A servant appears at the door and reports to Sophia that Chatsky has arrived.
Chatsky is delighted to meet Sophia, but is surprised by the cold reception. Sophia assures him that she is glad to meet you. Chatsky begins to remember past years. Sophia calls their relationship childish. Chatsky wonders if Sophia is in love with someone, because she is so embarrassed. But the girl says that she is embarrassed by Chatsky’s questions and looks.
In a conversation with Famusov, Chatsky admires Sophia and says that he has never met anyone like her anywhere and ever. Famusov is afraid that Chatsky might woo his daughter.
After Chatsky leaves, Famusov is left wondering which of the two young people occupies Sophia’s heart.
In the second scene of the second act, Chatsky asks Famusov what he would answer if he wooed Sophia. The father of Chatsky’s beloved says that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to serve the state and receive a high rank. Chatsky utters the famous phrase: “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served.” Then Famusov calls Chatsky a proud man and cites as an example his uncle Maxim Petrovich, who served at court and was a very rich man. And all thanks to the fact that he knew how to “curry favor.” Once, at a reception with Catherine II, he stumbled and fell. The Empress laughed. Having caused her to smile, he decided to repeat his fall twice more, but this time on purpose, thereby giving pleasure to the empress. But, thanks to his ability to turn such an incident to his advantage, he was held in high esteem. Famusov considers the ability to “serve” to be very important for achieving a high position in society.
Chatsky pronounces a monologue in which he compares the “present century” and the “past century.” He accuses Famusov’s generation of judging a person by rank and money and calls that time the age of “obedience and fear.” Chatsky would not want to be a buffoon even in front of the sovereign himself. He prefers to serve “the cause rather than persons.”
Meanwhile, Colonel Skalozub comes to visit Famusov, which makes Famusov very happy. He warns Chatsky against expressing free thoughts in front of him.
The conversation between Famusov and Skalozub concerns the colonel’s cousin, who received many advantages in his service thanks to Skalozub. However, on the eve of receiving a high rank, he suddenly left the service and went to the village, where he began to lead a measured life and read books. Skalozub speaks about this with evil mockery. This way of life is unacceptable for the “Famus society.”
Famusov admires Skalozub because he has been a colonel for a long time, although he has served only recently. Skalozub dreams of the rank of general, and he doesn’t want to earn it, but to “get it.” Famusov wonders if Skalozub is going to get married.
Chatsky enters the conversation. Famusov condemns his freethinking and unwillingness to serve. Chatsky responds with a monologue that it is not Famusov’s place to judge him. According to Chatsky, there are no role models in Famusov’s society. Representatives of the Famus generation despise freedom, their judgments are outdated. Their morals are alien to Chatsky. He will not bow his head before this society. Chatsky is outraged that everyone in the world is afraid of people who are engaged in science or art, and not in obtaining ranks. Only a uniform covers up the lack of morality and intelligence in Famus society.
Sophia comes running, frightened that Molchalin was killed by falling from his horse, and faints. While Lisa is trying to bring the girl to her senses, Chatsky sees a healthy Molchalin through the window and understands that Sophia was in vain worried about him. Sophia, waking up, asks about Molchalin. Chatsky answers coldly that everything is fine. Sophia accuses him of indifference. Chatsky finally understands who occupies Sophia’s heart, because she so carelessly betrayed her reverent attitude towards Molchalin.
Molchalin reproaches Sophia for expressing her feelings too openly. Sophia doesn't care about other people's opinions. Molchalin is afraid of rumors, he is cowardly. Lisa recommends that Sophia flirt with Chatsky in order to divert suspicion from Molchalin.
Alone with Lisa, Molchalin openly flirts with her, compliments her, and offers her gifts.
At the beginning of the third act, Chatsky tries to find out from Sophia who is dear to her: Molchalin or Skalozub. Sophia avoids answering. Chatsky says that he is “crazy” in love with her. In the conversation, it turns out that Sophia appreciates Molchalin for his meek disposition, modesty, and quietness, but again avoids directly declaring her love for him.
In the evening, a ball is planned at the Famusovs' house. The servants hastily prepare to greet the guests.
Guests are arriving. Among them are Prince Tugoukhovsky with his wife and six daughters, Countess Khryumina, grandmother and granddaughter, Zagoretsky, a gambler, a master of serving everyone, Khlestova, Sophia’s aunt. All these are influential people in Moscow.
Molchalin goes so far as to praise the smooth coat of Khlestova’s Spitz in order to gain her favor. Chatsky noticed this and laughed at Molchalin’s helpfulness.
Sophia reflects on Chatsky's pride and anger. In a conversation with a certain Mr. N, she casually says that Chatsky is “out of his mind.”
The news of Chatsky's madness spreads among the guests. When Chatsky appears, everyone backs away from him. Famusov notices signs of madness in him.
Chatsky says that his soul is filled with grief, he feels uncomfortable among these people. He is dissatisfied with Moscow. He was outraged by the meeting in the next room with a Frenchman who, when going to Russia, was afraid that he would end up in a country of barbarians and was afraid to go. And here he was greeted with affection, he did not hear Russian speech, did not see Russian faces. It was as if he was back in his homeland. Chatsky condemns the dominance of everything foreign in Russia. He is disgusted that everyone bows to France and imitates the French. While Chatsky was finishing his speech, all the guests left him, spun in a waltz or went to the card tables.
In the fourth act, the ball ends and the guests begin to leave.
Chatsky hurries the footman to bring the carriage faster. This day dispelled his dreams and hopes. He wonders why everyone thinks he’s crazy, who started this rumor that everyone picked up, and whether Sophia knows about it. Chatsky does not realize that it was Sophia who was the first to declare his madness.
When Sophia appears, Chatsky hides behind a column and becomes an involuntary witness to Lisa’s conversation with Molchalin. It turns out that Molchalin not only does not intend to marry Sophia, but also does not have any feelings for her. The maid Lisa is much nicer to him, he directly states this to her: “Why isn’t she you!” He pleases Sophia only because she is the daughter of Famusov, for whom he serves. Sophia accidentally overhears this conversation. Molchalin throws himself on his knees and asks for forgiveness. But Sophia pushes him away and orders him to leave the house by morning, otherwise she will tell everything to her father.
Chatsky appears. He reproaches Sophia for betraying their love for the sake of Molchalin. Sophia declares that she could not even think that Molchalin would turn out to be such a scoundrel.
Famusov comes running with a crowd of servants with candles. He did not expect to see his daughter with Chatsky, because she “she herself called him crazy.” Now Chatsky understands who started the rumor about his madness.
Famusov is indignant and scolds the servants for not looking after his daughter. Liza is sent “to the hut”, “to go after the birds,” and Sophia herself is threatened to be sent “to the village, to her aunt, to the wilderness, to Saratov.”
Chatsky pronounces his last monologue about how his hopes were not justified. He hurried to Sophia, dreaming of finding his happiness with her. Blames her for giving him false hope and not telling him directly that their childhood love means nothing to her. And he lived only with these feelings for all three years. But now he doesn't regret the breakup. There is no place for him in Famus society. He is going to leave Moscow forever.
After Chatsky’s departure, Famusov is worried about only one thing: “What will Princess Marya Aleksevna say!”
The comedy “Woe from Wit” has become iconic in the history of Russian culture and literature. It presents the issues that worried society after the War of 1812, and shows the split that emerged among the nobility.
A brief retelling of “Woe from Wit” allows us to imagine the breadth of themes and issues of this work and the features of the disclosure of plot lines. However, it does not convey the linguistic richness of comedy, which is famous for its abundance of expressions that have become “catch-word”. We recommend that you read Griboyedov’s “Woe from Wit” in its entirety to enjoy the author’s subtle irony and the famous lightness of the style of this play.
