Alexander Sergeyevich Griboedov, whose biography will be presented in this article, was a very gifted and versatile person. He mastered four professions: playwright, musician, poet and diplomat. Most famous for the legendary play in the poems "Woe from Wit." It is a descendant of an ancient noble family.
Childhood and study
Mom was engaged in the education of the boy. She was a swaggering and proud representative of the upper class, but at the same time she had more than enough intelligence and practicality. Nastasya Fedorovna perfectly understood that a high position in society and career advancement can give not only communication and origin, but also a personâs level of education. Therefore, in the Griboedov family it was a priority. Mom hired the best French tutors for Alexander, and sometimes invited professors for lessons. Even in his childhood, Griboedov (biography, interesting facts are contained in this article) read as many books as an ordinary person does not master in his whole life.
In 1803, the boy was sent to the Noble boarding house, and three years later he entered Moscow University. Until 1812, Alexander graduated from the verbal and legal departments. The war that began did not allow him to finish his studies at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics.
Even at university, everyone around recognized the future playwright as the most educated person. He knew all world classics very well, read and spoke fluently in several languages, composed music and masterfully played the piano.
Military service
The biography of Griboedov, a summary of which is known to all fans of his work, was marked in 1812 by an important event. To protect the Fatherland, Alexander voluntarily enrolled in the hussar regiment. But while its formation took place, Napoleonâs army was thrown far away from Moscow. And soon she did return to Europe.
Despite this, Alexander Sergeevich still decided to remain in the army. His regiment was transferred to the most remote areas of Belarus. These years have almost fallen from the life of the writer. In the future, he will regret them. On the other hand, many of his colleagues became prototypes of the heroes of the comedy "Woe from Wit." In 1815, the writer realizes that he can no longer exist in the army, and plans to complete the service.
Life in Petersburg
The biography of Griboedov, a summary of which was known to contemporaries of the playwright, changed dramatically with his move to St. Petersburg in 1816. Here he became close to the advanced people of that time and was inspired by their ideas. Alexander Sergeevich then found many new friends, who later became the organizers of secret communities. In secular salons, the writer shone with cynicism and cold wit. He was drawn to the theatrical stage. At that time he wrote and translated a lot for the comedy theater. Also, thanks to the necessary acquaintances, Griboedov was able to get into the College of Foreign Affairs. The measured life of the writer was violated by participation in a duel ending in the death of an opponent. His mother's connections allowed him to leave the diplomatic mission away from the capital.
Service in the Caucasus and Persia
In 1819, Alexander Sergeyevich Griboedov, whose biography is full of interesting events, arrived in Tehran. There he received many new impressions, met with local princes, courtiers, wandering poets and ordinary people. The service was simple, and Griboedov had enough time for self-education and literary creation. He read a lot, honed his knowledge of Arabic and Persian. Also, to the joy of the playwright, his comedy âWoe from Witâ was written here easily and fruitfully.
At that time, the author committed a heroic deed - he took out Russian prisoners from the country. The courage of Griboedov was noted by General Ermolov, who decided that such a person should not vegetate in Persia. Thanks to his efforts, Alexander Sergeyevich was transferred to the Caucasus (in Tiflis). Here the writer completely finished and edited two acts of the work âWoe from Witâ.
Return to Petersburg and arrest
In 1823, Griboedovâs creative biography, the summary of which is well known to high school students, was marked by the completion of the main work of his life - the play âWoe from Witâ. But in attempts to publish and theater, he met with categorical opposition. With great difficulty, the writer agreed with the Russian Waist almanac to print several passages. The book was also disseminated by the Decembrists, who considered it their own "printed manifesto."
In âWoe from Witâ classicism and innovation, the widespread development of characters and the exact adherence to the canons of building a comedy were interwoven. A significant decoration of the work is the use of aphoristic and precise language. Many lines of the essay spread very quickly to quotes.
Twist of fate
Who knows how the biography of Griboedov would have developed, the summary of which was described above, if not for the trip to the Caucasus in 1825. Most likely, the writer would have resigned and left for literary activity. But the mother of Alexander Sergeyevich took an oath from him to continue the career of a diplomat.
During the Russo-Persian war, the playwright participated in several battles, but he achieved much greater success as a diplomat. Griboedov ânegotiatedâ a very favorable peace treaty for Russia and came to St. Petersburg with documents. Alexander Sergeevich hoped to stay home and finish the works âGeorgian Nightâ, â1812â and âThe Rodomist and Zenobiaâ. But the king decided otherwise, and the writer had to return to Persia.
Tragic ending
In mid-1828, Griboedov with great reluctance left Petersburg. By all means, he delayed his departure, as if he felt a near demise. If not for this trip, the biography and work of Griboedov could continue to the joy of the fans of the writer.
The last ray of happiness in the life of Alexander Sergeyevich was an ardent love for Nina - the daughter of his friend A. G. Chavchavadze. Passing through Tiflis, he married her, and then went to Tehran to prepare everything for the arrival of his wife.
As for further events, there are several versions of how Griboedov died. Biography, death - all this is of interest to admirers of the talent of Alexander Sergeyevich. We will list the three most common versions:
- Griboedov was killed by Muslim fanatics while trying to export Armenian women from the harem of the Shah. They defeated the entire Russian mission.
- Mission staff, along with the writer, showed disrespect for Persian laws and the Shah. And the past rumor about an attempt to export women from the harem was the last straw that overflowed the shahâs patience. Therefore, he ordered the murder of impudent strangers.
- The Russian mission was attacked by religious fanatics, incited by English diplomats.
This concludes the brief biography of Alexander Sergeyevich Griboedov, who died on January 30, 1829. In conclusion, we give a few facts about the playwright.
The life of a wonderful person
- Griboedov perfectly knew Turkish, Persian, French, Arabic, Latin, English, Greek, Italian and German.
- The writer was a member of a large Masonic lodge in St. Petersburg.
- While in the Caucasus, Alexander Sergeyevich used his position and connections to facilitate the life of the Decembrists. He was even able to take out several people from Siberia.