The play by A. N. Ostrovsky "The Thunderstorm" does not lose its relevance in our days, despite the fact that it was written in 1859. In the essay on the theme “Thunderstorm”, it should be mentioned that the work was created at a time when the foundations of serfdom were already dilapidated, society was on the eve of change. But the issues raised by the author are not so much political as public.
The image of a thunderstorm in the play
An essay on the theme “Thunderstorm” is impossible without a brief description of this symbol in the work. This natural phenomenon is present during all actions, even when it is not mentioned. That disturbing, tense atmosphere that comes with her remains in the life of the main character - Katerina.
Thunderstorm appears in the work as a harbinger of retribution, which should happen over the main character, who deceived her husband. Katerina considers this phenomenon a punishment of God, so she is so afraid of her.
But in the essay on the theme "Thunderstorm", her image should be considered much wider than as an embodiment of punishment for the heroine. This formidable natural phenomenon symbolizes the tense situation that prevailed in the described society, the clash of interests - outdated orders and a progressive look, which then translates into conflicts between the heroes (Katerina and Kabanova, Dika and Boris).
In the essay on the theme “Thunderstorm”, one should also briefly consider the attitude of the other heroes to it: that part of society, “domostroevskaya,” refers to her in the same way as Katerina. Other people, like Kuligin for example, view it scientifically. Thunderstorm symbolizes the schism that occurred in Russian society at that time.
The image of Katerina in the work
In the essay on the theme of "Thunderstorm" the image of Katerina is one of the most favorite for writing. Because the main character is shown by the author as a young woman with a strong character who will not make any compromises with her conscience, but can still achieve what she wants.
Katerina is very different from the rest of the residents, she does not recognize the rigid lifestyle, the tyrannical nature of Kabanova, which she has to face. Raised in other conditions, she understands that this is not at all what the woman dreamed about. Katerina in no one can find support and comfort, except in prayers.
What she did at the end of the play was a logical step, because in those days it would have been difficult for a young woman to resist home-building orders. Katerina did not want to live in deception and constant fear, without the hope that life will change. Therefore, she decided on the most extreme measures, but for this step you need to have enough courage, which is in the strong character of Katerina.
Assessment of the actress of the heroine
What questions can be considered in the essay on the theme of "Thunderstorm" Ostrovsky? The image of Katerina is the most curious problem that should be uncovered. It is difficult to give an unambiguous assessment of the actions of a young woman. Someone believes that her desperate act is a challenge to society, liberation from tyranny, gaining freedom. Of course, sorry for Katerina, but she could not do otherwise. Therefore, Dobrolyubov compared it with "a ray of light in the dark kingdom."
But some disagree with this assessment of actions. Because, from their point of view, this act will not change anything, after some time everything will return to normal. She didn’t prove anything to anyone, because Katerina’s act is not a solution to the problem that lies in society. This opinion was shared by Pisarev, disagreeing with the comparison of Katerina and the beam.
Despite the fact that opinions differ greatly, it can be said with certainty that the image of Katerina was so well written by the author that she leaves no one indifferent. Ostrovsky himself felt sorry for his heroine, otherwise he would not have been able to write his play so well. And now this work continues to raise important social issues that are relevant in the modern world.