Public garden on the high bank of the Volga, a rural view beyond the Volga. There are two benches and a few bushes on the stage.
Kuligin sits on a bench and looks across the river. Kudryash and Shapkin are walking. Kuligin
(sings)."Among a flat valley, on a smooth
height ... " "
(He stops singing.) Miracles, truly it must be said that miracles! Curly! Here, my brother, for fifty years I have been looking beyond the Volga every day and I can’t get enough of it. Curly. And what? Kuligin. The view is extraordinary! Beauty! The soul rejoices. Curly. Nothing! Kuligin. Delight! And you are "nothing"! If you take a closer look, or you don't understand what kind of beauty is spilled in nature. Curly. Well, why should I talk to you? You are an antique chemist with us. Kuligin. Mechanic, self-taught mechanic. Curly. All one. Silence. Kuligin
(points to the side). Look, brother Kudryash, who is waving his arms like that there? Curly. This? It scolds the Wild nephew. K u l and g and n. Found a place! Curly. He belongs everywhere. Afraid that he is who! Boris Grigorich got him as a sacrifice, so he drives it. Sh and p to and n. Look for such and such a scolder like ours Savel Prokofich! No way would a person be cut off. Curly. Piercing man! Sh and p to and n. Kabanikha is also good. Curly. Well, yes, even though, at least, everything is under the guise of piety, but this one has fallen off the chain! Sh and p to and n. There is no one to calm him down, so he is fighting! Curly. We have few guys to take my position, otherwise we would have disaccustomed him to mischief. Sh and p to and n. What would you do? Curly. They would suffer well. Sh and p to and n. Like this? Curly. The four of them, five of them in an alley somewhere would have talked to him face to face, so he would have become silk. And he wouldn’t have spoken to anyone about our science, if only he had walked around and looked around. Sh and p to and n. No wonder he wanted to give you up as a soldier. Curly. I wanted to, but did not give it away, it’s all one, that nothing.
Not he will give me away: he can smell with his nose that I will not sell my head cheaply. He’s the one who’s terrible for you, but I can talk to him. Sh and p to and n. Oh, is it? Curly. What's here: oh whether! I am considered rude; why is he holding me? Therefore, he needs me. Well, that means I'm not afraid of him, but let him be afraid of me. Sh and p to and n. As if he doesn't scold you? Curly. How not to scold! He cannot breathe without it. Yes, I do not let go either: he is the word, and I am ten; will spit, and will go.
Not, I will not become a slave to him. Kuligin. From him, eh, take an example! Better to endure. Curly. Well, if you are smart, then you must first teach him to be courteous, and then teach us. It is a pity that his daughters are teenagers, there are no big ones. Sh and p to and n. What would it be? Curly. I would respect him. It hurts hard for girls! Dikoy and Boris pass by, Kuligin takes off his cap. Shapkin
(To curls). Let's step aside: it will still be attached, perhaps. They are leaving.
The same. Dikoy and Boris. Wild. Did you come here to beat 1? The parasite! Go to waste! Boris. Celebration; what to do at home. Wild. You will find a case as you want. Once I told you, I told you twice: "Don't you dare to meet me halfway"; you are itching to do everything! A little space for you? Wherever you go, there you are! Ugh, damn you! Why are you standing like a pillar? Are you told al no? Boris. I listen, what else can I do! Wild
(looking at Boris). You failed! I don’t want to talk to you, with a Jesuit 2.
(Leaving.) Here is imposed!
(Spits and leaves.) PHENOMENON THREE Kuligin, Boris, Kudryash and Shapkin. Kuligin. What are you doing with him, sir? We will not understand in any way. You want to live with him and endure abuse. Boris. What a hunt, Kuligin! Captivity. Kuligin. But what kind of bondage, sir, may I ask you? If you can, sir, tell us. Boris. Why not tell? Did you know our grandmother, Anfisa Mikhailovna? Kuligin. Well, how not to know! Curly. How not to know! Boris. She took a dislike to Father because he married a noble one. It was on this occasion that father and mother lived in Moscow. Mother said that for three days she could not get along with her relatives, it seemed very wild to her. Kuligin. Still not wild! What can I say! You must have a great habit, sir. Boris. Our parents in Moscow raised us well, they did not spare anything for us. I was sent to the Commercial Academy ", and my sister was sent to a boarding school, but both suddenly died of cholera, my sister and I remained orphans. Then we hear that my grandmother died here and left a will so that my uncle would pay us the part that should be paid when we will come of age, only on condition. Kulagin. With what, sir? Boris. If we are respectful to him. Kulagin. This means, sir, you will never see your inheritance. Boris s. No, this is not enough, Kuligin! First he will break down on us, outraged in every possible way, as his heart desires, but all the same he will end up by not giving anything, or so, some little. Kudryash. Uzd is such an establishment in our merchants. Again, even if you were respectful to him, who would forbid him to say something that you are disrespectful? "I have my own children, why will I give money to strangers?" Across
this is me I have to offend my own! " What would life be like for her here - and it's scary to imagine. Kudryash. Surely by itself. They do not understand the appeal! Kuligin. How do you live with him, sir, in what position? on which one. "Live," he says, "with me, do what they tell you, and the salary that I put in." That is, in a year it will disappoint, as he pleases. do not dare to utter a word about the salary, he will scold at what the light stands. "You, - he says, - why do you know what I have in mind? Can't you know my soul? Or maybe I’ll come to such an arrangement that I’ll give you five thousand. "So you talk to him! Only he has never come to such and such an arrangement in his entire life. Kuligin. What can I do, sir! We must try to please somehow. Boris. The fact of the matter, Kuligin, is that it’s in no way possible. They cannot please him in any way; but where am I? Curly. Who will please him if he has all life is based on swearing? And most of all because of money; not a single calculation can do without abuse. Another is glad to give up his own, if only to calm down. And the trouble is, someone will make him angry in the morning! Every morning, my aunt begs everyone with tears: “Father, don’t make you angry! Dear fellows, do not make you angry! "Curly. Yes, you will save yourself! Got to the market, that’s the end! He will scold all the peasants. Even if you ask at a loss, it will not go away without scolding. And then he went all day. Shapkin. One word: warrior! Curly. What a warrior! Boris. But the trouble is when he is offended by such a man who does not dare not scold;
on the The hussar cursed the Volga on the ferry. He worked miracles! Boris. And what a home it was! After that, for two weeks everyone hid in attics and closets. Kuligin.
What it? No way, the people started from Vespers? Several faces pass at the back of the stage. Curly. Let's go, Shapkin, on the rampage! "What is there to stand? They bow and leave. Boris. Eh, Kuligin, it’s painfully difficult for me here, without a habit. Everyone is somehow wildly looking at me, as if I’m superfluous here, as if interfering I don’t know the local customs. I understand that all this is Russian, dear, but I’m still not getting used to it. Kuligin. And you will never get used to it, sir. Bo r and S. Why? Kuligin. sir, in our city, but- On a revelry - on a party (partying), in a place where you can go for a walk - hang out, have a drink. ... And we, sir, will never get out of this crust! Because honest work will never earn us more than our daily bread. And whoever has money, sir, is trying to enslave the poor so that he can earn even more money from his free labors. Do you know what your uncle, Savel Prokofich, answered the mayor? The peasants came to the mayor to complain that he would not disappoint any of them. The governor began to say to him: "Listen," he says, "Savel Prokofich, count on the peasants well!" Every day they come to me with a complaint! "Your uncle patted the governor on the shoulder and said:" Is it worth it, your honor, you and I should talk about such trifles! I have a lot of people a year; You must understand: I will not pay them extra for a penny per person, I have thousands of this, so it is; I feel good! "That's how, sir! And among themselves, sir, how they live! Trade with each other is undermined, and not so much out of self-interest, but out of envy. clerks, such, sir, clerks that he doesn't even look human, his human guise has been lost. , and there is no end to the torment. They sue, sue here and go to the province 3, and there they are already waiting for them, and they are splashing their hands with joy. they are also happy about this dragging, that is what they only need. “I,” he says, “will spend it, and it will be a penny for him.” I wanted to portray all this in verse ... Boris. Kul and Mr. In the old-fashioned way, sir, I have read Lomonosov, Derzhavin ... The wise man was Lomonosov, a natural tester. .. But also from ours, from a simple title. Boris. You would have written. It would be interesting. Kuligin. How can you, sir! Eat, swallow alive. I already get it, sir, for my chatter; but I can’t, I like to scatter the conversation! Here's another thing I wanted to tell you, sir, about family life; yes, sometime at another time. And also there is something to listen to. Enter Feklusha and another woman. Feklusha. Blah-alepie, honey, blah-alepie! Wonderful beauty! But what can we say! In the promised land "you live! And the merchants are all pious people, adorned with many virtues! With generosity and many donations! I am so pleased, so, mother, satisfied, up to the neck! For our failure to give them even more bounty, and especially to the Kabanovs' house. They leave." Boris: The Kabanovs? Kuligin. The hypocrite, sir! He clothe the beggars, but ate the households completely. Silence. If only I, sir, find a Perpeta-mobile! Boris. What would you do? Kuligin. Why, sir! After all, the British give a million ; I would use all the money for society, for support. Work must be given to the philistine. Otherwise, there are hands, but there is nothing to work. Boris. Do you hope to find a perpetuum mobile? Kuligin. Certainly, sir! model money to get hold of. Farewell, sir!
(Leaves.)
Boris
(one). It's a pity to disappoint him! What a good man! He dreams of himself - and is happy. And I, apparently, will ruin my youth in this slum. After all, I walk around completely dead, and then the crap in my head climbs! Well, what is it stuck to! Do I really have tenderness? Hunted, hammered, and then foolishly decided to fall in love. Who? In a woman with whom you will never even be able to talk!
(Silence.) K all the same, she doesn't get out of my head, even though you want what you want. There she is! She goes with her husband, well, and the mother-in-law is with them!
Well, am I not a fool? Look around the corner and go home.
(Leaves.) Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Varvara enter from the opposite side. "The Promised Land - according to the biblical myth, the country where God, fulfilling his promise, brought the Jews from Egypt.
figurative meaning: a country, land, or place teeming with wealth.
Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Varvara. Kabanova. If you want to listen to your mother, as soon as you get there, do as I ordered you. Kabanov. But how can I, mamma, disobey you! Kabanova. Elders are not respected very much nowadays. Barbara
(About myself). You will not respect you, of course! Kabanov. I think, mama, not a step out of your will. Kabanova. I would have believed you, my friend, if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, what the respect for parents from children has now become! If only they remembered how many diseases mothers endure from their children. Kabanov. I, mamma ... Kabanova. If a parent is something when and offensive,
on your pride, he will say, so, I think, could be transferred! What do you think? Kabanov. "But when, mamma, could I not bear it from you? Kabanova. Mother is old, stupid; well, you, young people, smart, should not exact from us fools. Kabanov
(sighing away). Oh, my God.
(Mother.) Do we dare, mamma, to think! Kabanova. After all, from love, parents are strict with you, because of love they scold you, everyone thinks to teach good. Well, I don’t like it these days. And the kids will go to the people to praise that the mother is a grumble, that the mother does not give a pass, she squeezes out of the light. And God forbid, some word will not please the daughter-in-law, well, the conversation started that the mother-in-law 2 ate completely. Kabanov. Nothing, mamma, who is talking about you? Kabanova. I have not heard, my friend, I have not heard, I do not want to lie. If I had heard, I would have spoken to you, my dear, then not so.
(Sighs.) Oh, a grave sin! How long is it to sin! A conversation close to your heart will go, well, you will sin, you will be angry. No, my friend, say what you want about me. You can't order anyone to speak: they won't dare to speak in the eye, so they'll be behind the eyes. Kabanov. Dry your tongue ... Kabanova. Full, full, don't swear! Sin! I've seen for a long time that your wife is dearer than your mother. Since I got married, I don’t see your old love from you. Kabanov. Where do you see it, mamma? Kabanova. Yes in everything, my friend! What a mother does not see with her eyes, so her heart is a prophet, "she can feel with her heart. Al-wife, or something, takes you away from me, I really don't know. Kabanov. No, no, mamma! What are you, have mercy! Katerina. For me, mamma, everything is the same as your own mother, that you, and Tikhon loves you too. Kabanova. You should, it seems, be silent, if they didn’t ask you. Don’t intercede, mother, I don’t offend you! After all, he is my son too; Don't forget that! Why did you jump out in your eyes to whine! To see how much you love your husband? So we know, we know, in your eyes you prove it to everyone. Varvara
(About myself). Found a place to read. Katerina. You are talking about me, mamma, in vain you say this. With people, without people, I'm all alone, nothing
I'm from I do not prove myself. Kabanova. I didn't even want to talk about you; and so, by the way I had to. Katerina. Yes, even by the way, why are you offending me? Kabanova. What an important bird! Already and offended now. Katerina. Someone is pleased to endure a vain! Kabanova. I know, I know that my words are not to your liking, but what can you do, I'm not a stranger to you, my heart hurts about you. I have long seen that you want freedom. Well, you’ll wait, live and be free when I’m gone. Then do what you want, there will be no elders over you. Or maybe you will remember me. Kabanov. Yes, we pray for you, mamma, day and night from God that God will give you health and all prosperity and success in business, mamma. Kabanova. Well, complete, stop, please. Maybe you loved your mother while you were single. Do you care for me: you have a young wife. Kabanov. One does not interfere with the other, sir: the wife is in itself, but for the parent I in itself have respect. Kabanova. So will you trade your wife for your mother? I won't believe it in my life. Kabanov. Why should I change, sir? I love both. Kabanova. Well, yes, it is, smear it! I can see that I am a hindrance to you. Kabanov. Think as you want, everything is your will; only I don’t know what kind of unfortunate person I was born that I can’t please you with anything. Kabanova. Why are you pretending to be an orphan? What are you nuns about? What kind of husband are you? Look at you! Will your wife be afraid of you after that? Kabanov. Why should she be afraid? It's enough for me that she loves me. Kabanova. Why be afraid! Why be afraid! Are you crazy, or what? They will not be afraid of you, and even less so. What kind of order will it be in the house? After all, you, tea, live with her in law. Ali, do you think the law means nothing? Yes, if you are holding such stupid thoughts in your head, you would at least not talk in front of her, and in front of your sister, in front of the girl; she, too, will go to marry: that way she will listen to your chatter, so afterwards my husband will thank us for the science. You see what kind of mind you have, and you still want to live by your own will. Kabanov. Yes, mamma, I don’t want to live by my own will. Where can I live by my own will! Kabanova. So, in your opinion, you need all the affection with your wife? Surely not to shout at her and not threaten her? K a b a n o v. Yes I am, mamma ... Kabanova
(hot). At least start a lover! A? And this, perhaps, in your opinion, is nothing? A? Well, speak! Kabanov. Yes, by God, mamma ... Kabanova
(completely coolly). Fool!
(Sighs.) What a fool to say! Only one sin! Silence. I'm going home. Kabanov. And we will now, just once or twice along the boulevard. Kabanova.
Well, as you wish, only you be careful that I do not wait for you! You know, I don't like this. Kabanov. No, mother, God forbid! Kabanova. That's the same!
(Leaves.)
The same, without Kabanova. Kabanov. You see, I always get it from my mother for you! Here is my life! Katerina. What am I to blame for? Kabanov. Who's to blame, I really don't know, Varvara. Where do you know! Kabanov. Then everything pestered: "Get married and get married, I would at least look at you married." And now he eats while eating, does not give a pass - everything is for you. Barbara. So is it her fault? Mother attacks her, and so do you. And you also say that you love your wife. It's boring for me to look at you!
(Turns away.) Kabanov. Interpret here! What am I supposed to do? Barbara. Know your business - keep quiet, if you can't do anything better. What are you standing - shifting? I can see in your eyes what is on your mind. Kabanov. So what? Barbara. It is known that. I want to go to Savel Prokofich and have a drink with him. What, isn't it, or what? Kabanov. You guessed it, brother. Katerina. You, Tisha, come quickly, otherwise mamma will scold again. Barbara. You are faster, in fact, but you know it! Kabanov. How not to know! Barbara. We, too, have little desire to take abuse because of you. Kabanov. I will instantly. Wait!
(Leaves.)
Katerina and Varvara. Katerina. So you, Varya, feel sorry for me? Barbara
(looking away). Of course, it's a pity. Katerina. So you love me then?
(Tightly
kisses.) Barbara. Why shouldn't I love you. 1 "Katerina. Well, thank you! You are so cute, I myself love you to death. Silence. Do you know what came to my mind?"
Barbara. What? Katerina. Why don't people fly? Barbarian a. I do not understand what you say. Katerina. I say, why do people not fly like birds? You know, sometimes it seems to me that I am a bird. When you stand on a mountain, you are drawn to fly. So I would have scattered, raised my hands and flew. Nothing to try now?
(He wants to run.) Barbara. What are you making up something? Katerina
(sighing). How frisky I was! I have wilted completely. Barbara. Do you think I can't see? Katerina. Was I that way! I lived without grieving about anything, like a bird in the wild. Mamma doted on me, she dressed me up like a doll, did not force me to work; I do what I want. Do you know how I lived in girls? I'll tell you now. I used to get up early; if in the summer, I'll go to the spring, wash, bring some water with me, and that's it, I'll water all the flowers in the house. I had many, many flowers. Then we’ll go with mamma to church, all of them are wanderers — our house was full of wanderers; yes praying mantis. And we will come from church, sit down for some work, more on velvet in gold, and the wanderers will begin to tell: where they were, what they saw, the lives "are different, or they sing verses 2. So the time will pass before dinner. and I walk in the garden. Then towards Vespers, and in the evening again stories and singing. It was so good! Varvara. Why, we have the same thing. Katerina. Yes, everything here seems to be out of bondage. And I loved to death. To go to church! Like, I used to go into heaven and I don’t see anyone, I don’t remember the time, and I don’t hear when the service is over. Just like it all happened in one second. Mamma said that everyone used to look at me, what happens to me. And you know: on a sunny day such a light pillar goes down from the dome, and in this pillar smoke goes like a cloud, and I see, it used to be as if the angels in this pillar were flying and singing. I'll get up at night - we also have lamps everywhere - but somewhere in the corner I pray until morning. Or I'll go to the garden early in the morning, as soon as the sun is rising, I will fall on my knees, I pray and cry, and I myself do not know what I am praying for and what I am crying about; so they will find me. And what I prayed for then, what I asked, I do not know; I didn’t need anything, I had enough of everything. And what dreams I dreamed, Varenka, what dreams! Either temples are golden, or some kind of extraordinary gardens, and everyone is singing invisible voices, and it smells of cypress, and the mountains and trees seem to be not the same as usual, but as they are written on images. And the fact that I fly, I fly through the air. And now sometimes I dream, but rarely, and not that. Barbara. What then? Katerina
(after a pause). I will die soon. Barbara. Full of what you are! Katerina. No, I know I'm going to die. Oh, girl, something bad is happening to me, some kind of miracle! This has never happened to me. Something in me is so extraordinary. As if I'm starting to live again, or ... I really don't know. Barbara. What's the matter with you? Katerina
(takes her hand). And here's what, Varya: to be some kind of sin! Such fear on me, such and such fear on me! It’s as if I’m standing over an abyss and someone is pushing me there, but I have nothing to hold on to.
(Grabs his head with his hand.) Barbara. What's the matter? Are you healthy? Katerina. Healthy ... I wish I was sick, otherwise it’s not good. Some kind of dream creeps into my head. And I will not leave her anywhere. I will think - I will not collect thoughts in any way, I will pray - I will not pray in any way. I babble words with my tongue, but it’s not at all the same on my mind: as if the crafty one was whispering in my ears, but everything about such things is bad. And then it seems to me that I will become ashamed of myself. What happened with me? Before trouble before any of this! At night, Varya, I can't sleep, I keep dreaming of some kind of whisper: someone speaks to me so kindly, as if a dove is cooing. I do not dream, Varya, as before, trees of paradise and mountains, but as if someone was embracing me so hotly and hotly and leading me somewhere, and I followed him, I was walking ... Varvara. Well? Katerina. But what am I telling you: you are a girl. Barbara
(looking around). Speak! I'm worse than you. Katerina. Well, what can I say? I am ashamed. Barbara. Speak, there is no need! Katerina. It will make me so stuffy, so stuffy at home, that I would run. And such a thought would come to me that, if it were my will, I would now ride along the Volga, on a boat, singing songs, or in a troika on a good one, embracing ... Barbara. Not with my husband. Katya r and na. How do you know? Barbara. You shouldn't know. Katerina. Ah, Varya, sin is on my mind! How much I, poor, cried, what I really did not do on myself! I cannot get away from this sin. Don't go anywhere. It's not good, it's a terrible sin, Varenka, that I love someone else? Barbara. What am I to judge you! I have my sins. Katerina. What should I do! My strength is not enough. Where should I go; out of longing I will do something on myself! Barbara. What you! What's the matter! Wait a minute, my brother will leave tomorrow, we'll think about it; maybe it will be possible to see each other. Katerina. No, no, don't! What you! What you! Save God! Barbara. What are you scared of? Katerina. If I see him even once, I’ll run away from home, I’m not going home for anything in the world. Barbara. But wait, we'll see. Katerina. No, no, and don’t tell me, I don’t want to listen. Barbara. And what a desire to dry up! Though die of melancholy, they will regret that eh, you! Why, wait. So what a bondage to torture yourself! Enter MADY (Lady with a stick) and two footmen in triangular hats at the back.
The same lady. Lady. What, beauties? What are you doing here? Are you waiting for the goodies, gentlemen? Are you having fun? Fun? Does your beauty make you happy? Here's where beauty leads.
(He points to the Volga.) Here, here, in the very whirlpool. Varvara smiles. What are you laughing at! Don't be happy!
(He knocks with a stick.) Everything in the fire will burn you will be inextinguishable. Everything in the resin will boil unquenchable.
(Leaving.) Look, where does beauty lead!
(Leaves.)
Katerina and the Barbarian a. Katerina. Oh, how she frightened me! I tremble all over, as if she were prophesying something for me. Barbara. On your own head, old hag! "Katerina. What did she say, huh? What did she say? Barbara. It's all nonsense. You really need to listen to what she says. She prophesies to everyone like that. She has sinned all her life. She’s afraid of dying. What she’s afraid of, she scares others. Even all the boys in the city are hiding from her, threatening them with a stick and shouting
(mimicking):"You will all burn in the fire!" Katerina
(screwing up her eyes). Oh, oh, stop it! My heart sank. Barbara. There is something to be afraid of! An old fool ... Katerina. I'm afraid I'm scared to death. I see all of her in my eyes. Silence. Barbara
(looking around). That this brother doesn’t, there, no way, the storm is coming. Katerina
(with fear). Thunderstorm! Let's run home! Hurry! Barbara. What are you, crazy, or what? How can you show yourself home without your brother? Katerina. No, home, home! God bless him! Barbara. Why are you very much afraid: the storm is still far away. Katerina. And if it is far away, then, perhaps, we will wait a little; but really, it would be better to go. Let's go better! Barbara. Why, if there is something to be, you can't hide at home. Katerina. Yes, all the same, it is better, everything is calmer: at home, I pray to images and to God! Barbara. I didn’t know that you were so afraid of thunderstorms. I'm not afraid. Katerina. How, girl, do not be afraid! Everyone should be afraid. Not that it is scary that it will kill you, but that death will suddenly find you as you are, with all your sins, with all evil thoughts. I'm not afraid of dying, but when I think that suddenly I will appear before God as I am here with you, after this conversation, that's what is terrible. What's on my mind! What a sin! Terrible to say! Oh! Thunder. Kabanov enters. Barbara. Here comes the brother.
(To Kabanov.) Run quickly! Thunder. Katerina. Oh! Hurry, hurry!
A room in the Kabanovs' house.
Glasha (gathers the dress into knots) and Feklusha (enters). F e klush a. Sweet girl, you're all at work! What are you doing sweetie? Glasha. I'm collecting the owner for the trip. Feklusha. Al is going where is our light? Glasha. Goes. Feklusha. For a long time, dear, is he going? Glasha. No, not for long. Feklusha. Well, a tablecloth is dear to him! And what, the hostess will start howling "al no? Glasha. I don't know how to tell you. Feklusha. Does she howl when? Glasha. Not to hear something. Feklusha. It hurts, dear girl, to listen If someone howls well. Silence. And you, girl, keep an eye on the wretched one, don't pull off anything. Glasha. Who can take you apart, all of you are riveting at each other. Why don't you live well? or, it seems, you, strange 2, do not live, but you all quarrel and reproach. You are not afraid of sin.
ordinary people, one enemy 3 confuses each, but to us, to strange people, to whom six, to whom twelve are assigned; so we must overcome them all. Difficult, dear girl! Glasha. Why is there so much to you? Feklusha. This, mother, is the enemy out of hatred against us, that we are leading such a righteous life. And I, dear girl, am not absurd, there is no such sin behind me. There is one sin for me for sure, I myself know that there is. I love to eat sweet. Well then! Because of my weakness, the Lord sends. Glasha. And you, Feklusha, did you go far? Feklusha. No, honey. I, due to my weakness, did not go far; but to hear - I heard a lot. They say there are such countries, dear girl, where there are no Orthodox kings, and the Saltans rule the earth. In one land the Turkish Saltan Makhnut sits on the throne, and in the other - the Persian Saltan Makhnut; and they do judgment, dear girl, over all people, and no matter what they judge, everything is wrong. And they cannot, my dear, judge a single case righteously, such a limit is set for them. Our law is righteous, and theirs, my dear, is unrighteous; that according to our law, well, it turns out that way, but in their language everything is the opposite. And all their judges, in their countries, are also all unrighteous; so to them, dear girl, and in their requests they write: "Judge me, unrighteous judge!" And then there is also the land, where all the people with the heads of the dogs *, Glasha. Why is it so - with the dogs? Feklusha. For infidelity. I'll go, dear girl,
on I will wander around to the merchants: will there not be anything for poverty. Goodbye goodbye! Glasha. Goodbye! Feklusha leaves. Here are some other lands! There are no miracles in the world! And we are sitting here, we do not know anything. It's still good that
good people yes: no, no, yes, and you will hear what is happening in the world; and that would be so fools And they died. Enter KATERINA and VARVARA.
(Glasha). Take the bundle to the wagon, the horses have arrived.
(To Katherine.) They gave you a young man in marriage, you didn't have to walk in girls: your heart hasn't gone away yet. Glasha leaves. Katerina. And it never leaves. Barbara. Why then? Katerina. This is how I was born, hot! I was still six years old, no more, so I did! They offended me with something at home, but it was towards evening, it was already dark; I ran out to the Volga, "People with dog heads and - According to folk tales, traitors to their homeland turned into creatures with dog heads. I got into a boat, and pushed it away from the shore. The next morning they found it, about ten miles away! Barbara. Well, and the guys looked at you? Katerina. How not to glance! Varvara. What are you? Didn't you love anyone? Katerina. No, she just laughed. Varvara. But you, Katya, don't love Tikhon. Katerina. I feel sorry for him! Varvara. No, you don’t love.
(with dismay). How did you notice? Barbara. How funny you say! Little me, or what! Here is your first sign: as you see him, your whole face will change. Katerina lowers her eyes.
But you never know ... Katerina
(looking down). Well, who is it? Barbara. Why, you yourself know what to call something? Katerina. No, name it. Call me by name! Barbara. Boris Grigorovich. Katerina. Well, yes, him, Varenka, him! Only you, Varenka, for God's sake ... Barbara. Well, here's another! You yourself, look, do not let it out somehow. Katerina. I don’t know how to deceive, I can’t hide anything. Barbara. Well, you can't do without it; remember where you live! After all, our house rests on that. And I was not a liar, but I learned when I needed to. I walked yesterday, so I saw him, talked to him. Katerina
(after a short silence, looking down). Well, so what? Barbara. I ordered you to bow. It is a pity, he says that there is nowhere to see. Katerina
(looking down even more). Where to see each other! And why ... Barbara. Such boring. Katerina. Don't tell me about him, please, don't tell me! I don’t want to know him! I will love my husband. Tisha, my dear, I will not trade you for anyone! I didn't even want to think, but you confuse me. Barbara. Do not think, who is forcing you? Katerina. You do not pity me for anything! You say: don't think, but remind yourself. Do I want to think about him? But what to do if it doesn't get out of my head. Whatever I think about, but he still stands before my eyes. And I want to break myself, but I can’t in any way. Do you know, the enemy again confused me tonight. After all, I was out of the house. Barbara. You are some kind of tricky, God bless you! But in my opinion: do what you want, if only it was sewn and covered. Katerina. I don’t want that. And what good! I'd rather endure it while it is. Barbara. But it won't endure, what will you do? Katerina. What will I do? Barbara. Yes, what will you do? Katerina. I will do whatever I want. Barbara. Do it, try it, so they will jam you here. Katerina. What is it to me! I'm leaving, and I was. Barbara. Where will you go? You are a husband's wife. Katerina. Eh, Varya, you don’t know my character! Of course, God forbid this to happen! And if it makes me very disgusted here, they won't hold me back by any force. I'll throw myself out the window, throw myself into the Volga. I don't want to live here, so I won't, even though you cut me up! Silence.
Barbara. You know what, Katya! As Tikhon leaves, so
let's sleep in the garden, in the gazebo. Katerina. Why, Varya? Barbara. Yes, is it all the same? Katerina. I'm afraid to spend the night in an unfamiliar place, Varvara. Why be afraid of something! Glasha will be with us. Katerina. Everything is somehow timid! Yes, I think. Barbara. I wouldn't call you, but mamma won't let me in alone, but I need it. Katerina
(looking at her). Why do you need it? Barbara
(laughs). We will be there to enchant you. Katerina. You must be kidding? Barbara. Known to be kidding; but is it really really? Silence. Katerina. Where is this Tikhon? Barbara. What is he to you? Catherine. No, I am. After all, he is coming soon. Barbara. They are locked up with mama. She sharpens it now, like rusting iron. Katerina. What for? Barbara. No way, so, he teaches reason. Two weeks on the road will be, an after-eye case. Judge for yourself! Her heart will wear out, that he walks on his own. Now she is giving him orders, one more formidable than the other, and then she will swear to the image of m ^ Wri that he will do everything so accurately, as ordered. Katerina. And when he is free, he seems to be bound. Barbara. Yes, how, connected! As soon as he goes out, he will drink. He is now listening, and he is thinking how he can get out as soon as possible. Enter KABANOVA and KABANOV.
The same, Kabanova and Kabanov. Kabanova.
Well, you remember everything I told you. Look, remember!
On the hack your nose! Kabanov. I remember, mamma. Kabanova. Well, now everything is ready. The horses have arrived. To say goodbye to you only, and with God. Kabanov. Yes, mother, it's time. Kabanova. Well! Kabanov. What will you please, sir? Kabanova. Why are you standing, haven't you forgotten order? Order your wife how to live without you. Katerina lowered her eyes. K a b a n o v. Yes, she, tea, knows herself. Kabanova. Talk some more! Well, well, order. So that I can hear what you are ordering her! And then you will come and ask if you did everything that way. Boars
(standing up against Katerina). Listen to mamma, Katya! Kabanova. Tell your mother-in-law not to be rude, Kabanov. Do not be rude! Kabanova. So that the mother-in-law respects like a mother! Kabanov. Honor, Katya, mamma, as your own mother. Kabanova. So that I don’t sit idly by like a lady. Kabanov. Work something without me! Kabanova. So that I don't stare at the windows! Kabanov. Yes, mamma, when is she ... Kabanova. Oh well! Kabanov. Don't look out the windows! Kabanova. So that I don't look at young guys without you. Kabanov. But what is it, mamma, by God! Kabanova
(strictly). There is nothing to break! Must do what the mother says.
(With a smile.) It's getting better, as ordered. Boars
(embarrassed). Don't look at the guys! Katerina looks at him sternly. Kabanova. Well, now talk between yourself if you need to. Let's go, Varvara! Leave. APPEARANCE FOUR Kabanov and Katerina (standing as if in a daze). Kabanov. Katia! Silence. Katya, are you not angry with me? Katerina
(after a short silence, shakes her head). Not! Kabanov. What are you? Well, forgive me! Katerina
(everyone is in the same state, shaking their head). God is with you!
(Covering his face with his hand.) She offended me! Kabanov. Take everything to heart, so you will soon fall into consumption. Why listen to her! She needs to say something! Well, let her speak, and you let go of it, Well, goodbye, Katya! Katerina
(throwing herself on her husband's neck). Tisha, don't leave! For heaven's sake, don't leave! Darling, I ask you! Kabanov. You can't, Katya. If my mother sends me, how can I not go! Katerina. Well, take me with you, take me! Boars
(freeing himself from her embrace). Yes, you can’t. Katerina. Why, Tisha, is it impossible? Kabanov. Where is it fun to go with you! You already drove me here completely! I do not have tea, how to get out; and you are still imposing on me. Katerina. Did you really stop loving me? Kabanov. Yes, I have not stopped loving, but with such bondage you will run away from whatever beautiful wife you want! Just think: no matter what, I am still a man; all your life this way to live, as you see, so you will run away from your wife. But how do I know now that there won't be any thunderstorm over me for two weeks, there are no shackles on my legs, so what about my wife? Katerina. How can I love you when you say such words? Kabanov. Words are like words! What other words can I say! Who knows what you are afraid of? After all, you are not alone, you stay with your mother. Katerina. Don't tell me about her, don't tyrannize my heart! Oh, my trouble, trouble!
(Cries.) Where can I, poor, go? Who should I grab onto? My priests, I am perishing! Kabanov. Yes, you are full! Katerina
(goes up to her husband and snuggles up to him). Tisha, my dear, if you only stayed or you took me with you, how I would love you, how I would dove you, my dear!
(She caresses him.) Kabanov. I can't understand you, Katya! Either you can't get a word from you, let alone affection, or else you climb like that yourself. Katerina. Tisha, who are you leaving me to! Be in trouble without you! The fat is in the fire! Kabanov.
Well, but you can't, there's really nothing to do. Katerina. Well, that's what! Take some terrible oath from me ... Kabanov. What oath? Katerina. Here's the one: so that I dare not under any guise either speak to any stranger, or see anyone without you, so that I dare not think about anyone but you. K a b a n o v. What is it for? Katerina. Soothe my soul, do such a favor for me! Kabanov. How can you vouch for yourself, little else can come to mind. Katerina (Falling
on knees). So as not to see me neither my father nor my mother! I will die without repentance if I ... Kabanov
(picking her up). What you! What you! What a sin! I don’t want to listen! Kabanova's voice: "It's time, Tikhon!" Enter Kabanova, Varvara and Glasha.
The same, Kabanova, Varvara and Glasha. "Kabanova. Well, Tikhon, it's time. Go with God!
(Sits down.) All sit down! They all sit down. Silence. Well, goodbye!
(He gets up and everyone gets up.) Boars
(going up to the mother). Goodbye mamma! Kabanova
(gesturing to the ground). At the feet, at the feet! Kabanov bows at his feet, then kisses his mother. Say goodbye to your wife! Kabanov. Goodbye Katya! Katerina throws herself on his neck. Kabanova. What are you hanging around your neck, shameless woman! You don't say goodbye to your lover! He is your husband - the head! You don’t know the order? Bow down at your feet! Katerina bows at her feet. Kabanov. Goodbye sister!
(Kisses Barbara.) Goodbye Glasha!
(Kisses with Glasha.) Goodbye mamma!
(Bows.) Kabanova. Goodbye! Distant farewell - extra tears. Kabanov leaves, followed by Katerina, Varvara and Glasha.
Kabanova
(one). Youth is what it means! It’s ridiculous to look even at them! If not for her own, she would have laughed her fill: they know nothing, no order. They don't know how to say goodbye. It’s good, whoever has elders in the house, they keep the house, while they are alive. But, too, fools, they want to their own will; but when they come out, they get confused to obey and laugh to kind people. Of course, who will regret it, but most of all laugh. Yes, it’s impossible not to laugh: they’ll call the guests, they don’t know how to sit down, and besides, look, they will forget some of the relatives. Laughter, and more! This is how old things are displayed. I don’t want to go to another house. And if you come up, you will spit, but get out soon. What will happen, how the old people will die, how the light will stand, I really don't know. Well, at least it's good that I won't see anything. Enter KATERINA and VARVARA.
Kabanova, Katerina and Varvara. Kabanova. You boasted that you loved your husband very much; I see your love now. Another good wife, after seeing her husband off, howls for an hour and a half, lies on the porch; and you, apparently, nothing. Katerina. There is nothing! And I don't know how. What makes the people laugh! Kabanova. The trick is not great. If she loved, I would have learned. If you don’t know how to do it, you should at least have made this example; still more decent; and that, apparently, only in words. Well, I'm going to pray to God, don't bother me. Barbara. I'll go out of the yard. Kabanova
(affectionately). What is it to me! Come on! Take a walk while your time comes. You’ll still sit there! Go away
Kabanova and Varvara.
Katerina
(alone, thoughtfully). Well, now silence will reign in your house. Oh, what a boredom! If only someone else's! Eco grief! I have no children: I would sit with them and amuse them. I love to talk to children very much - these are angels.
(Silence.) If I had died a little, it would have been better. I would look from heaven to earth and rejoice at everything. Otherwise, she would fly invisibly wherever she wanted. I would fly out into the field and fly from cornflower to cornflower in the wind, like a butterfly.
(Thinks.) But what I will do: I will start some work on a promise; I'll go to the seating yard ", buy canvas, and I'll sew linen, and then give it to the poor. They'll pray for me. So we'll sit down to sew with Varvara and won't see how
time will pass; and then Tisha will come. Enter Barbara.
Katerina and Varvara. Barbara
(covers her head with a handkerchief in front of the mirror). I'll go for a walk now; and Glasha will make the bed for us in the garden, mamma let us. In the garden, behind the raspberries, there is a gate, "Gostiny Dvor" is a specially built room, located in rows, where guests (as in the old days visitors - originally foreign - merchants were called) traded.
her mamma locks and hides the key. I took it away, and put another one on her so she wouldn't notice. Here, perhaps, will be needed.
(Gives the key.) If I see, I will say so to come to the gate. Katerina
(pushing away the key with dismay). For what! For what!
Not it is necessary, it is not necessary! Barbara. You don’t need it, I will need it; take it, he won't bite you. Katerina. What are you up to, sinful woman! Is it possible! Have you thought! What you! What you! Barbara. Well, I don’t like to talk a lot, and I don’t have time. It's time for me to walk.
(Leaves.)
Katerina
(alone, holding the key). What does she do that? What is she just coming up with? Oh, crazy, really crazy! Here is death! There she is! Throw it, throw it far away, throw it into the river so that they never find it. He burns his hands like coal.
(Thinking.) This is how our sister dies. In captivity, someone has fun! You never know what will come to mind. There was a case, another and glad: so headlong and rush. And how can this be possible without thinking, not judging something! How long does it take to get into trouble! And there you cry all your life, suffer; captivity will seem even more bitter.
(Silence.) And bondage is bitter, oh, how bitter! Who doesn't cry from her! And most of all we women. At least I am now! I live, I suffer, I don't see a glimpse of myself. Yes, and I will not see, know! What's next is worse. And now this sin is upon me.
(Thinks.) If it weren't for the mother-in-law! .. She crushed me ... she made the house hateful to me; the walls are even disgusting,
(Looks thoughtfully at the key.) Throw it? Of course, you have to quit. And how did he get into my hands? To temptation, to my ruin.
(Listens.) Ah, someone is coming. So the heart sank.
(Hides the key in his pocket.) No! .. Nobody! That I was so scared! And she hid the key ... Well, you know, he should be there! Apparently, fate itself wants it! But what a sin it is, if I look at him once, even from a distance! Yes, even though I’ll talk, it’s not a problem! But what about my husband! .. But he himself did not want to. Yes, maybe there won't be such a case in my entire life. Then cry for yourself: there was a case, but I did not know how to use it. What am I saying, what am I deceiving myself? I should at least die and see him. Who am I pretending to be! .. Throw the key! No, not for anything in the world! He's mine now ... Come what may, and I'll see Boris! Oh, if the night is quick! ..
The street. The gates of the Kabanovs' house, a bench in front of the gates.
Kabanova and Feklusha (sitting on a bench). F e klush a. The last times, Matushka Marfa Ignatievna, the last, by all indications, the last. You also have paradise and silence in your city, but in other cities it is just sodom ", mother: noise, running, ceaseless driving! People are just scurrying, one this way, the other here. Kabanova. we do not live in a hurry. Feklusha. No, mother, because you have a silence in the city, that many people, if only to take you, adorn themselves with virtues like flowers: that is why everything is done cool and decorous. Mother, what does it mean? After all, this is vanity! If only in Moscow: people run up and down, no one knows why. Here it is vanity, it is. Vanity people, mother Marfa Ignatievna, here they are running. It seems to him that he runs after business; he is in a hurry, poor man, he does not recognize people; he fancies that someone beckons him, but will come to the place, but empty, there is nothing, only one dream. And he will go in anguish. someone who is familiar. ”From the outside, a fresh person now sees that no one is there; de fog happens. Here on such a beautiful evening, rarely does anyone go out of the gate to sit; but in Moscow now there are gulbis and games, and there is a roar through the streets, there is a groan. Why, mother Marfa Ignatievna, they began to harness the fiery serpent 2: everything, you see, for the sake of speed. Kabanova. I heard, honey. Feklusha. And I, mother, saw it with my own eyes;
wi- Of course, others do not see anything from the bustle, so he is shown to them by a machine, they call it a machine, and I saw him "Sodom - according to the biblical myth, a city destroyed by God for the sins of its inhabitants; in a figurative sense sodom - disorder, disorder, turmoil. "The fiery serpent is a winged mythical monster that spewed flame during the flight. Feklusha calls the train of the railway a fiery serpent. paws like this
(spreads fingers) does. Well, and the groan that people of a good life, so hear. Kabanova. You can call it in every possible way, perhaps even call it a machine; the people are stupid, they will believe everything. And even though you showered me with gold, I won’t go. Feklusha. What extremes, mother! Save God from such a misfortune! And yet, Matushka Marfa Ignatievna, I had a certain vision in Moscow. I walk early in the morning, dawns a little more, and I see someone on the roof, standing on a tall, tall building, with a black face. ”You yourself know who. And he does it with his hands, as if pouring something, but nothing is pouring. Then I guessed that it was he who was pouring tares 2, and the people in the daytime in the bustle, "then he would pick up his own invisibly. That is why they run around, because their women are all so thin, they don’t work up their bodies in any way, but it’s as if they’ve lost something or what they are looking for: in the face of sadness, it’s even a pity. Kabanova. Anything is possible, my dear! In our times, why wonder! Feklusha. Hard times, mother Marfa Ignatievna, hard. And time has already begun to come into belittling. Kabanova. How so, dear, in belittling? Feklusha. Of course, not us, where do we notice in the hustle and bustle of something! But smart people notice that our time is getting shorter. It used to be that summer and winter drag on, drag on, you won’t wait until it’s over; and now you will not see how they fly by. The days and hours seem to have remained the same, but the time, for our sins, is getting shorter and shorter. That's what smart people say. Kabanova. And worse than that, honey, it will be. Feklusha. We just can't live to see this, Kabanova. Maybe we will live. Dikoy enters.
The same and Wild. Kabanova. What are you, godfather, wandering around so late? Wild. And who will forbid me! Kabanova. Who will forbid! Who needs! "There is someone with a black face. - Fekdusha takes the chimney sweep for an" unclean "devil. 2 Tares are a weed growing in bread: according to religious legends, the devil sowed tares, that is, he scattered various temptations, sins among people, crimes, etc. Wild. Well, and, therefore, there is nothing to talk. What
I am, under the command, eh, from whom? What are you still here! What the hell is the waterman! .. Kabanova. Well, don't open your throat very much! Find something cheaper than me! And I am dear to you! Go your way where you were going. Let's go, Feklusha, home.
(Rises.) Wild. Wait, godfather, wait! Do not be angry. You still have time to be at home: your home is not far off. Here it is! Kabanova. If you're busy, don't yell, but speak plainly. Wild. There is no business, and I am drunk, that's what. Kabanova. Well, will you now order me to praise you for this? Wild. Neither praise nor scold. And that means I'm drunk. Well, it's over. Until I sleep it off, this case cannot be fixed. Kabanova. So go to sleep! Wild. Where am I going? Kabanova. Home. And then where to! D and to about and. And if I don't want to go home? Kabanova. Why is this, let me ask you? Wild. But because I have a war going on there. Kabanova. Who is there to fight there? After all, you are the only warrior there, that is. Wild. Well then, what am I a warrior? Well, what of this? Kabanova. What? Nothing. And the honor is not great, because you have been fighting with women all your life. That's what. Wildly and. Well, then they must obey me. And then I, perhaps, will obey! Kabanova. I wonder a lot at you: you have so many people in your house, but they can't please one of you. Wildly and. Here you go! Kabanova. Well, what do you want from me? Wild. Here's what: talk to me so that my heart goes. You are the only one in the whole city who knows how to make me talk. Kabanova. Go, Feklushka, tell me to cook something to eat. Feklusha leaves. Let's go to the chambers! Wild. No, I will not go to the chambers, in the chambers I am worse. Kabanova. What made you angry, then? Wild. Since the morning from the very beginning. Kabanova. They must have asked for money. Wild. As if they had conspired, damned; then one, then another stick around all day. Kabanova. It must be necessary, if they stick. Wild. I understand this; but what will you order me to do with yourself when my heart is like that! After all, I already know that I must give, but I can’t do everything good. You are my friend, and I have to give you back, but if you come and ask me, I will scold you. I will give, I will give, but I will scold. Therefore, just give me a hint of money, I will start to kindle all my insides; he kindles all the insides, and that's all; well, and in those days I would never swear at a person. Kabanova. There are no elders over you, so you are swaggering. Wild. No, you, godfather, shut up! You listen! These are the stories that happened to me. Somehow I was fasting about a great fast, but here it’s not easy and slip the peasant: I came for money, brought firewood. And he brought him to sin at a time like this! He sinned: he scolded him, he scolded him so much that it was impossible to demand better, he almost nailed him. Here it is, what a heart I have! After asking forgiveness, he bowed at his feet, right so. Truly I tell you, I bowed to the peasant's feet. This is what my heart drives me to: here in the yard, in the mud, I bowed to him; bowed to him in front of everyone. Kabanova. Why do you bring yourself into your heart on purpose? This, godfather, is not good. Wild. How is it on purpose? Kabanova. I have seen, I know. If you see that they want to ask you for something, you will take it on purpose from yours to someone and pounce on to get angry; because you know that no one will go to you angry. That's what, godfather! Wild. Well, what is it? Who does not feel sorry for their good! Glasha enters. CHAPTER Marfa Ignatievna, we have a bite to eat, please! Kabanova. Well, godfather, come in. Snack what God sent. Wild. Perhaps. Kabanova. Welcome!
(Passes the Wild one ahead and goes after him.) Glasha, with folded hands, stands by
gate. Glasha. No way. Boris Grigorovich is walking. Isn't it for your uncle? Al walks like that? Must be walking like that. Boris enters.
Glasha, Boris, then Kul and Mr. B about r and s. Do you have an uncle? Glasha. We have. Do you want him? Boris. Sent from home to find out where he is. And if you have, then let him sit: who needs it. At home, they are glad, happy that he left. Glasha. Our mistress would have been after him, she would have stopped him soon. Well, I'm a fool, I'm standing with you! Goodbye.
(Leaves.) Boris. Oh, my God! Just look at her with one eye! You cannot enter the house: uninvited people do not go here. Here is life! We live in the same city, almost nearby, but you will see each other once a week, and then in a church or on the road, that's all! Here, what she got married, what was buried - all the same. Silence. I shouldn't have seen her at all: it would have been easier! And then you see in fits and starts, and even in public; with a hundred eyes looking at you. Only the heart breaks. Yes, and you can't go along with yourself in any way. You go for a walk, and you will always find yourself here at the gate. And why do I come here? You can never see her, and, perhaps, what kind of conversation will come out, you will lead her into trouble. Well, I got to the town! Kuligi goes to meet him and. K u l and g and n. What, sir? Would you like to walk? Boris. Yes, I'm walking myself, the weather is very nice today. K u l and g and n. Very well, sir, to walk now. The silence, the air is excellent, because of the Volga from the meadows it smells of flowers, the sky is clear ... An abyss has opened, full of stars, There are no stars, there is no bottom in the abyss. "Come, sir, to the boulevard, there is not a soul there. Boris. Let's go. ! Kuligin. This is what a town we have, sir! We've made a boulevard, they don't walk. They walk only on holidays, and then they pretend to be walking, and they themselves go there to show their outfits. The poor have no time to walk, sir, they have work day and night. And they sleep only three hours a day. But what are the rich doing? Pet. All the gates have long been locked, sir, and the dogs have been lowered ... Do you think they are doing business or are they praying to God? No, sir. And they do not lock themselves in from thieves, but so that people do not see how they eat their household Yes, the family is being tyrannized. And what tears are pouring behind these constipations, invisible and inaudible! What can you say, sir! You can judge by yourself. And what, sir, for this with them locks to the debauchery of dark and drunkenness! PI everything is sewn and covered - no one sees or knows anything, only one god sees! You, he says, look, in the people of me and on the street, but you don't care about my family; for this, he says, I have locks, and locks, and the dogs are angry. The family, he says, is a secret, secret! We know these secrets! From these secrets, sir, he only has fun, and the others howl like a wolf. What's the secret? Who doesn't know him! To rob orphans, relatives, nephews, to beat up home so that they would not dare to squeak about anything that he was doing there. That's the whole secret. Well, God bless them! Do you know, sir, who walks with us? Young guys and girls. So these people steal an hour or two from sleep, and they walk in pairs. Yes, here's a couple! Curly and Barbara are shown. They kiss. Boris. They kiss. K u l and g and n. There is no need for this. Kudryash leaves, and Varvara approaches her gates and beckons Boris. It fits.
Boris, Kulngin and Varvara. Kuligin. I’m going to the boulevard, sir. What's stopping you? I'll wait there. Boris. Okay, I'll be right there. Kul and g and n go out. Barbara
(covering herself with a handkerchief). Do you know the ravine behind the Boar Garden? Boris. I know. Barbara. Come back later. Boris. What for? Barbara. How stupid you are! Come: there you will see why. Well, go quickly, they are waiting for you. Boris leaves.
Not I found out! Let him think now. And I know very well that Katerina will not bear it, she will jump out.
(Goes out through the gate.)
Night. A ravine covered with bushes; at the top
--
the fence of the Kabanovs' garden and the gate; above - a path.
Curly
(included with a guitar). There is nobody. Why is she there!
Well, let's sit and wait.
(Sits on a stone.) Yes, out of boredom we will sing a song.
(Sings.) Like a Don Cossack, a Cossack led the horse to drink, Good fellow, he is already at the gate. Standing at the gate, he himself thinks, the Duma thinks, how he will ruin his wife. As a wife, a wife indignant to her husband, Soon my feet bowed to him: "Oh, you, father, are you, my dear friend! Don't hit, don't ruin me from the evening! sleep for my little kids, Little kids, all my neighbors. " Boris enters.
Kudryash and Boris. Curly
(stops singing). Look you! Humble, humble, and also went into revelry.
Boris. Curly, is that you? Curly. I, Boris Grigorich!
Boris. Why are you here? Curly. What am I? Therefore, I need, Boris Grigorich, if I am here. I would not have gone unnecessarily. Where is God taking you? Boris
(looks around the area). Here's what, Kudryash: I would need to stay here, but you, I think, do not care, you can go to another place. Curly. No, Boris Grigorich, you, I see, are here for the first time, but I already have a familiar place here and I have trodden the path. I love you, sir, and I am ready for any service to you; and on this path you do not meet with me at night, so that, God forbid, what sin does not come out. An agreement is better than money. Boris. What's the matter with you, Vanya? Curly. Yes that: Vanya! I know that I am Vanya.
A you go your own way, that's all. Start yourself up, and go for a walk with her, and no one cares about you. Don't touch strangers! It's not like that with us, otherwise the guys will break their legs. I’m for my ... Yes, I don’t know what I’ll do! I’ll break my throat. Boris. It is in vain that you are angry; I don't even have to beat you off. I wouldn't have come here if they hadn't told me to. Curly. Who ordered? Boris. I couldn’t make it out, it was dark. Some girl stopped me in the street and told me to come exactly here, behind the Kabanovs' garden, where the path is. Curly. Who would that be? Boris. Listen, Curly. Can I have a heart-to-heart talk with you? Curly. Speak, don't be afraid! I have all one thing that died. Boris. I don't know anything here
nor your orders,
nor customs; but the thing is ... Curly. Did you love who or what? Boris. Yes, Curly. Curly. Well, that's okay. We are not free about this. The girls walk for themselves as they want, father and mother do not care. Only the women are locked up. Boris. That's my grief. Curly. So you really fell in love with a married woman? Boris. Married, Kudryash. Curly. Eh, Boris Grigorich, quit nadot! Boris. Easy to say - quit! It may be all the same to you; you will throw one, and you will find another. I can't do that! If I fell in love ... Curly. After all, this means that you want to ruin her completely, Boris Grigorich! Boris. Save it, Lord! Save me, Lord!
Not, Curl, as you can. Do I want to destroy her! I just want to see her somewhere, I don't need anything else. Curly. How, sir, to vouch for yourself! But what a people here! You yourself know. They will eat it, hammer it into the coffin. Bori s. Oh, don't say that, Curly, please, don't scare me! Curly. Does she love you? Boris. Do not know. K u d r i sh. Did you see each other when no? Boris. I was only once with them with my uncle. And then I see in the church, we meet on the boulevard. Oh, Curly, how she prays, if only you looked! What an angelic smile she has on her face, but from her face it seems to shine. Curly. So this is young Kabanova, eh? Boris. She, Curly. Curly. Yes! So that's it! Well, we have the honor to congratulate! Boris. With what? Curly. But how! It means that things are going well for you, since they were ordered to come here. Boris. So did she tell? Curly. Who else? Boris. No, you're kidding! It can't be.
(Grabs his head.) Curly. What's wrong with you? B about r and s. I’ll go crazy with joy. Curly. Bot! There is something to go crazy with! Only you look - don’t make trouble for yourself, and don’t get her into trouble either! Suppose, even though her husband is a fool, but her mother-in-law is painfully fierce. Varvara comes out of the gate.
The same and Varvara, then Katerina. Barbara
(sings at the gate). Across the river, beyond the fast, my Vanya walks, There my Vanya walks ... Curly
(continues). The goods are purchased.
(Whistling.) Barbara
(walks down the path and, covering his face with a handkerchief, approaches Boris). You boy wait. You will wait for something.
(To Curly.) Let's go to the Volga. Curly. What have you been taking so long? Wait for you yet! You know I don’t like it! Varvara embraces him with one hand and leaves. Boris. As if I see a dream! This night, songs, goodbyes! They walk hugging each other. This is so new to me, so good, so fun! So I'm waiting for something! And what I'm waiting for - I don't know, and I can't imagine; only the heart beats and every vein trembles. I can’t even think of something to say to her now, it takes my breath away, my knees buckle! When my stupid heart suddenly begins to boil, there is nothing to calm it down. Here comes it. Katerina quietly walks down the path, covered with a large white handkerchief, her eyes down to the ground. Is that you, Katerina Petrovna? Silence. How can I thank you, I don’t know. Silence. If you only knew, Katerina Petrovna, how I love you!
(He wants to take her hand.) Katerina
(fearfully, but not looking up). Don't touch, don't touch me! Ahah! Boris. Do not get angry! Katerina. Come from me! Go away, cursed man! Do you know: after all, I cannot forgive this sin, never pray! After all, he will lie like a stone on the soul, like a stone. Boris. Don't chase me! Katerina. Why did you come? Why have you come, my destroyer? After all, I'm married, because my husband and I live to the grave! Boris. You yourself told me to come ... Katerina. Understand me, you are my enemy: after all, to the grave! Boris. I'd better not see you! Katerina
(with excitement). After all, what am I preparing for myself? Where do I belong, you know? Boris. Take it easy!
(Takes her hand.) Sit down! Katerina. Why do you want my destruction? Boris. How can I want your destruction, when I love you more than anything in the world, more than myself! Katerina.
Not, No! You ruined me! Boris. Am I what a villain? Katerina
(shaking his head). Ruined, ruined, ruined! Boris. God save me! I'd rather die myself! Katerina. Well, how could you not have ruined me, if, after leaving my house, I go to you at night. Boris. It was your will. Katerina. I have no will. If I had my own will,
not I would go to you.
(He raises his eyes and looks at Boris.) A little silence. Your will is over me now, can't you see!
(Throws herself around his neck.) Boris
(hugs Katerina). My life! Katerina. You know? Now I suddenly wanted to die! Boris. Why die if we live so well? Katerina. No, I can't live! I know I can't live. Boris. Please do not say such words, do not grieve me ... Katerina. Yes, you feel good, you are a free Cossack, and
I am!.. Boris. No one will ever know about our love. Will I really not regret you! Katerina. Eh! That to pity me, no one is to blame - she went for it herself. Do not regret, ruin me 1 Let everyone know, let everyone see what I am doing!
(Hugs Boris.) If I was not afraid of sin for you, will I be afraid of human judgment? They say that it is even easier when one suffers for some sin here on earth. Boris. Well, what to think about it, blessing we are now good! Katerina. And then! I’ll have time to think and cry at my leisure. Boris. And I was scared; I thought you'd send me away. Katerina
(smiling). Drive away! Where is it! Whether with our heart! If you hadn't come, I think I would have come to you myself. Boris. I didn’t know that you love me. Katerina. I love it for a long time. As if for a sin you came to us. As I saw you, I didn't really belong. From the very first time, it seems, if you had beckoned me, I would have followed you; if you had even gone to the ends of the world, I would have followed you and would not have looked back. Boris. How long did the husband leave? Katerina. For two weeks. Boris. Oh, so we'll take a walk! Time is enough. Katerina. Let's take a walk. And there...
(thinking) when they are locked up, here is death! And they won't lock you up, so I'll find a chance to see you! Enter KUDRYASH and VARVARA.
The same Kudryash and Varvara. Barbara. Well, have you settled? Katerina hides her face on Boris's chest. Boris. Sweetened. Barbara. Would go, take a walk, and we will wait. When necessary, Vanya will shout. Boris and Katerina leave. Curly and Varvara sit on a stone. Curly. And you invented this important thing, to climb into the garden gate. It is very capable for our brother. Barbara. All I. Curly. Take it for you. And the mother won't miss it? Barbara. Eh! Where to her! It won't even hit her forehead. Curly. Well, for a sin? Barbara. Her first dream is sound; here in the morning, so wakes up. Curly. But who knows! Suddenly, it will not be easy to lift. Barbara. Well then! We have a gate, which is from the courtyard, from the inside, from the garden; knock, knock, and so it goes. And in the morning we will say that we were fast asleep, did not hear. Yes, and Glasha guards; just a little, she will now give a voice. It is impossible without fear! How can you! Look at that, you will get into trouble. Kudryash plays a few guitar chords. Varvara rests on Kudryash's shoulder, who, ignoring him, plays quietly. Barbara
(yawning). How do you know what time it is? Curly. First. Barbara. How do you know? Curly. The watchman beat the board. Barbara
(yawning). It's time. Shout it out. Tomorrow we will leave early, so we will take a little walk. Curly
(whistles and sings loudly). All home, all home, And I don't want to go home.
Boris (behind the scenes). I hear! Barbara
(rises). Well, goodbye.
(Yawns, then kisses coldly, like a long time ago.) Tomorrow, look, come
early! (Looks in the direction where Boris and Katerina went.) Will you say goodbye, do not part forever, see you tomorrow.
(Yawns and stretches.) Katerina runs in, followed by Boris.
Kudryash, Varvara, Boris and Katerina. Katerina
(To the barbarian). Well, let's go, let's go!
(They go up the path. Katerina turns around.) Goodbye. Boris. Till tomorrow! Katerina. Yes, see you tommorow! What will you see in a dream, tell me!
(Goes to the gate.) Boris. Certainly. Curly
(sings to the guitar). Walk, mlada, for the time being, Until the evening before dawn! Ay leli, for the time being, Until the evening before dawn. Barbara
(at the gate). And I, mlada, for the time being, Until the morning before dawn, Ay leli, for the time being, Until the morning before dawn! Leave. Curly. As the zoryushka got busy, And I went home ... and so on.
In the foreground is a narrow vaulted gallery of an old building that is beginning to collapse; in some places there is grass and bushes behind the arches - the bank and a view of the Volga.
Several walkers of both sexes pass through the arches. 1st. Is it raining, no matter how a thunderstorm gathers? 2nd. Look, it will come together. 1st. It's also good that there is where to hide. All enter under the vaults. I AM? e n sch and n a. And what about the people walking on the boulevard! It's a holiday, everyone's been promoted. The merchants are so discharged. 1 - and. Hide somewhere. 2nd. Look, that now the people are packed here! 1st
(examining the walls). But here, my brother, someday, it means that it was planned. And now it also means in places. 2nd. Well, yes, of course! It goes without saying that it was scheduled. Now, look, everything is wasted, "it fell apart, overgrown. After the fire, they did not fix it. You don’t even remember this, this will be forty years old. 1st. What would it be, my brother, here It is rather difficult to understand it. 2nd. This is Gehenna 2 fiery. And every rank. 1st. And the araps? 2 - and. And the araps. 1 - and. And this, my brother, what is it? 2nd. And this is the Lithuanian ruin 3. The battle - do you see?
How ours fought with Lithuania. 1st. What is this - Lithuania? 2 - and. So she is Lithuania. 1 - and. And they say, my brother, she fell on us from the sky. 2nd. I can't tell you. From the sky so from the sky. Female. Interpret again! Everyone knows that from the sky; and where there was any fight with her, there were burial mounds for memory. 1 and. And what, my brother! It's so sure! Enter DIKOY, and behind him Kul and Mr and N without a hat. Everyone bows and takes a respectful posture.
The same Dikoy and Kuligin. Wild. Look you, everything has soaked.
(To Kuligin.) Leave me alone! Leave me alone!
(With heart.) Foolish man! Kuligin. Savel Prokofich, after all, this, your degree, "is good for all ordinary people in general. Wild. Go away! What is the use! Who needs this benefit? Kuligin. Yes, at least for you, your degree, Savel Prokofich. I wish, sir, on the boulevard, in a clean place, and deliver.
(shows with gestures the size of each item), a copper plate, so round, and a hairpin, here's a straight hairpin
(gesturing) the simplest one. I’ll fix it all and cut out the numbers myself. Now you, your dignity, when you deign to walk or others who are walking, now come up and see what time it is. And that kind of place is beautiful, and the view, and everything, but it seems empty. We, too, your degree, and passers-by are, they go there to see our views, after all, decoration - it is more pleasant for the eyes. Wild. Why are you bothering me with all sorts of nonsense! Maybe I don’t want to talk to you. You should have known first whether I was in the mood to listen to you, a fool, or not. What am I to you - even, or what! Look, what an important job you have found! So right with a snout, and climbs to talk. Kuligin. If I were climbing with my business, well, then it would be my fault. And then I'm for the common good, yours. degree. Well, what does it mean for society some ten rubles! More, sir, will not be needed. Wild. Or maybe you want to steal; who knows you. Kuligin. If I want to donate my labors, what can I steal, your degree? Yes, everyone here knows me, no one will say bad things about me. Wild. Well, let them know, but I don’t want to know you. Kuligin. Why, sir Savel Prokofich, would you please to offend an honest man? Wild. I’ll give you a report! I don’t give a report to anyone more important than you. I want to think so of you, I think so. For others, you are an honest person, but I think that you are a robber, that's all. Would you like to hear it from me? So listen! I say that a robber, and the end! Why are you going to sue, or what, you will be with me? So you know that you are a worm. If I want - I will have mercy, if I want - I will crush. Kuligin. God be with you, Savel Prokofich! I am, sir, a little man, I will not offend for long. And I'll tell you this, your rank: "And virtue is honored in rags!" Perhaps you will think of doing something for the city sometime. You have a lot of strength, your rank; you only have the will for a good deed. If only now we will take it: we have frequent thunderstorms, and we will not start thunderbolts 2 . Wild
(proudly). All is vanity! Kuligin. But what kind of fuss was there when the experiments were? Wild. What kind of thunder taps do you have there? To the league p. Steel. Wild
(with anger). Well, what else? K u l and g and n. Steel poles. Wild
(more and more angry). Heard that the poles, you are like a viper; and what else? Adjusted: poles! Well, what else? K u l and g and n. Nothing more. Wild. Yes, a thunderstorm, what do you think, huh?
Well, speak. Kuligin. Electricity. Wild
(stamping his foot). What other elegance there is! Well, how are you not a robber! A thunderstorm is sent to us as punishment, so that we feel, and you want to defend yourself with poles and rods of some sort, God forgive me. What are you, Tatar, or what? Are you a Tatar? Oh, speak! Tatar? Kuligin. Savel Prokofich, your rank, Derzhavin said: I decay with my body in dust, I command thunder with my mind 3. Wild. And for these words to send you to the mayor, so he will ask you! Hey, honorable ones, listen to what he says! Kuligin. There is nothing to do, you have to submit! But when I have a million, then I'll talk.
(With a wave of his hand, leaves.) Wild. What are you going to steal, or something, from someone! Keep it! Such a fake little man! With these people, what kind of person should be? I don’t know.
(Addressing the people.) Yes, you damned people, at least lead someone into sin! I didn’t want to be angry today, but, as if on purpose, he did. Let him fail!
(Angrily.) Has it stopped raining? 1st. Seems to have stopped. Wild. Seems! And you, fool, go and see. And then - it seems! 1st
(coming out from under the vaults). Has ceased! Dikoy leaves, and all the rest of them follow him. The stage is empty for some time.
Under Varvara quickly enters the vaults and, hiding, looks out.
Varvara and then Boris. Barbara. It seems he is! Boris passes at the back of the stage. Ss-ss! Boris looks around.
Go here.
(He beckons with his hand.) Boris enters. What are we to do with Katerina? Be merciful! Boris. And what? Barbara. The trouble is, and that's all. The husband has arrived, do you know that? And they did not expect him, but he came. Boris. No, I didn't know .; Barbara. She just did not become herself! Boris. Apparently, I was the only one who lived a dozen days, so far! He was absent. You won't see her now! Barbara. Oh, what are you! Listen! Everything trembles, as if a fever were beating; so pale, rushing about the house, as if looking for what. Eyes like a madman! Just now in the morning, the poster has begun, and is sobbing. My priests! what should I do with her? Boris. Yes, maybe it will pass with her! Barbara. Well, hardly. She does not dare to look at her husband. Mamma began to notice this, she walked around and everything, looked sideways at her, and looked like a snake; and it makes it even worse. It’s just agony to look at her! Yes, and I'm afraid. Boris. What are you afraid of? V a r v a r a. You do not know her! She's kind of wonderful with us. From her everything will become! Will do such things that ... Boris. Oh my god! What to do then? You should have had a good talk with her. Is it really impossible to persuade her? Barbara. I tried it. And he doesn't listen to anything. Better and stay away. Boris. Well, what do you think she can do? Barbara. But what: thumps at her husband's feet and will tell everything. That's what I'm afraid of. Boris
(with dismay). Could it be? Barbara. Everything can be from her. Boris. Where is she now? Barbara. Now my husband and I have gone to the boulevard, and mamma is with them. Go through, if you want. No, it’s better not to go, otherwise she, perhaps, will be completely confused. A thunderclap in the distance. Is it a thunderstorm?
(Looks out.) And the rain. And here the people tumbled down. Hide there somewhere, and I'll stand in plain sight so that they don't think of anything. Several persons of different rank and gender are included.
Various faces and then Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Kuligin. 1st. The butterfly must be very much afraid that it is in such a hurry to hide. Female. Yes, no matter how you hide! If it’s written to someone, you won’t go anywhere. Katerina
(running in). Oh, Barbara!
(Grabs her hand and holds her tight.) Barbara. Full of what you are! Katerina. My death! Barbara. Yes, you change your mind! Collect your thoughts! Katerina. Not! I can not. I can’t do anything. My heart really hurts. Kabanova
(entering). That's it, you have to live in such a way as to always be ready for anything; fear would not have happened. Kabanov. But what, mamma, her sins can be special: they are all the same as we all have, and this is so she is naturally afraid. Kabanova. How do you know? Someone else's soul is dark. Boars
(jokingly). Is it possible without me, something, and with me, it seems, there was nothing. Kabanova. Maybe without you. Boars
(jokingly). Katya, repent, brother, it is better if you are sinful in what. After all, you cannot hide from me: no, you are naughty! I know everything! Katerina
(looks into Kabanov's eyes). My dear! Barbara. Well, what are you bothering about! Can't you see that it's hard for her without you? Boris leaves the crowd and bows to Kabanov. Katerina
(exclaims). Oh! Kabanov. What are you scared! You thought - a stranger? This is an acquaintance! Is Uncle healthy? Boris. God bless! Katerina
(To the barbarian). What else does he want from me? .. Or is it not enough for him that I am so tormented.
(Leaning towards Barbara, sobs.) Barbara
(loudly so the mother can hear). We knocked off our feet, we do not know what to do with her; and then outsiders climb!
(He makes a sign to Boris that he goes to the very exit.) Kuligin
(steps out into the middle, addressing the crowd). Well, what are you afraid, pray tell! Now every grass, every flower rejoices, but we are hiding, we are afraid, as if we are in trouble! The storm will kill! This is not a thunderstorm, but grace! Yes, grace! You are all thunderstorm! The aurora borealis will light up, one should admire and marvel at wisdom: "the dawn is rising from the midnight countries," "and you are horrified and come up with: it’s to war or to the sea. Whether a comet is coming, I wouldn’t take my eyes off! Beauty! The stars are already there. take a closer look, all the same, and this is a new thing; well, I would look and admire! And you are afraid to look at the sky, it takes you a shiver! Out of all, you scared yourself. Oh, people! I'm not afraid Come on, sir! Boris. Come on! It's worse here!
The same without Boris and Kuligin. Kabanova. Look what kind of races you lit 2. There is something to listen to, nothing to say! Now the times have come, some teachers have appeared. If the old man thinks like that, what can we demand from the young! "From midnight countries the dawn rises ..." - from MV Lomonosov's ode "Evening Reflection". 2 Racei to breed - to chat empty. Racea is a long instruction, a lesson. Female. Well, the whole sky is overlaid. Exactly with a hat, and covered. 1st. Eco, my brother, it’s as if a cloud is twisting in a ball, but what’s living in it is tossing and turning. And so it crawls on us, and creeps like a living one! 2nd. Remember my word that this thunderstorm will not pass in vain! I tell you truly; because I know. Either he will kill someone, or the house will burn down, you will see: therefore, look what color is not signed
\
Katerina
(listening). What they're saying? They say they will kill someone. K a b a n o v. It is known that they fence in such a way, in vain, what comes to mind. Kabanova. Do not judge yourself when you are older! They know more than you do. Old people have all the signs.
an old man he won't say a word to the wind. Katerina
(to her husband). Tisha, I know KorV will kill.
Barbara (To Katherine quietly). You should at least be silent. C a b a n o v a. How do you know? Katerina. It will kill me. Pray for me then. (Enter the Lady with the footmen.) Katerina hides with a cry.
The same and B aryn I. Lady. What are you hiding? There is nothing to hide! Apparently you're afraid: you don't want to die! I want to live! How not to want to! - you see what a beauty. Ha ha ha! Beauty! And you pray to God to take away the beauty! Beauty is our destruction! You will ruin yourself, you will seduce people, and then rejoice in your beauty. Many, many people will be sinned! Heifers go out to fights, stab each other with swords. Fun! Old, pious old people forget about death, they are tempted by beauty! And who will be responsible? You will have to answer for everything. Better in the maelstrom with beauty! Yes, hurry, hurry! Katerina is hiding. Where are you hiding, silly? You can't get away from God! Everything in the fire will burn in the inextinguishable!
(Leaves.)
Katerina. Oh! I'm dying! In a r in a r a. Why are you suffering, really? Stand to the side and pray: it will be easier. Katerina
(goes to the wall and kneels, then quickly jumps up). Oh! Hell! Hell! Fiery Gehenna! Kabanov, Kabanova and Varvara surround her. My whole heart was torn! I can’t take it anymore! Mother! Tikhon! I am a sinner before God and before you! Didn't I swear to you that I wouldn't look at anyone without you! Remember, remember? Do you know what I, dissolute, did without you? On the very first night I left home ... Kabanov
(confused, in tears, tugs at her sleeve). Not it is necessary, it is not necessary, do not speak! What you! Mother is here! Kabanova
(strictly). Well, well, tell me, if you have already begun. ^ Katerina. And all ten nights I walked ...
(Sobs.) Kabanov wants to hug her. Kabanova. Throw her! With whom? Barbara. She is lying, she herself does not know what she is saying. Kabanova. Shut up! That's it! Well, with whom? Katerina. With Boris Grigorovich. Thunderclap.
Oh! (Falls unconscious into her husband's arms.) Kabanova. What, son! Where will the will lead! Spoke
I am, so you didn't want to listen. So I waited!
Scenery for the first act. Dust.
Kul and gin (sitting on a bench), Kabanov (walking along the boulevard). Kuligin
(sings). The heavens were covered with darkness at night. All people have already closed their eyes for peace ... "and so on.
(Seeing Kabanov.) Hello sir! How far will you please? Kabanov. Home. Heard, brother, our business? The whole family, brother, was in disorder. K u l and g and n. I heard, I heard, sir. Kabanov. I went to Moscow, you know? On the way, mamma read, read instructions to me, but as soon as I left, I went on a spree. I’m very glad that I broke free. And he drank all the way, and in Moscow he drank everything, so it’s a bunch of things! So that you can take a walk for a whole year. I never remembered about the house. Yes, even if I remembered something, it wouldn't even have occurred to me what was going on. Heard? K u l and g and n. I heard, sir. Kabanov. I am unhappy now, brother, man! So for nothing am I dying, not for a penny! K v l and g and n. Mamma, you are very cool. Kabanov. Well, yes. She's the reason for everything. And why am I dying, tell me at my mercy? I went to Dikiy's, well, they drank; I thought it would be easier, no, worse, Kuligin! What my wife did against me! It couldn't be worse ... Kuligin. Tricky business, sir. It's tricky to judge you. Kabanov. No, wait! Even worse than that. Killing her for this is not enough. Here mamma says: she must be buried alive in the ground so that she can be executed! A. I love her, I am sorry to touch her with a finger. He beat me a little, and even then my mother ordered. It’s a pity to me to look at her, you must understand this, Kuligin. Mamma eats her at a meal, and she, like a shadow, walks unrequited. It just cries and melts like wax. So I am killed, looking at her. Kuligin. Somehow, sir, it’s okay to do something! You would forgive her, and you would never remember. Themselves, tea, is also not without sin! Kabanov. What can I say! Kuligin. Yes, so as not to reproach under a drunken hand. She would be a good wife for you, sir; look - better than any. Kabanov. But you must understand, Kuligin: I would be fine, but mamma ... unless you can conspire with her! .. Kuligin. It's time for you, sir, to live with your own mind. Kabanov. Well, me, to burst, or what! No, they say, their own mind. And, therefore, live a century as a stranger. I'll take and drink the last one as it is; then let mamma look after me like a fool. Kuligin. Eh, sir! Business, business! Well, and Boris Grigorich, sir, what? Kabanov. And he, the scoundrel, to Tyakhta ", to the Chinese. Uncle to a familiar merchant, some kind of sends there to the office. For three years he is there. Kulagin. Well, what is he, sir? Just now, my uncle and I pounced on him, we were scolding, scolding, "he is silent. He's just like a wild man. With me, he says what you want, do it, just don't torment her! And he has pity for her, too." K u l and g and n. He's a good man, sir. Kabanov. I got ready, and the horses are ready. So longing, trouble! I can see that he wants to say goodbye. Well, you never know what! Will be with him. He's my enemy, Kuligin! It is necessary to tell him apart so that he knows ... Kul and g and n. Enemies must be forgiven, sir! Kabanov. Come on, talk to mamma what she has to say to you about that. So, brother Kuligin, our whole family is now split apart. Not like relatives, but like enemies to each other. Varvara's mamma sharpened and sharpened, but she could not endure, and she was like that - she took it and left. Kuligin. Where did you go? Kabanov. Who knows. They say she ran away with Kudryash and Vanka, and they won't find him anywhere either. This, Kuligin, must be said frankly that it was from mama; therefore she began to tyrannize and lock her. "Do not lock," he says, "it will be worse!" And so it happened. What am I to do now, tell me? Teach me how to live now? I’m sick of the house, I’m ashamed of people; Now I am going home: for joy, what am I going? The GLAsh enters. CHAPTER Tikhon Ivanitch, father! Kabanov. What else? CHAPTER It's not well at home, father! Kabanov. God! So one to one! Say what is it? CHAPTER Yes, your mistress ... Kabanov. Well? Died, eh? Glasha. No, father; gone somewhere, we will not find it anywhere. Iskamsha knocked off their feet. Kabanov. Kuligin, you must, brother, run to look for her. I, brother, do you know what I'm afraid of? As if she did not lay hands on herself out of longing! She really misses, so misses that ah! Looking at her, my heart breaks. What did you watch? How long has she gone? Glasha. Recently, father! Already our sin, overlooked. And even then to say: you will not be afraid for every hour. Kabanov. Well, why are you standing there, run? Glasha leaves. And we'll go, Kuligin! Leave. The stage is empty for some time. Katerina comes out from the opposite side and quietly walks across the stage.
Katerina
(one)"No, nowhere! Is he doing something now, poor man? I just say goodbye to him, and then ... and then at least die. Why did I bring him into trouble? It's not easier for me to die!" I alone! And then she ruined herself, ruined him, dishonor to herself - eternal obedience to him! 2 Yes, dishonor to herself - eternal obedience to him.
(Silence.) Should I remember what he said? How did he feel sorry for me? What words did you say?
(Takes his head.) I don't remember, I forgot everything. Nights, nights are hard for me! Everyone will go to sleep, and I will go; all nothing, but to me - as to the grave. So scary in the dark! Some kind of noise will be made, and they sing, as if someone is being buried; only so quietly, barely audible, far, far away from me ... You will be so glad to see the Light! But I don't want to get up: again the same people, the same conversations, the same torment. Why are they looking at me like that? Why is it not being killed today? Why did they do this? Before, they say, they killed. They would have taken and thrown me into the Volga; I would be glad. "Execute you," they say, "so the sin will be removed from you, and you live and suffer your sin." Yes, I was really exhausted! How long will I still suffer? Why should I live now? Well, what for? I don't need anything, nothing is cute to me, and the light of God is not cute! And death does not come. You call her, but she doesn't come. Whatever I see, whatever I hear, only here
(points to heart) hurt. Even if I could live with him, maybe I would have seen some kind of joy ... Well: it doesn't matter, I have ruined my soul. How bored I am of him! Oh, how bored I am of him! If I don't see you, then at least hear me from afar! The winds are violent, you will bear him my sadness-longing! Fathers, I'm bored, bored!
(He approaches the shore and loudly, at the top of his voice.) My joy, my life, my soul, I love you! Please respond!
(Cries.) Boris enters.
Katerina and Boris. Boris
(without seeing Katerina). Oh my God! It's her voice! Where is she?
(Looks around.) Katerina
(runs up to him and falls on his neck). I saw you!
(Crying on his chest.) Silence. Boris. Well, so we cried together, God said. Katerina. Have you forgotten me? Boris. How to forget that you are! Katerina. Oh no, not that, not that! Are you angry at me? Boris. Why should I be angry? Katerina. Well, forgive me! I didn't mean to hurt you; yes, she was not free in herself. What she said, what she did, she did not remember herself. Boris. Full of what you are! What are you! Katerina. Well, how are you? How are you now? Boris. I'm going. Katerina. Where are you going?
Boris. Far away, Katya, to Siberia. Katerina. Take me with you from here! Boris. I can't, Katya. I am not going by my own will: my uncle is sending, the horses are already ready; I only asked my uncle for a minute, I wanted to say goodbye at least to some place, where we saw each other. Katerina. Ride with God! Don't grieve for me. At first, only will it be boring for you, the poor, and then you will forget. Boris. What is there to talk about me! I am a free bird. How are you? What is the mother-in-law? Katerina. Torments me, locks me up. He says to everyone and says to her husband: "Don't believe her, she is cunning." Everyone follows me all day long and laughs right in my eyes. At every word, everyone reproaches you.
Boris. What about your husband? Katerina. Either affectionate, now angry, but everyone drinks. Yes, he hated me, hated me, his caress is worse than beatings to me. Boris. Is it hard for you, Katya? Katerina. It’s so hard, so hard that it’s easier to die! Boris. Who knew that for our love we suffer so much with you! Better to run to me then! Katerina. Unfortunately, I saw you. I saw little joy, "but grief, grief, what? And how much more to come! Well, why think about what will happen! Now I saw you, they will not take this away from me; and I have nothing more But I needed to fade you. Now it became much easier for me, as if a mountain had fallen off my shoulders. And I kept thinking that you were angry with me, cursing me ... Boris. What are you, what are you! Katerina. No, I’m not saying that; I wanted to say not that! I was bored with you, that’s what, well, I saw you ... Boris. They wouldn’t have caught us here! Katerina. Wait, wait! Something I wanted to tell you ... I forgot! I had to say something! Everything is confused in my head, I don’t remember anything. Boris. Time for me, Katya! Katerina. Wait, wait! Boris. Well, what can you say- Katerina I’ll tell you now.
(Thinking.) Yes! If you go on the road, don't let a single beggar pass by like that, give everyone and order them to pray for my sinful soul. Boris. Ah, if these people knew what it is like for me to say goodbye to you! Oh my God! God grant that someday they would be as sweet as it is for me now. Goodbye Katya!
(He hugs and wants to leave.) You villains! Fiends! Eh, if only strength! Katerina. Wait, wait! Let me have a last look at you.
(Looks into his eyes.) Well, it will be with me! Now God be with you, go. Go, go quickly! Boris
(takes a few steps away and stops). Katya, something is wrong! Are you thinking of something? I will be worn out dear, thinking about you. Katerina. Nothing, nothing. Ride with God! Boris wants to go to her.
Not it is necessary, it is not necessary, enough! Boris
(sobbing). Well, God bless you! Only one thing and need to ask God, that she died as soon as possible, so that she does not suffer for a long time! Goodbye!
(Bows.) Katerina. Goodbye! Boris leaves. Katerina sees him off with her eyes and stands for some time thinking.
Katerina
(one). Where to now? Go home? No, it's all the same for me to go home or to the grave. Yes, what is home, what is to the grave! .. what is to the grave! It's better in the grave ... There is a grave under the tree ... how good! .. The sun warms her, wets her with rain ... in the spring the grass will grow on it, so soft ... the birds will fly to the tree, they will sing, the children will be brought out, the flowers bloom: yellow, red, blue ... all sorts
(thinks) all sorts of ... So quiet, so good! It seems to me easier! And I don’t want to think about life. Live again? No, no, don't ... it's not good! And people are disgusting to me, and the house is disgusting to me, and the walls are disgusting! I won't go there! No, no, I will not go ... You come to them, they go, they say, but what do I need it for?
Oh, it has become dark! And they are singing again somewhere! What are they singing? You can't tell ... I should die now ... What are they singing? It's all the same that death will come, that it itself ... but you can't live! Sin! Will they not pray? Whoever loves will pray ... Fold their hands crosswise ... in a coffin? Yes, so ... I remembered. And they will catch me and bring me home by force ... Ah, hurry, hurry!
(Comes to the shore. Loudly.) My friend! My joy! Goodbye!
(Leaves.) Enter Kabanova, Kabanov, Kuligin, and a worker with a flashlight.
Kabanov, Kabanova and Kuligin. Kuligin. They say they saw it here. Kabanov. Yes, this is correct? Kuligin. They speak directly to her. Kabanov. Well, thank God, at least they saw it alive. Kabanova. And you were already scared, burst into tears! There is something.
Not worry: we will toil with her for a long time. Kabanov. Who knew that she would go here! The place is so crowded. Who would think of hiding here. Kabanova. See what she does! What a potion! How she wants to withstand her character! People with lanterns gather from different sides. One of the people. What have you found? Kabanova. Something that is not. Failed exactly where. Several voices. It's a parable! "Here's an opportunity! And where could she go! One of the people. Yes, there will be! Another. How not to be found! The third. Look, she will come. Voices behind the scene:" Hey, boat! "
Kuligin (from the shore). Who is screaming? What's in there? Voice: "The woman threw herself into the water!" Kuligin and several people run after him.
The same, without Kuligin. Kabanov. Fathers, she is this!
(He wants to run.) Kabanova holds his hand. Mamma, let me go, my death! I’ll pull it out, otherwise I’ll do it myself ... What can I do without her! Kabanova. I won’t let it go, and don’t think! Because of her, let yourself be ruined, is it worth it! Little did she do to us, she started something else! Kabanov. Let me go! Kabanova. There is someone without you. I will curse if you go! Boars
(falling to my knees). At least take a look at me
on the her! Kabanova. Pull out - you will look. Boars
(gets up. To the people). What, darlings, can't you see what? 1st. It's dark below, you can't see anything. Noise behind the scene. 2nd. As if they were shouting something, but you couldn't figure it out.
1st. Yes, this is Kuligin's voice. 2nd. They walk along the shore with a lantern. 1st. They come here. There they are carrying her too. Several people are returning. One of the returnees. Well done Kuligin! Here, close by, in a pool, near the shore with fire, it can be seen far into the water; he dress and saw and pulled her out. Kabanov. Alive? Another. Where is she already alive! She threw herself high: there is a cliff, yes, she must have hit the anchor, hurt herself, poor girl! And exactly, guys, as if alive! Only on the temple is a small wound, and only one, as there is one, a drop of blood. Kabanov rushes to run; towards him Kulagin and the people are carrying Katerina.
The play takes place in a fictional city on the Volga - Kalinov (). In the very first act, one can discern a gloomy picture of the customs and life in this place: the rich merchant Dikoy scolds his nephew Boris, who has arrived from Moscow, the local intellectual Kuligin delivers his main monologue about the cruel morals in the city (on this topic). And, of course, this is where the wealthy widow of the merchant Kabanikha, her son Tikhon and his wife Katerina appear.
Varvara - the daughter of Kabanikha - main character Katerina (here she is) opens her soul. We immediately notice her dreaminess and sincerity thanks to the monologue "Why don't people fly like birds?" The girl also talks about life in the parental home, and with the naked eye it is clear that Katerina suffers in marriage. She is uncomfortable with her mother-in-law husband and ignorant mother-in-law. The spouse does not defend his wife from the attacks of his mother, but goes to rest in a tavern. In addition, in the course of a conversation with Varvara, Katerina reveals her secret to her and confesses her feelings for Boris, Diky's nephew from Moscow.
The well-built plot is interrupted by an old merchant's wife with threats (here she is). And now it's time for the first thunderstorm.
Act II
The second act of the play is opened by the worker Glasha and the wanderer Feklusha, who tells stories. In the meantime, Tikhon says goodbye to his mother and wife and leaves for a while, and Kabanikha does not waste time - he only does what he teaches and reproaches. She makes her daughter-in-law cry and wail in public in order to prove that she loves her husband. Katerina obeys reluctantly.
Infiltrating Katerina, Varvara (her characteristic) gives her the key to the gate so that she can meet with Boris at night. However, Katerina doubts the necessity and correctness of this undertaking. Do not forget that the heroine is very God-fearing, and marriage for her is not an empty phrase, so it is not so easy for her to agree to such meetings.
Act III
If at the beginning of the play Kuligin (his characterization) still talked about the beauty of nature, then closer to the key moment the patriarchal merchants of the city come to the fore, and in a conversation with Boris Kuligin pronounces his second monologue "This is what, sir, we have a town!" ... There he denounces the old residents of the city and their vices: tyranny, greed and evil (their collective image).
Boris tells Kudryash about Katerina and her "angelic smile", and notices that when she prays, "it seems to shine from her face."
And Varvara had already invited Boris to a date with Katerina, and by the end of the third act of the drama, the meeting of the heroes had already taken place.
Act IV
Ten days have passed. Kuligin tells Dikoy about his desire to make a clock and a lightning rod for the city, but Dikoy is only indignant in response to his proposal. He believes that lightning and thunderstorms are the consequences of the fact that Elijah the Prophet gallops across the sky in a chariot. Kuligin objects that it is electricity.
Tikhon returns, and Katerina does not find a place for herself because of her betrayal. Varvara even decides to tell Boris about Katerina's feelings. Simultaneously with the culmination of the drama in Kalinov, a thunderstorm comes again.
But on the boulevard, Katerina still does not stand up and confesses to Tikhon of treason, and even does it in the presence of Kabanikha, who, unlike her son, is not capable of forgiveness.
Action V
Closer to the end of the play, Tikhon opens up to readers. He is frankly sorry for his wife, he even admits to Kuligin that he loves her very much and is killed looking at her. But it is too difficult for him to resist his mother.
Katerina comes to Boris, however, on the orders of his uncle, he leaves for Siberia. The girl asks Boris to take her with him, but he refuses her, fearing the wrath of his uncle. So, Katerina finds herself in complete despair: she does not know where to go, because there is no way home. So she comes to the decision that she will be better in the grave.
Begin active searches Katerina, and the news is announced that "The woman threw herself into the water!" The reader understands that Katerina could not stand such a state, and really preferred death. Tikhon was sitting next to his dead wife and, as if not believing in what was happening, had already managed to repulse his mother, claiming that it was she who killed her. It is striking that Tikhon even envied Katerina, not understanding why he “remained to live in the world and suffer?”.
Interesting? Keep it on your wall!
We give for you summary plays from school curriculum Ostrovsky's "Thunderstorm" for an introduction to the main storylines.
The play takes place in the fictional district town of Kalinov on the banks of the Volga.
Step 1
The Dikoy merchant - tyrant, spiteful and greedy - chastises his nephew Boris in front of the inhabitants of the city. Dikoy is the only relative of Boris and his sister, and by agreement he will write off his property to them if they are obedient and obedient in everything.
When Dikoy leaves, Boris confesses to his acquaintances Kuligin and Kudryash that it is difficult for him to live in the city of Kalinov, since he does not understand the local traditions at all.
Kuligin is convinced that an honest deed will not bring profit here. He dreams that he will invent something useful for humanity, for example, a lightning rod. The wanderer Feklusha passing by assures everyone that their city is the promised land.
Boris clearly realizes that dreams of inventing mechanisms are unrealizable. He also realizes that he does not want to spend all his youth in this godforsaken place.
Alone with himself, Boris recalls the girl he fell in love with - Ekaterina Kabanova. The trouble is, she's married.
Katerina, her husband Tikhon, his mother the merchant Kabanova and sister Varvara appear. Mother reproaches Tikhon that she is tired of him, that his wife is more important to him, that he will soon forget about reverence for her. Tikhon was tired of these lectures, but he continues to humiliate himself in front of his mother. Katerina also convinces her mother-in-law otherwise. But Kabanikha frankly regrets that her son is a mumble and that his wife will not be afraid of such a husband. These are her views on what a family should be.
Tikhon reluctantly agrees with her. When she leaves, she complains about her life and, in frustration, goes to drink to the Wild.
Varvara and Katerina are frank with each other. Katerina recalls her childhood and adolescence, how happy she was, admits that she no longer loves her husband, that she feels the closeness of the end of her life.
Varvara, wanting to calm Katerina, hints to her about a relationship with Boris.
An insane Lady appears on the square, screaming that beauty is pulling into a whirlpool. The old woman's words alarmed Katerina. Subsequently, they turned out to be prophetic.
Kabanov returns and the family goes home.
Step 2
Tikhon needs to go to another city for two weeks. The family will have a farewell ceremony led by Kabanikha. Kabanov repeats the instructions for his wife after his mother: do not contradict, honor your mother-in-law as your mother, do not sit around, do not look at the guys. These words humiliate both Tikhon and his wife. Katya does not leave a premonition of the approaching tragedy. She begs her husband not to leave or to take her with him. But he firmly decided to take a walk in the wild, breaking free from the oppression of his mother.
Katerina hugs her husband goodbye, but Kabanova makes her bow at his feet. The mother-in-law complains that modern youth have completely forgotten about the rules and traditions of life in their county town. She scolds Katya for not crying about her husband's departure. The merchant's wife is glad that there is an older generation in the house who will teach you how to live.
Lonely Katerina is alarmed by the silence. She is bored. Throws about children, about self-realization in some kind of work.
Varya goes for an evening walk and quietly tells Katya that she did not close the gate, hinting at the possibility of meeting Boris. The girl doubts, she wants to remain a faithful wife.
Boris also understands the immorality of his feelings for a married woman, but wants to see her.
Step 3
For the elderly, Kabanikha's house is a paradise, only here all the old foundations are observed. Moscow for them is a sinful city that makes people unhappy.
Dikoy appears. He is drunk and wants to have a heart-to-heart talk. He complains that everyone needs money from him, that he is very unhappy with his nephew. Boris comes up to the house in search of his uncle. She and Kuligin see Varya and Kudryash kissing. The girl hints to Boris that Katerina is waiting for him at the ravine.
Lovers meet, confess their feelings to each other, make a new meeting.
Step 4
10 days have passed. Tikhon returns.
People are walking in the city square. You can see how a thunderstorm is moving on the city. Dikoy scolds Kuligin for the stupid, in his opinion, desire to invent a lightning rod.
The crowd disperses. The stage is empty. Thunder rumbled.
Katerina is brooding and sad. Tikhon, seeing that something terrible is happening to his wife, asks her to tell about everything. Boris comes up to them, bows. Katya turns pale and almost faints. Varya with a gesture asks Boris to leave, fearing that everything might open up to his mother.
People are vigorously discussing the approaching storm. Katya whispers to Tikhon that this element will destroy her. Nobody understands her condition. Varya offers to pray, and Kabanov calls his wife home.
The Crazy Lady shouts, addressing Katerina, that one cannot leave God, that it is time to go to the pool. The girl, in a fit of madness, confesses everything to her husband and mother-in-law - while her husband was away for a week and a half, she walked with Boris.
Step 5
Tikhon confesses to Kuligin that he could have forgiven Katerina if not for the teachings of his mother. He believes that his mother is partly to blame for Katya's betrayal - she ate her in food. The family finally breaks up. Varvara escapes with Curly.
Katerina disappears, everyone rushes to look for her.
Katya is alone on the river bank. She is sure that she destroyed her lover with her. She calls Boris, he comes to her call. He consoles her, but says that he is forced to go to Siberia and cannot take her with him. Katya asks him to pray for her. When Boris leaves, she throws herself into the river.
Shot from the film "Thunderstorm" (1977)
First half of the 19th century The fictional Volga town of Kalinov. Public garden on the high bank of the Volga. The local self-taught mechanic Kuligin talks with young people - Kudryash, the clerk of the rich merchant Dikiy, and the tradesman Shapkin - about the rough antics and tyranny of the Dykiy. Then Boris appears, Dikiy's nephew, who, in response to Kuligin's questions, says that his parents lived in Moscow, educated him at the Commercial Academy, and both died during the epidemic. He came to Dikoy, leaving his sister with his mother's relatives in order to receive part of his grandmother's inheritance, which Dikoy must give him according to his will, if Boris is respectful to him. Everyone assures him: on such conditions, Dikoy will never give him money. Boris complains to Kuligin that he can’t get used to life in the house of the Wild, Kuligin talks about Kalinov and ends his speech with the words: "Cruel manners, sir, in our city, cruel!"
Kalinovtsy disperse. Together with another woman, the wanderer Feklusha appears, praising the city for "blah-a-lepie", and the Kabanovs' house for its special generosity to the wanderers. "Kabanovs?" - Boris asks: "Prude, sir, clothe the beggars, and ate the family altogether," explains Kuligin. Kabanova comes out, accompanied by his daughter Varvara and son Tikhon with his wife Katerina. She grumbles at them, but finally leaves, letting the children walk down the boulevard. Varvara lets Tikhon go secretly from his mother to have a drink at a party and, left alone with Katerina, talks to her about domestic relationships, about Tikhon. Katerina talks about her happy childhood in her parents' house, about her fervent prayers, about what she is experiencing in the church, imagining angels in a sunbeam falling from the dome, dreams of spreading her arms and flying and, finally, confesses that “something is wrong with her something". Varvara guesses that Katerina has fallen in love with someone, and promises to arrange a date upon Tikhon's departure. This proposal horrifies Katherine. A crazy lady appears, threatening that "beauty is leading to the very pool", and prophesies hellish torments. Katerina is terribly frightened, and then "the thunderstorm is coming," she urges Varvara to pray home to the icons.
The second action, which takes place in the Kabanovs' house, begins with Feklusha's conversation with the maid Glasha. The wanderer asks about the household chores of the Kabanovs and transmits fabulous stories about distant countries, where people with dog-headed heads "for infidelity," etc. Katerina and Varvara who appear, collecting Tikhon on the road, continue the conversation about Katerina's hobby, Varvara calls the name of Boris, reports bow from him and persuades Katerina to sleep with her in the gazebo in the garden after Tikhon's departure. Kabanikha and Tikhon come out, the mother tells her son to severely punish his wife how to live without him, Katerina is humiliated by these formal orders. But, left alone with her husband, she begs him to take her on a trip, after his refusal she tries to give him terrible oaths of allegiance, but Tikhon does not want to listen to them: "You never know what comes to mind ..." Returning Kabanikha orders Katerina to bow her husband's feet. Tikhon leaves. Varvara, leaving for a walk, informs Katerina that they will spend the night in the garden, and gives her the key to the gate. Katerina does not want to take it, then, after hesitating, hides it in her pocket.
The next action takes place on a bench at the gate of the Kabanovsky house. Feklusha and Kabanikha talk about " last times", Feklusha says that" for our sins "" the time has come to be belittled ", talks about railroad("They began to harness the fiery serpent"), about the vanity of Moscow life as a devilish obsession. Both are waiting for even worse times. Dikoy appears with complaints about his family, Kabanikha reproaches him for his erratic behavior, he tries to be rude to her, but she quickly stops it and takes him to the house for a drink and a bite. While Dikoy treats himself, Boris, sent by the Diky family, comes to find out where the head of the family is. After completing the assignment, he exclaims with anguish about Katerina: "If only with one eye to look at her!" Returning Varvara tells him to come at night to the gate in the ravine behind the Kabanovsky garden.
The second scene represents the youth's nighttime festivities, Varvara comes out on a date to Kudryash and tells Boris to wait - "you will wait for something." A meeting between Katerina and Boris takes place. After hesitations, thoughts of sin, Katerina is unable to resist the awakened love. “Why feel sorry for me - no one is to blame,” she went for it herself. Do not regret, ruin me! Let everyone know, let everyone see what I am doing (hugs Boris). If I was not afraid of sin for you, will I be afraid of human judgment? "
All the fourth action, which takes place on the streets of Kalinov, - on the gallery of a dilapidated building with the remains of a fresco representing fiery hell, and on the boulevard - takes place against the backdrop of a gathering and finally breaking out of a thunderstorm. It starts to rain, and Dikoy and Kuligin enter the gallery, who begins to persuade Dikiy to give money to install a sundial on the boulevard. In response, Dikoy scolds him in every possible way and even threatens to declare him a robber. Having endured the abuse, Kuligin begins to ask for money for a lightning rod. At this point Dikoy confidently declares that it is a sin to defend against the thunderstorm sent as punishment "with poles and rods of some kind, God forgive me." The stage is empty, then Varvara and Boris meet in the gallery. She reports on the return of Tikhon, Katerina's tears, Kabanikha's suspicions and expresses fear that Katerina will confess to her husband of treason. Boris begs to dissuade Katerina from confessing and disappears. Enter the rest of the KABANOVS. Katerina awaits with horror that she, who has not repented of her sin, will be killed by lightning, a mad lady appears, threatening with hellish flames, Katerina can no longer hold herself in place and publicly confesses to her husband and mother-in-law that she “walked” with Boris. Kabanikha gloatingly declares: “What, son! Where will the will lead; So I waited! "
The last action is again on the high bank of the Volga. Tikhon complains to Kuligin about his family grief, about what his mother says about Katerina: “She must be buried alive in the ground so that she could be executed!” "And I love her, I'm sorry to touch her with a finger." Kuligin advises to forgive Katerina, but Tikhon explains that under Kabanikh this is impossible. He speaks not without pity about Boris, whom his uncle sends to Kyakhta. The maid Glasha enters and reports that Katerina has disappeared from the house. Tikhon is afraid that “out of melancholy she might lay hands on herself!”, And together with Glasha and Kuligin leaves to look for a wife.
Katerina appears, she complains about her desperate situation in the house, and most importantly, her terrible longing for Boris. Her monologue ends with a passionate spell: “My joy! My life, my soul, I love you! Respond! " Boris enters. She asks him to take her with him to Siberia, but realizes that Boris's refusal is caused by the complete impossibility of leaving with her. She blesses him on his way, complains about the oppressive life in the house, about her disgust for her husband. Having said goodbye to Boris forever, Katerina alone begins to dream of death, of a grave with flowers and birds that "will fly to the tree, sing, and take children." "Live again?" she exclaims in horror. Approaching the cliff, she says goodbye to the departed Boris: “My friend! My joy! Goodbye!" and leaves.
The stage is filled with alarmed people, in the crowd and Tikhon with his mother. A shout is heard behind the stage: "The woman threw herself into the water!" Tikhon tries to run to her, but his mother does not let him in with the words: "I will curse if you go!" Tikhon falls to his knees. After a while, Kuligin brings in Katerina's body. “Here's your Katerina. Do what you want with her! Her body is here, take it; and the soul is not yours now; she is now before a judge who is more merciful than you! "
Rushing to Katerina, Tikhon accuses his mother: "Mamma, you ruined her!" and, not paying attention to the menacing shouts of Kabanikha, falls on the corpse of his wife. “Good for you, Katya! Why am I left to live in the world and suffer! " - with these words of Tikhon the play ends.
Retold
It is difficult to overestimate the contribution of Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky to Russian drama. The recognition of his services to the national theater was evidenced by the scientific title of Corresponding Member Petersburg Academy sciences. His house hospitably opened the doors to Lev Nikolaevich Sergeevich Turgenev, Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, Pyotr Ivanovich Tchaikovsky. Popular fame was brought to him by the drama "The Thunderstorm". The subject of this article is its summary. "Thunderstorm" in action (and there are 5 of them in the drama) takes place in the fictional Volga city of Kalinov.
Action 1. Characteristics of the city of Kalinova
The first action takes place in a garden laid out on the Volga bank. The self-taught engineer Kuligin is talking with the clerk of the merchant Savel Prokofich Diky - Vanya Kudryash. Later, Diky's educated nephew, Boris, joins their conversation. We hear from them a capacious and impartial description of the order in this district town. The tyranny of the Wild flourishes here, on the one hand, and the sanctimonious morality of the merchant Martha Ignatievna Kabanova (nicknamed Kabanikha), on the other. Dikiy, apparently, plans to appropriate part of the inheritance belonging to Boris.
Rudeness and Jesuitism flourish in the city. It is preached by the wealthiest townspeople. If Savel Prokofich brazenly, shouting and swearing, rob his workers, constantly not paying them their salaries, then Marfa Ignatievna treats her household (daughter-in-law Katerina, son Tikhon and daughter Varvara) more subtly - with constant reproaches and teachings. At the same time, each of his attacks Kabanikh can explain "according to concepts": they say, so it is, etc. Her morality is "impenetrable." It is no coincidence that the "Thunderstorm" begins with an assessment of the foundations of the city. The summary of the actions in the future rests entirely on this capacious description.
Act 2. In the house of Kabanikha
We become witnesses of the action in the house of the merchant Kabanikha. The wanderer Feklusha talks with the courtyard girl Glasha. The holy fool praises the generosity of the Kabanovs' house and tries to interest the listeners with primitive inventions about the way of life in "distant countries." Ostrovsky's play The Thunderstorm depicts charlatanism ironically. A summary of the chapters shows us the real culprit of the tragedy.
The merchant's daughter Varvara carelessly plays the role of a pimp. Her daughter-in-law Katerina liked Diky's nephew, Boris. Katerina Tikhon's husband is leaving on business. His sister, whose life convictions - "everything is possible, if the ends are in the water", collecting her brother on the road, at the same time persuades his wife, Katerina, to cheat. To do this, she came up with a cunning "combination" with the substitution of the mother's key from the gate.
Katerina, in her own way, is trying to remain faithful to her husband. Asks Tikhon to take her with him. And when he refuses, then she, as usual among the people, tries to bind herself with an oath, through which she cannot step over. But the close-minded Tikhon interrupts her here too.
Step 3. Date
The meeting between Katerina and Boris is the main idea of this episode of the drama, its summary. "Thunderstorm" in action takes place in different parts of the provincial Kalinov. The street in front of Kabanikha's house is visible. At first, the drunken Savel Prokofievich "grapples" with the merchant's wife. True, "one field of the berry" will soon be reconciled. Then they are replaced by the philosophizing Kuligin, then a kissing couple - Kudryash and Varvara. Varya, who is overly self-motivated, makes an appointment for Boris on behalf of Katerina near the Kabanovs' garden in a ravine. Finally, the date itself takes place. Moreover, Kudryash and Varvara and Boris and Katerina appoint him in the same place. True, then the couples disperse.
Katerina ardently confesses her love to Boris. However, as you can see, the latter has a mercantile, consumerist attitude to love. He does not understand, and most likely cannot understand what treasure is the soul of Katerina. He did not pass the test of love, little man. Blinded by feelings, Katerina, of course, does not notice these nuances.
Act 4. Climax
Misdemeanor and retribution - such is the summary of many dramas. The "thunderstorm" in action brings us to its climax. It is raining, and Kalinov is at the mercy of a thunderstorm. At the beginning of the action, the tradesman Kuligin proves to the merchant Dikiy the need to arrange lightning rods in the city. But a cunning miser in a boorish way insults a self-taught engineer and turns the conversation to the fact that a thunderstorm is God's punishment. However, many people think so. Katerina, who has committed adultery, trembles with lightning. She is not reassured by Kuligin's admonitions about the nature of electricity. What happens is that Varvara feared: frightened by the admonitions of a crazy lady who appeared like a devil from a snuffbox, accompanied by lackeys, Katerina confesses her betrayal to her husband Tikhon. Should we expect generosity from him? Unlikely.
Act 5. Tragedy
"Can happiness be where humiliation and hypocrisy reign?" - we invisibly hear a rhetorical question playwright reading a summary. "Thunderstorm" in action carefully draws the images of the heroes, giving them an exhaustive description. Drunk Tikhon talks to Kuligin. He tells how he drank deeply during a trip to Moscow, about how he “beat up” Katerina a little for treason. (Mother told me so.) She is glad that Uncle Savel Prokofich is sending Boris to Siberia. From his words we learn that Varya fled to Kudryash from the tyranny of Marfa Ignatievna's mother.
At this time, Katerina is looking for a meeting with Boris. Seeing him, he persuades him to take her on a trip to Siberia. After refusing, she meekly asks the young man to pray for her sinful soul. But even this does not penetrate the weak-willed young man. Its last phase is deeply indicative: "Eh, if only there were strength!" This is a phrase of complete moral bankruptcy. Katerina does not want to return to the hateful house of Kabanikha, she jumps into the Volga and drowns in it. Kuligin accuses Marfa Ignatievna and Tikhon of unmerciful attitude towards Katerina. Tikhon blames his mother, considering himself unhappy.
conclusions
Shocked by the strength of the playwright's talent, the critic Dobrolyubov wrote a brilliant article about "The Thunderstorm" "A Ray of Light in the Dark Kingdom." In it, he showed that unfulfilled dreams of happiness in marriage, as well as the pernicious atmosphere in the Kabanovs' house, led Katerina to commit suicide. Moreover, this act, in the understanding of Dobrolyubov, acquired the features of a personality protest. The critic Pisarev did not agree with him, pointing out the underdevelopment of reason, intuition and heightened emotionality of Katerina, which led her to. However, the dispute between these two prominent critics can be judged by the words of the classic Goncharov that “ kind heart"Is more valuable than a sophisticated mind.
