Studying library statistics, school analysts came to the conclusion that the texts of works that are studied in literature lessons are practically not in demand today. What do schoolchildren read? How do they cope with the program?
Summary. Ostrovsky. "Storm". Unfortunately, more and more students use such publications rather than genuine texts. Forced to warn: no retelling of the play conveys artistic features and may cause incorrect perception of the characters. In order to understand the author’s intention and feel the characters of the heroes, you should read the originals.
"Storm". Ostrovsky. Summary of the first action
The beginning of the nineteenth century, a typical day in a small (invented by the author) town Kalinov. The tradesman Shapkin, the self-taught Kulibin and the clerk of the local merchant-tyrant talk about the inhumane disposition of the merchant with the speaking surname Dika. They are joined by Dikogo’s nephew, Boris, who recently arrived from Moscow. From a conversation with him, Kudryash and Shapkin learn that the young man received a good education in Moscow (he graduated from the Commercial Academy). Now he came to his uncle to receive part of the inheritance from his parents who died during an epidemic in Moscow. Hoping for the decency of the Wild, Boris left his sister in the care of relatives in Moscow. He is ready to fulfill the requirement specified in the will: to be respectful to uncle.
However, in response to the story of Boris, all those present begin to assure him that Dikoy is not the person who can give the inheritance, especially on such conditions.
Young people, noting the cruelty of urban manners, diverge, and they are replaced by the wanderer Feklusha, glorifying the splendor of the city and the generosity of the Kabanov family. However, the mechanic Kulibin expresses the opinion that it is Kabanikha who is the biggest bigot in the city.
Kabanikha appears with her daughter Barbara, son Tikhon and his wife Catherine. She leaves, telling her son to follow his wife. Sister secretly lets Tikhon drink, and she stays with Katerina, who recalls her childhood.
Barbara realizes that Katerina is not in love with her husband, and promises to arrange a date, which scares the girl terribly. The action ends.
Note. Ostrovsky's “Thunderstorm” did not include Katerina’s monologue, which is important for understanding her image. This is worth considering.
"Storm". Ostrovsky. Summary of the second action
House of the Kabanovs. Barbara and Katerina continue the conversation under the endless monologue of Feklushi about the phantasmagoric wonders of distant lands. Guessing that Katerina is in love with Boris, Varvara invites her, after her husband’s departure, to sleep in the garden gazebo. Tikhon leaves, accompanied by the mother of Kabanikh. She tells the departing Tikhon to properly teach his wife what she should do in his absence. Humiliated Katerina begs her husband to take her with her, but Tikhon, who felt an early freedom from maternal supervision, remains deaf to requests.
Tikhon leaves, Varvara passes the key to the garden gate to the wavering Katerina. This ends the action.
"Storm". Ostrovsky. Summary of the third action
In the first part, Kabanikh, Feklush, and Dikoy are talking at the Kabanovsky house.
In the second part, Barbara arranges a date between Katerina and Boris, after which the girl can no longer hide her love. She is ready to admit everything that scares Boris.
"Storm". Ostrovsky. Summary of the fourth action
A thunderstorm begins. Barbara tells Boris that Tikhon is back. Frightened by a thunderstorm, Katerina is sure that God so wants to punish her for treason. She, for all, confesses to her husband treason.
In the last action, without suffering humiliation from the mother-in-law, the pity of her husband and the cowardice of Boris, Katerina rushes into the river from the cliff.