We invite you to get acquainted with the comedy in verses "Woe from Wit." A retelling of this play by Griboedov is presented in the article. The work describes secular society during the period of serfdom. Life in Russia in 1810-1820 is shown in the comedy "Woe from Wit."
The retelling of the work begins with the fact that the maid Lisa, who works for the Famusovs, wakes up complaining of a bad dream. The reason is that Sophia, her mistress, was waiting for the arrival of her friend Molchalin to visit. Lisa's task was to keep this meeting secret from others. It is with these events that the retelling of 1 action begins (“Woe from Wit”).
Lisa translates the clock
Lisa is knocking on Sophia’s room. From there come the sounds of the piano and flute. Lisa informs the mistress that it is already morning, and she must say goodbye to Molchalin, otherwise their father will see them. The handmaid sets the clock so that the lovers soon say goodbye.
Sophia's father, Famusov, finds the maid in this occupation. During the conversation, he clearly flirts with her. Sophia's voice interrupts their conversation. The girl is calling Lisa. Sophia's father hurries away.
Famusov reports to Sofya
The maid accuses her mistress of negligence. Sophia does not have time to say goodbye to her lover, and Famusov enters. He asked why Molchalin, his secretary, had come to Sophia so early. He says that he was returning from a walk and had just stopped by her. Famusov reports to his daughter.
What else should be said, making up a retelling of 1 action? Woe from Wit cannot be summarized without describing the next scene.
Talk about Chatsky and his arrival
Lisa recalls the story of the former love of Sophia and Chatsky Alexander Andreevich. He was distinguished by an extraordinary mind and cheerfulness. But now everything has passed. Sophia says this could not be called love. Between her and Chatsky was only a childhood friendship, because they grew up together.
The arrival of Alexander Chatsky continues the retelling. “Woe from Wit”, according to the actions set forth by us, is a work whose main character is Chatsky. He is pleased to meet his lover, but surprised that he was met so coldly. Sophia says she is glad to be here. Alexander Andreevich begins to recall the past. The girl says that their relationship was childish. Alexander Chatsky asks if she is in love with someone else, as she is embarrassed. However, Sophia replies that she is embarrassed by the views and questions of Alexander.
Chatsky in conversation with Famusov admires his daughter. He says that he has never met anyone like this girl anywhere. Famusov fears that Alexander will want to get married to Sophia. After Chatsky leaves, he reflects on which of the two men occupies the heart of his daughter.
Second action
We present you a retelling of 2 actions ("Woe from Wit"). In the 2nd appearance, Alexander Chatsky talks with Famusov and wonders what his reaction would be if he were to marry his daughter. Famusov says that it would be good to first serve the state in order to get a high rank. Then Alexander says: “I would be glad to serve, to be sick sick.” Famusov replies that Chatsky is proud. He sets Maxim Petrovich, his uncle, as an example.
The story of Maxim Petrovich
Let's continue retelling 2 actions. “Woe from Wit” is a play representing a whole gallery of depraved morals. One of these people is Maxim Petrovich. This man served at court and was very wealthy. And all due to the fact that he knew how to "serve." During the reception at Catherine II Maxim Petrovich stumbled and fell. Catherine laughed. Seeing that he had caused her a smile, Maxim Petrovich decided to repeat the fall twice more, giving the Empress pleasure. The ability to wrap this incident for his own good played into his hands - he was held in high esteem. Famusov considers the ability to "serve" is very important in order to achieve a high position.
Alexander Chatsky from the work “Woe from Wit”, the retelling of the chapters of which we compose, utters his monologue, where he compares two centuries - “present” and “past”. The hero believes that the generation of Famusov used to judge a person by money and ranks. Chatsky calls this century the century of "fear" and "humility." Even before the sovereign, Chatsky would not be a jester. He wants to serve not “persons”, but “business”.
The arrival of Skalozub, his conversation with Famusov
Meanwhile, Skalozub arrives to visit Famusov. The owner of the house is very pleased to meet this colonel. He warns Alexander Chatsky from expressing his free thoughts with this man.
The conversation between Skalozub and Famusov comes about the cousin of the colonel. Thanks to Skalozub, he received great advantages in the service. But suddenly, just before receiving the high rank, he left the service and went to the village. Here he began to read books and lead a measured life. With an evil mockery, Skalozub speaks about this. He believes that such a way of life for the "Famusian society" is unacceptable.
The owner of the house admires Skalozub due to the fact that he had already become a colonel, although he served not so long. Skalozub dreams of the rank of general who wants to "get", and not deserve. Famusov asks him if he intends to marry.
Chatsky enters into conversation. Famusov condemns Alexander’s unwillingness to serve and his free-thinking. Chatsky says that it is not Famusov who will judge him. According to Alexander, in his society there is not a single role model. The Famus generation expresses outdated judgments and despises freedom. Chatsky is alien to their manners. He does not intend to bow his head before this society. Chatsky is indignant at the fact that everyone is afraid of those who are engaged in art or science, and not in the extraction of ranks. In Famus society, the uniform covers up the lack of intelligence and morality.
Sophia gives herself away
Further, a curious scene was described by Griboedov, and we composed her retelling. “Woe from Wit” by actions is followed by the appearance of Sophia. She is very scared that Molchalin, having fallen from his horse, crashed. Girl faints. While the maid brings her to her senses, Alexander sees through the window a healthy Molchalin. He understands that Sophia was worried for him in vain. Having regained consciousness, the girl asks about Molchalin. Alexander coldly replies that everything is fine with him. Sophia accuses Chatsky of indifference. He finally understands who conquered the heart of his beloved.
Molchalin reproaches Famusov’s daughter for expressing feelings too frankly. The girl replies that someone else's opinion does not bother her. Molchalin is cowardly, so he fears rumors. The maid advises the girl to flirt with Alexander Chatsky in order to ward off suspicion from her lover.
Molchalin alone with Lisa flirts with her. He offers gifts, compliments her.
Third action
So we got to the third action. We will compose his retelling. “Woe from Wit” consists of four actions, so it’s not so long before the finale. Chatsky is trying to find out who is sweet to Sofya: Skalozub or Molchalin. The girl walks away from the answer. Alexander says he still loves her. Sophia admits that she appreciates Molchalin for modesty, meek disposition, and quietness. However, she again avoids direct confession of her love for him.
Ball at the Famusovs
Ball, held in the evening at the Famusovs, continues a brief retelling. “Woe from Wit” is a play in which this episode is a key scene. Servants are preparing for the arrival of guests. Here they come. Among those gathered were Prince Tugoukhovsky with his wife and 6 daughters, a grandmother and granddaughter of Khryumina, a gambler Zagoretsky, a service man, as well as an aunt Sofia Khlestov. These are all prominent people in Moscow.
Molchalin praises the smooth coat of the Khlestova dog in order to earn her favor. This is noted by Chatsky, who laughs at his helpfulness. Sophia reflects on the anger and pride of Alexander. In a conversation with Mr. N, the girl casually expresses that Alexander Chatsky is "out of his mind."
Rumor of Chatsky's insanity, conversation with a Frenchman
Among the guests spread the news of his madness. Everyone backs away from Chatsky at his appearance. Alexander says that grief overwhelms his soul, he is uncomfortable among those gathered. Chatsky is unhappy with Moscow. The meeting with the Frenchman in the next room outraged him. Going to Russia, this man was afraid that he would be in the country of barbarians, so he did not want to go. But he was warmly received, did not see Russian faces and did not even hear Russian speech. It seemed to him that he was at home. Alexander condemns the fashion of everything foreign in Russia. He does not like the fact that everyone imitate the French and bow to France. While Alexander was finishing the speech, the guests gradually dispersed from him. They either went to the card tables, or spun in a waltz.
Such is the scene of the ball at Famusov (her brief retelling). “Woe from Wit” through actions presents us with a sad picture of the mores of Famus society. Chatsky is simply doomed to loneliness among these people.
Fourth action (retelling)
“Woe from Wit” is steadily approaching the finale. The ball ends, everyone goes home. Alexander hurries a footman so that they can serve the carriage more quickly. All the hopes and dreams of Chatsky are finally destroyed. The hero ponders why he was mistaken for a madman. Perhaps someone started a rumor about it. He wants to find out if Sophia is aware of this. Alexander does not realize that it was she who declared his madness.
The conversation of Molchalin with Lisa
Chatsky when Sophia appears, hides behind a column. He hears a conversation between Molchalin and Lisa. It turns out that this man is not going to marry Sophia. In addition, he does not feel any feelings for the girl. He is much nicer servant Lisa. Molchalin pleases Sofya because he is the daughter of Famusov, and he serves with him. This conversation accidentally hears Sophia. Molchalin asks her forgiveness on her lap. However, the girl pushes him and orders him to leave the house, otherwise the father will find out about everything.
Alexander Chatsky appears. He reproaches Sophia for betraying their feelings for the sake of Molchalin. The girl says that she could not even imagine that this man is such a scoundrel.
The appearance of Famusov
The advent of Famusov, along with a crowd of servants, continues with a brief retelling. “Woe from Wit” on actions we describe briefly, therefore we will say only a few words about this episode. He is surprised to see his daughter with Alexander, as she called him crazy. Now Alexander understands who spread the rumor about his craziness.
Sophia's father is indignant. He scolds his servants for overlooking his daughter. Famusov sends Lisa "to go for birds," and threatens to send his daughter to his aunt in Saratov.
Final monologue
Chatsky’s final monologue concludes with a brief retelling. “Woe from Wit” is the characteristic of the protagonist. In his final monologue, Alexander says that his hopes are destroyed. He went to Sophia, dreaming of happiness with this girl. He blames her for giving Sofia hope. For her, it was just a childhood love, and Chatsky lived these feelings for 3 years. But he does not regret the break. He does not belong in Famus society. The hero intends to leave Moscow forever. After his departure, Famusov was only concerned with what Princess Marya Aleksevna would say.
This concludes “Woe from Wit” (retelling). The play is a satire on the Moscow aristocratic society. Immediately after publication, the work "Woe from Wit." The retelling of the plot, unfortunately, does not give an idea of the artistic merits of the play. We recommend getting to know her in the original.