“Dowry” - a play by A.N. Ostrovsky. Summary.

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Alexander Ostrovsky's play "Dowry", created by the author in 1874 - 1878, is a vivid narrative concerning the problem of the "little man". Its characters are mainly people for whom earthly wealth is above all, and only Ogudalova's daughter Larisa tries to oppose generally accepted norms of behavior and thinks differently. After getting acquainted with the main characters and describing the summary, you can better understand what the author wanted to say in his work.

The main characters of the play

Larisa- the main character, a girl from a poor family who wants to get married. Betrayed by the wealthy master Paratov, she agrees to marry Karandyshev, a jealous and stupid man, although she does not love him at all. This eventually leads to tragedy.

Harita Ignatievna Ogudalova- a widow, mother of Larisa, a domineering woman, whom the girl used to obey from childhood.

Julius Kapitonovich Karandyshev- Larisa's fiancé, a selfish, jealous and vengeful person. To defend his innocence, he grabs a weapon. Makes a very bad impression.

Sergei Sergeevich Paratov- a rich gentleman, a former lover of Larisa. He preferred a bride with a large fortune to her.

Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov- Larisa's childhood friend, a rich young man.

Moky Parmenych Knurov- an elderly man, in whose hands - a huge fortune. Gives advice to Larisa's mother about her daughter's marriage to Karandyshev.

Act one: Karandyshev - Larisa's fiancé

The big city of Bryakhimov, on the Volga. On one side of the entrance to the coffee shop there is a boulevard, on the other - trees, in the depths - a low iron grate, behind which a view of the Volga opens.

The first phenomenon
On the site in front of the coffee shop, Gavrilo, the bartender, and Ivan, the servant, are having a dialogue. They talk about life, about the peculiar behavior of the rich, in particular Mokiy Parmenych Knurov, an aged man with a huge fortune, and Vasily Danilovich Vozhevatov, a young man, a representative of a wealthy trading company.

The second phenomenon
Vozhevatov and Knurov enter the coffee shop and talk to each other; Gavrilo and Ivan sometimes join the conversation. First, they are talking about buying a steamer, then, going to drink champagne and tea, they talk about these drinks and gradually move on to the topic of the marriage of Larisa Dmitrievna, daughter of Harita Ignatievna Ogudalova. Everyone present in the coffee shop believes that the groom - Julius Kapitonych Karandyshev - is absolutely not a couple for a girl.

Of course, there were those who wooed her before, but none of them could resist. For example, the girl was very discouraged when, last year, Sergei Sergeevich Piratov “traveled for two months, beat off all the suitors, and his trace caught a cold, disappeared, no one knows where.”

And Karandyshev, according to Vozhevatov and Knurov, behaves strangely.

The third phenomenon
Ogudalova Harita Ignatievna and her daughter Larisa appear among those present. The girl's mother agrees to have a cup of tea. Karandyshev invites Vasily Danilovich and Mokiy Parmenych to dinner, but the latter agrees only when he finds out that the proposal actually comes from Ogudalova, and dinner is arranged for Larisa.

Suddenly, Ivan says that a ship called the Swallow is coming, but neither Knurov nor Vozhevatov want to go down to the pier. Ogudalova, approaching Knurov, informs him that, firstly, the wedding requires many expenses, and secondly, her Larisa has a birthday tomorrow, and she does not know what to give. Moky Parmenych understands the hint and promises to drop by. Finally, Harita Ignatievna, Knurov and Vozhevatov leave the stage.

The fourth phenomenon
Larisa admires the view of the Volga and suddenly turns to Karandyshev with a request to leave for the village. However, jealousy surged up in the groom, and he asks the question: what did she talk about with Vozhevatov, and even called him simply by his first name - Vasya. Karandyshev is not interested in Larisa's excuses that she has known Vasily Danilych since childhood, that they had nothing bad. But Julius Kapitonovich declares that old habits must be abandoned. And he reproaches the bride with the past, saying that they had a "gypsy camp" in their house. The girl objects that this did not happen of her own free will, it was so necessary for her mother. She struggles to love her fiancé, and openly admits this to him, wanting support. Karandyshev suddenly realizes that he offended his beloved girl and says in embarrassment: “... I said this ...” Larisa asks him to be careful in words, because she is very impressionable and vulnerable. The girl is afraid to condemn even Sergei Sergeyevich, although everything shows that this man did not do well to her in the past - and she is trying to stop the questions that Karandyshev asks about this. But the groom is not appeased. Then Larisa openly admits: Sergey Sergeevich is better than him. And he cites as an example the story of how once he and a Caucasian officer fired pistols - first the officer shot at a glass, which Sergei Sergeevich held on his head. And knocked him out, but turned pale. “I will shoot the girl who is dearest to me - and I will not turn pale,” Paratov said. And knocked out the coin put into Larisa's hand.

Karandyshev reluctantly agrees to recognize some of the merits of Sergei Sergeevich, because, in addition to everything, Larisa said that he helped the poor, but continues to be jealous of the bride. However, she honestly says that she does not love and will never love Yuli Kapitonych, and she continues to have feelings only for Sergei Sergeyevich. A shot is heard from a cannon in honor of Paratov. Nervous, Larisa is going home.

Fifth phenomenon
Ivan and Gavrilo rejoice at the arrival of the master - Sergei Sergeevich. Gentlemen - Paratov with Robinson, his friend, Vozhevatov and Knurov - enter the coffee shop. Ivan tries in every possible way to please Sergei Sergeyevich.

The sixth phenomenon
For his helpfulness, the servant receives a ruble from Paratov. Sergey Sergeevich reports that he sold the barges, then introduces his friend, actor Arkady Schastlivtsev, to Knurov and Vozhevatov, whom he calls Robinson, and not without reason. It turns out that he was generously picked up on the island, where he found himself with his friend, a merchant's son: they were dropped off for indecent behavior. Now the artist is in full submission to Paratov.

The seventh phenomenon
Robinson is unhappy that Vozhevatov addresses him as "you", but when he learns that he is rich, he resigns himself and says: "That's my taste." And then he offers friendship to Vasily Danilych.

Sergei Sergeevich invites friends to dinner, but both Vozhevatov and Knurov are forced to refuse, because they were invited to the house of Larisa, who is getting married. Upon learning this news, Paratov loses heart, but pretends to be sincerely happy for his former lover. As for the dinner, the interlocutors are sure that Sergei Sergeevich will be invited to it.

Act two: the attitude of others to the girl's marriage

The first phenomenon

The action takes place in Ogudalova's house. Larisa's mother is in a well-furnished room with furniture and a piano on which lies a guitar. She holds a box in her hands and calls her daughter to show a gift from Vasya. Larisa changes clothes, so she says: "I'll look later." Suddenly, Knurov enters the room.

The second phenomenon
Ogudalova is very pleased with the unexpected visit of Knurov, does not know where to put him. They begin to talk, and the main topic of conversation is Larisa's marriage. Moky Parmenych is convinced that Larisa's mother is fundamentally wrong in passing off her daughter as a poor man. Larisa, according to Knurov, was created for brilliance, and Karandyshev is not able to provide a decent existence. He advises in this case to lean on the strong shoulder of a rich man.

Then Mokiy Parmenych asks Ogudalova a question about the box she is holding in her hands.

“I wanted to give my daughter a present,” Larisa’s mother answers. Knurov advises to provide the girl, first of all, with a good wardrobe and promises to pay for all purchases. After that, he leaves.

The third phenomenon
Larisa appears, who does not seem to share her mother's enthusiasm for Vasily's gift. Ogudalova offers to thank both Vozhevatov and Knurov, although Larisa has no idea what Moky Parmenych wants to do for her. The main desire of Larisa, about which she tells her mother, is to escape from the city to the village, walk through the forest, picking berries and mushrooms before the summer has passed ... “Is he up to the village?” - Ogudalova objects, knowing the character of Karandyshev.

The fourth phenomenon
Ilya the Gypsy enters. Larisa asks him to fix the guitar. Ilya regrets that they have many basses in the gypsy choir, but only one tenor, Anton, but he is now ill. Suddenly they report that the master has arrived, and the delighted gypsy hastily leaves.

Fifth, sixth event
Larisa is tired of being humiliated, and she tells her mother about it. When Karandyshev comes in, Ogudalova tells him that Larisa really wants to leave the city. However, the groom is absolutely not clear where she is in a hurry and why. Julius Kapitonovich assures that they will definitely live in the village, but only after they become husband and wife.

Larisa, who wants the wedding to be modest and hears objections from both her mother and Karandyshev, laments, saying that everyone plays with her like with a doll.

Julius Kapitonovich condemns the morals of the townspeople. It is incomprehensible to him that all people rejoice at the arrival of the master - Sergei Sergeyevich. Frightened Larisa, having learned that this is none other than Paratov, and now he is approaching their house, again begins to persuade Yuli Kapitonovich to leave for the village. She wants to disappear, hide from her ex-fiance.

The seventh phenomenon
Paratov enters the house and gives Ogudalova a pen. They hug and kiss. Harita Ignatievna pretends to be incredibly happy about the visit of Sergei Sergeyevich. The master says that he intends to marry profitably, but does not want to say who his chosen one is. Then he wants to see Larisa Dmitrievna. Ogudalova is calling her daughter.

The eighth phenomenon
Larisa and Sergei Sergeevich are left alone. A dialogue takes place between them, in which Larisa reproaches Paratov that she had been waiting for him before, but was already tired. Sergei Sergeevich, in turn, also makes claims to the girl, saying that she has lost a lot in his eyes. The main character objects that she is not getting married of her own free will. Paratov guesses that Larisa still loves him, but this is how the circumstances developed. In addition, the girl claims that Karandyshev has sincere feelings for her.

The ninth phenomenon
Ogudalova introduces Karandyshev and Paratov. Both of them seem to speak politely to each other, but poorly concealed jealousy comes through in the speech. The atmosphere is gradually heating up. Ogudalova is trying to reconcile the gentlemen, each of whom has a dislike for the other. Following the rules of etiquette, Karandyshev, on the advice of Kharita Ignatievna, invites Paratov to dinner. He says in a cold tone that he agrees.

The tenth phenomenon
Vozhevatov suddenly enters the room, asking permission from Larisa and Ogudalova to let Robinson in. Vasily commands Arkady strongly, and this immediately catches the eye. Karandyshev invites his friend Vasily to dinner.

The eleventh phenomenon
Vozhevatov asks Paratov if he liked Larisa's fiancé and receives a negative answer: "who can like him." Sergei Sergeevich comes up with a plan to make fun of Karandyshev.

Act three: Larisa runs away with Paratov, a former lover

The first phenomenon
The action takes place in Karandyshev's room, furnished without taste. Carpet on one wall, weapons on the other. Another character appears - Aunt Karandysheva, Evrosinya Potapovna, a domineering and greedy woman. Ivan asks her for lemons for tea, she shows displeasure and gives cranberry juice instead.

The second phenomenon
During lunch at Karandyshev's, Larisa burns with shame. But Julius Kapitonovich does not seem to notice anything, in addition, they try to solder him on purpose in order to laugh. The girl is painfully experiencing such a shame.

The third phenomenon
Evdokia Potapovna comes in, asking if dinner is over. She reproaches that in vain they transfer purchased expensive products. Larisa keenly feels the suffocating atmosphere of what is happening around and wants to run again. Efrosinya Potapovna leaves to count the silver.

The fourth phenomenon
Knurov is going to go to the club to eat, because after the so-called lunch at Karandyshev's he was left hungry. This is the first time this has happened, he said. Those present conclude that Julius Kapitonovich is a fool. But Paratov reveals the plan: Karandyshev was specially drunk to see what would come of it. But Robinson, who was also well treated to wine, seems to be all over the place.

Fifth phenomenon
Robinson becomes ill after such a violent libation. He says that he was poisoned by some strange wine. Paratov promises to cure him.

The sixth phenomenon
Robinson examines Karandyshev's room and asks about the weapons hanging on the wall. It appears to be Turkish. Julius Kapitonovich takes a pistol off the wall, but Paratov says that he still won't fire, even if he uses it now. Karandyshev objects. Then it comes to high-quality and low-quality cigars.

The seventh phenomenon
Ogudalova reproaches Karandyshev for being drunk, but he does not consider himself drunk at all. Paratov offers Yuliya Kapitonych a drink with him for brotherhood. He agrees and tells Ivan to bring cognac. Robinson perks up when he hears that the owner of the house has a drink that he knows how to handle.

The eighth phenomenon
Robinson declares that they finished off Karandyshev by drinking: he started, and Sergey Sergeevich will finish.

The ninth phenomenon
Ilya the gypsy who appeared offers to go with them, everyone is ready and waiting on the boulevard. Paratov, Knurov and Vozhevatov agree, but they do not want to take Robinson for a walk. Vozhevatov comes up with a way to get rid of an obsessive fellow traveler.

The tenth phenomenon
Vozhevatov, in order to get rid of Robinson, pretends that he is going to Paris and takes Arkady with him, only on the way he offers to go to his house so that he can rest before the road. The cunning plan succeeds.

The eleventh phenomenon
Larissa appears. She was unwell - this is how she explains the reason why she was not with the guests. Paratov tells the girl that he and Karandyshev drank brotherhood. Sergei Sergeevich calls Ilya into their society, explaining that he is his friend. Larisa is asked to sing something, but at first she refuses, and then agrees - resisting Karandyshev, who is trying to forbid his future, as he believes, wife. Together with Ilya and Robinson, who joined in the second verse, they sing "Don't Tempt Me". Paratov and Vozhevatov are delighted with Larisa's voice.

Karandyshev now asks for champagne, but Efrosinya Potapovna flatly refuses to serve the drink. Finally, everyone disperses. Larisa stays with Sergei Sergeevich.

The twelfth phenomenon
Paratov reproaches himself for having lost such a treasure as Larisa in the past. He invites the girl to go with him to the Volga to ride boats - and receives consent.

The thirteenth phenomenon
Everyone is happy that Larisa will be in their company. Praises are sung in her address, Karandyshev declares that he is proud of his bride. Finally, they are going to go. The girl says goodbye to her mother.

The fourteenth phenomenon
Karandyshev is very upset by the flight of the bride. He did not suspect that Larisa would leave for the Volga without warning and demanded that Ogudalova report where her daughter was. Receiving no answer, in a fit of fierce anger, Yuliy Kapitonych grabs a pistol and runs away. Harita Ignatievna tells Ivan to stop him.

Act four: Karandyshev shoots the bride

The first phenomenon
Robinson invites Ivan to play with him, however, he has no money. The servant does not agree to such conditions. Arkady learns that Karandyshev was very indignant when the guests left with Larisa and chased them with a pistol. He wonders if the eccentric Julius Kapitonich wanted to kill him.

The second phenomenon
Karandyshev, who appeared, demands from Robinson an answer to the question where are all the “comrades”. Arkady invites him to wait for everyone at the pier. Enraged, Julius Kapitonovich leaves.

The third and fourth phenomenon
Gavrilo and Ivan are talking among themselves, assuming that everyone has already arrived. Ilya comes in with the gypsies. Gavrilo offers them tea.

Fifth phenomenon
Knurov and Vozhevatov argue that Larisa has an unenviable position. The poor girl again believed the man who had already deceived her once. And he is engaged to a very rich bride, and they are unlikely to succeed.

The sixth phenomenon
Robinson and Vozhevatov are talking among themselves. It turns out that when Vasily offered Arkady a trip to Paris, it was not about the capital of France, but a tavern on the square. Knurov comes up, who wants to tell Vasily Danilych something. He offers Vozhevatov to save Larisa from the arbitrariness of Karandyshev and take her to Paris (the real one).

The seventh phenomenon
Paratov asks Robinson if he is going to Paris soon. Arkady replies that he no longer trusts the merchants, but he would go on such a journey with him. Larisa asks Paratov whether he has serious intentions about getting married, but Sergey Sergeevich suggests that she first go home. The girl is very afraid and prefers not to appear in her native land at all, saying that Karandyshev is finished as a groom. The only one she wants to marry is Sergey Sergeevich. However, Paratov again betrays her, saying that he uttered the careless phrase “I am yours” just in a fit of surging feelings.

The eighth phenomenon
Robinson informs Paratov that Karandyshev was walking near the coffee shop with a gun, but Sergey Sergeevich strictly orders him to harness the carriage and take Larisa Dmitrievna home. Vozhevatov also betrays the desperate girl, who tearfully asks her childhood friend to take pity on her, to teach her what to do in such a situation. Knurov invites her to go to Paris, but upset Larisa is silent.

The ninth phenomenon
Larisa's head is spinning. She thinks about throwing herself into the Volga, but then leaves these thoughts because she is afraid. However, the girl betrayed by all wants to die - even from the fact that she gets sick.

The tenth phenomenon
Karandyshev is looking for Larisa. He wants, firstly, to take revenge on her offenders, and secondly, if necessary, to punish the bride for running away. "Here she is!" Robinson exclaims when he sees the girl. Julius Kapitonovich orders to leave them alone.

The eleventh phenomenon
Larisa frankly admits that Karandyshev is disgusting to her. But he wants at all costs to avenge the insult inflicted on the girl, noticing that rich gentlemen are playing with her, as if with a thing. “If I am a thing, then it is very expensive,” the girl says and asks to call Knurov. Larisa begs Yuli Kapitonovich to leave, but he does not want to back down for anything, he even agrees to immediately leave the city with her. However, the girl is adamant! In no case does she want to belong to Yuli Kapitonych. The desperate "groom" with the words "so don't get you to anyone" shoots Larisa with a pistol.

The twelfth phenomenon
Larissa is dying. A gypsy choir sings offstage. The girl, it seems, is even glad of such an outcome. She says she loves and forgives everyone. Her voice is gradually weakening.

“Dowry” - a play by A.N. Ostrovsky. Summary.

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