Diary of an extra person. Tale (1848 - 1850)

The idea to start a diary came to Chelkaturin on March 20. The doctor finally admitted that his patient would live for two weeks. The rivers will open soon. Together with the last snow they will carry away his life.

To whom to tell your sad thoughts at the last hour? Near only the old and narrow-minded Terentyevna. It is necessary to tell at least to yourself your own life, to try to understand why thirty years have been lived.

Chelkaturin's parents were rather wealthy landowners. But the father, a passionate gambler, quickly lost everything, and they were left with only the village of Sheep Waters, where their son was now dying of consumption in a miserable house.

Mother was a lady of character and overwhelming proud virtue. She endured the family misfortune stoically, but in her humility there was some kind of deliberateness and reproach to those around her. The boy shunned her, passionately loved his father, grew up "badly and sadly." Childhood years left almost no bright memories.

Moscow, where they moved after the death of their father, did not add any impressions. Parental home, university, life of a petty official, few acquaintances, "pure poverty, humble studies, moderate desires." Is it worth telling such a life? The life of a completely superfluous person in the world. Chelkaturin himself likes this word. No other conveys so fully the essence of it.

Best of all, the accuracy of the chosen definition of his own personality and fate could be confirmed by one episode of his life. Somehow he had to spend six months in the county town of O., where he met with one of the chief officials of the county, Kirill Matveyevich Ozhogin, who had four hundred showers and hosted the best society in the city. He was married, and had a daughter, Elizaveta Kirillovna, who was very good-looking, lively and meek in disposition. A young man fell in love with her, generally very awkward with women, but somehow found here and "blossomed in soul." For three weeks he was happy with his love, the opportunity to be in a house where he felt the warmth of normal family relationships.

Lisa was not in love with her admirer, but accepted his company. One day, Lisa’s mother, the petty official Bezmenkov, Lisa herself and Chelkaturin went to a grove outside the city. The young people enjoyed the quiet evening, the distances opening from the cliff and the crimson sunset. The closeness of the man in love with her, the beauty of the surroundings, and the feeling of the fullness of being awakened in the seventeen-year-old girl “the quiet fermentation that precedes the transformation of a child into a woman.” And Chelkaturin witnessed this change. Standing over the cliff, amazed and deeply touched by the beauty that had revealed itself to her, she suddenly began to cry, then she was embarrassed for a long time and was mostly silent. A turning point took place in her, “she also began to wait for something.” The young man in love attributed this change to his own account: “The misfortune of lonely and timid people - from timid pride - lies precisely in the fact that, having eyes... they see nothing...”

Meanwhile, in the city, and then at the Ozhogins, a slender, tall military man appeared - Prince N. He came from St. Petersburg to receive recruits. Chelkaturin felt the hostile feeling of a timid dark Muscovite for a brilliant capital officer, good-looking, dexterous and self-confident.

Unaccountable hostility grew into anxiety, and then into despair, when, left alone in the hall of the Ozhoginsky house, the young man began to look at his vaguely shaped nose in the mirror. Suddenly he saw in the glass how Lisa quietly entered, but, seeing her admirer, she carefully slipped away . She clearly didn't want to meet him.

Chelkaturin returned the next day to the Ozhogins, the same suspicious, tense person that he had been since childhood and from whom he began to get rid of under the influence of feelings. The family gathered in the living room was in the best of spirits. Prince N. stayed with them the whole evening yesterday. Hearing this, our hero pouted and took on an offended look in order to punish Lisa with his disfavor.

But then the prince appeared again, and by the blush, by the way Lisa's eyes shone, it became clear that she had passionately fallen in love with him. Until now, the girl had never even dreamed of anything resembling a brilliant, intelligent, cheerful aristocrat. And he fell in love with her - partly from nothing to do, partly from the habit of turning women's heads.

By constantly tense smile, haughty silence, behind which one could see jealousy, envy, a sense of his own insignificance, impotent anger, the prince realized that he was dealing with an eliminated rival. Therefore, he was polite and gentle with him.

The meaning of what was happening was also clear to those around him, and Chelkaturin was spared like a patient. His behavior became more and more unnatural and tense. The prince charmed everyone with his ability not to ignore anyone, and the art of secular conversation, and playing the piano, and the talent of a draftsman.

Meanwhile, one summer day the district leader gave a ball. “The whole county” gathered. And everything, alas, revolved around its sun - the prince. Lisa felt like the queen of the ball and loved. No one paid attention to Chelkaturin, rejected and unnoticed even by forty-eight-year-old girls with red pimples on their foreheads. And he watched the happy couple, died of jealousy, loneliness, humiliation and exploded, calling the prince an empty St. Petersburg upstart.

The duel took place in that very grove, almost at that very cliff. Chelkaturin easily wounded the prince. He fired into the air, finally trampling his opponent into the ground. The Ozhogins' house was closed to him. They began to look at the prince as a groom. But he soon left without making an offer. Lisa took the blow stoically. Chelkaturin was convinced of this by accidentally overhearing her conversation with Bezmenkov. Yes, she knows that everyone is throwing stones at her now, but she will not exchange her misfortune for their happiness. The prince did not love her for long, but he loved her! And now she has memories, and her life is rich in them, she is happy that she was loved and loves. Chelkaturin is disgusting to her.

Two weeks later, Lizaveta Kirillovna married Bezmenkov.

“Well, tell me now, am I not a superfluous person?” - asks the diary author. He is sad that he is dying dully, stupidly. Goodbye everything and forever, goodbye, Lisa!

Author of the retelling: G. G. Zhivotovsky

A month in the village. Comedy (1850, publ. 1855)

The appearance of a new face in the village is always an event. When in the summer of 184... a new home teacher appeared on the rich estate of the Islaevs, the already established balance turned out to be in some way disturbed or, in any case, shaken.

From the very first day, his student, ten-year-old Kolya Islaev, fell in love with Alexei Nikolaevich. The teacher made him a bow, makes him a kite, and promises to teach him how to swim. And how deftly he climbs trees! This . you're not boring old Schaaf teaching him German.

It was easy and fun with the new teacher and seventeen-year-old pupil of the Islayevs, Vera: they went to see the dam, caught a squirrel, walked for a long time, fooled around a lot. The twenty-year-old maid Katya also noticed the young man and somehow changed to Matvey, who was courting her.

But the most subtle processes took place in the soul of the hostess, Natalya Petrovna Islaeva. Her Arkady Sergeevich is constantly busy, always building something, improving it, putting it in order. Natalya Petrovna is alien and bored by her husband’s household chores. The conversations of Rakitin, a friend of the house, are also boring, and in general, he is always at hand, you don’t need to conquer him, he is completely tame, harmless: “Our relationship is so pure, so sincere <...> You and I have the right not only to Arkady, but to everyone look straight into your eyes..." And yet such relationships are not entirely natural. His feeling is so peaceful, it doesn’t bother her....

Rakitin is worried that lately Natalya Petrovna has been constantly out of sorts, some kind of change is happening in her. Is it not in relation to him? When Alexei Nikolaevich appears, she clearly perks up. This was also noticed by Shpigelsky, the district doctor who came to help Bolshintsov marry Vera. The applicant is forty-eight years old, clumsy, unintelligent, uneducated. Natalya Petrovna is surprised by the proposal: Vera is still so young... However, seeing Vera whispering something to Belyaev and both laughing, she still returns to the conversation about matchmaking.

Rakitin is becoming more and more worried: is he starting to bore her? There is nothing more tiresome than a cheerless mind. He has no illusions, but he hoped that her calm feeling over time... Yes, now his situation is quite funny. So Natalya Petrovna talked to Belyaev, and immediately there was liveliness and cheerfulness in her face, which had never happened after talking with him. She even admits in a friendly manner: this Belyaev made quite a strong impression on her. But there is no need to exaggerate. This man infected her with his youth - and that’s all.

Alone with herself, she seems to remember: it's time to stop all this. Verina's tears in response to Bolshintsov's proposal seemed to have restored her ability to see herself in the true light. Don't let the girl cry. Bolshintsov is out of the question. But jealousy flares up again when Vera admits that she likes Belyaev. It is now clear to Natalya Petrovna who the rival is. "But wait, it's not over yet." And then she is horrified: what is she doing? He wants to marry the poor girl to an old man. Is she jealous of Vera? What is she, in love, or what? Well, yes, in love! First. But it's time to wake up. Michel (Rakitin) must help her.

Rakitin believes that the teacher should be recommended to leave. And yes, he will leave. Suddenly Islaev appears. Why is this wife, leaning on Rakitin's shoulder, pressing a handkerchief to her eyes? Mikhail Alexandrovich is ready to explain himself, but a little later.

Natalya Petrovna herself is going to announce to Belyaev about the need to leave. At the same time he finds out (it’s impossible to resist) whether he really likes this girl? But from a conversation with the teacher, it turns out that he does not love Vera at all and is ready to tell her about it, but it is unlikely that after that it will be convenient for him to stay in the house.

Meanwhile, Anna Semyonovna, Islayev's mother, was also a witness to the scene that aroused her son's jealousy, Lizaveta Bogdanovna tells this news to Shpigelsky, but he reassures: Mikhailo Alexandrovich was never a dangerous person, these wise men all come out with a tongue, chatter. He himself is not like that. His proposal to Lizaveta Bogdanovna looks like a business proposal, and it was listened to quite favorably.

Belyaev quickly presented himself with an opportunity to explain himself to Vera. It is clear to Vera that he does not love her and that Natalya Petrovna betrayed her secret. The reason is clear: Natalya Petrovna herself is in love with the teacher. Hence the attempts to pass her off as Bolshintsov. In addition, Belyaev remains in the house. It can be seen that Natalya Petrovna herself still hopes for something, because Vera is not dangerous to her. Yes, and Alexei Nikolaevich, maybe he loves her. The teacher blushes, and it is clear to Vera that she was not mistaken. The girl presents this discovery to Natalya Petrovna. She is no longer a meek young pupil, but a woman insulted in her feelings.

The opponent is again ashamed of her actions. It's time to stop cheating. Decided: they see Belyaev for the last time. She informs him about this, but at the same time she admits that she loves him, that she was jealous of Vera, mentally passed her off as Bolshintsov, and by cunning found out her secret.

Belyaev is amazed by the recognition of the woman whom he revered as a higher being, so now he cannot bring himself to leave. No, Natalya Petrovna is adamant: they are breaking up forever. Belyaev obeys: yes, we need to leave, and tomorrow. He says goodbye and wants to leave, but hearing a quiet “stay,” he stretches out his arms to her, but then Rakitin appears: what did Natalya Petrovna decide about Belyaev? Nothing. Their conversation should be forgotten, everything is over, everything is over. Has it passed? Rakitin saw how Belyaev got confused and ran away...

The appearance of Islaev makes the situation even more piquant: “What is this? Continuation of today’s explanation?” He does not hide his discontent and anxiety. Let Michelle talk about her conversation with Natasha. Rakitin's confusion forces him to ask directly whether he loves his wife? Loves? So what to do? Michelle is going to leave... Well, the idea was true. But he won’t be leaving for long, because there’s no one here to replace him. At this moment, Belyaev appears, and Mikhail Alexandrovich informs him that he is leaving: for the peace of his friends, a decent person must sacrifice something. And Alexey Nikolaevich would have done the same, right?

Meanwhile, Natalya Petrovna begs Vera to forgive her, kneels before her. But it is difficult for her to overcome dislike for a rival who is kind and gentle only because she feels loved. And Vera should stay in her house! No way, She can't bear her smile, she can't see how Natalya Petrovna basks in her happiness. The girl turns to Shpigelsky: is Bolshintsov really a good and kind person? The doctor vouches that he is the most excellent, honest and kind. (His eloquence is understandable. For Verino's consent, he was promised three horses.) Well, then Vera asks me to convey that he accepts the offer. When Belyaev comes to say goodbye, Vera, in response to his explanation of why he should not stay in the house, says that she herself will not stay here for long and will not interfere with anyone.

A minute after Belyaev leaves, she witnesses the despair and anger of her rival: he didn’t even want to say goodbye... Who allowed him to interrupt so stupidly... This is contempt, finally... Why does he know that she would never have decided... Now both of them are equal with Vera...

There is hatred in Natalya Petrovna’s voice and gaze, and Vera tries to calm her down, informing her that she will not burden the benefactress with her presence for long. They can't live together. Natalya Petrovna, however, had already come to her senses again. Does Verochka really want to leave her? But they are both saved now... Everything is in order again.

Islaev, finding his wife upset, reproaches Rakitin for not preparing Natasha. I shouldn't have announced my departure so suddenly. Does Natasha understand that Mikhail Alexandrovich is one of the best people? Yes, she knows that he is a wonderful person and they are all wonderful people... And yet... Without finishing, Natalya Petrovna runs out, covering her face with her hands. Rakitin is especially bitter about this farewell, but it serves the chatterbox right, and everything is for the best - it was time to end this painful, this consumptive relationship. However, it's time to go. Islaev has tears in his eyes: “But still... thank you! You are a friend, for sure!” But there seems to be no end in sight to the surprises. Alexey Nikolaevich disappeared somewhere. Rakitin explains the reason: Verochka fell in love with the teacher, and he, as an honest person...

Islaev, naturally, is dizzy. Everyone runs away, and all because they are honest people. Anna Semyonovna is even more perplexed. Belyaev left, Rakitin was leaving, even the doctor, even Shpigelsky, hurried to see the sick. Once again, only Schaaf and Lizaveta Bogdanovna will remain nearby. What does she think about this whole story, by the way? The companion sighs, lowers her eyes: “...Perhaps I won’t have to stay here for long... And I’m leaving.”

Author of the retelling: G. G. Zhivotovsky

Rudin. Novel (1855)

In the village house of Darya Mikhailovna Lasunskaya, a noble and wealthy landowner, a former beauty and a metropolitan lioness, who still organizes a salon far from civilization, they are waiting for a certain baron, erudite and connoisseur of philosophy, who promised to acquaint him with his scientific research.

Lasunskaya engages the audience in conversation. This is Pigasov, a poor man and cynically inclined (his strong point is attacks on women), the secretary of the hostess Pandalevsky, the home teacher of the younger children of Lasunskaya Bassists, who has just graduated from the university, the retired staff captain Volintsev with his sister, provided for by the young widow Lipina, and the daughter of Lasunskaya - still very young Natalya.

Instead of the expected celebrity, Dmitry Nikolaevich Rudin arrives, who was instructed by the baron to deliver his article. Rudin is thirty-five years old, he is dressed quite ordinary; he has an irregular, but expressive and intelligent face.

At first, everyone feels somewhat constrained, the general conversation is not getting better. Pigasov revives the conversation, as usual attacking "high matters", abstract truths that are based on beliefs, and the latter, Pigasov believes, do not exist at all.

Rudin asks Pigasov if he is convinced that beliefs do not exist? Pigasov stands his ground. Then the new guest asks: "How do you say that they don't exist? Here's one for you for the first time."

Rudin captivates everyone with his erudition, originality and logical thinking. Basistov and Natalya listen to Rudin with bated breath. Daria Mikhailovna begins to think about how she will bring her new “acquisition” to light. Only Pigasov is dissatisfied and sulks.

Rudin is asked to talk about his student years in Heidelberg. There is a lack of color in his narrative, and Rudin, apparently aware of this, soon moves on to general differences - and here he again conquers the audience, because "he mastered almost the highest music of eloquence."

Darya Mikhailovna persuades Rudin to stay overnight. The rest live nearby and go home, discussing the outstanding talents of a new acquaintance, and Basistov and Natalya, under the impression of his speeches, cannot fall asleep until morning.

In the morning, Lasunskaya begins to take care of Rudin in every possible way, whom she firmly decided to make the decoration of her salon, discusses with him the advantages and disadvantages of her rural environment, while it turns out that Mikhailo Mikhailych Lezhnev, Lasunskaya's neighbor, has long been well known also to Rudin.

And at this moment the servant reports the arrival of Lezhnev, who visited Lasunskaya on an insignificant economic occasion.

The meeting of old friends proceeds rather coldly. After Lezhnev takes his leave, Rudin tells Lasunskaya that her neighbor only wears a mask of originality to hide his lack of talent and will.

Going down into the garden, Rudin meets Natalya and starts a conversation with her; he speaks passionately, convincingly, speaks of the shame of cowardice and laziness, of the need for everyone to do business. Rudin's animation affects the girl, but Volintsev, who is not indifferent to Natalya, does not like it.

Lezhnev, in the company of Volintsev and his sister, recalls his student years when he was close to Rudin. The selection of facts from Rudin's biographies is not to Lipina's liking, and Lezhnev does not finish the story, promising to tell more about Rudin another time.

In the two months that Rudin spends with Lasunskaya, he becomes simply necessary for her. Accustomed to revolving in a circle of witty and refined people, Darya Mikhailovna finds that Rudin can outshine any metropolitan orgy. She admires his speeches, but in practical matters she is still guided by the advice of her manager.

Everyone in the house tries to fulfill the slightest whim of Rudin; Basistov is especially in awe of him, while the common favorite almost does not notice the young man.

Twice Rudin expresses his intention to leave the hospitable house of Lasunskaya, citing the fact that all his money was gone, but... he borrowed from the hostess and Volyntsev - and stayed.

Most often, Rudin talks with Natalya, who eagerly listens to his monologues. Under the influence of Rudin's ideas, she herself has new bright thoughts, a "holy spark of delight" flares up in her.

Touches on Rudin and the theme of love. According to him, at present there are no people who dare to love strongly and passionately. Rudin, in his own words, penetrates into the very soul of the girl, and she ponders for a long time on what she heard, and then suddenly bursts into bitter tears.

Lipina again asks Lezhnev what Rudin is: Without much desire, he characterizes his former friend, and this characterization is far from flattering. Rudin, says Lezhnev, is not very knowledgeable, loves to play the role of an oracle and live at someone else's expense, but his main trouble is that, inflaming others, he himself remains cold as ice, not thinking in the least that his words "may confuse, destroy a young heart.

Indeed, Rudin continues to grow the flowers of his eloquence in front of Natalia. Not without coquetry, he speaks of himself as a person for whom love no longer exists, indicates to the girl that she should opt for Volyntsev. As a sin, it is Volyntsev who becomes an unintentional witness to their lively conversation - and this is extremely difficult and unpleasant for him.

Meanwhile, Rudin, like an inexperienced young man, seeks to force things. He confesses his love to Natalya and seeks the same recognition from her. After the explanation, Rudin begins to inspire himself that now he is finally happy.

Not knowing what to do, Volintsev, in the most gloomy frame of mind, retires to his own place. Quite unexpectedly, Rudin appears before him and announces that he loves Natalya and is loved by her. Irritated and perplexed, Volyntsev asks the guest: why is he telling all this?

Here Rudin launches into a long and flowery explanation of the motives for his visit. He wanted to achieve mutual understanding, he wanted to be frank... Volyntsev, losing control of himself, sharply replies that he did not ask for trust at all and he is burdened by Rudin’s excessive frankness.

The initiator of this scene is also upset and blames himself for recklessness, which brought nothing but insolence on the part of Volintsev.

Natalya appoints Rudin a date in a secluded place where no one could see them. The girl says that she confessed everything to her mother, and she condescendingly explained to her daughter that her marriage to Rudin was completely impossible. What does her chosen one intend to do now?

Confused Rudin, in turn, inquires: what does Natalya herself think about all this and how does she intend to act? And almost immediately he comes to the conclusion: it is necessary to submit to fate. Even if he is rich, Rudin argues, will Natalya be able to endure the "forced termination" of her family, arrange her life against the will of her mother?

Such cowardice strikes the girl in the heart. She was going to make any sacrifice in the name of her love, and her beloved chickened out at the first obstacle! Rudin is trying to somehow soften the blow with the help of new exhortations, but Natalya no longer hears him and leaves. And then Rudin shouts after her: "You are a coward, not me!"

Left alone, Rudin stands still for a long time and goes over his feelings, admitting to himself that in this scene he was insignificant.

Insulted by Rudin's revelations, Volintsev decides that under such circumstances he is simply obliged to challenge Rudin to a duel, but his intention is not given to come true, as a letter from Rudin arrives. Rudin verbosely says that he does not intend to make excuses (the content of the letter just convinces of the opposite), and announces his departure "forever".

When leaving, Rudin feels bad: it turns out that he is being kicked out, although all decorum is observed. To Basistov, who was seeing him off, Rudin, out of habit, begins to express his thoughts about freedom and dignity, and speaks so figuratively that tears appear in the young man's eyes. Rudin himself is also crying, but these are "selfish tears".

Two years pass. Lezhnev and Lipina became a happy married couple, they got a red-cheeked baby. They host Pigasov and Basistov. Basistoy announces good news: Natalya agreed to marry Volintsev. The conversation then switches to Rudin. Little is known about him. Rudin has recently lived in Simbirsk, but has already moved from there to another place.

And on the same day in May, Rudin is dragging along a country road in a poor wagon. At the post station, they announce to him that there are no horses in the direction Rudin needs and it is not known when they will be, however, you can go in the other direction. After some thought, Rudin sadly agrees: "I don't care: I'll go to Tambov."

A few years later, an unexpected meeting between Rudin and Lezhnev takes place in a provincial hotel. Rudin talks about himself. He changed many places and activities. He was something like a home secretary for a wealthy landowner, was engaged in land reclamation, taught Russian literature at a gymnasium... And he failed everywhere, and even began to be afraid of his unhappy fate.

Reflecting on the life of Rudin, Lezhnev does not console him. He speaks of his respect for the old comrade, who, with his passionate speeches, love for the truth, may be fulfilling a "higher assignment."

On July 26, 1848 in Paris, when the uprising of the “national workshops” had already been suppressed, the figure of a tall gray-haired man with a saber and a red banner in his hands appeared on the barricade. The bullet interrupts his calling cry: “The Pole was killed!” - such is the epitaph uttered while running by one of the last defenders of the barricade. "Damn it!" - the other one answers him. This “Pole” was Dmitry Rudin.

Author of the retelling: V. P. Meshcheryakov

Asya. Tale (1858)

N.N., a middle-aged secular man, recalls a story that happened when he was twenty-five years old. N. N. then traveled without a goal and without a plan, and on his way he stopped in a quiet German town , which Gagin called Asya. N. N. avoided Russians abroad, but he liked his new acquaintance right away. Gagin invited N.N. to his house, to the apartment in which he and his sister were staying. N. N. was fascinated by his new friends. At first, Asya was shy at N.N., but soon she herself was talking to him. Evening came, it was time to go home. Leaving the Gagins, N.N. felt happy.

Many days have passed. Asya's pranks were varied, every day she seemed to be a new, different - either a well-bred young lady, or a playful child, or a simple girl. N. N. regularly visited the Gagins. Some time later, Asya stopped being naughty, looked upset, avoided N. N. Gagin treated her kindly and condescendingly, and in N. N. the suspicion grew stronger that Gagin was not Asya's brother. A strange incident confirmed his suspicions. One day, N.N. accidentally overheard the conversation of the Gagins, in which Asya told Gagin that she loved him and did not want to love anyone else. N. N. was very bitter.

N.N. spent the next few days in nature, avoiding the Gagins. But a few days later he found a note at home from Gagin, who asked him to come. Gagin met N.N. in a friendly manner, but Asya, seeing the guest, burst out laughing and ran away. Then Gagin told his friend the story of his sister. Gagin's parents lived in their village. After the death of Gagin's mother, his father raised his son himself. But one day Gagin’s uncle arrived and decided that the boy should study in St. Petersburg. The father resisted, but gave in, and Gagin entered school, and then into the guards regiment. Gagin came often and once, when he was twenty years old, he saw a little girl Asya in his house, but did not pay any attention to her, having heard from her father that she was an orphan and was taken by him “to feed.”

Gagin did not visit his father for a long time and was only receiving letters from him, when suddenly one day news arrived about his fatal illness. Gagin arrived and found his father dying. He ordered his son to take care of his daughter, Gagin’s sister Asya. Soon the father died, and the servant told Gagin that Asya was the daughter of Gagin’s father and the maid Tatyana. Gagin's father became very attached to Tatyana and even wanted to marry her, but Tatyana did not consider herself a lady and lived with her sister along with Asya. When Asya was nine years old, she lost her mother. Her father took her into the house and raised her himself. She was ashamed of her origin and at first was afraid of Gagin, but then she fell in love with him. He also became attached to her, brought her to St. Petersburg and, no matter how bitter it was for him to do this, sent her to a boarding school. She had no friends there, the young ladies didn’t like her, but now she’s seventeen, she finished studying, and they went abroad together. And so... she plays pranks and fools around as before...

After Gagin's story, NN became easy. Asya, who met them in the room, suddenly asked Gagin to play a waltz for them, and N.N. and Asya danced for a long time. Asya waltzed beautifully, and NN recalled this dance for a long time.

The next day Gagin, N.N. and Asya were together and had fun like children, but the next day Asya was pale, she said that she was thinking about her death. Everyone except Gagin was sad.

One day N.N. was brought a note from Asya, in which she asked him to come. Soon Gagin came to N.N. and said that Asya was in love with N.N. Yesterday she had a fever all evening, she did not eat anything, cried and admitted that she loved N.N. She wants to leave...

N.N. told a friend about the note that Asya sent him. Gagin understood that his friend would not marry Asa, so they agreed that N.N. would honestly explain to her, and Gagin would sit at home and not show that he knew about the note. Gagin left, and N.N.’s head was spinning. Another note informed N.N. about the change in the place of their meeting with Asya. Arriving at the appointed place, he saw the hostess, Frau Louise, who led him to the room where Asya was waiting.

Asya was trembling. N.N. hugged her, but immediately remembered Gagina and began to accuse Asya of telling her brother everything. Asya listened to his speeches and suddenly burst into tears. N. N. was at a loss, and she rushed to the door and disappeared.

N. N. rushed around the city in search of Asya. He was vexed with himself. Thinking, he went to the Gagins' house. Gagin came out to meet him, worried that Asya was still missing. N.N. looked for Asya all over the city, he repeated a hundred times that he loved her, but he could not find her anywhere. However, having approached the Gagins' house, he saw a light in Asya's room and calmed down. He made a firm decision - to go tomorrow and ask for Ashina's hand. N. N. was happy again.

The next day, N.N. saw a maid at the house, who said that the owners had left, and gave him a note from Gagin, where he wrote that he was convinced of the need for separation. When N.N. walked past Frau Louise’s house, she gave him a note from Asya, where she wrote that if N.N. had said one word, she would have stayed. But apparently it's better this way...

N.N. looked for the Gagins everywhere, but did not find them. He knew many women, but the feeling awakened in him by Asya never happened again. Longing for her remained with N.N. for the rest of his life.

Author of the retelling: M. L. Soboleva

Noble Nest. Novel (1858)

As usual, Gedeonovsky was the first to bring the news of Lavretsky’s return to the Kalitins’ house. Maria Dmitrievna, the widow of a former provincial prosecutor, who at fifty years old has retained a certain pleasantness in her features, favors him, and her house is one of the nicest in the city of O... But Marfa Timofeevna Pestova, the seventy-year-old sister of Maria Dmitrievna’s father, does not favor Gedeonovsky for his inclination invent and talkativeness. Why, a popovich, even though he is a state councilor.

However, it is generally difficult to please Marfa Timofeevna. Well, she doesn’t like Panshin either - everyone’s favorite, an enviable groom, the first gentleman. Vladimir Nikolaevich plays the piano, composes romances based on his own words, draws well, and recites. He is a completely secular person, educated and dexterous. In general, he is a St. Petersburg official on special assignments, a chamber cadet who arrived in O... on some kind of mission. He visits the Kalitins for the sake of Lisa, Maria Dmitrievna’s nineteen-year-old daughter. And it seems his intentions are serious. But Marfa Timofeevna is sure: her favorite is not worth such a husband. Panshin and Lizin are rated low by music teacher Christopher Fedorovich Lemm, a middle-aged, unattractive and not very successful German, secretly in love with his student.

The arrival of Fyodor Ivanovich Lavretsky from abroad is a notable event for the city. Its history passes from mouth to mouth. In Paris, he accidentally convicted his wife of treason. Moreover, after the breakup, the beautiful Varvara Pavlovna received scandalous European fame.

The inhabitants of the Kalitinsky house, however, did not think that he looked like a victim. It still exudes steppe health, long-lasting strength. Only in the eyes is visible fatigue.

Actually, Fyodor Ivanovich is a strong breed. His great-grandfather was a tough, daring, smart and crafty man. The great-grandmother, a hot-tempered, vindictive gypsy, was in no way inferior to her husband. Grandfather Peter, however, was already a simple steppe gentleman. His son Ivan (father of Fyodor Ivanovich) was raised, however, by a Frenchman, an admirer of Jean-Jacques Rousseau: this was the order of the aunt with whom he lived. (His sister Glafira grew up with her parents.) Wisdom of the 18th century. the mentor poured it entirely into his head, where it remained, without mixing with the blood, without penetrating into the soul.

Upon returning to his parents, Ivan found his home dirty and wild. This did not stop him from paying attention to Mother Malanya’s maid, a very pretty, intelligent and meek girl. A scandal broke out: Ivan’s father deprived him of his inheritance, and ordered the girl to be sent to a distant village. Ivan Petrovich recaptured Malanya on the way and married her. Having arranged a young wife with the Pestov relatives, Dmitry Timofeevich and Marfa Timofeevna, he himself went to St. Petersburg, and then abroad. Fedor was born in the village of Pestov on August 20, 1807. Almost a year passed before Malanya Sergeevna was able to appear with her son at the Lavretskys. And that’s only because Ivan’s mother, before her death, asked the stern Pyotr Andreevich for her son and daughter-in-law.

The happy father of the baby finally returned to Russia only after twelve years. Malanya Sergeevna had died by this time, and the boy was brought up by his aunt Glafira Andreevna, ugly, envious, unkind and domineering. Fedya was taken away from his mother and given to Glafira during her lifetime. He did not see his mother every day and loved her passionately, but vaguely felt that between him and her there was an indestructible barrier. Aunt Fedya was afraid, he did not dare to utter a word in front of her.

Returning, Ivan Petrovich himself took up the upbringing of his son. I dressed him in Scottish fashion and hired him a porter. Gymnastics, natural sciences, international law, mathematics, carpentry and heraldry formed the core of the educational system. They woke up the boy at four in the morning; doused with cold water, forced to run around the pole on a rope; fed once a day; taught to ride and shoot with a crossbow. When Fedya was sixteen years old, his father began to instill in him contempt for women.

A few years later, having buried his father, Lavretsky went to Moscow and entered the university at the age of twenty-three. A strange upbringing has paid off. He did not know how to get along with people, he did not dare to look a single woman in the eye. He got along only with Mikhalevich, an enthusiast and a poet. It was this Mikhalevich who introduced his friend to the family of the beautiful Varvara Pavlovna Korobyina. A twenty-six-year-old child only now understood what it was worth living for. Varenka was charming, intelligent and well educated, she could talk about the theater and played the piano.

Six months later, the young people arrived in Lavriki. The university was left (not to marry a student), and a happy life began. Glafira was removed, and General Korobin, Varvara Pavlovna’s dad, arrived in the place of the manager; and the couple drove off to St. Petersburg, where they had a son, who soon died. On the advice of doctors, they went abroad and settled in Paris. Varvara Pavlovna instantly settled down here and began to shine in society. Soon, however, a love note addressed to his wife, whom he trusted so blindly, fell into Lavretsky’s hands. At first he was seized with rage, a desire to kill both of them (“my great-grandfather hung men by the ribs”), but then, having ordered a letter about the annual allowance for his wife and about the departure of General Korobin from the estate, he went to Italy. Newspapers circulated bad rumors about his wife. From them I learned that he had a daughter. Indifference to everything appeared. And yet, after four years, he wanted to return home, to the city of O..., but he did not want to settle in Lavriki, where he and Varya spent their first happy days.

Lisa from the first meeting attracted his attention. He also noticed Panshin near her. Maria Dmitrievna did not hide the fact that the chamber junker was crazy about her daughter. Marfa Timofeevna, however, still believed that Lisa would not be with Panshin.

In Vasilyevsky Lavretsky examined the house, the garden with the pond: the estate had managed to run wild. The silence of a leisurely solitary life surrounded him. And what strength, what health was in this inactive silence. The days passed monotonously, but he did not get bored: he did housework, rode horseback, read.

Three weeks later I went to O... to the Kalitins. I found Lemma there. In the evening, going to see him off, I stayed with him. The old man was touched and admitted that he writes music, played and sang something.

In Vasilievsky, the conversation about poetry and music imperceptibly turned into a conversation about Liza and Panshin. Lemm was categorical: she doesn’t love him, she just listens to her mother. Lisa can love one beautiful thing, but he is not beautiful, that is, his soul is not beautiful

Lisa and Lavretsky trusted each other more and more. Not without embarrassment, she once asked about the reasons for his separation from his wife: how can one break off what God has united? You must forgive. She is sure that one must forgive and submit. This was taught to her as a child by her nanny Agafya, who told her the life of the Most Pure Virgin, the lives of saints and hermits, and took her to church. Her own example fostered humility, meekness and a sense of duty. Unexpectedly, Mikhalevich appeared in Vasilyevskoye. He grew old, it was clear that he was not succeeding, but he spoke as passionately as in his youth, read his own poems: “...And I burned everything that I worshiped, // I bowed to everything that I burned.”

Then the friends argued long and loudly, disturbing Lemm, who continued to visit. You can't just want happiness in life. It means to build on sand. Faith is needed, and without it Lavretsky is a miserable Voltairian. No faith - no revelation, no understanding of what to do. It needs a pure, unearthly being who will pull him out of his apathy.

After Mikhalevich, the Kalitins arrived in Vasilyevskoye. The days passed happily and carefree. “I speak to her as if I were not an obsolete person,” thought Lavretsky about Lisa. Seeing off on horseback their carriage, he asked: "After all, we are friends now? .." She nodded in response.

The next evening, while looking through French magazines and newspapers, Fyodor Ivanovich came across a message about the sudden death of the queen of fashionable Parisian salons, Madame Lavretskaya. The next morning he was already at the Kalitins'. "What's wrong with you?" - Lisa asked. He gave her the text of the message. Now he is free. “You don’t need to think about this now, but about forgiveness...” she objected and at the end of the conversation she reciprocated with the same trust: Panshin asks for her hand. She is not at all in love with him, but she is ready to listen to her mother. Lavretsky begged Lisa to think about it, not to marry without love, out of a sense of duty. That same evening, Lisa asked Panshin not to rush her with an answer and informed Lavretsky about this. All the following days a secret anxiety was felt in her, as if she even avoided Lavretsky. And he was also alarmed by the lack of confirmation of his wife’s death. And Lisa, when asked if she decided to give an answer to Panshin, said that she knew nothing. She doesn't know herself.

One summer evening in the living room, Panshin began to reproach the new generation, saying that Russia had fallen behind Europe (we didn’t even invent mousetraps). He spoke beautifully, but with secret bitterness. Lavretsky suddenly began to object and defeated the enemy, proving the impossibility of leaps and arrogant alterations, demanded recognition of the people's truth and humility before it. The irritated Panshin exclaimed; what does he intend to do? Plow the land and try to plow it as best as possible. Liza was on Lavretsky’s side throughout the argument. The secular official's contempt for Russia offended her. Both of them realized that they loved and did not love the same thing, but differed only in one thing, but Lisa secretly hoped to lead him to God. The embarrassment of the last few days disappeared.

Everyone gradually dispersed, and Lavretsky quietly went out into the night garden and sat down on a bench. Light appeared in the lower windows. It was Lisa walking with a candle in her hand. He quietly called her and, sitting her down under the linden trees, said: “... It brought me here... I love you.”

Returning through the sleeping streets, full of joyful feeling, he heard the wondrous sounds of music. He turned to where they came from and called: Lemme! The old man appeared at the window and, recognizing him, threw down the key. Lavretsky had not heard anything like this for a long time. He came up and hugged the old man. He paused, then smiled and cried: "I did this, for I am a great musician."

The next day Lavretsky went to Vasilyevskoye and returned to the city in the evening. In the hallway he was greeted by the smell of strong perfumes, trunks stood right there. Crossing the threshold of the living room, he saw his wife. Inconsistently and verbosely, she began to beg to forgive her, if only for the sake of her daughter, who was not guilty of anything before him: Ada, ask your father with me. He invited her to settle in Lavriky, but never count on a resumption of relations. Varvara Pavlovna was humility itself, but on the same day she visited the Kalitins. Lisa and Panshin's final explanation had already taken place there. Maria Dmitrievna was in despair. Varvara Pavlovna managed to occupy, and then to win her over in her favor, hinted that Fyodor Ivanovich had not definitively deprived her of "his presence." Lisa received a note from Lavretsky, and the meeting with his wife was not a surprise to her ("It Serves Me Right"). She was stoic in the presence of a woman whom "he" had once loved.

Panshin appeared. Varvara Pavlovna immediately found a tone with him. She sang a romance, talked about literature, about Paris, engaged in semi-social, semi-artistic chatter. Parting, Maria Dmitrievna expressed her readiness to try to reconcile her with her husband.

Lavretsky reappeared at the Kalitinsky house when he received a note from Liza with an invitation to visit them. He immediately went up to Marfa Timofeevna. She found an excuse to leave them alone with Lisa. The girl came to say that they had to do their duty. Fyodor Ivanovich must make peace with his wife. Doesn't he see for himself now: happiness does not depend on people, but on God.

When Lavretsky went downstairs, the footman invited him to Marya Dmitrievna. She spoke of the repentance of his wife, asked him to forgive her, and then, offering to take her from hand to hand, led Varvara Pavlovna out from behind the screen. Requests and already familiar scenes were repeated. Lavretsky finally promised that he would live with her under the same roof, but would consider the contract violated if she allowed herself to leave Lavrikov.

The next morning he took his wife and daughter to Lavriki and left for Moscow a week later. A day later, Panshin visited Varvara Pavlovna and stayed for three days.

A year later, news reached Lavretsky that Lisa had taken her hair in a monastery in one of the remote regions of Russia. After some time he visited this monastery. Liza walked close to him - and did not look, only her eyelashes trembled a little and the fingers holding the rosary tightened even more tightly.

And Varvara Pavlovna very soon moved to St. Petersburg, then to Paris. A new suitor appeared beside her, a guardsman of extraordinary strength. She never invites him to her fashionable evenings, but otherwise he enjoys her favor completely.

Eight years have passed. Lavretsky again visited O... The older inhabitants of the Kalitino house had already died, and youth reigned here: Lisa’s younger sister, Lenochka, and her fiancé. It was fun and noisy. Fyodor Ivanovich walked through all the rooms. There was the same piano in the living room, the same embroidery frame stood by the window as then. Only the wallpaper was different.

In the garden he saw the same bench and walked along the same alley. His sadness was agonizing, although he was already making that turning point, without which it is impossible to remain a decent person: he stopped thinking about his own happiness.

Author of the retelling: G. G. Zhivotovsky

The day before. Novel (1859)

On one of the hottest days of 1853, two young people lay on the banks of the Moscow River in the shade of a blooming linden tree. Twenty-three-year-old Andrei Petrovich Bersenev had just graduated as the third candidate at Moscow University, and an academic career awaited him. Pavel Yakovlevich Shubin was a sculptor who showed promise. The dispute, quite peaceful, concerned nature and our place in it. Bersenev is struck by the completeness and self-sufficiency of nature, against the background of which our incompleteness is seen more clearly, which gives rise to anxiety, even sadness. Shubin suggests not reflecting, but living. Stock up on a friend of your heart, and the melancholy will pass. We are driven by a thirst for love, happiness - and nothing else. “As if there is nothing higher than happiness?” - Bersenev objects. Isn't this a selfish, divisive word? Art, homeland, science, freedom can unite. And love, of course, but not love-pleasure, but love-sacrifice. However, Shubin does not agree to be number two. He wants to love for himself. No, his friend insists, putting ourselves number two is the whole purpose of our lives.

The young people at this stopped the feast of the mind and, after a pause, continued talking about the ordinary. Bersenev saw Insarov recently. We must introduce him to Shubin and the Stakhov family. Insarov? Is this the Serb or Bulgarian that Andrey Petrovich has already talked about? Patriot? did he not inspire him with the thoughts he had just expressed? However, it is time to return to the country: you should not be late for dinner. Anna Vasilievna Stakhova, Shubin's second cousin, will be dissatisfied, and yet Pavel Vasilyevich owes her the very opportunity to sculpt. She even gave money for a trip to Italy, and Pavel (Paul, as she called him) spent it on Little Russia. Generally, the family is amazing. And how could such an extraordinary daughter like Elena have appeared in such parents? Try to solve this riddle of nature.

The head of the family, Nikolai Artemyevich Stakhov, the son of a retired captain, dreamed of a profitable marriage from his youth. At twenty-five, he fulfilled his dream - he married Anna Vasilievna Shubina, but he soon became bored, became involved with the widow Augustina Christianovna and was already bored in her company. “They stare at each other, it’s so stupid...” says Shubin. However, sometimes Nikolai Artemyevich starts arguments with her: is it possible for a person to travel the entire globe, or know what is happening at the bottom of the sea, or predict the weather? And I always concluded that it was impossible.

Anna Vasilyevna tolerates her husband's infidelity, and yet it hurts her that he deceived the German woman into giving a pair of gray horses from her, Anna Vasilyevna, factory.

Shubin has been living in this family for five years now, since the death of his mother, an intelligent, kind Frenchwoman (her father died a few years earlier). He devoted himself entirely to his vocation, but he works hard, but in fits and starts, he does not want to hear about the academy and professors. In Moscow, he is known as a promising man, but at twenty-six he remains in the same capacity. He really likes the daughter of the Stakhovs, Elena Nikolaevna, but he does not miss the opportunity to flirt with the plump seventeen-year-old Zoya, taken into the house as a companion for Elena, who has nothing to talk about with her. Pavel calls her a sweet little German. alas, Elena does not understand "all the naturalness of such contradictions" of the artist. The lack of character in a person always revolted her, stupidity angered her, she did not forgive lies. As soon as someone lost her respect, and he ceased to exist for her.

Elena Nikolaevna is an outstanding person. She has just turned twenty years old, she is attractive: tall, with large gray eyes and a dark blond braid. In her whole appearance, however, there is something impetuous, nervous, which not everyone likes.

Nothing could ever satisfy her: she yearned for active goodness. From childhood, beggars, hungry, sick people and animals disturbed and occupied her. When she was about ten years old, the poor girl Katya became the subject of her worries and even worship. Her parents did not approve of this hobby. True, the girl soon died. However, the trace of this meeting in the soul of Elena remained forever.

From the age of sixteen she had already lived her own life, but a lonely life. Nobody constrained her, but she was torn and languished: "How to live without love, but there is no one to love!" Shubin was quickly dismissed due to his artistic fickleness. Bersenev, on the other hand, occupies her as an intelligent, educated person, in his own way real, deep. But why is he so persistent with his stories about Insarov? These stories aroused Elena's keenest interest in the personality of the Bulgarian, obsessed with the idea of ​​liberating his homeland. Any mention of this seems to kindle a deaf, unquenchable fire in him. One feels the concentrated deliberation of a single and long-standing passion. And this is his story.

He was still a child when his mother was kidnapped and killed by a Turkish aga. The father tried to take revenge, but was shot. Eight years old, left an orphan, Dmitry arrived in Russia, to his aunt, and after twelve he returned to Bulgaria and in two years went far and wide. He was persecuted, he was in danger. Bersenev himself saw a scar - a trace of a wound. No, Insarov did not avenge himself. Its purpose is broader.

He is poor as a student, but proud, scrupulous and undemanding, amazingly hardworking. On the very first day after moving to Bersenev's dacha, he got up at four in the morning, ran around the neighborhood of Kuntsevo, took a swim, and, after drinking a glass of cold milk, set to work. He studies Russian history, law, political economy, translates Bulgarian songs and chronicles, composes Russian grammar for Bulgarians and Bulgarian for Russians: Russians are ashamed not to know the Slavic languages.

On his first visit, Dmitry Nikanorovich made a lesser impression on Elena than she expected after Bersenev's stories. But the case confirmed the correctness of Bersenev's assessments.

Anna Vasilievna decided to somehow show her daughter and Zoya the beauty of Tsaritsyn. We went there with a big group. The ponds and ruins of the palace, the park - everything made a wonderful impression. Zoya sang pretty well as they sailed on a boat among the lush greenery of the picturesque shores. The company of the Germans who took a spree shouted even an encore! They did not pay attention to them, but already on the shore, after a picnic, they met with them again. A man, of enormous height, with a bull's neck, separated from the company, and began to demand satisfaction in the form of a kiss for the fact that Zoya did not respond to their beading and applause. Shubin floridly and with a pretense of irony began to exhort the drunken impudent fellow, which only angered him. Here Insarov stepped forward and simply demanded that he go away. The bull-like carcass leaned menacingly forward, but at the same moment it swayed, tore off the ground, lifted into the air by Insarov, and, flopping into the pond, disappeared under the water. "He'll drown!" cried Anna Vasilievna. "It will come up," Insarov casually threw. Something unkind, dangerous appeared on his face.

An entry appeared in Elena’s diary: “...Yes, you can’t joke with him, and he knows how to intercede. But why this anger?.. Or <...> you can’t be a man, a fighter, and remain meek and soft? Life is a matter rude, he said recently." She immediately admitted to herself that she fell in love with him.

The news becomes even more of a blow for Elena: Insarov is moving out of his dacha. So far, only Bersenev understands what’s going on. A friend once admitted that if he fell in love, he would certainly leave: for personal feelings, he would not betray his duty (“...I don’t need Russian love...”). Having heard all this, Elena herself goes to Insarov.

He confirmed: yes, he must leave. Then Elena would have to be braver than him. He apparently wants to make her the first to confess his love. Well, that's what she said. Insarov embraced her: "So will you follow me everywhere?" Yes, she will go, and neither the anger of her parents, nor the need to leave her homeland, nor danger will stop her. Then they are husband and wife, concludes the Bulgarian.

Meanwhile, a certain Kurnatovsky, chief secretary in the Senate, began to appear at the Stakhovs'. His Stakhov is read as Elena's husband. And this is not the only danger for lovers. The letters from Bulgaria are getting more and more alarming. We must go while it is still possible, and Dmitry begins to prepare for departure. Once, after working all day, he got caught in a downpour, soaked to the bone. The next morning, despite the headache, continued the chores. But by dinnertime he developed a strong fever, and by evening he was completely ill. Eight days Insarov is between life and death. Bersenev has been caring for the patient all this time and informs Elena about his condition. Finally the crisis is over. However, a real recovery is far away, and Dmitry does not leave his home for a long time. Elena is impatient to see him, she asks Bersenev one day not to come to a friend and comes to Insarov in a light silk dress, fresh, young and happy. They talk long and passionately about their problems, about the golden heart of Elena Bersenev, who loves Elena, about the need to rush to leave. On the same day, they no longer verbally become husband and wife. Their date does not remain a secret for parents.

Nikolai Artemyevich demands his daughter to account. Yes, she admits, Insarov is her husband, and next week they are leaving for Bulgaria. "To the Turks!" - Anna Vasilievna loses her senses. Nikolai Artemyevich grabs his daughter by the hand, but at this time Shubin shouts: "Nikolai Artemyevich! Avgustina Khristianovna has arrived and is calling you!"

A minute later he is already talking with Uvar Ivanovich, a retired sixty-year-old cornet who lives with the Stakhovs, does nothing, eats often and a lot, is always calm and expresses himself something like this: “It would be necessary... somehow, that...” This desperately helps himself with gestures. Shubin calls him a representative of the choral principle and black earth power.

Pavel Yakovlevich expresses his admiration for Elena to him. She is not afraid of anything or anyone. He understands her. Who is she leaving here? Kurnatovsky, yes Bersenev, but such as he himself. And it's even better. We don't have people yet. All are either small fry, Hamletics, or darkness and wilderness, or pourers from empty to empty. If there were good people among us, this sensitive soul would not leave us. "When will people be born among us, Ivan Ivanovich?" “Give me time, they will,” he replies.

And here are the young in Venice. Behind a difficult move and two months of illness in Vienna. From Venice the way to Serbia and then to Bulgaria. It remains to wait for the old sea dog Rendich, who will ferry across the sea.

Venice was the best place to help for a while to forget the hardships of travel and the excitement of politics. Everything that this unique city could give, the lovers took in full. Only in the theater, listening to La Traviata, are they embarrassed by the farewell scene of Violetta and Alfred dying of consumption, her plea: “Let me live... die so young!” Elena leaves a feeling of happiness: “Is it really impossible to beg, turn away, save <...> I was happy... And by what right?.. And if it is not given for nothing?”

The next day, Insarov becomes worse. The fever rose, he fell into oblivion. Exhausted, Elena falls asleep and has a dream: a boat on the Tsaritsyno pond, then found herself in a restless sea, but a snow whirlwind comes up, and she is no longer in a boat, but in a wagon. Next to Katya. Suddenly the wagon flies into a snowy abyss, Katya laughs and calls her from the abyss: "Elena!" She raises her head and sees a pale Insarov: "Elena, I'm dying!" Rendich no longer finds him alive. Elena begged the stern sailor to take the coffin with the body of her husband and herself to his homeland.

Three weeks later, Anna Vasilievna received a letter from Venice. The daughter is going to Bulgaria. There is no other homeland for her now. “I was looking for happiness - and I will find, perhaps, death. Apparently... there was guilt.”

Reliably, the further fate of Elena remained unclear. Some said that they later saw her in Herzegovina as a sister of mercy with the army in an unchanged black outfit. Then the trace of her was lost.

Shubin, occasionally corresponding with Uvar Ivanovich, reminded him of the old question: "So, will we have people?" Uvar Ivanovich played with his fingers and fixed his enigmatic gaze into the distance.

Author of the retelling: G. G. Zhivotovsky

First love. Tale (1860)

The story takes place in 1833 in Moscow. The main character, Volodya, is sixteen years old, he lives with his parents in the country and is preparing to enter university. Soon the family of Princess Zasekina moves into the poor outbuilding next door. Volodya accidentally sees the princess and really wants to meet her. The next day, his mother receives an illiterate letter from Princess Zasekina asking for her protection. Mother sends Volodya to Princess Volodya with a verbal invitation to come to her house. There Volodya meets the princess, Zinaida Alexandrovna, who is five years older than him. The princess immediately calls him to her room to untangle the wool, flirts with him, but quickly loses interest in him. On the same day, Princess Zasekina pays a visit to his mother and makes an extremely unfavorable impression on her. However, despite this, the mother invites her and her daughter to dinner. During lunch, the princess noisily sniffs tobacco, fidgets in her chair, spins around, complains about poverty and talks about her endless bills, but the princess, on the contrary, is dignified - the whole dinner talks to Volodin’s father in French, but looks at him with hostility. She does not pay attention to Volodya, however, when leaving, she whispers to him to come to them in the evening.

Appearing to the Zasekins, Volodya meets the princess's admirers: Dr. Lushin, the poet Maidanov, Count Malevsky, the retired captain Nirmatsky and the hussar Belovzorov. The evening is stormy and cheerful. Volodya feels happy: he has the lot to kiss Zinaida's hand, the whole evening Zinaida does not let him go and gives him preference over others. The next day, his father asks him about the Zasekins, then he himself goes to them. After dinner, Volodya goes to visit Zinaida, but she does not come out to him. From this day Volodya's torment begins.

In the absence of Zinaida, he languishes, but even in her presence he does not feel better, he is jealous, offended, but cannot live without her. Zinaida easily guesses that he is in love with her. Zinaida rarely goes to the house of Volodya's parents: her mother does not like her, her father speaks little to her, but somehow especially cleverly and significantly.

Zinaida suddenly changes a lot. She goes for a walk alone and walks for a long time, sometimes she doesn’t show herself to guests at all: she sits in her room for hours. Volodya guesses that she is in love, but does not understand with whom.

Once Volodya is sitting on the wall of a dilapidated greenhouse. Zinaida appears on the road below. Seeing him, she orders him to jump onto the road if he really loves her. Volodya immediately jumps and faints for a moment. An alarmed Zinaida fusses around him and suddenly begins to kiss him, however, guessing that he has come to his senses, gets up and, forbidding him to follow him, leaves. Volodya is happy, but the next day, when he meets with Zinaida, she keeps herself very simple, as if nothing had happened.

One day they meet in the garden: Volodya wants to pass by, but Zinaida herself stops him. She is sweet, quiet and kind to him, invites him to be her friend and bestows the title of her page. A conversation takes place between Volodya and Count Malevsky, in which Malevsky says that the pages should know everything about their queens and follow them relentlessly day and night. It is not known whether Malevsky attached particular importance to what he said, but Volodya decides to go to the garden at night to guard, taking an English knife with him. He sees his father in the garden, gets very frightened, loses his knife and immediately returns home. The next day, Volodya tries to talk about everything with Zinaida, but her twelve-year-old cadet brother comes to her, and Zinaida instructs Volodya to entertain him. On the evening of the same day, Zinaida, finding Volodya in the garden, inadvertently asks him why he is so sad. Volodya cries and reproaches her for playing with them. Zinaida asks for forgiveness, consoles him, and a quarter of an hour later he is already running around with Zinaida and the cadet and laughing.

For a week, Volodya continues to communicate with Zinaida, driving away all thoughts and memories from himself. Finally, returning one day for dinner, he learns that a scene had taken place between his father and mother, that his mother reproached his father in connection with Zinaida, and that she learned about it from an anonymous letter. The next day, mother announces that she is moving to the city. Before leaving, Volodya decides to say goodbye to Zinaida and tells her that he will love and adore her until the end of her days.

Volodya once again accidentally sees Zinaida. They are riding with their father for a ride, and suddenly the father, dismounting and giving him the reins of his horse, disappears into the alley. Some time later, Volodya follows him and sees that he is talking through the window with Zinaida. The father insists on something, Zinaida does not agree, finally she holds out her hand to him, and then the father raises the whip and sharply beats her bare arm. Zinaida shudders and, silently raising her hand to her lips, kisses the scar. Volodya runs away.

Some time later, Volodya and his parents moved to St. Petersburg, entered the university, and six months later his father dies of a stroke, a few days before his death he received a letter from Moscow, which greatly excited him. After his death, his wife sent a fairly significant amount of money to Moscow.

Four years later, Volodya meets Maidanov at the theater, who tells him that Zinaida is now in St. Petersburg, she is happily married and is going abroad. Although, Maidanov adds, after that story it was not easy for her to form a party for herself; there were consequences... but with her mind anything is possible. Maidanov gives Volodya Zinaida’s address, but he goes to see her only a few weeks later and learns that she suddenly died from childbirth four days ago.

Author of the retelling: N. N Soboleva

Fathers and Sons. Novel (1862)

May 20, 1859 Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov, a forty-three-year-old but already middle-aged landowner, nervously waits at the inn for his son Arkady, who has just graduated from university.

Nikolai Petrovich was the son of a general, but his intended military career did not materialize (he broke his leg in his youth and remained “lame” for the rest of his life). Nikolai Petrovich married the daughter of a lowly official early and was happy in his marriage. To his deep grief, his wife died in 1847. He devoted all his energy and time to raising his son, even in St. Petersburg he lived with him and tried to get closer to his son’s friends and students. Lately he has been intensively busy transforming his estate.

There comes a happy moment of meeting. However, Arkady does not appear alone: ​​with him is a tall, ugly and self-confident young man, an aspiring doctor who agreed to stay with the Kirsanovs. His name is, as he certifies himself, Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov.

The conversation between father and son at first does not stick. Nikolai Petrovich is embarrassed by Fenechka, a girl whom he keeps with him and from whom he already has a child. Arkady in a condescending tone (this slightly jars his father) tries to smooth out the awkwardness that has arisen.

Pavel Petrovich, father's elder brother, is waiting for them at home. Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov immediately begin to feel mutual antipathy. But the yard boys and servants willingly obey the guest, although he does not even think about seeking their favor.

The very next day, a verbal skirmish occurs between Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich, and it was initiated by Kirsanov Sr. Bazarov does not want to polemicize, but still speaks out on the main points of his beliefs. People, according to his ideas, strive for one or another goal because they experience different “sensations” and want to achieve “benefits.” Bazarov is sure that chemistry is more important than art, and in science the practical result is most important. He is even proud of his lack of “artistic sense” and believes that there is no need to study the psychology of an individual: “One human specimen is enough to judge all others.” For Bazarov, there is not a single “resolution in our modern life... that would not cause complete and merciless denial.” He has a high opinion of his own abilities, but assigns a non-creative role to his generation - “first we need to clear the place.”

To Pavel Petrovich, the "nihilism" professed by Bazarov and Arkady, who imitates him, seems to be a daring and unfounded doctrine that exists "in the void."

Arkady tries to somehow smooth out the tension that has arisen and tells his friend the story of the life of Pavel Petrovich. He was a brilliant and promising officer, a favorite of women, until he met the socialite Princess R*. This passion completely changed the existence of Pavel Petrovich, and when their romance ended, he was completely devastated. From the past, he retains only the sophistication of costume and manners and a preference for all things English.

The views and behavior of Bazarov irritate Pavel Petrovich so much that he again attacks the guest, but he quite easily and even condescendingly breaks all the "syllogisms" of the enemy aimed at protecting traditions. Nikolai Petrovich seeks to soften the dispute, but he cannot agree with Bazarov's radical statements in everything, although he convinces himself that he and his brother are already behind the times.

Young people go to the provincial town, where they meet with Bazarov's "disciple", the offspring of the farmer, Sitnikov. Sitnikov takes them to visit the "emancipated" lady, Kukshina. Sitnikov and Kukshina belong to the category of "progressives" who reject any authority, chasing the fashion for "free thinking". They do not really know anything and do not know how, however, in their "nihilism" they leave both Arkady and Bazarov far behind. The latter frankly despises Sitnikova, while at Kukshina's he "makes more champagne."

Arkady introduces his friend to Odintsova, a young, beautiful and rich widow, in whom Bazarov immediately becomes interested. This interest is by no means platonic. Bazarov cynically says to Arkady: “There is profit...”

It seems to Arkady that he is in love with Odintsova, but this feeling is feigned, while mutual attraction arises between Bazarov and Odintsova, and she invites young people to stay with her. In Anna Sergeevna’s house, guests meet her younger sister Katya, who behaves stiffly. And Bazarov feels out of place, he began to get irritated in the new place and “looked angry.” Arkady is also uneasy, and he seeks solace in Katya’s company.

The feeling instilled in Bazarov by Anna Sergeevna is new to him; he, who so despised all manifestations of “romanticism,” suddenly discovers “romanticism in himself.” Bazarov explains to Odintsova, and although she did not immediately free herself from his embrace, however, after thinking, she comes to the conclusion that “peace <...> is better than anything in the world.”

Not wanting to become a slave to his passion, Bazarov goes to his father, a district doctor who lives nearby, and Odintsova does not keep the guest. On the road, Bazarov sums up what happened and says: “...It is better to break stones on the pavement than to allow a woman to take possession of even the tip of a finger. This is all <...> nonsense.”

Bazarov's father and mother cannot breathe in their beloved "Enyusha", and he is bored in their company. After a couple of days, he leaves his parental home, returning to the Kirsanovs' estate.

From the heat and boredom, Bazarov draws attention to Fenechka and, finding her alone, kisses the young woman tightly. An accidental witness to the kiss is Pavel Petrovich, who is outraged to the depths of his soul by the act of "this hairy one." He is especially indignant also because it seems to him that Fenechka has something in common with Princess R*.

According to his moral convictions, Pavel Petrovich challenges Bazarov to a duel. Feeling embarrassed and realizing that he is sacrificing his principles, Bazarov agrees to shoot with Kirsanov Sr. ("From a theoretical point of view, a duel is absurd; well, from a practical point of view, this is a different matter").

Bazarov slightly wounds the enemy and gives him first aid himself. Pavel Petrovich behaves well, even makes fun of himself, but at the same time both he and Bazarov are embarrassed. Nikolai Petrovich, from whom the true reason for the duel was hidden, also behaves in the most noble manner, finding an excuse for the actions of both opponents.

A consequence of the duel is that Pavel Petrovich, who had previously strongly opposed his brother’s marriage to Fenechka, now himself persuades Nikolai Petrovich to take this step. And Arkady and Katya establish a harmonious understanding. The girl astutely notes that Bazarov is a stranger to them, because “he is predatory, and you and I are tame.”

Having finally lost hope of Odintsova’s reciprocity, Bazarov breaks himself and breaks up with her and Arkady. In parting, he says to his former comrade: “You are a nice fellow, but you are still a soft, liberal gentleman...” Arkady is upset, but quite soon he is consoled by Katya’s company, declares his love to her and is assured that he is loved too.

Bazarov, on the other hand, returns to his parental penates and tries to forget himself in work, but after a few days "the fever of work jumped off him and was replaced by dreary boredom and deaf anxiety." He tries to talk to the peasants, but finds nothing but stupidity in their heads. True, even the peasants see in Bazarov something "like a pea jester."

Practicing on the corpse of a typhoid patient, Bazarov injures his finger and gets blood poisoning. A few days later, he notifies his father that, by all indications, his days are numbered.

Before his death, Bazarov asks Odintsova to come and say goodbye to him. He reminds her of his love and admits that all his proud thoughts, like love, have gone to waste. “And now the giant’s whole task is to die decently, although no one cares about this... All the same: I won’t wag my tail.” He says bitterly that Russia does not need him. “And who is needed? A shoemaker is needed, a tailor is needed, a butcher...”

When Bazarov, at the insistence of his parents, is given communion, "something resembling a shudder of horror was instantly reflected on the dead face."

Six months pass. Two couples are getting married in a small village church: Arkady with Katya and Nikolai Petrovich with Fenechka. Everyone was happy, but something in this contentment was also felt artificial, "as if everyone had agreed to play some kind of ingenuous comedy."

Over time, Arkady becomes a father and a zealous owner, and as a result of his efforts, the estate begins to generate significant income. Nikolai Petrovich takes on the duties of a conciliator and works hard in the public arena. Pavel Petrovich lives in Dresden and, although he still looks like a gentleman, "it's hard for him to live."

Kukshina lives in Heidelberg and hangs out with students, studying architecture, in which, according to her, she discovered new laws. Sitnikov married a princess who bossed him around, and, as he assures, he continues Bazarov's "case", working as a publicist in some dark magazine.

Decrepit old men often come to Bazarov’s grave and cry bitterly and pray for the repose of the soul of their untimely deceased son. The flowers on the grave mound remind of more than just the tranquility of “indifferent” nature; they also talk about eternal reconciliation and endless life...

Author of the retelling: V. P. Meshcheryakov

Smoke. Novel (1867)

Life in Baden-Baden, a fashionable German resort, on August 10, 1862 was not much different from life on other days of the season. The audience was cheerful and colorful. However, it was not difficult to identify our compatriots in it, especially near the “Russian tree”.

It was here, at Weber's coffee house, that Litvinov was discovered by his Moscow acquaintance Bambaev, who loudly called him "you". Voroshilov was with him, a young man with a serious face. Bambaev immediately offered to dine if Grigory Mikhailovich had the money to pay for it.

After dinner, he dragged Litvinov to Gubarev's hotel ("it's him, the same one"). A tall, slender lady in a hat with a dark veil, coming down the hotel stairs, turned to look at Litvinov, flushed, followed her eyes, then turned pale.

In addition to Gubarev, Sukhanchikova and a stout, middle-aged man who had been silent in the corner all evening were in the room. Conversations were interspersed with gossip, discussion and condemnation of acquaintances and comrades. Voroshilov, as during dinner, poured thick scientific information. Tit Bindasov came with a comrade, a terrorist by appearance, a quarterly by vocation, and the uproar with stupidity increased so that Litvinov had a headache by ten and he returned to Weber.

After a while, the silent man who was sitting in the corner at Gubarev's turned out to be nearby. Introduced himself: Potugin Sozont Ivanovich, court adviser. And he asked how he liked the Babylonian pandemonium. Ten Russians will converge - the question of the meaning, of the future of Russia will instantly pop up, but everything is in the most general terms, without proof. The rotten West also gets it. He only beats us on all counts, albeit rotten. And note: we scold and despise, but only his opinion and value.

The secret of Gubarev's undoubted influence is will, and we give in to it. We need a master everywhere. People see: a man has a great opinion of himself, he gives orders. Therefore, he is right and must be obeyed. Everyone is despondent, walking around hanging their noses, and at the same time living in hope. Everything, they say, will certainly happen. There will be, but there is nothing in cash. In ten centuries nothing has been developed, but... it will be. Be patient. And everything will come from the man. So they stand in front of each other: the educated one bows to the peasant (heal my soul), and the peasant bows to the educated one (teach me: I’m disappearing from the darkness). And both are not moving, but it’s high time to adopt what others have come up with better than us.

Litvinov objected to this that it cannot be adopted without being in accordance with national characteristics. But it’s not easy to bring down Sozont Ivanovich: just offer good food, and the people’s stomach will digest it in its own way. Peter I flooded our speech with other people's words. At first it turned out monstrously, and then the concepts took root and were assimilated, the alien forms evaporated. The same will happen in other areas. Only weak nations can fear for their independence. Yes, Potugin is a Westerner and devoted to civilization. This word is pure, understandable, and holy, but nationality and glory smell of blood! He loves his homeland and... hates it. However, he will soon go home: garden soil is good, but cloudberries should not grow on it.

Parting, Litvinov asked Potugin for his address. It turned out that it was impossible to visit him: he was not alone. No, not with my wife. (Litvinov lowered his eyes in understanding.) No, that's not it: she's only six years old, she's an orphan, the daughter of a certain lady.

In the hotel, Litvinov discovered a large bouquet of heliotropes. The servant said that a tall and beautifully dressed lady had brought them. "Is she?" This exclamation did not at all refer to his fiancee Tatyana, whom Litvinov was waiting for in Baden with her aunt. He realized that this was Irina, the eldest daughter of the impoverished princes Osinins. At the time of their acquaintance, she was a seventeen-year-old beauty with exquisitely regular features, marvelous eyes and thick blond hair. Litvinov fell in love with her, but for a long time could not overcome her hostility. Then one day everything changed, and they were already making plans for the future: to work, to read, but most importantly, to travel. alas, nothing was destined to come true.

That winter the court visited Moscow. There was a ball coming up at the Assembly of the Nobility. Osinin considered it necessary to take Irina out. She, however, resisted. Litvinov spoke in favor of his intention. She agreed, but forbade him to be at the ball and added: “I will go, but remember, you yourself wanted this.” Arriving with a bouquet of heliotropes before she left for the ball, he was struck by her beauty and majestic posture (“what does the breed mean!”). Irina's triumph at the ball was complete and stunning. An important person noticed her. The Osinins’ relative, Count Reisenbach, an important dignitary and courtier, immediately decided to take advantage of this. He took her to St. Petersburg, settled her in his house, and made her his heir.

Litvinov left the university, went to his father in the village, became addicted to farming and went abroad to study agronomy. Four years later we found him in Baden on his way to Russia.

The next morning Litvinov came across a picnic of young generals. “Grigory Mikhailych, don’t you recognize me?” - came from the group of people having fun. He recognized Irina. Now she was a fully blossomed woman, reminiscent of Roman goddesses. But the eyes remained the same. She introduced him to her husband, General Valerian Vladimirovich Ratmirov. The interrupted conversation resumed: we, large landowners, are ruined, humiliated, we must go back; Do you think this will is sweet for the people? “And you try to take this will away from him...” Litvinov could not stand it. However, the speaker continued: who asks for self-government? It's better the old way. Trust the aristocracy, don’t let the mob get smart...

To Litvinov the speeches seemed more and more wild, the people more and more strangers, and Irina fell into this world! In the evening he received a letter from his fiancée. Tatyana and her aunt are delayed and will arrive in six days.

The next morning Potugin knocked on the door: he is from Irina Pavlovna, she would like to renew their acquaintance. Ms. Ratmirova greeted them with obvious pleasure. When Potugin left them, without preamble she offered to forget the harm done and become friends. There were tears in her eyes. He assured that he rejoices at her happiness. Thanks, she wanted to hear how he lived these years. Litvinov fulfilled her wish. The visit had already lasted more than two hours, when suddenly Valerian Vladimirovich returned. He showed no displeasure, but he failed to hide some concern. Saying goodbye, Irina reproached: and most importantly, you hid - they say you are getting married.

Litvinov was dissatisfied with himself: he was waiting for a bride, and he should not have run at the first call of a woman whom he could not help but despise. She will no longer have his legs. Therefore, when he met her, he pretended not to notice her. However, about two hours later, on the alley leading to the hotel, I saw Irina again. "Why are you avoiding me?" There was something mournful in her voice. Litvinov frankly said that their paths had diverged so far that it was impossible for them to understand each other. Her enviable position in the world... No, Grigory Mikhailovich is mistaken. A few days ago, he himself saw examples of these dead dolls that make up her current society. She is guilty before him, but even more so before herself, she asks for alms... Let's be friends or at least good acquaintances. And she extended her hand: promise. Litvinov promised.

On the way to the hotel he met Potugin, but to his questions about Madame Ratmirova he only answered that she was proud as a demon and spoiled to the marrow of her bones, but not without good qualities.

When Litvinov returned to his room, the waiter brought a note. Irina announced that she would have guests and invited her to take a closer look at those among whom she now lived. Litvinov found even more comical, vulgar, stupid and pompous at his visit than on the previous occasion. Only now, almost like Gubarev, there was an absurd hubbub, and there was no beer and tobacco smoke. And... conspicuous ignorance.

After the guests left, Ratmirov allowed himself to talk about Irina’s new acquaintance: his silence, obvious republican biases, etc., and about the fact that he, apparently, was very interested in her. The smart woman's magnificent contempt and devastating laughter were the answer. Resentment ate into the general’s heart, his eyes grew dull and brutal. This expression was similar to when, at the beginning of his career, he spotted rebellious Belarusian men (this is where his rise began).

In his room, Litvinov took out a portrait of Tatyana, looked for a long time at the face, which expressed kindness, meekness and intelligence, and finally whispered: "It's all over." Only now did he realize that he never stopped loving Irina. But, having suffered without sleep all night, he decided to say goodbye to her and leave to meet Tatyana: he must fulfill his duty, and then at least die.

In a morning blouse with wide open sleeves, Irina looked charming. Instead of saying goodbye, Litvinov started talking about his love and his decision to leave. She considered this reasonable, but made him promise not to leave without saying goodbye to her. A few hours later he returned to fulfill his promise and found her in the same position and in the same place. When is he leaving? At seven today. She approves of his desire to end it quickly, because he cannot hesitate. She loves him. With these words, she retired to her office. Litvinov was about to follow her, but then Ratmirov’s voice was heard...

In his room he was left alone with gloomy thoughts. Suddenly at a quarter past seven the door opened. It was Irina. The evening train left without Litvinov, and in the morning he received a note: “...I don’t want to restrict your freedom, but <...> if necessary, I will drop everything and follow you...”

From that moment calmness and self-respect disappeared, and with the arrival of the bride and her aunt Kapitolina Markovna, the horror and ugliness of his position became even more unbearable for him. Meetings with Irina continued, and sensitive Tatyana could not help but notice the change in her fiancé. She took it upon herself to explain herself to him. She carried herself with dignity and true stoicism. A frank conversation also took place with Potugin, who tried to warn him. Sozont Ivanovich himself has long been destroyed, destroyed by love for Irina Pavlovna (this is also waiting for Litvinov). He almost did not know Belskaya, and the child was not his, he simply took everything upon himself, because Irina needed it. Scary, dark story. And one more thing: Tatyana Petrovna is a heart of gold, an angelic soul, and the fate of the one who will become her husband is enviable.

With Irina, too, everything was not easy. She is not able to leave her circle, but she cannot live in it either and asks not to leave her. Well, love in three is unacceptable for Grigory Mikhailovich: all or nothing.

And now he is already at the car, a minute - and everything will be left behind. "Gregory!" Irina's voice was heard behind her. Litvinov almost rushed to her. Already from the window of the car he pointed to a place next to him. As she hesitated, the whistle blew and the train started moving. Litvinov went to Russia. White puffs of steam and dark smoke rushed past the windows. He watched them, and everything seemed to him like smoke: both his own life and the life of Russia. Wherever the wind blows, there it will carry it.

At home, he took up the household, managed to do something here, and paid off his father's debts. One day his uncle stopped by and told him about Tatyana. Litvinov wrote to her and received in response a friendly letter ending with an invitation. Two weeks later he was on his way.

Seeing him, Tatyana gave him her hand, but he did not take it, but fell on his knees in front of her. She tried to pick him up. "Don't bother him, Tanya," said Kapitolina Markovna, who was standing right there, "brought the guilty head."

Author of the retelling: G. G. Zhivotovsky

New. Novel (1876)

Nejdanov gets a job as a home teacher with the Sipyagins at a time when he is in dire need of money, even more in a change of scenery. Now he can rest and gather strength, but the main thing is that he "fell out from under the tutelage of St. Petersburg friends."

In St. Petersburg he lived in a dark room with an iron bed, a bookcase filled with books, and two unwashed windows. One day a respectable, overly self-confident gentleman, Boris Andreevich Sipyagin, well known to the bureaucrats of St. Petersburg, appeared in this room. For the summer he needs a teacher for his son, and the aide-de-camp Prince G. (“it seems like your relative”) recommended Alexei Dmitrievich.

At the word “relative,” Nezhdanov immediately blushes. Prince G. is one of his brothers who do not recognize him as an illegitimate, but who pay him an annual “pension” at the behest of his late father. Alexey suffers all his life from the ambiguity of his position. For this reason, he is so painfully proud, so nervous and internally contradictory. Isn't that the reason why you're so lonely? . Nezhdanov has plenty of reasons to be embarrassed. In the smoke-filled cell of the “princely relative”, Sipyagin found his “St. Petersburg friends”: Ostrodumov, Mashurina and Paklin. Sloppy figures, heavy and clumsy; careless and old clothes; rough features of Ostrodumov’s face, still pitted with smallpox; loud voices and red large hands. In their appearance, however, “there was something honest, and persistent, and hardworking,” but this could no longer correct the impression. Paklin was an extremely small, homely man, who suffered greatly from this because of his passionate love for women. With his meager stature, he was still Sila (!) Samsonych (!!). However, the students liked him with his cheerful bile and cynical glibness (the Russian Mephistopheles, as Nezhdanov called him in response to being called the Russian Hamlet). Paklin was also hurt by the revolutionaries’ undisguised distrust of him.

Now Nejdanov was resting from all this. He was not alien to the aesthetic, wrote poetry and carefully concealed it in order to "be like everyone else."

The Sipiagins have a large stone house, with columns and a Greek pediment. Behind the house is a beautiful, well-kept old garden. The interior bears the imprint of the latest, delicate taste: Valentina Mikhailovna fully shares not only the convictions, but also the passions of her husband, a liberal figure and a humane landowner. She herself is tall and slender, her face is reminiscent of the Sistine Madonna. She was used to embarrassing peace of mind, and not at all in order to establish a special relationship with the object of her encouraging attention. Nejdanov did not escape him, but he quickly realized the absence, so to speak, of content in her subtle appeal and demonstration of the alleged lack of distance between them.

The tendency to subjugate and rule her is especially evident in relations with Marianne, her husband's niece. Her father, a general, was convicted of embezzlement and sent to Siberia, then forgiven, returned, but died in extreme poverty. Soon her mother also died, and Marianna was taken in by her uncle Boris Andreevich. The girl lives in the position of a poor relative, gives French lessons to the Sipyagins' son and is very burdened by her dependence on the imperious "aunt". She also suffers from the consciousness that others know about the dishonor of her family. "Auntie" knows how to casually mention this in front of friends. In general, she considers her a nihilist and an atheist.

Marianna is not a beauty, but she is attractive, and her beautiful figure resembles an 18th-century Florentine figurine. In addition, “from her whole being there was something strong and bold, impetuous and passionate.”

Is it any wonder that Nejdanov sees in her a kindred spirit and turns his attention to her, which did not go unanswered. But Valentina Mikhailovna's brother Sergei Mikhailovich Markelov, an ugly, gloomy and bilious man, is passionately and hopelessly in love with Marianne. As a relative, he visits a house where the main principles are freedom of opinion and tolerance, and at the table converge, say, Nezhdanov and the extreme conservative Kallomiytsev, who does not hide his dislike for nihilists and reforms.

Unexpectedly, it turns out that Markelov came to meet with Nezhdanov, to whom he brought a letter from "himself" Vasily Nikolaevich, recommending that both of them cooperate "in spreading known rules." But it's better to talk in the Markelov estate, otherwise the sisters and the walls have ears in the house.

Sergei Mikhailovich Nezhdanov has a surprise waiting for him. In the living room, by the light of a kerosene lamp, Ostrodumov and Mashurin are drinking beer and smoking. Until four in the morning there is talk about who they can rely on. Markelov believes that it is necessary to attract the “mechanic manager” of the local paper mill, Solomin, and the merchant from the schismatics, Golushkin. In his room, Nezhdanov again feels terrible mental fatigue. Again, a lot has been said that we need to act, that it’s time to start, but no one knows what to do. His “St. Petersburg friends” are limited, although honest and strong. However, in the morning he noticed on Markelov’s face traces of the same mental fatigue of an unfortunate, unlucky man. Meanwhile, after Markelov’s refusal, Marianna and Nezhdanov increasingly feel mutual sympathy. Alexey Dmitrievich even finds it possible to tell the girl about Vasily Nikolaevich’s letter. Valentina Mikhailovna understands that the young man has completely turned his back on her and that Marianne is to blame: “We need to take action.” And young people are already switching to “you”, and an explanation soon follows. This did not remain a secret for Mrs. Sipyagina. She overheard this at the door.

Solomin, to whom Nejdanov and Markelov are sent, once worked for two years in England and knows modern production very well. The revolution in Russia is skeptical (the people are not ready). He started a school and a hospital at the factory. These are his specific cases. In general, there are two ways to wait: to wait and do nothing, and to wait and move things forward. He chose the second.

On the way to Golushkin, they come across Paklin and invites them to an “oasis”, to the old people - the spouses Fimushka and Fomushka, who continue to live as if in the courtyard of the 18th century. In what way of life they were born, grew up and got married, that’s how they remained. “Standing water, but not rotten,” he says. There are also servants here, there is an old servant Kalliopych, who is sure that the Turks have their will. There is also the dwarf Pufka, for entertainment.

Lunch Galushkin asked "with force." In drunken courage, the merchant donates large sums to the cause: "Remember Kapiton!"

On the way back, Markelov reproaches Nezhdanov for not believing in the matter and cooling down towards it. This is not without reason, but the subtext is different and dictated by jealousy. He knows everything: with whom the handsome Nezhdanov was talking, and with whom he was in the room after ten in the evening. (Markelov received a note from his sister and really knew everything.) Only this is not about merit, but about the well-known happiness of all the illegitimate ones, all of you!

Nezhdanov promises to send seconds upon his return. But Markelov has already come to his senses and begs for forgiveness: he is unhappy, even in his youth “he was deceived by one.” Here is a portrait of Marianna that I once painted myself and is now handing over to the winner. Nejdanov suddenly feels that he has no right to take it. Everything said and done seemed like a lie. However, as soon as he sees the roof of the Sipyagin house, he tells himself that he loves Marianna. On the same day, a date took place. Marianne is interested in everything: and when it will finally begin; and what kind of Solomin is he? and what is Vasily Nikolaevich like? Nezhdanov notes to himself that his answers are not exactly what he really thinks. However, when Marianne says: she needs to run, he exclaims that he will go with her to the ends of the world.

The Sipyagins, meanwhile, are making an attempt to lure Solomin to their side. He accepted the invitation to visit them and inspect the factory, but refused to go. Factory business will never work for a nobleman, these are strangers. And there is no future for landlord landownership itself. The merchant will take over the land. Marianna, listening to the words of Solomin, is increasingly imbued with confidence in the solidity of a person who cannot lie or brag, who will not betray, but will understand and support. She catches herself comparing him with Nezhdanov, and not in favor of the latter. So the idea of ​​​​leaving both of them from the Sipyagins Solomin immediately made a reality by offering asylum at his factory.

And now the first step towards the people has been taken. They are at the factory in an inconspicuous outbuilding. Pavel, devoted to Solomin, and his wife Tatyana, who is perplexed, are sent to help: do young people live in different rooms, do they love each other? Gather together to talk, read. Including the poems of Alexei, which Marianna assesses quite severely. Nejdanov is offended: "You buried them - and by the way, me too!"

The day has come to go to the people. Nezhdanov, in a caftan, boots, a cap with a broken visor. His trial exit does not last long: the men are deafly hostile or do not understand what it is about, although they are dissatisfied with life. In a letter to his friend Silin, Alexey says that the time to act is unlikely to come. He also doubts his right to finally attach Marianne's life to his own, to a half-dead creature. And how he "goes to the people" - it is impossible to imagine anything more stupid. Or take up an axe. Only a soldier instantly thumps you with a gun. it's better to kill yourself. The people are sleeping, and it is not at all what we think that will wake them up.

Soon a message arrives: restless in the neighboring county - must be the work of Markelov. I need to go find out and help. Nejdanov departs, in his common attire. In his absence, Mashurina appears: is everything ready? Yes, she has another letter for Nezhdanov. But where is it? She turned away and slipped the paper into her mouth. No, she probably dropped it. Tell him to be careful.

Finally, Pavel returns with Nezhdanov, from whom he reeks of fumes and who can barely stand on his feet. Once in a crowd of peasants, he started to orate with fervor, but some guy dragged him into a tavern: a dry spoon tears his mouth. Pavel barely rescued him and brought home already drunk.

Unexpectedly, Paklin appeared with the news: Peasants seized Markelov, and Golushkin's clerk betrayed the owner, and he gives frank testimony. The police are about to raid the factory. He will go to Sipyagin - to ask for Markelov. (There is also a secret calculation that the dignitary will appreciate his service.)

The next morning the final explanation takes place. Nezhdanov is clear: Marianna needs another person, not like him, but like Solomin... or Solomin himself. There are two people in it - and one does not allow the other to live. It’s better for both of us to stop living. The last attempt at propaganda proved Nezhdanov's inconsistency. He no longer believes in the cause that unites him with Marianne. She believes and will devote her whole life to the cause. Politics united them, but now this very foundation of their union has collapsed. "But there is no love between them."

Solomin, meanwhile, is in a hurry to leave: the police will soon appear. And everything is ready for the wedding, as agreed. When Marianna goes to pack things, Nejdanov, left alone, puts two sealed pieces of paper on the table, enters Marianna's room and, kissing her bed at the feet, goes to the factory yard. At an old apple tree, he stops and, looking around, shoots himself in the heart.

While still alive, he is transferred to a room where, before his death, he tries to join the hands of Marianna and Solomin. One letter is addressed to Solomin and Marianna, where he entrusts the bride to Solomin, as if "connecting them with an afterlife hand", and sends greetings to Mashurina.

The police who raided the factory found only the corpse of Nezhdanov. Solomin and Marianna left ahead of time and two days later they fulfilled the will of Nezhdanov - they got married.

Markelov was tried, Ostrodumov was killed by a tradesman, whom he incited to an uprising. Mashurina disappeared. Golushkin was lightly punished for "sincere repentance". Solomin, for lack of evidence, was left alone. There was no talk of Marianne: Sipyagin did talk with the governor. Paklin, as having rendered a service to the investigation (completely involuntary: relying on Sipyagin's honor, he named where Nezhdanov and Marianna were hiding), they released him.

In the winter of 1870 in St. Petersburg he met Mashurina. In response to the appeal, she replied in Italian with a surprisingly clear Russian accent that she was the Countess of Santo Fiume. Then she nevertheless went to Paklin, drank tea with him and told him how at the border someone in a uniform showed interest in her, and she said in Russian: “Get you off me.” He fell behind.

“Russian Mephistopheles” tells the “contessa” about Solomin, who is the real future of Russia: “a man with an ideal - and without a phrase, educated - and from the people”... Getting ready to leave, Mashurina asks for something in memory of Nezhdanov and, Having received the photograph, he leaves without answering Sila Samsonovich’s question about who is now leading it: all Vasily Nikolaevich, or Sidor Sidorich, or some nameless one? Already from the threshold she said: “Maybe the nameless one!”

"Nameless Russia!" repeated Paklin, standing in front of the closed door.

Author of the retelling: G. G. Zhivotovsky

Klara Milic (After Death). Tale (1883)

Yakov Aratov lived on Shabolovka in a small wooden house with his aunt Platonida Ivanovna, Platosha, as his father called her. He was 25 years old, but he lived in seclusion, was engaged in photography, was friends only with Kupfer, a Russified German who was sincerely attached to Aratov. For this, Platosha forgave him some arrogance and noisy cheerfulness. Disposition Yakov went to his father. He also lived in solitude, studied chemistry, mineralogy, entomology, botany and medicine, was known as a warlock, considering himself the great-grandson of Bruce, after whom he named his son, and was prone to everything mysterious and mystical. Jacob inherited this trait of his, he believed in secrets that can sometimes be seen, but it is impossible to comprehend. At the same time, he believed in science. Even during the life of his father, he studied at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, but dropped out.

Nevertheless, Kupfer once dragged Aratov to a concert at the house of a familiar Georgian princess. But he did not stay long at that evening. Despite this, Kupfer next time lured him to the princess, praising the first-class talent of a certain Clara Milic, about whom they have not yet decided: she is Viardot or Rachel. "Does she have black eyes?" asked Aratov. "Yes, like coal!" It turned out that he had already seen this girl with the princess. She was about nineteen years old, she was tall, beautifully built, with a beautiful swarthy face, thoughtful and almost stern. They received her very well, clapping loudly and for a long time.

During the singing, it seemed to Aratov that her black eyes were all the time turned on him. This continued later, when she read from Eugene Onegin. Her reading, at first a little hurried, with the words "My whole life has been a guarantee of a faithful meeting with you," became expressive and filled with feeling. Her eyes looked boldly and directly at Aratov.

Shortly after the concert, the messenger brought Aratov a note with an invitation to come to Tverskoy Boulevard at about five. It is very important.

At first he was determined not to go, but at half-past four he went to the boulevard. After sitting for some time on a bench with thoughts about a mysterious stranger, he suddenly felt someone come up and stand behind him. Clara Milic was embarrassed, apologizing for her boldness, but she had so much to say to him.

Aratov suddenly felt annoyed: with himself, with her, with the absurd meeting, and with this explanation among the public. Irritation dictated a dry and strained rebuke: "gracious madam", "it even surprises me", "I can be useful", "ready to listen to you."

Clara was frightened, embarrassed and saddened: “I was deceived in you...” Her suddenly flushed face took on an angry and impudent expression: “How stupid our date is! How stupid I am!.. And you too...” She laughed and quickly disappeared. Two or three months passed. And then one day he read in Moskovskie Vedomosti a message about the suicide in Kazan of the gifted artist and public favorite Klara Milich. The reason, according to rumors, was unhappy love. Kupfer confirmed that this was true. But the newspaper lies, there are no cupids: she was proud and unapproachable, Hard as a stone. I just couldn’t bear the insult. He went to Kazan and met the family. Her real name is Katerina Milovidova, the daughter of an art teacher, a drunkard and a domestic tyrant.

That same night, Aratov dreamed that he was walking across the bare steppe. Suddenly, a thin cloud appeared in front of him, which became a woman in white robes. Her eyes were closed, her face was white, and her hands hung motionless. Without bending at the back, she lay down on a stone like a grave, and Aratov, folding his arms over his chest, lay down next to her. But she got up and went, and he could not even move. She turned around, her eyes were alive, and her face also came to life. She beckoned him. It was Clara: "If you want to know who I am, go there!"

In the morning he announced to Platosha that he was going to Kazan. There, from conversations with the widow Milovidova and Klara’s sister Anna, Aratov learned that Katya had been obstinate, self-willed and proud since childhood. She despised her father for his drunkenness and lack of talent. She was all fire, passion and contradiction. She said: “I won’t meet someone like I want... and I don’t need others!” - “Well, what if you meet me?” - “I’ll meet... I’ll take it.” - “What if it doesn’t work out?” - “Well, then... I’ll commit suicide. That means I’m no good.”

Anna resolutely rejected even the thought of unhappy love as the cause of her sister's death. Here is her diary, is there a hint of unhappy love there?

alas, Aratov immediately stumbled upon such a hint. He begged Anna for a diary and a photograph, promising to return it, and went to Moscow.

At home, in his office, he felt that he was now at the mercy of Clara. He took her photograph, enlarged it, attached it to the stereoscope: the figure received some semblance of physicality, but did not completely come to life, the eyes all looked to the side. She didn't seem to give in to him. He remembered what Anna had said about her: untouched. That's what gave her power over him, also intact. The thought of the immortality of the soul again visited him. "Death, where is your sting?" - said in the Bible.

In the evening darkness it now began to seem to him that he heard Clara’s voice, felt her presence. Once, from a stream of sounds, he managed to isolate the word “roses”, another time - the word “I”; it seemed as if a soft whirlwind had swept through the room, through him, through him. The spot of the door, white in the darkness, moved, and a white female figure appeared - Clara! She has a wreath of red roses on her head... He stood up. In front of him was his aunt in a cap and a white jacket. She became worried when she heard him scream in his sleep.

Immediately after breakfast, Aratov went to Kupfer, and he said that Clara drank poison already in the theater, before the first act, and played like never before. And as soon as the curtain fell, she fell right there on stage...

On the night after the visit to a friend, Aratov dreamed that he was the owner of a rich estate. He is accompanied by the manager, a small fidgety little man. Here they come to the lake. There is a golden boat near the shore: if you don’t want to ride, it will float itself. He steps into it and sees an ape-like creature there, holding a vial of dark liquid in its paw. "It's nothing!" the manager shouts from the shore. "It's death! Have a good trip!" Suddenly a black whirlwind interferes with everything, and Aratov sees how Klara, in a theatrical costume, raises a bottle to her lips to the cries of "bravo", and someone's rough voice says: "Ah! You thought this would all end in a comedy? No, this is a tragedy !"

Aratov woke up. The night light is on. Clara's presence is felt in the room. He is back in her power.

"Clara, are you here?

- Yes! - is distributed in response.

- If you are definitely here, if you understand how bitterly I regret that I did not understand, pushed you away, - appear! If you are now sure that I, who until now have not loved or known a single woman, fell in love with you after your death, then appear!

Someone quickly approached him from behind and put a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw a woman dressed in black in his chair, with her head turned to the side, as if in a stereoscope.

-...Turn around, look at me, Clara! - The head quietly turned towards him, the eyelids opened, the stern expression gave way to a smile.

- I'm forgiven! - with these words, Aratov kissed her on the lips." Platosha, who ran in at the cry, found him fainting. He was already looking forward to the next night. He and Clara love each other. That kiss still ran through the body with a quick chill. Another time it will be to possess her... But they can’t live together. Well, they’ll have to die to be with her.

In the evening he developed a fever, and Platonida Ivanovna remained dozing in an armchair. In the middle of the night, a piercing scream woke her up. Yasha was lying on the floor again. He was lifted up and laid down. In his right hand was a strand of black female hair. He was delirious, talking about the perfect marriage he had concluded, that he now knows what pleasure is. Recovering for a second, he said: "Don't cry, aunt. Don't you know that love is stronger than death?" And a blissful smile shone on his face.

Author of the retelling: G. G. Zhivotovsky

<< Back: Alexander Vasilievich Sukhovo-Kobylin 1817-1903 (Pictures of the past. Dramatic trilogy (1852-1869, published 1869)

>> Forward: Pavel Ivanovich Melnikov (Andrey Pechersky) 1818-1883 (In the forests. Roman (1871-1875). On the mountains. Roman (1875-1881))

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