The collected works of our beloved poet and writer Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin totals more than 10 volumes. “Dubrovsky” is a novel known to us from school years. Broad in scope and deep in psychological content, it affects the soul of every reader. The main characters of the novel are Troekurov and Dubrovsky. Comparative characteristics of the main characters, as well as the main events of the work will be studied in more detail.
Russian master
The action in the novel takes place in the 19th century. It is described in sufficient detail in the works of many classics of that time. As you know, in those days there was serfdom. The peasants, or as they were also called, souls, were owned by nobles.
The Russian master, the arrogant Kiril Petrovich Troekurov, was a very noble man. Before him trembled not only the wards of the serfs, but also many officials.
Troekurov's lifestyle left much to be desired: he spent his days idly, often drank and suffered from gluttony.
The peasants trembled before him, and he, in turn, treated them rather willfully, showing his complete dominion over them.
Troekurov's favorite pastime was bullying and mockery of animals and people. It is enough to recall a bear who rolled a barrel with protruding nails and was angry with pain. This caused a laugh from the master. Or a scene with a bear chained in a small room. Everyone who entered it was attacked by a poor animal. Troekurov enjoyed the fury of the bear and human fear.
Humble nobleman
Troekurov and Dubrovsky, the comparative characteristics of which will be examined in detail by us, are very different people. Andrei Gavrilovich - honest, valiant, calm in nature, he was very different from his friend. Once the elder Dubrovsky and Troekurov were colleagues. But the careerist Kirila Petrovich, betraying his honor, sided with the new tsar, which earned himself a high rank. Andrei Gavrilovich, remaining loyal to his ruler, ended his service as a modest lieutenant. Nevertheless, the relations of Troekurov and Dubrovsky were quite friendly and mutually respectful. They often met, visited each other's estates, and had conversations.
Both heroes had similar fates: they began their service together, were widowed early, had a child to raise. But life divorced them on different sides.
Quarrel
Nothing boded ill. But once the relationship of Troekurov and Dubrovsky broke. The phrase expressed by the clerk of Cyril Petrovich offended Andrei Gavrilovich very much. The serf said that the servants live better at Troekurov than some noblemen. Meant, of course, modest Dubrovsky.
Immediately after this, he left for his estate. Kiril Petrovich ordered him returned, but Andrei Gavrilovich did not want to come back at all. Such insolence hurt the gentleman, and he decided at all costs to achieve his goal.
Comparison of Dubrovsky and Troekurov will be incomplete if you do not describe by what method Kiril Petrovich decided to take revenge on his comrade.
Insidious plan
Having no influence on Dubrovsky, Troekurov conceived the terrible thing - to take away the estate from a friend. How - he dared to disobey him! Undoubtedly, it was very cruel to an old acquaintance.
Were Troekurov and Dubrovsky real friends? The comparative characteristics of these heroes will help to figure this out.
Kiril Petrovich bribed all indiscriminately officials, forged papers. Upon learning of the lawsuit, Dubrovsky remained fairly calm, as he was confident in his absolute innocence.
Shabashkin, hired by Troekurov, was busy with all the dirty tricks, although he knew that the Kistenevka estate belonged to Dubrovsky by full legal right. But everything turned out differently.
Court scene
And then came that exciting hour. Having met at the courthouse, Troekurov and Dubrovsky (a comparative assessment of which will be given by us later) behaved proudly and went into the courtroom. Kirila Petrovich felt very comfortable. He already tasted the victory. Dubrovsky, on the contrary, behaved very calmly, stood leaning against the wall, and was not at all worried.
The judge began reading a lengthy decision. When it was over, there was silence. Dubrovsky was in complete bewilderment. At first he was silent for a while, and then he became enraged, forcefully pushed the secretary, who suggested that he put his signature on the papers. He began to rave, shouting loudly about kennel and dogs. He was seated with difficulty and taken home on a sleigh.
The triumphant Troekurov did not expect such a turn of events. Seeing the former comrade in a terrible state, he was upset and even stopped triumphing about his victory over him.
Andrei Gavrilovich was taken home, where he became ill. Under the supervision of a doctor, he spent more than one day.
Repentance
The comparison of Dubrovsky and Troekurov is based on the complete opposition of the heroes. Kirila Petrovich, so arrogant and domineering, and Andrei Gavrilovich, a kind and honest man, could not continue their conversation for a long time. But still, after the trial, Troyekurov's heart thawed. He decided to go to a former friend and talk.
However, he did not suspect that by that time Vladimir, his son, was already in the house of Dubrovsky Sr.
Seeing Kiril Petrovich who arrived in the window, the shocked Andrei Gavrilovich did not bear this and died suddenly.
Troyekurov could not explain the reason for his arrival, he could not repent to his friend for the crime he had committed.
And on this, the novel changes its turn: Vladimir decides to avenge the enemy for his father.
The appearance of Vladimir
It is worth saying a few words about the personality of this young man. Left without a mother, the boy was in the care of his father. At the age of twelve, he was sent to the cadet corps, and then continued his studies in military affairs at a higher institution. The father did not spare any funds for raising his son, he provided him well. But the young man spent his time in revelry and card games, had great debts. Now, when he was left completely alone, and even practically without housing, he feels a strong loneliness. He had to quickly grow up and change his life drastically.
Troekurov and Dubrovsky Vladimir become fierce enemies. The son thinks out a plan of revenge for the offender of his father.
When the estate was selected and passed into the possession of Kirila Petrovich, Vladimir was left without a livelihood. He has to become a robber in order to earn his living. Loved by his serfs, he was able to assemble a whole team of like-minded people. They rob rich people, but bypass the Troekurov estate. He undoubtedly thinks that the young man is afraid of him, so he does not go to him with a robbery.
Troekurov in the novel "Dubrovsky" showed himself as a proud man, but he is afraid that Vladimir will one day come to revenge him.
Dubrovsky in the house of Troekurov
But our young hero turned out to be not so simple. He suddenly appears on the estate of Cyril Petrovich. But no one knows him there - he has not been at home for many years. After exchanging documents with a French teacher and paying him well, Vladimir introduces himself to the Troekurov family as a teacher of Deforge. He speaks good French, and no one can suspect Dubrovsky of him.
Perhaps the young man would be able to translate all his plans for revenge into life, but he is hampered by one circumstance - love. Unexpectedly for himself, Vladimir is fascinated by Masha, the daughter of his enemy Troekurov.
This love changes the lives of all the heroes of the novel. Now Dubrovsky Jr. does not want revenge at all. He refuses evil thoughts in the name of his beloved woman. But Masha still does not know who this Deforge really is.
Troekurov himself began to respect the young Frenchman, was proud of his courage and modesty. But the time has come, and Vladimir confesses to Masha his feelings and who he really is. The girl is confused - the father will never allow them to be together.
When the truth becomes known to Kiril Petrovich, he decides radically - he gives his daughter in marriage to the rich prince Vereisky contrary to her wishes.
Vladimir does not have time to come to church during the wedding, and now she is no longer his Mashenka, but Princess Vereiskaya. Vladimir has no choice but to go far. Kirila Petrovich is more than pleased with the current situation.
Conclusion
Troekurov and Dubrovsky, the comparative characteristics of which are presented in detail by us, are completely different heroes in character. This is not to say that Kirila Petrovich was a terrible person - he nevertheless repented of his heinous act. But life did not give him a chance to be forgiven.
Both Andrei and Vladimir Dubrovsky are very ambitious, noble people. Serfs respect them, and they, in turn, do not oppress them with anything. However, Pushkin teaches us all: no circumstances should lead to extreme measures. Friendship is more than just communication, and you need to be able to value it.