The problems of the mind in "Woe from Wit" are touched on first of all, as the name itself tells us. When writing this comedy, Griboedov set out to show the position of a sane, intelligent, partial to his native country and the fate of the people of a young man. Other problems also arise in the work.
"Woe from Wit" is a comedy with a telling title. For those who were convinced of the omnipotence of knowledge of enlighteners, the mind was a synonym for happiness. But society does not always accept cutting-edge ideas, and their carriers are often considered crazy. Griboedov's comedy is a work about the reaction of society to new ideas. At first it was called âWoe to the Mind,â and only then the name was replaced by what was customary for us. This masterpiece was written by Alexander Sergeyevich Griboedov in 1823.
Is the main character crazy?
The problems of the mind in "Woe from Wit" are revealed in the opposition of the protagonist to the entire Moscow noble society. The hero in comedy defying traditions and social norms is Alexander Andreyevich Chatsky. He is the only sane one who confronts "twenty-five fools." But in the work, the attitude of this person to other characters is not at all like that. People canât see Chatskyâs mind, but rather the opposite â they call the young man a madman.
Famusovâs opinion about Chatsky (âWoe from Witâ)
The problems of the work are revealed through the prism of perception of different heroes, including Famusov, whose opinion is quite typical. This high-ranking official believed that Chatsky should not be considered a business and intelligent person, since his actions often run counter to generally accepted norms. He cannot profitably manage the estate and earn big profits from it, robbing the peasants for the purpose of personal gain. Chatsky did not take advantage of the opportunities and connections in the public service to build a career, achieve awards and high ranks, but instead took up the sciences, received education abroad, which was considered unreasonable among the noblemen of the older generation.
Famusovâs arguments are based on Chatskyâs opinion on various social problems and allow the official to consider him a dangerous person and identify the peculiarity of his thinking with madness and free-thinking. And really, is it really smart from the point of view of the nobles to provoke harsh criticism of those with whom he communicates in Famusovâs house? On this occasion, Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin said rudely, but aptly, that Chatsky did not need to "pour beads" in front of these people - "pigs". His speeches about the immorality of noblemen and landlords, about the violation of laws and about other vices of modern society are in vain, because the guests of Famusov will certainly unanimously declare for such behavior the main character of the piece âWoe from Witâ. The problem of generations is also outlined here, since children will always be ahead of their fathers, bringing new ideas to the world. People like Chatsky are advanced youth who are looking for ways to develop society.
Sofya Famusova
The problems of the mind in âMountain from the Mindâ are also considered through the prism of Sophiaâs perception. This is the daughter of Famusov, in whom our hero is in love. The girl also believes that Chatskyâs mind is useless, even harmful to others. She does not like criticism by Alexander Andreevich of all that is dear to herself. In his behavior and speeches, the girl sees bitterness, gall, discontent with everyone. She understands that it is not easy to be with this annoyed person, to listen to him constantly, although she considers Chatskyâs mind to be brilliant and brilliant. But for family life, Molchalin's âmindâ is more suitable, that is, the ability to adapt to circumstances and find benefits in everything. Chatsky is forced to agree with this. Such people, he said, "bliss in the world."
Majority opinion
Problems âWoe from Witâ are problems of public opinion, according to which adaptation is considered a manifestation of common sense. In the understanding of the majority, indeed, Molchalin behaves much more far-sighted than his rival when he seeks protection among authoritative people, including women, because he wants to "live happily" and receive rewards. He is modest, polite, helpful and will certainly âgo to the degreeâ in this society, as he does not express smart thoughts, which allows his friends to feel superior to the petty employee.
What "minds" do the old Moscow nobility need?
Molchalin knows exactly how to act âwiselyâ in order to use his position in the service for personal purposes. In this, he draws closer to Skalozub, who is also stupid, but "happy in comrades." This person is ready to achieve the desired by any means - he marks the generals.
It was precisely such "minds" that were required by the Moscow nobility, and the protagonist, with his critical attitude to the world, different from others, did not fit into this environment, although Famusov recommended Chatsky to the guests as a person "with his head." Paying tribute to the education of the protagonist, he believes that this acquisition should be used carefully, skillfully and only to achieve a high position in society or enrichment. Otherwise, the mind can harm Chatsky, which happens to him as a result.
Why is Alexander Andreyevich forced to leave this society?
The problems of the mind in âWoe from Witâ by representatives of the nobility are finally solved by the expulsion of the protagonist from the Famus society. Sophia, like her father, considers Chatsky to be crazy because of a desire to avenge that he mocked Molchalin. Alexander Andreevich was forced to leave her house, since it was not accepted here. He did not find friends or like-minded people, but only knew grief from his mind and ran to drown out the mental pain.
Where to find refuge for the hero?
Was there such a place in our country where heroes like Chatsky could take refuge to heal their wounds? Probably, Alexander Andreevich should have gone to where secret societies of the Decembrists had already begun to be created, in which they valued such people and found use of their strength and knowledge for the transformations brewing in Russia. The mind, as advanced nobles represented it, should be free, free. Freethinking for the Decembrists was not a definition of a dangerous ailment, vice or an abusive word, but, on the contrary, was very much appreciated.
"Woe from Wit" and proximity to future Decembrists
The courage of the protagonist would be noted by his contemporaries with advanced convictions, since Chatsky was very close in spirit to future Decembrists who asked the same questions. The problems of the comedy "Woe from Wit" were somehow peculiar to all future revolutionaries. Chatsky also felt the need to fight against ignorance, inertness, injustice, cruelty and many other vices of modern society. This was noted in his work by Griboedov ("Woe from Wit").
The heroâs problems are not in himself, but in the surrounding reality, which did not understand and did not accept him. Communicating with representatives of the old Moscow nobility, Chatsky realized a hostile attitude towards himself, a misunderstanding. The position of the hero was further complicated by loneliness and tragedy in love. Therefore, Alexander Sergeyevich Griboedov defined Chatskyâs state as âwoe from the mind,â which cannot be disagreed.