A.N. Ostrovsky described quite accurately the picture of indifference and heartlessness of those times. Today we will consider the characteristics of the heroes. “Dowry” - a work that is included in the annals of world literature. So let's get started.
Karandyshev
Julius Kapitonich in the play is a poor official who cannot boast of either a full wallet or self-respect. The main feature of the hero is pride, which, in principle, led to a tragic end. What is the characterization of the heroes? Ostrovsky’s “Dowry” is a work that is slightly simplified by the fact that the outstanding playwright endowed his characters with speaking names. Consider this author’s trick on the example of the same Karandyshev.
Although he has the name of a great man (Julius Caesar), the surname takes its origin from the word “karatesh”. The author shows us the inconsistency of his desires and real possibilities. Larisa is a way of self-affirmation for him, so he cherishes his pride. The Ogudalov family considers him a backup option, the only possible way out of the situation, although not very successful, is that Julius Kapitonich is greatly offended. His "beloved" is a way to triumph over a stronger opponent, Paratov.
What does the characterization of the heroes say? “Dowry” is a work that does not require special efforts for understanding, since the author accurately and in detail describes his characters, their feelings and true being. The tragic end is another moment by which A. N. Ostrovsky ridicules the nature of Karandyshev. Since Julius Kapitonitch cannot defeat his rival, he kills the subject of their dispute. The figure of this man is very miserable and funny.
Paratov
This character continues further our characterization of heroes. “Dowry” - a work that can not do without an analysis of the image of the main rival Julius Kapitonych. We have already talked about the distinguishing feature of A. N. Ostrovsky and talking names. So, the name of Sergey Sergeich originates from the word "paraty", which means "predator".
Note that his behavior in the play can also be described as: “There is no heart, therefore he dared”. This is a quote characterizing the hero as a heartless and cruel character. He is young and ambitious, a very prudent and greedy man: “And now, gentlemen, I have other things to do and other calculations. I will marry a very rich girl, I take gold mines as a dowry. ”
Larisa
Who else can continue the characterization of heroes? “Dowry” is a work that cannot ignore the main character, who has become the subject of a dispute between two heartless and greedy people. She evokes a feeling of compassion, as she is really passionate about Sergey Sergeyich, who betrayed her for the sake of profit. Larisa Ogudalova is a dowager, a girl from a poor family, but she is incredibly subtle and sensual.
When Paratov rejected her, she had the last hope - to marry Karandyshev, since she considers him a man with a good soul and heart, incomprehensible to anyone, but incredibly kind. When Larisa realized that she was a toy in the wrong hands, she tried to kill herself, but she did not have the strength to do it. Only a shot of Karandyshev helps her to get rid of torment.
“Dowry”: characterization of heroes. Table
Let's try to systematize the analysis of the main characters of the drama using the table.
Hero | Characteristic |
Paratov | A nobleman, 30 years old, a respected man, a lover of luxury, incredibly calculating, heartless, all his actions are connected with profit. |
Karandyshev | A young, not rich official, proud and envious. She always reproaches Larisa for the “gypsy camp” in her house. The rival of Sergey Sergeyich, tries to imitate him in everything, even talking about educated and respected people with Paratov, puts them next to him. |
Larisa | A young girl in marriage with a poor family, a laywoman. He is going to marry Karandyshev because of the hopelessness of the situation, so as not to live with his mother. A talented, beautiful and educated girl, but the doll is in the hands of men. |
Here we are such a characteristic of the main characters. In order to draw our conclusions, we advise you to read this work.