Nothing can reveal the character of a literary character like his actions. Taras Bulba, who took the life of his own son, is difficult for modern man to understand. However, the exploits of the old Cossack can be admired even by today's reader. The main character of Gogol’s novel is a controversial, complex image. In order to understand it, to learn to see in it not a mad warrior, but a patriot, a man of honor, three important episodes should be carefully considered. How did Taras Bulba die? Why did the colonel kill his son? How did he perceive the death of the elder?
Before you talk about how Taras Bulba died, you should, of course, recall the plot of the story. Already in the first chapter, the author characterizes his heroes.
Sons of the colonel
Ostap and Andriy graduated from Kiev seminary. They returned home. Father met them rather peculiarly. In order to test the elder, he began to measure his strength with him. And only making sure that Ostap could truly fight back, calmed down. I wanted to check the younger one in this way, but my mother arrived in time. Thanks to this scene, the author gives the reader a superficial characterization of his hero.
Bulba, it would seem, can only love a strong, brave son. Only a real Cossack. And I’m happy to send the morsel and the coward to the other world. One can come to this conclusion, knowing the plot of the story of Gogol, but without any idea of the traditions and customs of the Cossacks. In reality, Taras Bulba loved both of his sons. And the brave Ostap, and the cowardly Andrius. But military duty was above all to him. For his sake, he could give both his life and the life of a loved one.
Bitch
Immediately upon arrival, the sons of Bulba decided to send them to fight. Zaporizhzhya Sich, in his opinion, is the best science for the Cossack. At the last moment, he decides to go with his sons himself. How did Gogol create the image of the old colonel? Cruel, harsh, uncompromising. However, it is worth saying that Taras Bulba sometimes is sad, indulges in bitter memories. On the way to Sich, each of the heroes thinks of his own. It’s hard for Ostap to remember the torment of his mother. Andriy languishes in the beautiful Polish. Father bitterly recalls the past years.
First victories
Bulba with his sons arrives in Sich. Here they see the Cossacks, indulging in their usual occupation, namely drunkenness. The old colonel does not want his sons to spend energy on endless feasts. He is attracted to the battlefield. Cossacks go to Poland, where they very quickly instill fear in the locals. Ostap and Andriy take part in the battles. Nothing pleases the old Cossack like their exploits.
Andriy
Bulba's youngest son becomes a traitor. One night, a servant of the beautiful Polish girl, whom the young Cossack saw in Kiev, came to him and asked for help to the little lady. Andriy goes to his beloved, taking with him several bags of bread.
Having met with the polka, he decides not to return to his regiment. How does the main character perceive the betrayal of his son? He finds and kills him, while uttering the famous phrase, which is known even to those who have not read the story of Gogol. How did the sons of Taras Bulba die? With what words on your lips? The youngest in the last seconds of his life pronounces the name of his beloved. The older one is calling father Andriy betrays his homeland and his family for the sake of his beloved girl. Ostap is the true son of Colonel Bulba. He is dying a heroic death.
Ostap
Poles defeat the Cossacks. The eldest son of Taras Bulba is taken prisoner. The colonel himself is injured. After recovery, he does everything in his power to rescue Ostap. But all attempts are in vain. He is present at the execution of his son. This takes place in a town square. Ostap courageously accepts death, and only at the last moment he does not stand up and calls his father. He answers and then hides from his pursuers. How does Taras Bulba and son Ostap die? Both of them die heroes.
Revenge
Taras Bulba did not forgive the traitor son. At the same time, the death of Ostap was a strong blow for him. He was overcome by anger, hatred of the Poles. He burned 18 villages, within a few weeks destroyed all living things around. The death of a beloved son makes Taras Bulbu even more cruel. How does this brave Cossack die? He goes to death, saving his comrades.
Bulba sets off on his last trip to Poland. The ferocity of the colonel is striking even to the Cossacks. The Cossacks capture the Polish hetman, but he cunningly seeks his release. Bulba, meanwhile, travel around Poland with his regiment and continues to avenge the death of his eldest son. Once in the old fortress, the Cossacks are surrounded. How does Taras Bulba die? His chains are chained to a tree and kindle fire around him. Before his death, he manages to shout to the Cossacks, thereby saving their lives.
You can find out how Taras Bulba dies from the summary, however, it is worth rereading the story. An important role in the work is played by the dialogues and comments of the author.
How Taras Bulba dies
As mentioned above, the main character is captured by the Poles. But it is worth saying a few more words about the character of the Cossack colonel. What death did Taras Bulba die? Agonizing, long. But the reader can only guess about this. Gogol did not give details that would have seemed terrible to his contemporaries.
The final touch to Bulba’s characterization is his thoughts that sweep through his head in the last minutes of his life. It is as if he is not afraid of death. As he dies, he thinks of his comrades and of the upcoming battles in which he will no longer take part.
Hero Feature Supplement
In the story of Taras Bulba, the heroes, of course, not only fight. Shown and the life of the Cossacks. These descriptions complement the portrait of Taras Bulba. He is a man not used to luxury. Moreover, unlike many of his comrades, he loves a simple life. He is quite active. It is enough to recall the first day of his stay in the Zaporizhzhya Sich. Cossacks get drunk, do not rush to fight. He, with the help of a little trick, achieves the appointment of his old acquaintance, who is ready to go to Poland, as a cat. Taras Bulba is purposeful, stubborn. He is trying with all his might to realize his plans, which are always, in any situation, connected with the defense of his native land.