The last action in the comedy is undersized. "Undergrowth

The topic of today's story is the history of the creation and analysis of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth". The work of the author of the Catherine era has not lost its relevance today. Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" entered the fund classical literature. This work will touch upon a number of problems and issues that attract readers at all times.

Analysis of the "Undergrowth" Fonvizin should include brief description characters in this drama. It is also worth talking about the idea of ​​a Russian writer. What inspired Fonvizin to write a comedy that has been popular for over two hundred years? What shortcomings of society did the author primarily want to ridicule in his essay? And what was the reaction of contemporaries to this work? The answers to all these questions are contained in the article. But before proceeding to the analysis of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth", one should talk about the main events depicted in the play.

Actions, as in any other dramatic work of the era of classicism, take place within just one day.

Events take place in the village of landowners Prostakov. What is the meaning of the name of the comedy "Undergrowth" by Fonvizin? Even without knowing the meaning of this word, one can guess that it has a negative connotation. The meaning of the name of the comedy "Undergrowth" by Fonvizin should be sought in the realities of the 18th century. The writer's contemporaries used this term in relation to young nobles who did not receive a special certificate indicating that they had received an education. This document was issued by the teacher. If the young man did not have a certificate, he was not accepted into the service and was not allowed to marry.

The undergrowth in the comedy is the son of the main character - the landowner Prostakova. The work begins with a scene taking place in her house. Prostakova is angry with Trishka, because he sewed an overly wide caftan for her son Mitrofanushka. The fact that the servant does not have the necessary skills in tailoring, and giving him such instructions was initially a mistake, she does not take into account.

The sixteen-year-old boy does not show much zeal in his studies, which is facilitated by the ignorance and stupidity of his mother. We'll talk more about these characters later. First, the author introduces readers to Sophia, the positive heroine of the work.

The girl not so long ago lives in Prostakova's house. She is a relative of the landowner, and she does not have any fortune. At least, Prostakova believes so. But one day Sophia receives a letter from her uncle Starodum. Mrs. Prostakova is not able to read the message, because she is not educated in reading and writing. Pravdin, having read the letter, tells her summary. In Fonvizin's Undergrowth, this hero, along with Starodum, is a supporter of enlightenment.

What is the letter received by Sophia about? Starodum writes to his niece that he bequeaths to her a huge fortune. This leads to the excitement of almost all the characters in the comedy. Prostakova believed that the girl was an orphan. But an unexpected turn of events suggests that Starodum's niece can be married off to the careless Mitrofan.

Skotinin also begins to dream of marrying Sophia. However, Sophia's heart is busy. She is in love with officer Milon, whom she met in Moscow before she was orphaned. Soon she will meet young man again, and he will save her from the claims of the mercenary Skotinin and the despotic Prostakova.

AT small town, in which the main events take place, Starodum arrives. He recognizes one of Mitrofanushka's teachers as his former coachman. The teachers of the son of Prostakova deserve special attention.

Kuteikin is a half-educated seminarian. Tsyfirkin - retired sergeant. Vralman, whose last name speaks very eloquently about his human qualities, Mitrofanushka does not teach anything, because he himself knows little. As already mentioned, he used to work as a coachman. But he was fired, he did not find a suitable job, and therefore he became a teacher. The fact that Vralman is incompetent in teaching, Prostakova does not notice, since she herself is extremely ignorant.

History of writing

The idea of ​​the comedy "Undergrowth" came from Fonvizin in 1778. The Russian writer spent more than a year in France, where he studied jurisprudence and philosophy. He observed how European aristocrats lived and came to a rather disappointing conclusion: Russian nobility mired in inertia and ignorance. Upon returning home, Fonvizin began writing the work. It took him over three years.

The idea of ​​​​the comedy "Undergrowth" by Fonvizin was very original at that time. The writer sought to ridicule the shortcomings of typical representatives of the landowner class. It is not surprising that both in Moscow and in St. Petersburg they refused to stage his comedy for a long time.

Criticism of contemporaries

The theme of the comedy "Undergrowth" by Fonvizin seemed interesting to the censors, but there were too many bold remarks in it. The play premiered in 1782. Fonvizin's work was a resounding success. True, the theater on the stage of which the play was staged was almost closed. In addition, the comedy displeased Catherine II.

The idea of ​​the work

The spiritual decay of the representatives of the nobility under the conditions of serfdom is the main theme of the comedy, which is discussed in this article. According to Fonvizin, pedagogical methods determine the moral character of an entire generation. In the 18th century, landowners often entrusted the upbringing of their children to half-educated sextons, illiterate nannies, and foreigners with dubious education. Such "teachers" are able to teach only young men like Mitrofanushka, the central character in Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth".

The author of this work simple examples showed that the nobles for the most part do not remember either honor or dignity. They do not serve the interests of the state, do not comply with moral and state laws. The sharpness of Fonvizin's dramatic work is given by the victory of good over evil, which, however, has an accidental character. If Starodum had not returned from Siberia on time, and Pravdin had not received an order to take Prostakova's property, everything would not have ended so well for Sophia. She would not have left the city with the young educated officer Milon, but would have become the wife of the stupid Mitrofanushka.

Characters

The image system in Fonvizin's "Undergrowth" is quite simple. Heroes are divided into positive and negative, almost all of them have speaking names: Vralman, Starodum, Pravdin. Negative characters are representatives of the old nobility, trying with all their might to hold on to the outdated ideas of the feudal system. They are opposed by heroes who support the ideas of the Enlightenment - Pravdin, Sophia, Milon, Starodum.

Positive and negative characters

Among the characters of the comedy, several dual pairs can be distinguished. So, Sophia is opposed to Mitrofanushka. Starodum is an adherent of enlightenment views. This is a man of the new age. Therefore, he is the opposite of the landowner Prostakova. Milon is opposed to Skotinin. If the first is educated and brought up and has sincere feelings for Sophia, then the second wants to marry a girl for selfish reasons. Skotinin dreams of acquiring land where he will be actively engaged in animal husbandry, namely raising pigs.

Mitrofanushka

An analysis of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth" cannot do without a description of this bright character. A stupid spoiled young man is absolutely not prepared for an independent life. Everything for him is done by his mother, servants or nannies. From Prostakova, the lad takes over an uncontrollable passion for money. He, like his mother, is rude, disrespectful to his relatives. Mitrofanushka inherited his lack of will from his father. A sixteen-year-old boy does not want to study, but he wants to get married. He is the opposite of Sophia, an educated, serious, intelligent girl with a difficult fate.

Prostakov

When making an analysis of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth", attention should be paid to the negative heroine. Prostakova is an uneducated, stupid woman, but at the same time very cunning. She is a practical housewife, a loving mother. For Prostakova, the carefree future and happiness of Mitrofanushka are above all else. But in education she makes fatal mistakes, because she does not know anything about the right ones. pedagogical methods. She treats her son the way her parents once treated her. In managing the household and raising her son, the landowner uses exhausted values ​​and ideas.

Starodum

When analyzing "Undergrowth" Fonvizin Special attention should be given to the hero, symbolizing the ideas of the Enlightenment, about which few were known in Russia in the 18th century. Starodum communicates with Sophia in a completely different way than Prostakova and Mitrofanushka. He uses completely different methods of education. Talking with Sophia on an equal footing, he instructs, gives advice based on his rich experience. Knowing nothing about Sophia's feelings for Milon, he does not make decisions for her. Starodum wants her niece to marry an intelligent, educated officer, but does not impose his views on her.

In this image, the author portrayed his ideal educator and parent. Starodum is an authoritative strong personality who has come a worthy path. For modern readers, this hero, of course, is not an ideal educator. But he made a strong impression on Fonvizin's contemporaries, who were inspired by educational ideas.

The comedy was written in 1781, was presented in the theater the following year, and was printed in 1783. D. I. Fonvizin exposed to ridicule those local nobles who boasted of their noble origin, were illiterate, ill-mannered and cruel to their serfs. The progressive people of that time agreed with the author that serfdom it must at least be limited so that the landowners do not have such huge power over their serfs, but everyone knows from history that serfdom was abolished only in 1861, that is, 80 years after the comedy was written.

An undergrowth is a noble son who did not complete his studies and did not have the right to marry and serve.

Characters

Prostakov.

Mrs. Prostakova, his wife.

Prostakov Mitrofan, their son, is undersized.

Eremeevna, Mitrofan's mother (at that time, a child's nanny was called mother, mother).

Starodum.

Sophia, Starodum's niece.

Skotinin, brother of Mrs. Prostakova.

Kuteikin, seminarian.

Tsyfirkin, retired sergeant.

Vralman, teacher.

Trishka, tailor.

Servant of Prostakov.

Starodum's valet.

Act one

The first apparition starts early in the morning at the Prostakovs' estate. Ms. Prostakova is outraged that the tailor Trishka has sewn a tight suit for Mitrofanushka and threatens to punish him. Enter Skotinin, brother of the lady. He came to his agreement with Sophia, a relative of Prostakov, who lives with them, left an orphan.

Ms. Prostakova did not bother to tell Sophia that she was going to marry her to her brother. The landowner is sure that she is the mistress of everything and everyone. Order - and Sophia will have to marry her brother.

Skotinin asks the hostess to cancel punishment for his conspiracy. Prostakova agrees and kicks Trishka out.

Eremeyevna complained that Mitrofanushka had had a bad supper yesterday. Prostakova was alarmed by the health of her son and sends him to frolic in the dovecote.

In a conversation with Skotinin, it turns out that he wants to marry Sofya because her parents left an estate with very good pigs, which he wants to add to his own and increase his farm. Except for pigs, he doesn't know how to talk about anything and doesn't want to.

In the next appearance, Sofya comes with a letter in her hand, which says that her uncle Starodum, who was considered dead, has earned a fortune of ten thousand rubles and makes Sofyushka the heiress of this fortune. When the news was confirmed, Prostakova already sees in a poor relative a rich bride for her sixteen-year-old son and fawns over her.

The action ends with the news that troops have arrived. Everyone runs to see. Skotinin goes to the barnyard to admire the pigs.

Action two

The second action takes place also in the Prostakov estate. In the first apparition, Pravdin and Milon meet. During their conversation, Sofia enters. Pravdin learns that they know each other and love each other, but were apart for more than six months while Milon was in the service.

Sophia says that it was hard for her to live in this family.

Skotinin declares that he will not back down, uncle and nephew almost got into a fight because of the bride.

Teachers Mitrofanushka Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin come. They complain about how hard it is to teach the master's son, undersized. Everyone gets in the way:

• Mitrofan's laziness.
• A mother with her excessive love and care.
• Vralman, who does not teach himself, because he is a former coachman and does not allow others to teach, having enlisted the support of the mistress.

Mitrofan after a quarrel with his uncle in bad mood, does not want to study, but wants to get married. Scares mother with the intention to drown herself. Prostakova was horrified by his words and promises to marry Sophia and is going to knit him a purse for her money.

Act Three

In the first appearance, Starodum arrives, Pravdin meets him first. They are happy to meet. In a conversation between Starodum and Pravdin, Fonvizin reveals his views on the then reality, on the education of young people. Starodum tells The truth about abuses at court, that officials in institutions are busy increasing their fortunes, and not state needs. Pravdin and Starodum have the same views on the education of young people. One must educate the heart and soul, and then educate the minds.

Uncle and niece are happy to meet you. Starodum tells Sofya that he has no one but her, so everything he has earned will go to her. Now she can marry the man she loves, no matter if he is poor. Uncle explains that wealth is not the main thing for a person. The golden blockhead is all a blockhead.

The arrival of Starodum gives hope to Skotinin that he will agree to marry Sophia. Prostakova also hopes to marry Mitrofanushka with Sophia. Arguments about marriage brought the sister and brother to a fight.

Pravdin and Sofya introduce Starodum to Milon and he approves of the niece's choice.

act four

Prostakova continues to hope that she can persuade Starodum to give Sophia for Mitrofanushka. Skotinin also does not abandon his plans.

Prostakova praises her son and asks to be examined so that everyone can see his learning. Guests ask Mitrofanushka questions on:

• Grammar.
• Stories.
• Geography.

The undergrowth's answers show his absolute ignorance of even the most elementary. He does not know the difference between a noun and an adjective, he has heard stories only from a cowgirl, he cannot even utter the word geography.

Prostakova is sure that her son should marry Sophia, Skotinin is also confident in himself. Starodum announces, that Sophia has already been agreed and will not marry either Skotinin, not for Mitrofan.

Tomorrow at seven in the morning Starodum and Sophia are leaving.

Hearing this, Prostakova plots how to steal her in the morning and marry Mitrofanushka by force. After that, Starodum will be forced to forgive them.

The action ends with Prostakova distributing instructions to her household and her husband about the theft of the girl.

Act Five

The fifth act also begins early in the morning., like the first one. After the unsuccessful attempt on Sophia, revealed by Milon, Prostakova on her knees begs for forgiveness from everyone.

When forgiveness is received, she screams in impotent rage that she will flog everyone half to death, because the mistress has the power to beat her servants as much as she wants.

Pravdin reports that he received a package with a prescription. Now he, as a governor, on instructions from above, should take Prostakova's estate under guardianship, Mitrofanushka will be sent to serve. Prostakova in despair rushes to her son, who pushes her away. She weeps in grief.

At the end of the play, Starodum, pointing to Prostakova, says: “Here are worthy fruits of evil-mindedness”

More than two hundred years have passed since the writing of the play. Unfortunately, many of its events, which the author criticized, still happen today. There are officials who are more concerned about their own than state needs . There are ignorant, uneducated, self-confident lazy people. Unfortunately, the play is still relevant today, although serfdom has long since ceased to exist.

Fonvizin's play must be read in full to enjoy its ironic and sarcastic language. Of course, during the time the play has existed, its language seems archaic in places, but many phrases from it have long become popular expressions: golden blockhead - all blockhead; I don't want to study, I want to get married; Here are the worthy fruits of wickedness.

Fonvizin's humor in scenes is not outdated teachings of Mitrofanushka and in the conversations of Skotinin. The words Mitrofanushka and Undergrowth still symbolize loafers and ignoramuses. Reading the play is necessary for everyone who wants to know Russian literature.

To understand whether the play “Undergrowth” is relevant today, one must read not a short, but full version her.

The village of landowners Prostakovs. Mrs. Prostakova in anger: serf tailor Trishka, she believes, he sewed a too narrow caftan for her beloved son, sixteen undersized Mitrofanushka. Trishka justifies herself by saying that she did not learn tailoring, but the lady does not want to listen to anything. Her husband, Prostakov, a narrow-minded and obedient man to his wife, expresses the opinion that the caftan is baggy. And it seems to Taras Skotinin, Prostakova's brother, that the caftan is "quite well sewn."

The caftan itself is a new thing for Mitrofanushka to collude with Skotinin and Sophia, a distant relative of the Prostakovs. Sophia's father died when she was still a baby. The girl grew up with her mother in Moscow. But six months have already passed since she remained an orphan. The Prostakovs took her in to "supervise her estate as if it were their own." Sophia's uncle, Starodum, left for Siberia. For a long time there was no news about him, and the Prostakovs believe that he died long ago.

Skotinin wants to marry Sofya - not because he likes the girl, not because he wants to take possession of her villages, but because there are a lot of ... pigs in these villages, and he is a big hunter before them. But Sophia still does not know who is predicted for her husband.

Sophia a letter arrives from Starodum. Mrs. Prostakova, having heard about this, is extremely annoyed: her hopes did not come true, her uncle turned out to be alive. Prostakova accuses Sofya of lying: the letter, they say, is amorous. But she cannot verify the statement, because she is illiterate. Her husband and brother are also not much of a reader. They are rescued by the guest Pravdin. He reads a letter in which Starodum informs his niece that he makes her the heiress of his fortune, acquired by him in Siberia, which gives an income of ten thousand a year. Mrs. Prostakova is amazed by this news. She gets new idea: to give Sophia for his son, ignoramus Mitrofan.

Soldiers pass through the village of Prostakov. They are led by officer Milon. He meets here his old friend, Pravdin. He says that he is a member of the governor's board. Pravdin travels around the district and especially pays attention to the "evil-tempered ignoramuses" who mistreat their people. It was precisely such ignoramuses that he found in the person of the Prostakovs.

Milon, on the other hand, says that he is in love and has been separated from his beloved for more than six months. Recently, he learned that his beloved was left an orphan and some distant relatives took her to their villages ... At the moment when Milon talks about this, he suddenly sees his beloved - this Sofia.

The lovers are happy to meet. But Sophia says that Mrs. Prostakova wants to marry her to Mitrofanushka. Milon is tormented by jealousy. True, she weakens when he learns more about his "rival".

Skotinin, passing by, unceremoniously declares his views on Sophia. Pravdin tells him about Mrs. Prostakova's plans. Skotinin is furious. Mitrofan catches his eye, being led to study by his nanny Eremeevna. The uncle wants to explain himself to his nephew and was already attacking him with his fists. But Yeremeyevna shields Mitrofanushka with her body and drives Skotinin away.

Mitrofanushka's teachers come: Sidorych - Kuteikin and Pafnutich - Tsyfirkin. Kuteikin, a deacon from the Intercession, who did not finish his studies at the seminary, teaches Mitrofan to read and write in the Book of Hours and the Psalter. And Tsyfirkin, a retired sergeant, is a teacher of arithmetic.

Mitrofan refuses to study. He complains to his mother that after his uncle's "task" learning does not come to his mind. Eremeevna tells about the collision with Skotinin. Prostakova comforts her son, promises to marry him soon. She orders the teachers to be fed dinner and sent again. The lady is dissatisfied with Yeremeevna: she "did not bite into Skotinin's mug" and "did not tear his snout up to his ears." Prostakova is going to "transfer" with her brother in her own way. Zealous Yeremeevna cries out of resentment. The teachers console her.

is coming Starodum. Before showing himself to the owners, he talks with an old acquaintance, Pravdin. Starodum recalls his father, who served Peter the Great, praises those times. Starodum came to free his niece from "ignoramuses without a soul." He was forced to leave public service. When Starodum was still serving in the military, he became friends with the young count. Upon the declaration of war, Starodum hurried to the army, and the count evaded this. And soon after that, the count was promoted to the rank, and Starodum, wounded in the war, was bypassed. After retiring, Starodum came to St. Petersburg to the court. But later he decided that "it is better to lead a life at home than in someone else's front."

Starodum meets Sofya and promises to take his niece away from the Prostakovs. The conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Prostakova and Skotinin. Sister and brother fight, and Milon separates them. This scene amuses the old-timer. Mrs. Prostakova is annoyed by the stranger's fun, but, having learned that this is Starodum, she changes her tone to the most servile and obsequious. She wants to flatter herself with a wealthy relative and help Mitrofanushka marry Sofya.

But Starodum promises to take Sophia to Moscow the very next morning in order to marry her there to some "young man of great merit." This news plunges everyone into despondency, and Sophia "seems amazed." Then Starodum tells her that the choice of a worthy groom is entirely in her will. It brings hope back to everyone. Mrs. Prostakova boasts before Starodum about the formation of Mitrofanushka. She is especially pleased with the German Adam Adamych Vralman, whom she hired for five years. She pays him three hundred rubles a year (other teachers - ten). Vralman teaches Mitrofan "in French and all sciences." But the main thing is that he "does not captivate a child."

Meanwhile, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin are sad that the teaching is not going very well. Mitrofan has been studying arithmetic for the third year, but "he cannot count three." He has been studying the diploma for the fourth year, and still "doesn't understand a new line." And the whole trouble is that Vralman indulges a lazy student and interferes with his studies.

Mrs. Prostakova persuades her son to learn. He demands that there be an agreement as soon as possible: "I do not want to study, I want to get married." Tsyfirkin sets two tasks for Mitrofan. But the mother intervenes and does not allow them to be solved. In general, arithmetic seems to her an empty science: "There is no money - what to count? There is money - we will count well even without Pafnutich." Tsyfirkin has to finish the lesson. His place is taken by Kuteikin. Mitrofan senselessly repeats after him lines from the Book of Hours. Here comes Vralman. He explains to Mrs. Prostakova that it is very dangerous to stuff your head too much. Vralman believes that one can do without Russian literacy and arithmetic. Mitrofanushka, he says, only needs to know how to live in the world. Vralman lets Mitrofan frolic.

Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin want to beat Vralman. The retired sergeant brandishes the board, and the sexton - the Book of Hours, but the German manages to escape.

Sophia is reading Fenelon's book on the upbringing of girls. Starodum talks with her about virtue. He receives a letter from Count Chestan. This is Uncle Milon, who wants to marry his nephew to Sophia. Talking to Sophia about her marriage, Starodum again notices that she is embarrassed ... Then Pravdin and Milon appear. Pravdin introduces Milon to Starodum. It turns out that Milon in Moscow often visited the house of Sophia's mother, and she loved him like a son. Starodum, talking with Milon, is convinced that he is dealing with a worthy person. Milon asks for Sophia's hand, mentioning his "mutual inclination" with the girl. Starodum is happy to learn that Sophia has chosen exactly the one whom he himself reads to her as her husband. He agrees to this marriage.

But other contenders for Sophia's hand know nothing and do not leave their hopes. Skotinin begins to talk about the antiquity of his kind. Starodum jokingly pretends to agree with him on everything. Mrs. Prostakova invites Starodum to see how Mitrofanushka is learned. Uncle Sofya pretends to be delighted with Mitrofanushka's learning. However, he refuses both Skotinin and Mitrofanushka, saying that Sophia has already been agreed. He announces that he will leave with Sophia at seven in the morning. But Mrs. Prostakova decides that before that time she will have time to "put on her own." She places sentries around the house.

Pravdin receives a package; he is ordered to take custody of the house and villages of the Prostakovs at the first occasion when Prostakov's temper threatens the safety of the people subject to her. Pravdin tells Starodum about this. Their conversation is interrupted by noise...

Prostakova's people are dragging the resisting Sophia to the carriage - to marry Mitrofanushka. Milon, who caught this scene, frees the bride. Pravdin threatens that Prostakova will be brought to trial as a "violator of civil peace." Mrs. Prostakova violently repents of her act. Starodum and Sophia forgive her. Prostakova is glad for forgiveness: now she will take revenge on her servants for the failure that has occurred! But she fails to do this: Pravdin announces that, by government decree, he takes custody of the house and villages of the Prostakovs.

Skotinin goes back to his place, to his favorite stables. Mrs. Prostakova asks Pravdin to give her power for at least three days. But he does not agree. He calls teachers to pay them off. Eremeevna brings Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin and Vralman. Pravdin lets them go. Kuteikin demands to be paid for his studies, for worn boots... But Tsyfirkin refuses to pay because Mitrofanushka hasn't learned anything. For such generosity Starodum, Milon and Pravdin give him money. And Pravdin offers Kuteikin to settle accounts with the mistress herself. He exclaims in horror: "I retreat from everything." In Vralman, Starodum recognizes his former coachman. It turns out that Vralman could not find a job as a coachman anywhere and he had to become a teacher. Starodum agrees to take him back as a coachman.

Starodum, Sofya and Milon are going to leave. Prostakova hugs Mitrofanushka: "You are the only one left with me ..." But her son is rude to her. The mother faints. Pravdin decides to send Mitrofan to serve. Waking up, Mrs. Prostakova laments: "I died completely ..." And Starodum, pointing to her, says: "Here are worthy fruits of malevolence!"

Act one

Phenomenon I Mrs. Prostakova, examining Mitrofan's new caftan, scolds Trishka for having restrained and ruined the thing. She sends Eremeevna for a tailor, and Mitrofan for her father.

Phenomenon II Prostakova, calling Trishka "cattle" and "thieves' hare", scolds him for the damaged caftan. Trishka justifies himself: he is self-taught. To this, Prostakova replies that the first tailor also did not study with anyone. To which Trishka brilliantly objects: “Yes, the first tailor, perhaps, sewed worse than mine.”

Phenomenon III Prostakova scolds her husband that he is hiding from her, and asks to resolve the dispute about the caftan. It seems to Prostakov that the caftan is baggy (i.e. large). Prostakova scolds her husband, and he replies: "With your eyes, mine do not see anything." Prostakova complains that God gave a foolish husband.

Event IV Skotinin appears and asks whom the sister wants to punish on the day of his collusion? On another day, he himself will help punish anyone: “Don’t be Taras Skotinin, if I don’t have any fault to blame.” Looking at Mitrofan's caftan, Skotinin says that it is sewn "pretty badly." Prostakova tells Eremeevna to feed Mitrofan, for the teachers will come soon. Eremeevna replies that he has already eaten 5 rolls, and before that, he was washed out all night from gluttony. Mitrofan says that he was tormented by nightmares: the mother beat the father. Mitrofan regrets that his mother is tired of the fight. Mrs. Prostakova calls her son "my consolation" and sends him to frolic.

Phenomenon V Prostakova and Skotinin are talking about Sophia. Skotinin suggests: it would not be a sin for her to find out about the conspiracy. Prostakova replies that there is nothing to report to her. And he remembers how well she treats the orphan. Prostakov, on the other hand, clarifies that, together with Sophia, we undertook to oversee her village. The wife abruptly cuts him off. Skotinin is eager to get married in order to unite the lands and breed pigs, to which he has a "mortal hunt." Prostakova claims that Mitrofan is all like an uncle, he also loves pigs.

Event VI Sophia enters with a letter, but neither Skotinin nor Prostakova can read it and boast that there were no literate people in their family.

Appearance VII Pravdin enters, Prostakova asks him to read the letter, but Pravdin first asks Sofya for permission, explaining that he does not read other people's letters. From the letter it turns out that Sophia is "the heiress of income from ten thousand." Skotinin and Prostakova are stunned. Prostakova rushes to hug Sophia. Skotinin understands that his collusion will no longer be.

Appearance VIII The servant announces to Prostakov that soldiers with an officer have entered the village. Prostakova is frightened, but her husband reassures her that the officer will not allow the soldiers to mess up.

Action two

Phenomenon I Milon unexpectedly meets with an old friend Pravdin and says that he is hastily going to Moscow, grieves that he does not know anything about his beloved, who may be subjected to cruelty. To which Pravdin says that in this family there is a cruel wife and a stupid husband. He, Pravdin, hopes to put an end to "the malice of the wife and the stupidity of the husband." Milon is pleased that his friend has the authority to do so. Sophia enters.

Phenomenon II Milon is happy to meet his beloved, and Sophia complains about the harassment she had to endure in the Prostakovs' house. Sophia is surprised by today's change to her Prostakova. Milon is jealous, but Sophia describes Mitrofan's stupidity, and Milon calms down. Sophia is sure that her fate is in the hands of her uncle, who will arrive soon. Skotinin appears.

Phenomenon III Skotinin complains that his sister, who summoned him from the estate to collusion, has sharply changed her mind. He tells Sophia that no one will take her away from him. Milo is outraged by such audacity. Skotinin threatens to take revenge on Mitrofan, who crosses his path.

Event IV Eremeevna persuades Mitrofan to learn, and he calls her "an old bastard". Enter Skotinin threatens Mitrofan with reprisals. Eremeevna rushes to protect her pet. Skotinin retreats.

Phenomenon V Prostakova fawns over Milon and Sophia, says that she can’t wait for her uncle, and then begins to tell how she loves Mitrofan and takes care of him, if only to bring him out to people. Teachers appear, not God knows what, but they are cheap to pay. Tsyfirkin complains that for the third year he cannot teach Mitrofan to act with fractions. Pravdin and Milon are convinced that the teachers are useless, and leave so as not to interfere with Mitrofan's studies.

Event VI Prostakova asks Mitrofan to repeat what has been done with the teachers. And her son complains to her about his uncle, who almost killed him. Prostakova attacked Eremeevna, why she did not stand up for the "child". Then she tells her mother to feed the teachers and continue teaching. As they leave, the teachers complain about their unfortunate lot.

Act Three

Phenomenon I Pravdin and Starodum, talking, recall the Petrine era, when people were valued for their intelligence, and not for their rank and wealth. They talk about the merits of traditional education, when they brought up not only the mind, but also the soul. Starodum tells the case when he met unworthy person but didn't recognize it right away. Starodum served the fatherland, fought and was wounded, but found out that the young man, thanks to his father's proximity to the court, went around him in the service, without showing the slightest zeal for business, then Starodum left the civil service and resigned. Once at the court, Starodum was surprised that no one there walks along a straight road, but all by detours, just to get around each other. He did not like all this, and he preferred to retire. Having received neither ranks nor villages, he retained "soul, honor and rules." Starodum pronounces a sentence on the reigning house: “It is in vain to call a doctor to the sick is incurable. Here the doctor will not help, unless he becomes infected.

Phenomenon II Starodum and Sophia meet joyfully and cordially. Sophia says that she was very worried where he disappeared for so many years. Starodum reassures her that he has made enough money in Siberia to marry her well. Sophia expresses her respect and gratitude to him. They hear a terrible noise.

Phenomenon III Milon separates the fighting Prostakov and Skotinin. Skotinin is pretty shabby. If not for Milo, he would have had a very bad time. Sophia shows Milon with her eyes at Starodum, Milon understands her.

Event IV Prostakova scolds Yeremeevna that she does not see any of the servants except her. Yeremeyevna says that Palashka has fallen ill and is delirious, "like a noblewoman." Prostakova is surprised. She orders to call her husband and son to introduce them to Uncle Sophia.

Phenomenon V Starodum, barely escaping from the arms of Prostakova, immediately gets to Skotinin. Then he meets Milon. And Mitrofan and Prostakov grab him by the hand. Mitrofan intends to kiss Starodum's hand, fawning over him under his mother's dictation. Prostakova tells Starodum that she never quarrels with anyone, because she has a quiet disposition. Starodum sarcastically replies that he managed to notice this. Pravdin adds that he has been watching battles for three days now. Starodum says that he is not a fan of such spectacles, so tomorrow he will leave with Sophia for Moscow. Prostakova literally cries that she will not survive Sophia's departure. Starodum says that he is going to marry Sophia to a worthy person. Prostakova recalls her parents, who had 18 children, and only two survived: she and her brother. Her father always said that he would curse his son if he studied. And now another century, here she is teaching her son something. Prostakova boasts of Mitrofan and wants Starodum to appreciate his successes. Starodum refuses, saying that he is a bad judge in that.

Event VI Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin are indignant that they have to wait a long time for their student each time. Kuteikin sympathizes with the local servants, saying that he is a serviceman, he has been in battles, but it is more terrible here. Tsyfirkin regrets that Mitrofan cannot be properly punished for stupidity and laziness.

Appearance VII Mitrofan agrees for the sake of his mother to learn for the last time, but so that the conspiracy would be today: “I don’t want to study, but I want to get married.” Mitrofan repeats what he has learned with his teachers, but he cannot solve the simplest problem. The mother constantly interferes, teaches her son not to share with anyone, and there is no need to know geography, there are cabs for that.

Appearance VIII Teacher Vralman speaks with a strong foreign accent, he can hardly be understood. He is sure that one should not stuff the child's head with sciences, if only there is health. He scolds the Russian teachers who are ruining Mitrofanushka's health. Prostakova completely agrees with him. She leaves to look after her son so that he does not anger Starodum somehow by chance.

Appearance IX Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin attack Vralman, he runs away so that his sides are not crushed.

act four

Phenomenon I Sophia is reading a book and waiting for her uncle.

Phenomenon II Starodum sees Sophia's book and says that the author of Telemachus cannot write a bad book. He believes that Sophia is reading an excellent book. They talk about good and bad people. Sophia assures that happiness is nobility and wealth. Starodum agrees with her, saying that he has his own calculation. He appreciates nobility by the number of deeds performed by a person for the benefit of the Fatherland, and sees wealth not in saving money in chests, but in giving the excess to those in need. Sophia agrees with him. Starodum talks about a person in general. He talks about a family in which the husband and wife hate each other - this is a misfortune for them and those around them, the children in such a family are abandoned and the most unfortunate creatures. And all because people do not consult their hearts. Sophia is happy that she has such a wise mentor.

Phenomenon III The valet brings a letter to Starodum. Sophia goes to get glasses for her uncle.

Event IV Starodum reflects on Milo. He wants to marry Sophia for him.

Phenomenon V Sophia confesses to Starodum her love for Milon.

Event VI Pravdin presents Staroduma Milon. Sophia says that her mother loved him like her own son. Milon expresses his views on the service and the person, close to the views of Starodum. Milon shows himself to be an educated and sensible young man. Starodum likes him, and he blesses Sophia and Milon for marriage.

Appearance VII Skotinin appears and asks to bless him and Sophia. He shows himself to be an absolute fool. The Old Man laughs.

Appearance VIII Mrs. Prostakova wonders if anyone prevented Starodum from resting; she made everyone walk on tiptoe so as not to disturb such dear guest. Prostakova again asks Starodum to examine Mitrofan. Mitrofan shows absolute ignorance of elementary things. The mother, protecting her son, says that for a century people have lived without science, and he will live happily.

Appearance IX Prostakova wonders if Starodum recognized her son. He replies that he knew both of them as well as possible. To Mitrofan's question, he replies that Sophia will not visit him, she has already been arranged for another. Prostakova runs around the room in anger and makes plans: to steal Sophia at six in the morning, before she leaves with her uncle.

Act Five

Phenomenon I Pravdin and Starodum are talking about how to put an end to Prostakova's wickedness. Pravdin was instructed to take custody of the estate. Pravdin and Starodum discuss the virtues of the tsar, who is entrusted with the lives of his subjects, how great his soul should be. Further, they move on to a discussion about the nobles, "who should be well-behaved."

Phenomenon II Milon, with a sword in his hands, repels Sophia from Eremeevna and Prostakova's people, who forcibly dragged the girl into the carriage and wanted to take her to church to marry Mitrofan.

Phenomenon III Pravdin is sure that this crime gives the uncle and the fiancé a reason to turn to the government to punish the criminals. Prostakova on her knees begging for mercy.

Event IV But Starodum and Milon refuse to complain about the Prostakovs, who are pathetic and disgusting in their humiliation. Skotinin understands nothing of what is happening. Prostakova gets up from her knees when she realizes that she is forgiven, and is immediately going to inflict reprisals on her people, who "let Sophia out of her hands." She says that she is free to flog everyone if she wants. Here Pravdin takes out a paper on guardianship of the estate. Skotinin, fearing that they will get to him, prefers to retire.

Phenomenon V Prostakova asks Pravdin to pardon or give a respite, at least for three days. He doesn't even give three hours.

Event VI Starodum recognizes in Vralman his former coachman. Kuteikin demands money for his work, and Prostakova says that he did not teach Mitrofan anything. He replies that it is not his fault. Tsyfirkin refuses money, because for three years Mitrofan has not learned anything worthwhile. Pravdin shames Kuteikin and rewards Tsyfirkin for his kind soul. Milon also gives him money. Vralman asks Starodum to be a coachman.

Appearance VII Starodum's carriage has been served, and Vralman is ready to take the coachman's place: Starodum takes him into his service.

The last phenomenon Starodum, Sofya, Milon say goodbye to Pravdin. Prostakova rushes to Mitrofan, her last hope, and Mitrofan replies: “Yes, get rid of it, mother, how you imposed it ...” Prostakova was killed by “the betrayal of her son.” Even Sophia rushes to console her. Pravdin decides to give Mitrofan to the service. Starodum says, pointing to Prostakova: "Here are worthy fruits of evil-mindedness."

The estate of the Prostakovs. Prostakova scolds the serf Trishka, as he incorrectly sewed a caftan for her son Mitrofan. The serf explains that he warned in advance that he did not learn to sew. Mr. Prostakov, who has long since entered into obedience to his wife, joins his wife and says that the caftan is ugly. Brother Prostakovai, Skotinin, also speaks the same way.

The girl Sophia lives in the estate. She lost her father a long, long time ago, and half a year after her mother died. The Prostakovs sheltered the girl, although not out of their courtesy, but because Sophia has a pretty good heritage. Of Sofia's relatives, an uncle remained, but there has been no news from him for a long time and everyone suspects that he has died.

Mr. Skotinin wants to marry Sophia, as there are a fair number of pigs in her villages. Sophia is unaware of this...

Sophia receives a letter from her uncle, but since she is uneducated, she is unable to read it. Mrs. Prostakova says that the uncle is writing a love letter, but the content of this letter is of a completely different nature. This letter says that Sophia's legacy will increase, since her uncle bequeaths all his fortune to her. Prostakova decides to marry her son Sofia.

Soldiers' path passes near the village of Prostakovs. Milon - the officer greets his friend Pravdin and while he is in the village, he sees his beloved Sophia, who was taken from her native village and taken away in an unknown direction.

The turmoil begins. Sophia tells Miron that they want to marry her to the son of the mistress. Skotinin says that he was the first to whom Sophia was married, but finds out that Prostakova has changed her mind. Mitrofan is taken to study with his teachers (Sidorych, Panfutich), but he refuses to study. The mother promises her son a quick wedding if he takes up his mind.

Mr. Starodum arrives. He talks with Pravdin, remembers his father, and is imbued with memories of how good those times were. The uncle has a desire to take Sophia with him and thus save her from the family in which she is now arriving, since he was wounded and released from service and now has the opportunity to take care of his niece.

Finding Sophia, he promises that they will soon leave this estate. Mrs. Prostakova sees Starodum, whom she had never met before and is trying in every possible way to please him, in view of the fact that she really wants to marry her son to a rich girl.

The uncle says that tomorrow she and Sophia will go to Moscow and there a beautiful worthy man awaits her, which greatly upsets her niece, but as soon as she notices that she was upset, she explains that the choice is only her right and he will not interfere if She already has another fiancé. Everyone in the estate finds out about this and the turmoil is gaining momentum again. Prostakova shows Starodum what a wonderful son she has, and what a good teacher Adam Adamych has.

But the son has been taught for a very long time, but training for several years did not give him any new skills, because Vralman interferes with his studies. The lady still persuades her son to learn, but as soon as Tsyfirkin gives him tasks, she intervenes and explains that Mitrofan does not need arithmetic. The teacher ends the lesson.

Mitrofan starts the next lesson. Kuteikin reads the lines and Mitrofan mindlessly repeats after him. Vralman, watching the training, explains to Prostakova that even without a letter of arithmetic, you can live well and let the "young talent" play. The teachers are very upset and want to get even with Vralman. But as soon as they start open actions, Vralman escapes.

Starodum finds Sophia reading a book about education and starts a conversation with her. Starodum receives a letter from Uncle Milon, in which he proposes to marry their pupils, but, starting a conversation about this with Sofia, he confuses her. Pravdin brings Milon to Uncle Sophia and he learns that Sophia's mother loved him very much, almost like her own son. Starodum understands that Milon can become a wonderful husband for his niece. At the same time, Milon mentions to Starodum that the feelings they have with Sophia are mutual, and the uncle gladly decides to consent to their marriage.

No one suspects that the matchmaking has already passed and therefore everyone is trying to please the uncle who has arrived. Skotinin talks about how ancient his family is. Prostakova shows her "learned" son. But soon he refuses to everyone, explaining that the decision has already been made and not in their direction and reports that he and Sofia will leave their estate early in the morning. Pravdin is handed a package that in any case he will receive all the possessions, everything that belongs to the Prostakovs, if something threatens people.

Sophia is dragged to the carriage to marry Mitrofan. Milon helps her free herself. Pavdin, seeing this picture, promises that Mitrofan's mother will answer for her actions in court. Prostakova repents. Mr. Pravdin takes the estate under his guardianship.

Skotinin leaves. Pravdin dismisses Mitrofan's teachers. Starodum understands that Vralman is his former coachman, and again accepts him for this position. They decide to send Mitrofan to the army, and his mother is left with nothing.

A brief retelling of "Undergrowth" in abbreviation was prepared by Oleg Nikov for the reader's diary.