The work of the great Russian writer and poet M. Yu. Lermontov left a significant mark in the history of world literature. The study of the images created by him in poems and novels is included in the system of planned familiarization not only for schoolchildren, but also for students of many higher educational institutions. “The female image in the novel“ A Hero of Our Time ”” is the theme of one of the essays for high school students.
Lermontov - poet or prose writer
The writer's inner creative world is so multifaceted that it is impossible to say for sure which genre was more typical for him. There are frankly lyrical works, there are romantic ones, and there are heavy dramatic opuses associated with his participation in hostilities in the Caucasus.
It is worth noting here that Lermontov was still more a poet than a prose writer. Indeed, in his short, but rather productive, creative life, he wrote hundreds of poems and poems. But prose is quite small, which undoubtedly makes it even more attractive to readers.
Women and honor
An interesting fact is that Lermontov, in spite of the kind of dramatic nature of his works, was able to write wonderfully subtly in them gentle and timid, and sometimes bold and decisive young ladies. The female image in the novel “Hero of Our Time”, for example, is the character of not one, but several girls, and they are all very different.
According to the essays and memoirs of contemporaries, the poet loved women, moreover, he was inspired by them to create his works. A reverent attitude towards women was emphasized primarily in matters of honor. One incorrectly spoken word addressed to even an unknown lady could cause a duel. Lermontov was very quick-tempered, but meanwhile quick-witted, which his friends often used to somehow appease the poet during the next conflict. However, duels did happen anyway. One of them ended with the death of the poet.
Woman - Muse
But women were not only the reason for the poet's quarrels with the outside world. They endowed him with creative powers to create new works. Therefore, all the female images described by Lermontov are very harmonious in nature. The female image in the novel “A Hero of Our Time” is not an accident, nor a whim of M. Yu. Lermontov. Indeed, one can rightfully say that not one of the problems of that (and even the present time) is complete without the participation of the fair sex.
Savage Bela
If we talk about what a female image is in the novel “A Hero of Our Time”, then first of all it should be understood that this is a collective definition. Three girls became the heroines of the novel - Bela, Princess Mary and Vera. The most interesting thing is that the images are written very carefully and distinctively, taking into account the girls' origin, upbringing and even nationality.
Bela is a young Caucasian native. She struck the main character Pechorin with her spontaneity and innocence. Some wildness of the girl’s character is quite consistent with the customs of her homeland. Yes, and it seems wild only to enlightened Petersburg residents. Bela is honest and straightforward.
Pechorin gives true pleasure fighting for her. In his opinion, Bel has everything that experienced secular lionesses lack so much. However, as soon as Pechorin achieves love, he realizes that they are somewhat deceived in their aspirations. It turns out that immediacy and unusualness also bother. Having received the desired, the main character concludes that the love of the savage in principle is no different from the love of women he knows. However, this approach is characteristic of the personality of Pechorin. It is typical for him to quickly become disappointed in everything and look for new sensations. So, the first female image in the novel “The Hero of Our Time” - Bela - is firmness, honesty, and the integrity of the maiden soul.
Princess Mary
The image of Princess Mary Ligovsky looks completely different. Even before meeting the girl, Pechorin heard about her rather ironic sayings of another character of the novel - Grushnitsky. Basically, they came down to some neglect of the provincial society of Pyatigorsk. The small world of the county town makes Pechorin laugh. But he accepts the rules of the game of the local high society in order to have fun with another intrigue, this time with the princess.
Actually, the next female image in the novel “Hero of Our Time” - Mary is a young, well-mannered, flirty and slightly frivolous young lady. Among other things, the princess is sure that the society in which she is located is the highest and noblest. Therefore, it is worth adhering to the laws adopted in it.
This cannot but cause the irony of Grushnitsky and Pechorin. They are both drawn into the intrigue of winning Mary's heart. However, for Pechorin, this is another entertainment, which can not be said about Grushnitsky. In addition, for the main character, a visit to the Ligovsky is an occasion to see another heroine of the novel - Vera.
Vera
This is perhaps the main female image in the novel “A Hero of Our Time”. Vera is a young lady, a relative of the Princess's husband, who also happens with the Ligovsky. Previously, Pechorin was associated with her close relationship.
It was Vera who was able to understand Pechorin, accept him without reservation as he is. Pechorin cannot forget the girl. By chance meeting her, he realizes that the feelings are still there. But, describing the female image in the novel “A Hero of Our Time” (an essay cannot do without some presentation of the content), one should not forget about the egoism of the main character, which manifests itself in relation to Vera, who successfully married a rich man. If in the case of Bela and Mary Pechorin is just having fun, then in the intrigue with Vera his pride is hurt. He cannot reconcile himself to the fact that, as it seems to him, a woman belongs to another.
Pechorin's male egoism
What is he - the main female character in the novel "Hero of our time"? A summary of Vera’s relationship with Pechorin can be conveyed in a few sentences. The lady did not immediately understand the true aspirations of Pechorin and calmly explained to him as a loved one that her marriage was a commercial deal necessary to secure her son’s future.
Pechorin, on the other hand, uses Vera's frankness and escalates the situation. He deliberately gives Mary's attention signs in the hope of provoking jealousy in the lady of the heart. He succeeds. Faith is in despair. She realizes that old feelings are overwhelming her again. But she has a husband to whom she is loyal in her own way. Pechorin understands the situation and sincerely enjoys his power over the girl.
Moral purity of Faith
In the end, Vera decides to confess everything to her husband. She tells him about her past relationship with Pechorin and about the newly flaring feelings. Without thinking twice, the husband decides to leave. Pechorin rushes in pursuit, but his attempt is in vain. He cries with a sense of loss and evil selfishness.
“The female image in the novel“ A Hero of Our Time ”” is a complex work. After all, it is necessary to compare all three heroines, to give them an assessment. The image of Vera was written out by Lermontov most carefully. There is vice, and jealousy, and moral purity at the same time. For Pechorin, this, by his own definition, is an ideal woman. But for Vera, relations with Pechorin are a moral and spiritual impasse. However, she has the courage to honestly tell her husband everything and leave, leaving the main character to independently deal with the fruits of her intrigues and selfishness.