At the beginning of the 19th century, Griboedov wrote a comedy that opened a new stage in the history of Russian literature. All characters of âWoe from Witâ have historical, literary and universal significance. A special find of the Russian playwright was the creation of the image of Molchalin. This hero combines all the negative qualities of the socio-psychological type, which is still very common in Russia today. Is Molchalin ridiculous or scary?
Slave servitude
This type of character has become quite common in Russian literature. But for the first time, readers and theatergoers got to know him precisely thanks to the comedy of Griboedov. The writer was able to summarize everything that he observed in society. With his easy hand, literary criticism included such concepts as "Famusovism", "silence." They are not close in meaning, but in the comedy âWoe from Witâ are connected with each other.
Molchalin is a small man. But unlike the Pushkin type, he does not resign himself to his social position and is ready to do anything in order to rise in society. His father instilled in him slavish servility as a means by which to achieve his goal. Is Molchalin ridiculous or scary? The answer to this question, at first glance, seems obvious. Famusovâs secretary can only cause contempt and irony. That is how the reader perceives it. Funny and miserable, he appeared in the eyes of the main character of the comedy. But there is no definite answer to the question: "Is Molchalin ridiculous or scary?" An essay dedicated to the characters of Griboedov requires a deeper reading of the work. Because only after reflection and some analysis it comes to mind that this hero is not so harmless.
Careerism
Is Molchalin ridiculous or scary? Griboedov's work is not just a comedy in which the author talentedly ridiculed the vices of Moscow society. In it, the writer also raised the question of what feelings a person aspires to career take off. Chatsky's mistake was a misconception regarding Secretary Famusov. Molchalin is a âwordlessâ person, but is able to achieve âdegrees known.â In his desire to make a career, there is nothing reprehensible if not for the complete indifference to everything that is happening around.
One of the critics noted that Molchalin, having decided one day to pursue a career, took a path from which he would never turn. Even if his mother dies, the woman he loves will call for help, and the whole world will spit in his face, he will not back down. The question of whether Molchalin is ridiculous or terrible, from this point of view, suggests a definite answer. Cynical careerists should be wary. Their pleasing manner is not a cause for irony. After all, if such Molchalin succeeds in deceiving those around him, sooner or later he will show his true face. And his face will be terrible.
Villainy
Chatsky is opposed by the Famus world. This is not to say that Molchalin is part of the society of his mentor. He so far is only striving to become one. But the confrontation between the protagonist and the secretary Famusov is especially striking because these people belong to the same age category. But each of them chose his own path in this world. One became a rebel and a truth seeker. Another preferred to get off the hook and wait for a good moment when he still managed to get what he had been dreaming of for so long. Is Molchalin ridiculous or scary? Can a snake that hides and is ready to bite at any moment cause laughter? The answer to these questions is obvious. An essay on the theme âRidiculous or Frightful Molchalinâ will help to open them.
Servility
Molchalin does not realize how it is possible, as a petty official, to have his own point of view. His servility and desire to please sometimes take comic forms. But Iâm ready to praise the smooth coat of a noble ladyâs dog, play the role of a lover in front of Sophia, and condemn and criticize Chatsky. An essay on the subject âRidiculous or Scary Molchalinâ is an analysis of the character, comparing it with other heroes, as well as thinking about who such a person could become if his deception had not been detected in time.
The Miserable Creation
As already mentioned, Chatsky at the first meeting with Molchalin was extremely mistaken. In his eyes, this man was a jerk and a miserable creature. Such an attitude towards the silent people was characteristic of the Griboedov era. The type of young advanced nobleman who, having high ideals and a brilliant education, could someday change Russian society became popular. The old aristocratic world served as a contrast to this type. The silence was in the shade. And this was the danger pointed out by the author of the comedy "Woe from Wit." Is Molchalin ridiculous or scary? The answer to this question is clear, itâs worth a little imagination. What would happen if the secretary managed to get Sophiaâs hand to get into Famusovâs circle? Surely a society that was so disagreeable to Chatsky would ultimately prove to be not as dangerous as this silent, extremely flattering young man.
Invulnerability
The image of a humble man created by him touches Sophia. Having read French novels, she is ready to believe in his pure thoughts and high feelings between people belonging to different social worlds. But the mask instantly flies from Molchalin, as soon as a person appears in front of him who is lower in status. The true face of this character can be seen in those actions where he communicates with Lisa. What Famusovâs secretary is also clear from his conversations with Chatsky. In the eyes of Molchalin, the main character is a loser, which means that he is worthy only of contempt.
Do not assume that the exposure of Molchalin will lead to the fact that he will disappear from the public scene. Only the âcrazyâ Chatsky can leave her. "Is Molchalin ridiculous or scary?" - essay-reasoning, which requires an understanding of the historical role of the characters of Griboedov. At first glance - an unsuccessful careerist. In reality, an extremely invulnerable scoundrel. Sooner or later he will achieve his goal. And, perhaps, Molchalin is not so terrible as the time in which flatterers and careerists feel comfortable, and in which the truth is taken for madness.