We invite you to consider one of Saltykov-Shchedrin's tales - “The Bear in the Voivodeship”. An analysis of it, presented in this article, will help you understand the meaning of this work. We will talk about what ideas Saltykov-Shchedrin reflected in it. In addition, you will get acquainted with the main characters of the tale "The Bear in the Voivodeship". We begin our analysis with a short story about the general features of Saltykov-Shchedrin tales . This is necessary in order to better understand the work of interest to us.
General characteristics of the tales of Saltykov-Shchedrin
First of all, it should be noted that these works were written more for adults than for children. The writer, in the subtitle to them, indicated that these were "fairy tales for adults." But what made Mikhail Evgrafovich turn to this genre? Probably, the Aesopian language used in fairy tales is the most suitable form for expressing his harsh statements and thoughts, presented in the form of satire.
In these works, Saltykov-Shchedrin continues to develop his favorite topics, embodied in full in his work “The History of a City”. What are these topics? On the one hand, this is a sharp criticism of the Russian government, a satire on it, and on the other, a satire on the entire Russian people.
"Introduction" to the tale
"The Bear in the Voivodeship" is a fairy tale created in 1884. It includes 3 short stories that are an imitation of the historical chronicle, a parody of it. A small “introduction” precedes the description of the service of the 3 governor of the Toptygin. It outlines a theme that integrates these stories from the tale "The Bear in the Voivodeship". An analysis of the rule of each governor is presented below.
Saltykov-Shchedrin believed that history consists of a series of large and bloody atrocities that the rulers committed over their people. The writer, ironically, notes that petty atrocities are not worthy of the attention of history and, therefore, of the chronicler.
Toptygin First
The first short story tells of a "beast servant" sent "to a distant forest" to the voivodship. The bear, appearing in the estate, immediately arranged bloodshed. It is not known what made the ruler make this decision. After all, he could not be called evil. He was "so cattle." The author speaks in this way of the inner essence of all those who hold power. They are not villains, but decent cattle.
But the plans of the ruler Toptygin the First were not destined to materialize. He ruined his reputation and career in the most decisive way. From sleep, he accidentally ate Chizhik, whom he mistook for an "internal adversary." This Chizhik was a "small bird", although smart. And Toptygin was ruined by this "crime." Each began to point the governor to this his deed.
Why demoted Toptygin
Toptygin was not reproached for his innocent soul. The worst thing in the whole story was the essence of the accusation. It turns out that he "did not live up to the expectations" of his people. After all, the "good people" were waiting for great bloodshed from him, but he only ate Chizhik! This is how people relate to power. People are so accustomed to the atrocities of their superiors that they expect them. If the ruler does not get any cruelties, the people are even disappointed in him.
So the career of Toptygin was finally ruined. Even the bloodshed that he committed after this incident, in order to make amends for "guilt", did not help. The authorities, Donkey and Leo, did not forget the "sin" of Toptygin. That was this bear in the voivodship. Analysis of the fairy tale according to plan continues with a description of the activities of the next ruler.
Toptygin Second
Toptygin II - that was the name of the new ruler. It should be noted that the second bear in the province was somewhat smarter than the first. An analysis of his activities is very curious. This governor came up with a plan for a "campaign", which he decided to implement. However, being in place, Toptygin II realized that everything had already been routed before him. Neither universities, nor printing houses were in his estate. What was the poor ruler to do? How could he become famous, prove himself? And Toptygin decided to take up the physical destruction of his wards. However, the peasants did not like his idea. They punished Toptygin by skinning him. An analysis of the tale "The Bear in the Voivodeship" shows that national patience has limits. This is indicated by the story of the second bear.
"Activities" Toptygin Third
The writer further asks what remains to be done to the governors. How can they prove themselves? Toptygin the Third from the fairy tale "The Bear in the Voivodeship" found the surest way. He decided that "natural" bloodshed was the best of all. This Toptygin slept in a den all his life, letting the people’s life drift. In his patrimony during this time there were "natural" incidents and sacrifices, but this only strengthened the authority of the governor. Lying in the den, Toptygin the Third received encouragement from higher authorities. In addition, the people, according to custom, carried taxes to their "master", hoping to appease him.
The fate of Toptygin the Third
And everything would go its course quietly and peacefully. Life in the patrimony would have been the same unchanging and hopeless for many years to come. However, the author finishes his third short story of The Bear in the Voivodeship by the fact that the Lukash men appeared in the slum, and Toptygin left the den in the field. The ruler shared the fate of "all fur-bearing animals." Most likely, in this phrase, rather than reality and truth, rather the writer’s hopes are contained. This is the aspirations of the author, and a call to action.
What the author calls for
Saltykov-Shchedrin (“The Bear in the Voivodeship”) calls on ordinary people to defend their lives and their rights. Of course, the allegory is used in the fairy tale, and people are depicted under the masks of the Toptygins. The work describes the problems and issues that Russian society had to face at the end of the 19th century. They worried the author, who, with the help of allegory, irony, satire, is trying to open people's eyes to pressing problems. The writer also offers a way out of this situation. It must be assumed that it is Saltykov-Shchedrin who calls for a revolution. "The Bear in the Voivodeship" is an excellent example of the satire of Mikhail Evgrafovich, who could not close his eyes to social problems.