Ostrovsky is a lot of money. Alexander Ostrovsky .: Crazy money. Desperate act of Nadezhda Antonovna

Mad Money (play)

Crazy money (early names " Scythe - on the stone», « All that glitters is not gold») - a comedy in five acts by Alexander Ostrovsky. The author was completed in November 1869. Published in the journal Otechestvennye zapiski, No. 2, 1870. The premiere took place on April 16, 1870 at the Alexandrinsky Theater; at the Moscow Maly Theater - October 6 of the same year.

Glumov, the character of the play "Enough of Enough Simplicity for Every Wise Man" continues to dream of a rich bride, is still evil-tongued and ready for intrigues, playing off his acquaintances, not disdaining to throw anonymous letters at them, his career did not take place, in the final he leaves abroad with an elderly lady as her personal secretary and with the hope of soon inheriting the fortune of her trustee.

Characters

Savva Gennadich Vasilkov, provincial, 35 years old. Speaks slightly on "o", uses sayings belonging to the inhabitants of the cities of the middle reaches of the Volga: "when not" - instead of "yes"; "Not my God" - instead of negation, "scraper" - instead of "neighbor". Provinciality is noticeable in the dress.
Ivan Petrovich Telyatev, non-serving nobleman, 40 years old.
Grigory Borisovich Kuchumov, 60 years old, an important gentleman, retired with a small rank, has many titled relatives by his wife and mother.
Egor Dmitrich Glumov.
Nadezhda Antonovna Cheboksarova, an elderly lady with important manners.
Lydia Yurievna, her daughter, 24 years old,
Andrew, servant of the Cheboksarovs.
Gregory, a servant of Telyatev.
Nikolay, Kuchumov's servant.
The boy from the coffee shop.
Walkers.

Criticism

In this play, as in most of his works, Ostrovsky develops the theme of the crisis of the nobility. Ostrovsky noted in the nobility his new attitude towards the bourgeoisie. It adapts to the new order of things, some of its representatives become entrants to the bourgeoisie, learn from it new methods of theft and robbery. Petty tyranny and arrogance, confidence in their right to a privileged position give way to cunning, hypocrisy, and calculation.

Ostrovsky shows great sobriety and discernment in his portrayal of "businessmen". His attitude to the new type of bourgeoisie is very difficult. At first glance, it may seem that Ostrovsky is on Vasilkov's side. The "honest industrialist" Vasilkov, rebelling against deceit and trickery, since in the "practical age, being honest is not only better, but also profitable," in comparison with Kuchumov, may seem quite acceptable for the author and worthy of sympathy. But Ostrovsky cannot accept Vasilkov entirely. And he cannot become a bearer of a positive beginning for him. He clearly sees their moral inferiority, draws attention to their inner affinity with outright predators. No wonder Lydia Cheboksarova humbly goes to the "housekeeper" and to study with Vasilkov. The play ends with the triumph of the "business man". Vasilkov bought Cheboksarov at the very moment when the bailiff was standing outside the door and awaiting the results of the "trade" in order to begin an inventory of the Cheboksarovs' property. True, the trade begins with reproaches from Vasilkov: "you did not spare my simplicity, my kindness of heart," but the essence of the matter does not change from this. Of course, the ideological meaning of the comedy Mad Money is by no means determined by retaliation for the neglect of Vasilkov's "simplicity and kindness of the heart". The triumphant Vasilkov did not get any better from this. Vasilkov's "honesty" and life principles ("I won't get out of the budget") are immoral. Marriage for him is a bargain, and love is an object of purchase and sale. Lydia Cheboksarova, who considers all human feelings to be worth its weight in gold, is a worthy partner of Vasilkov in his large commercial operations in St. Petersburg. For both, monetary interest is the only motive behind their behavior.

Screen adaptations

Mad Money (film, 1981) - film based on play

Notes

Links

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See what "Mad Money (Play)" is in other dictionaries:

- (play) play by A. N. Ostrovsky. Mad money (film, 1981) film based on the play by A. N. Ostrovsky. Mad Money (1987 film) is an American comedy. Mad money (film, 2006) Russian crime ... ... Wikipedia

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Wolves and Sheep is a comedy play in five acts by Alexander Ostrovsky. The play was written in 1875, first staged on December 8, 1875 at the Alexandrinsky Theater. On December 26 of the same year, the premiere took place in Moscow, at the Maly Theater. Contents 1 ... Wikipedia

Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky.

Crazy money

ACTION ONE

(instead of the prologue)

FACE:

Savva Gennadich Vasilkov, provincial, 35 years old. Speaks slightly on "o", uses sayings belonging to the inhabitants of the cities of the middle reaches of the Volga: "when not" - instead of "yes"; "Not my God" - instead of negation, "scraper" - instead of "neighbor". Provinciality is also noticeable in the dress.

Ivan Petrovich Telyatev, non-serving nobleman, 40 years old.

Grigory Borisovich Kuchumov, 60 years old, an important gentleman, retired with a small rank, has many titled relatives both by his wife and mother.

Egor Dmitrich Glumov.

Nadezhda Antonovna Cheboksarova, elderly lady with important manners.

Lydia Yurievna, her daughter, 24 years old.

Andrew, servant of the Cheboksarovs.

Gregory, telyatev's servant.

Nikolay, servant of Kuchumov.

Coffee shop boy.

Walkers.

In Petrovsky Park, in the Sachs Garden; to the right of the spectators, the gate to the park, to the left is the coffee house.

THE FIRST APPEARANCE

Walkers are passing by, some stop and read a poster on the gate. Velyatev and Vasilkov leave the coffee shop.

Velyatev(chewing something)... Yes Yes. (To the side.) When he falls behind!

Vasilkov. I want to say that she is a very attractive girl by her prettiness.

Velyatev. Here's the news! What discovery have you made. Who does not know this! (He takes off his hat and bows.) Perfect truth, sir. Cheboksarova is good - twice two is four. You still don't know such an indisputable truth?

Vasilkov. I wanted to tell you that I really liked her.

Velyatev. Better. Who doesn't like her! Have mercy on me! And what's so interesting to me that you like her? You must have come from afar?

Vasilkov. Yes, not close.

Velyatev. You would have surprised me if you had said that she liked you. It would be a curious thing. And that you like it, there is no wonder here. I know about fifteen people who are in love with her without memory, only from adults, and if you count with high school students, there is no end. Do you know what? You try to please her yourself.

Vasilkov. Is it so difficult?

Velyatev. Well, I'll tell you.

Vasilkov. And what is needed for that? What qualities?

Velyatev. Such that we do not have with you.

Vasilkov. Excuse me, for example?

Velyatev. For example: half a million money or so.

Vasilkov. It's nothing…

Velyatev. Like nothing! You are my father! Well, how do millions grow like mushrooms? Or are you a nephew of the Rothschilds, then there is nothing to talk about.

Vasilkov. Although neither one nor the other; but now is such a time that with great intelligence ...

Velyatev. Here, you see, with intelligence, and even more. So, first you need to have a mind. And with us big minds are as rare as millions. Yes, let's leave it better to talk about the mind; otherwise someone from the acquaintances will hear, they will laugh. Smart people are on our own, and we are on our own. Hence, the mind is on the side. Well him! Where to get it, if God didn't give it!

Vasilkov. No, I will not give up this ability so soon. But what else does it take to please her?

Velyatev. A handsome guards uniform, and the rank of, at least, a colonel, and an innate secularity that cannot be learned in any way.

Vasilkov. This is very strange. Can it be that no other virtues, no qualities of mind and heart can conquer this girl?

Velyatev. But how does she know about your qualities of mind and heart? Astronomy, or something, you will write and read it!

Vasilkov. I regret, I really regret that she is so inaccessible.

Velyatev. What is it to you?

Vasilkov. Now, you see, I will speak to you frankly; I have a special kind of business, and I just need such a wife, brilliant and in good form.

Velyatev. Well, you never know what anyone needs! That you are very rich?

Vasilkov. Not yet.

Velyatev. So you hope to get rich.

The name of the playwright, corresponding member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky is known to everyone. He worked hard to develop the Russian national theater. His humor and satire are so perfected, capacious and unforgettable that they are still relevant, they are put on the stage not only in Russia and the CIS countries, but all over the world.

"Mad money", Ostrovsky: summary

At first, the author of the play "Mad Money" wanted to call the "Scythe - on a stone" or "Not all that glitters is gold", but in the end he settled on the name we are used to. In 1969, the work was completed, published in the journal Otechestvennye zapiski, and a year later it was staged at the Alexandria Theater (in April 1970) and at the Maly Theater in Moscow. The Maly Theater premiered on 6 October.

As in many plays, A. N. Ostrovsky in "Mad Money" reflects the customs of the nobility, develops the theme of the crisis of many of them. His characters, confident, one might say, to the point of impudence, become cunning, hypocritical and calculating.

Comedy characters:

Vasilkov Savva Gennadich, landowner (businessman).
Telyatev Ivan Petrovich, nobleman.
Kuchumov Grigory Borisovich, master.
Glumov Yegor Dmitrievich.
Cheboksarova Nadezhda Antonovna, an elderly lady.
Lydia Yurievna, her daughter.
Andrey, Gregory, Nikolay, servants.

In the play "Mad Money" Ostrovsky (a summary will be presented below) the image of the Vasilkov is not fully revealed. On the one hand, he is a positive character, he loves Lydia, strives to live correctly, but on the other hand, he is too business-like, calculating his every step. In Ostrovsky's work, Vasil'kov is presented rather as the author comically outlines a budget from which he does not want to leave.

"Mad money" (Ostrovsky): heroes, their interactions

So, the action takes place in Moscow, in the middle of the 19th century. A middle-aged provincial Vasilkov Savva Gennadich arrives in the capital, accidentally runs into a "socialite" Lydia Cheboksarova and wants to marry her. Vasilkov is a determined person, since he has conceived something, then he goes to this goal, even if at first glance it seems unattainable.

His casual acquaintance, Ivan Petrovich Telyaev, promises to introduce the provincial to a local beauty, but in his heart, together with his old friend Glumov, a well-known slicker from the play "Enough for Every Wise Man," he decides to play the future bride of Savva Gennadich.

They represent to mother and daughter Cheboksarov Vasilkov as a gold miner from Siberia. The provincial becomes a guest in the house of Nadezhda Antonovna and Lydia Yurievna, but due to his modest nature he cannot find an approach to the eccentric lady.

Desperate act of Nadezhda Antonovna

This is how the first act of the play Mad Money ends. Ostrovsky begins a summary of the second act with the fact that Nadezhda Antonovna receives a letter from her husband that they are ruined, since he sold the last property and does not know how to get out of the situation. Nadezhda Antonovna Cheboksarova urgently decides to marry her daughter. As a "victim" Lydia chooses Telyaev, but the nosy Ivan Petrovich quickly knows what's what and declares that "marriage is not for him."

There remains only a "fallback" - Savva Gennadich, Lydia's mother quickly woo her daughter, and a week later Lydia Yuryevna becomes the legal wife of the happy Vasilkov.

"Mad Money" (Ostrovsky): an analysis of the comedy

But then Vasilkov's troubles begin, thanks to him the Cheboksarovs continue to live on a grand scale, without thinking about the debts, which have already accumulated about three hundred thousand, and none other than Vasilkov should cover them.

Having found himself in a difficult situation, Savva Gennadich agrees to fulfill his wife's request, but only on the condition that she moves to another, modest apartment and begins to live within her means. At first, this outrages the proud Lydia Yuryevna, but she is forced to agree to this step.

"Mad Money" Ostrovsky (a summary of the work is held in secondary schools) and other plays he wrote under the influence of the work of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. Reading the great Russian poet, as Alexander Nikolayevich said, it becomes clear that Pushkin's merit lies in the fact that through him everything that can grow wiser becomes smarter. Therefore, in plays, Ostrovsky is merciless to his characters.

The meanness of Glumov (the name speaks for itself), Kuchumov, Telyatev and Cheboksarov has no limit. Agreeing to her husband's proposal, Lydia Yuryevna continues to flirt with her former fans. Kuchumov, penniless, tries to throw dust in Lydia's eyes and, taking advantage of her position, promises a huge amount of money in exchange for her love. Accustomed to luxury, the predatory Lydia Cheboksarova agrees and becomes a victim of Kuchumov. Vasilkov, having caught his wife with another man, breaks all communication with her and her mother.

Deceived dreams

At first, women are even happy about this, but time passes, and the promised money is not and is not. Kuchumov comes to visit them every day, but he is silent about his promise, finally Telyatev opens her eyes, saying that Grigory Borisovich is ruined, as, incidentally, is himself. In despair, Lydia sends her mother for Vasilkov to say that she is dying and wants to see him.

Savva Gennadich comes, but refuses the offer to live together. Wanting to teach her a lesson, he invites her to become a collarbone in his mother's house in exchange for a promise to pay off her debts, and then, if she survives the "probationary period" with honor, take her with her to Petersburg. Lydia cannot go for it, but after thinking it over, she decides to take the path of correction.

Conclusion

Often in schools it is suggested to write an essay with the following content: "Mad money" (Ostrovsky). The topic of the relationship between Lydia Cheboksarova and Savva Vasilkov ”, but this is more about schoolchildren who have chosen the humanitarian profile of education. Their love, of course, is one-sided, and loves, as best he can, only Vasilkov, and Lydia Yuryevna uses this. At the end of the play, everything somehow changes, Vasilkov no longer evokes sympathy, especially after his ever-repeating word “budget”. The reader rather sympathizes with Lydia, who is finally becoming sensible and even ready to "cry" her youth and is preparing for work.

A. N. Ostrovsky himself all his life, which rejected his feelings, hiding behind her husband, but also a widow, she did not reciprocate the playwright. Having contacted the son of a wealthy merchant, she wrote to Ostrovsky that she did not want to take his love away from anyone. After some time, the playwright married actress Maria Vasilyevna Bakhmeteva and they had four sons and two daughters.

An excerpt from Konstantin Frumkin's article "Terror and Violence in the Mirror of Art" published in the Znamya magazine (2002):

<...> “There are two well-known works in Russian literature, very similar in composition and directly related to our topic. These are the plays by A. Ostrovsky "Mad Money" and M. Gorky "Vassa Zheleznova". In both works, a similar situation is modeled - the opposition of a loner capable of creating to universal chaos.<...>

Vasilkov, the protagonist of Mad Money, with his rationalism and practicality, looks like a black sheep against the background of other characters in the play - pathological bots and idlers. For Ostrovsky, this division also has a geographic dimension: the protagonist of Mad Money is a provincial among Muscovites, “he speaks like a sailor of a Volga shipping company,” that is, he’s okay, while Moscow is.

Most of all, Vasilkov's troubles are delivered by his wife and mother-in-law (Lidia and Cheboksarova), for whom spending money is as necessary as a portion of a potion for a drug addict, who spend it contrary to any calculation and to their own detriment. The wife runs away from Vasilkov, because he does not allow her to spend money recklessly and unlimitedly. But then, having almost reached the debt prison, women are forced to surrender to the mercy of Vasilkov, and he is going to take them, as they say, "into circulation."<...>

In "Mad Money" appears the ruined aristocrat Kuchumov, who "forgot that his fortune has long been lived", and therefore promises all non-existent thousands. There is also Telyatev, who lives luxuriously, but on debt. He advises Vasilkov how to borrow a lot of money, and when asked how to give it back, he replies: "Leave this business to the creditors." When Vasilkov expresses bewilderment, Telyatev remarks: "You are still young, you will come to our calculations."<...>

Moscow ideas about wealth are summed up by Vasilkov's mother-in-law Cheboksarova: "A fortune can only be inherited, and even with great happiness, win at cards." To which Vasilkov misanthropically remarks: "No, there is still a means: to rob someone."<...>

At the very end of the play Vasilkov utters a strange phrase: "Only crazy money does not know the budget." In the context of the play, and besides, considering that this remark is final, there is no doubt that this is not financial wisdom, but morality. Usually “mad” is simply called a very big money, but from the content of the play it is clear that in this case we mean a meaning closer to the original, psychiatric meaning of the word.<...>

Mad money is money that has gone mad, has lost its sanity, has forgotten who their father is (labor, production), and galloped along the roads of chaotic redistribution; it is money received suddenly - by inheritance, from a card game or robbery. They are easy to get and just as easily wasted. "<...>

Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky.

Crazy money

ACTION ONE

(instead of the prologue)

Ivan Petrovich Telyatev, non-serving nobleman, 40 years old.

Grigory Borisovich Kuchumov, 60 years old, an important gentleman, retired with a small rank, has many titled relatives both by his wife and mother.

Egor Dmitrich Glumov.

Nadezhda Antonovna Cheboksarova, elderly lady with important manners.

Lydia Yurievna, her daughter, 24 years old.

Andrew, servant of the Cheboksarovs.

Gregory, telyatev's servant.

Nikolay, servant of Kuchumov.

Coffee shop boy.

Walkers.

In Petrovsky Park, in the Sachs Garden; to the right of the spectators, the gate to the park, to the left is the coffee house.

THE FIRST APPEARANCE

Walkers are passing by, some stop and read a poster on the gate. Velyatev and Vasilkov leave the coffee shop.

Velyatev(chewing something)... Yes Yes. (To the side.) When he falls behind!

Vasilkov. I want to say that she is a very attractive girl by her prettiness.

Vasilkov. I wanted to tell you that I really liked her.

Velyatev. Better. Who doesn't like her! Have mercy on me! And what's so interesting to me that you like her? You must have come from afar?

Vasilkov. Yes, not close.

Vasilkov. Is it so difficult?

Velyatev. Well, I'll tell you.

Vasilkov. And what is needed for that? What qualities?

Velyatev. Such that we do not have with you.

Vasilkov. Excuse me, for example?

Velyatev. For example: half a million money or so.

Vasilkov. It's nothing…

Velyatev. Like nothing! You are my father! Well, how do millions grow like mushrooms? Or are you a nephew of the Rothschilds, then there is nothing to talk about.

Vasilkov. Although neither one nor the other; but now is such a time that with great intelligence ...

Vasilkov. No, I will not give up this ability so soon. But what else does it take to please her?

Velyatev. A handsome guards uniform, and the rank of, at least, a colonel, and an innate secularity that cannot be learned in any way.

Vasilkov. This is very strange. Can it be that no other virtues, no qualities of mind and heart can conquer this girl?

Velyatev. But how does she know about your qualities of mind and heart? Astronomy, or something, you will write and read it!

Vasilkov. I regret, I really regret that she is so inaccessible.

Velyatev. What is it to you?

Vasilkov. Now, you see, I will speak to you frankly; I have a special kind of business, and I just need such a wife, brilliant and in good form.

Velyatev. Well, you never know what anyone needs! That you are very rich?

Vasilkov. Not yet.

Velyatev. So you hope to get rich.

Vasilkov. Currently…

Velyatev. What are you all with the present time?

Vasilkov. Because moreover, it is very possible to get rich right now.

Velyatev. Well, it is as God willing. These are still beeches. Do you have anything right at the present time? Tell me! I will not rob you.

Vasilkov. I'm pretty sure you won't rob. Loyal I have, without any risk, three forest dachas on my estate, which may amount to fifty thousand.

Velyatev. That's good, fifty thousand money; with them in Moscow you can have a loan of one hundred thousand; here's a hundred and fifty thousand for you. With such money, you can live with pleasant things for a long time.

Vasilkov. But you will have to pay at last.

Velyatev. And what sadness you have! That you are very caring! Here is the desire to have an extra thought in my head! Leave this business to the creditors, let them think and get what they want. Why interfere with someone else's business: our business is to be able to take, their business is to be able to receive.

Vasilkov. I don’t know, I didn’t perform such operations; our operations have completely different reasons and calculations.

Velyatev. You are still young, and you will come to our calculations.

Vasilkov. I do not argue. But let me ask you to introduce me to the Cheboksarovs. Although I have little likelihood to be liked, hope, you know, never leaves a person. As I saw her about a week ago, I still dream about her. I found out where they lived and rented an apartment in the same house to see her more often. It's a shame for a businessman to get carried away, but what to do, I am still a young man in love. Introduce, please.

Velyatev. With pleasure.

Vasilkov(shakes his hand tightly)... If I can be of any use to you ...

Velyatev. A bottle of champagne, I don’t take any other bribes. Will there be a bottle?

Vasilkov. When not! At any time and as much as you like. (He shakes Velyateva's hand tightly.) I really am so grateful to you.

Velyatev. Yes, excuse me, let my hand! God knows what!

Vasilkov(looks around without letting go of Telyatev's hand)... It seems they are?

Velyatev. They are, they are.

Vasilkov. I'll go closer, admire. Indeed, I am so sensitive! ... You may find it funny.

Velyatev. Yes, you hand ...

Vasilkov. Sorry! I hope to find you at this place.

Velyatev. Hope.

Vasilkov hastily leaves. Glumov enters.

THE SECOND PHENOMENON

Velyatev and Glumov.

Glumov. What kind of jester was the pea talking to you?

Velyatev. God sent this to me for my simplicity.

Glumov. What is the profit to you?

Velyatev. Drinking champagne.

Glumov. AND! It's not bad.

Velyatev. I’ll just look, I’ll look at him, but I must have borrowed money from him.

Glumov. It's even better if it gives, of course.

Velyatev. I think it will; he needs me.

Glumov. Stop it, do mercy! To whom and for what you may be needed!

Velyatev. But listen.

Glumov. I'm listening.

Velyatev. I saw him for the first time here in the park about a week ago. I walk along that alley and from a distance I see: a man stands with his mouth open and his eyes wide open; hat on the back of the head. Curiosity took me over, why he is so surprised. The elephant is not led, the roosters do not fight. I looked, and what would you think, at whom he was staring like that? Guess!

Glumov. On whom? I do not know. What kind of wonder can there be in the park?

Velyatev. To Cheboksarova.

Glumov. His lip is not stupid.