Mitrofanushka

Mitrofanushka - the main character of the comedy by D. I. Fonvizin - is a collective image, he is lazy and frivolous, he can be perceived as an allegory of a somewhat feeble-minded fool.

Fonvizin worked on the comedy for about three years. The play premiered in 1782. There is also a text, presumably from the early 1760s, on the same subject and with the same title, but with different characters and plot (the so-called "Early Undergrowth"); it is not known whether this piece belongs to the young Fonvizin or to some anonymous predecessor of his.

Like other plays of the era of classicism, "Undergrowth" is straightforward in its problems. The work is dedicated to the condemnation of the traditional noble education and the "malice", "savagery" of the provincial nobility. The characters of the comedy are clearly divided into positive and negative, they are given speaking names (Prostakovs, Skotinins, Mitrofan - "mother's manifestation" in Greek, Starodum, Milon, Sophia - "wisdom" in Greek, Tsyfirkin, Vralman, Kuteikin). However, the comedy gained immense popularity among the public and readers not only because of the skillfully posed socio-political issues, but also because of the extremely vivid and vital images of negative characters (the positive ones turned out to be rather reasoners conveying the author's point of view), liveliness of dialogue, humor, many quotes that quickly entered the proverb (“I don’t want to study, I want to get married”, “Here are worthy fruits of evil-mindedness”), the names of Mitrofanushka and Prostakova became common nouns.

Mitrofanushka, undersized, the son of the Prostakov landowners. He is considered undersized as he is 16 years old and has not reached the age of majority. Observing the decree of the king, Mitrofanushka studies, but does it with great reluctance. He is distinguished by stupidity, ignorance and laziness (scenes with teachers).

Mitrofan is rude and cruel. He does not put his father in anything, mocks teachers and serfs. He takes advantage of the fact that his mother does not have a soul in him, and turns her around as she wants.

Mitrofan “stopped” in his development, that is, his character as a mediocre tyrant useless for society can be considered already formed. Sophia says about him: “Although he is sixteen years old, he has already reached the last degree of his perfection and will not go far.”

Mitrofan combines the features of a tyrant and a slave. When Prostakova's plan to marry her son to a rich pupil, Sofya, fails, the undergrowth behaves like a slave. He humbly asks for forgiveness and humbly accepts "his sentence" from Starodum - to go to serve ("For me, where they are told"). Slave upbringing was instilled in the hero, on the one hand, by the serf nanny Eremeevna, and, on the other hand, by the whole world of the Prostakovs-Skotinins, whose concepts of honor are perverted.

Through the image of Mitrofan, Fonvizin shows the degradation of the Russian nobility: from generation to generation, ignorance increases, and the rudeness of feelings reaches animal instincts. It is not for nothing that Skotinin calls Mitrofan "the damned ingot." The reason for such degradation is in the wrong, disfiguring upbringing.

Mitrofanushka, as a traditional figure of noble life (especially provincial), Fonvizin endowed with generic features of the Prostakovo-Skotininsky "nest". In the house of his parents, Mitrofanushka is the main "amusing person" and "entertainer", an inventor and a witness to all stories like the one that he dreamed of in a dream: how mother beat the father. It is a textbook known how Mitrofanushka took pity on his mother, who was busy with the heavy duty of beating her father. Mitrofanushka's day is marked by absolute idleness: fun in the dovecote, where Mitrofanushka escapes from lessons, is interrupted by Eremeevna, who begs the "child" to learn. Having blabbed to his uncle about his desire to marry, Mitrofanushka immediately hides behind Eremeevna, “an old bastard”, in his words, ready to lay down her life, but “child” “do not give out”.

The boorish arrogance of Mitrofanushka is akin to his mother’s manner of treating households and servants: “freak” and “dead” - husband, “dog daughter” and “bad mug” - Eremeevna, “beast” - girl Palashka. If the intrigue of the comedy revolves around the marriage of Mitrofanushka to Sofya, longed for by the Prostakovs, then the plot is focused on the topic of education and teaching of an underage teenager. This is a traditional topic for educational literature. The underage teachers were selected in accordance with the norm of the time and the level of understanding of their task by the parents. Here Fonvizin emphasizes the details that speak of the quality of choice, which is characteristic of the prostakov family: the German Vralman teaches the undersized Mitrofanushka in French, the exact sciences are taught by retired sergeant Tsyfirkin, who “does a little arithmetic”, the grammar is “educated” seminarian Kuteikin, dismissed from “ any teaching" with the permission of the consistory.

Hence, in the famous scene of Mitrofanushka's exam, Mitrofan's outstanding invention of ingenuity about the noun and adjective door, hence the intriguing fairy-tale ideas about the story told by the cowgirl Khavronya. On the whole, the result was summed up by Mrs. Prostakova, who was convinced that "without science, people live and lived."

The hero of Fonvizin is a teenager, almost a youth, whose character is stricken with a disease of dishonesty that spreads to every thought and every feeling inherent in him. He is unscrupulous in his attitude towards his mother, by whose efforts he exists in comfort and idleness, and whom he abandons at the moment when she needs his consolation. Comic image robes are funny only at first glance. V. O. Klyuchevsky attributed Mitrofanushka to a breed of creatures “related to insects and microbes”, characterizing this type with inexorable “reproduction”. Thanks to the hero Fonvizin, the word "undergrowth" (previously neutral) became a household name for a loafer, lazybones and lazybones.

The image of Mitrofanushka and the very concept of "undergrowth" became a household word. Now they say that about ignorant and stupid people.

Comedy D. I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth" is named after an ignoramus and a loafer. Mitrofanushka is one of the central characters in the play. Laziness, inaction, selfishness and indifference are its main internal qualities. Description of Mitrofan allows us to say about the generalized image of the nobility.

Relationships with parents

Mitrofan is very fond of his parents. Mother - Mrs. Prostakova - idolizes her son. She is really ready for everything for him. Prostakova raised Mitrofanushka in such a way that he did not know how to live for real. In life, he was not interested in anything, he was not familiar with problems and life difficulties, since his parents did everything so that Mitrofanushka would not encounter them. This fact strongly influenced Mitrofanushka's attitude to his own life: he felt his permissiveness. At the heart of the hero's life was laziness and apathy, the desire to achieve only his own goals related to peace.

The protagonist saw how his mother treats his father. Prostakov did not play a big role in their family. This was the reason that Mitrofan did not take his father seriously either. He grew up insensitive and selfish, not even showing love to his mother, who in turn loved him very much. The character demonstrated such an indifferent attitude towards his mother in the finale of the work: Mitrofanushka refuses to support Mrs. Prostakova with the words “Yes, get rid of you, mother, how you imposed yourself.”

Such a quotation characteristic fully indicates the results of permissiveness and blind parental love. D. I. Fonvizin demonstrated how such love has a detrimental effect on a person.

Life goals

The characterization of Mitrofan from the comedy "Undergrowth" is largely determined by his attitude to life. Mitrofanushka has no lofty goals. He is not adapted to real life, so his main actions are sleeping and eating peculiar foods. The hero does not pay attention either to nature, or to beauty, or to the love of his parents. Instead of studying, Mitrofanushka dreams of her marriage, while never thinking about love. Mitrofanushka never experienced this feeling, therefore marriage for him is what is accepted in society, which is why he so wants to get married. Mitrofanushka wastes her life without thinking about any large-scale goals.

Attitude towards learning

The image of Mitrofanushka, in short, personifies a negative attitude towards education. In "Undergrowth" the story about Mitrofan's studies is very comical. The hero was engaged in education only because it was supposed to be so in society. Ms. Prostakova herself, who decided to hire teachers for Mitrofan, considered science to be empty. This greatly influenced the worldview of the child, who, like the mother, began to consider education a waste of time. If it were possible to leave education, Mitrofan would gladly do it. However, the decree of Peter I, which is tacitly mentioned in The Undergrowth, obliged all nobles to take a training course. Education and knowledge for Mitrofanushka becomes a duty. The mother of the hero could not instill desire in her son, so he began to believe that he could do without knowledge. For four years of study, he did not achieve any results. Mitrofanushka's teachers also contribute to ignorance, for whom only material values ​​were important. Mitrofanushka treats her teachers with disrespect, calling them various names. He saw his superiority over them, so he allowed them to behave like that.

In this material you will find information about the meaning of the male name Mitrofan, its origin, history, learn about the interpretation of the name.

Full name - Mitrofan

Synonyms for the name - Mitrofaniy, Mitrya

Origin - Latin, "having a glorious mother"

Zodiac - Cancer

Planet - Moon

Green color

Animal - fur seal

Plant - Violet

Stone - Coral

The name from Latin is interpreted as "having a glorious mother." It is believed that the grace of God will descend on the child who was baptized by him. In Constantinople, Saint Mitrofan was the first patriarch. He healed people and lived a long righteous life.

This boy is strongly exposed to maternal influence. Independence is a trait that is not inherent in him. Not without reason, many of us with this name immediately recall Fonvizinsky's "Undergrowth".

Mitrofan is an attentive boy, ready to come to the rescue. Spirituality, kindness and peacefulness are qualities that are characteristic of a guy. Only these features the young man tries to hide. He has a well-developed intuition, she often helps a guy out, protects him from sharp turns in life.

Despite his modesty, Mitrofan wants to be at the center of the company. His mind is rich in ideas that are distinguished by their unusualness and novelty. A young man will not believe every word and take everything at face value - every fact must be proven.

The guy knows how to handle money, he creates a cozy and comfortable environment around him. But he should measure his desires with real possibilities.

Mitrofan has an acute desire to start something new and unusual. And although he works diligently, he lacks willpower to complete the work he has begun. And excessive self-confidence and the ability to lie often interfere with a young man. Having dreamed, the guy is capable of an unjustified risk, which will not help at all, but will only spoil the situation.

Love named after Mitrofan

The good-natured boy immediately draws the attention of the beautiful half of humanity. He not only likes it, but it is vital. The guy does not think of himself without love. Even at school, he begins to pay close attention to girls. But not on their classmates, but older girls. Yes, even such beauties who do not look at him at all. Already at this age, Mitrofan understands that the female half prefers successful and rich men. Therefore, he sets himself the goal of becoming a financially independent guy.

Having learned to earn good money, the young man becomes a true heartthrob. He easily wins the hearts and feelings of impregnable beauties, often changing them. His intuition and mind help him make the moments of parting painless for both. To many of his former mistresses, he subsequently becomes a true friend and adviser.

Sexuality of the name Mitrofan

Intimately, he is tireless. And after parting with him, many women are ready to experience sex with him again. But the man correctly gets rid of their claims.

Marriage and family named after Mitrofan

His wife should be spectacular, sexy, beautiful, young. For her, he will create ideal conditions: comfortable living, maintaining a figure and purchasing expensive outfits. The wife will visit beauty salons, expensive boutiques. But the house should be clean, comfortable, smell delicious, and a romantic dinner should always be ready in the living room. Mitrofan will not mind if his wife meets him dressed as Eve.

His house is hospitable, loved by friends and relatives. A man takes an active part in parties, helps his wife in the kitchen, surprises everyone with his culinary delights.

At the birth of children, Mitrofan becomes more serious and decisive. He wants to be a role model. But his kindness knows no bounds and dad cannot refuse the guys anything. Unfortunately, the man continues to get involved in young women. And if the wife finds out about his betrayal, then he will shower her with gifts, and so on until the next time.

Business and career

Mitrofan confidently begins to master the chosen profession. No difficulties and surprises will stop him if he decides to succeed in this field. Because of his rich imagination, creative professions are suitable for him. Here a man realizes his potential, and at the same time he will receive a worthy reward. Can become a famous musician, philosopher, astronomer. The respect of colleagues is very important for him, he will not do vile deeds, but he will not tolerate scoundrels in his environment either.

The meaning of the name Mitrofan in character

In childhood, this is a calm and reasonable child. He studies normally, does not conflict at school, listens to his parents. The guys respect him and try to be friends with him. In response, Mitrofan reciprocates. The boy can give the last, always help or advise. The problems of friends for him are perceived as personal. But, it is better not to deceive him, he does not forgive lies, he will not give anyone a second chance.

A teenager has a sick pride, you should not forget about this when you communicate with him. Even an insignificant word can offend him, and then the friendship is over. There will be no sharp showdowns or scandals - communication will simply stop, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to return his good disposition.

Teen Mitrofan

The young man has a great imagination. His real life is hidden from outsiders. Dreams become reality, in a fictional image, he will definitely appear as a hero. In reality, among his like-minded people, Mitrofan is ready to become the soul of the company, he has a well-developed sense of humor. He always wants it.

Successful people and stars:

Mitrofan Borisovich Grekov - artist

Mitrofan Pyatnitsky - leader and founder of the choir

Mitrofan Zverev - scientist

Mitrofan Khandrikov - astronomer

Perfect Compatibility: Agatha, Vasilisa, Christina, Glafira

Unfortunate compatibility: Albina, Kapitolina

According to D. and N. Zima

The meaning and origin of the name: "The manifestation of the mother" (Greek)

The energy of the name and character: It so happened that thanks to the work of Denis Fonfizin and in particular his play "Undergrowth", the name of his main character - Mitrofanushka - at one time was almost a household name. Of course, this manifested itself in different strata of society in different ways, but today the name Mitrofan has practically fallen into disuse and looks like it’s completely outdated. Most likely, a person with that name will feel rather uncomfortable in society, and Mitrofan's pride can become quite painful. In some cases, this leads to the development of an inferiority complex, while in others it inclines a person to search for ways of self-assertion in society. If Mitrofan knows how to treat his name with humor, then it can be accepted by society rather favorably. So, today, in near-bohemian companies, all sorts of funny and outdated names, such as Mitrofan, Feofan, and the like, are becoming fashionable, which, if they are skillfully presented, can favorably distinguish a person from the owners of familiar and therefore faceless names. In addition, many Mitrofans prefer to change their name to a more neutral one, like, say, Mitya, although this does not completely save them from self-esteem injections.

In general, Mitrofan is usually quite good-natured, hardworking and, moreover, has a wonderful imagination. Sensitive pride and some passion inherent in the energy of his name make him live more of an inner life, hidden from the eyes of others. It is not surprising if dreams replace reality for him. It is quite possible that in public Mitrofan will be somewhat closed, but in a close circle, where no one questions his dignity, he may well become the soul of the company. Especially if his character is not alien to a sense of humor.

From these positions, Mitrofan could well realize his talents in any creative profession, however, for full-fledged success, he still needs to smooth out his pride and gain self-confidence.

Secrets of communication: In a conversation with Mitrofan, do not forget that you are dealing with a painfully proud person. Let him not be prone to conflicts and will not challenge you to a duel if you insult him in some way, all the same, you are unlikely to return Mitrofan's disposition.

The trace of a name in history:

Mitrofan Pyatnitsky

The famous Pyatnitsky choir is considered one of the most prestigious in Russia and is known throughout the world, but today few people know about the person who founded this choir. Meanwhile, the life path of Mitrofan Pyatnitsky (1864-1927) can be called truly worthy: not strewn with roses, he was marked by incomprehensible willpower, perseverance and talent of this outstanding person.

A musician, performer and collector of folk songs, Pyatnitsky grew up in the family of a deacon and studied at a religious school, but he always considered music to be the main business of his life. For twenty-four years he worked as a simple clerk in a Moscow hospital, while taking singing lessons. Then - also in parallel with work - he began to perform at concerts, performing folk songs. In total, during his life, Mitrofan Pyatnitsky recorded on phonogram about four hundred Russian folk songs, invaluable to everyone who cares about our past, and also collected a large collection of costumes and folk instruments.

It was only in the last ten years of his life that Pyatnitsky received the recognition he deserved; his choir has grown into a large and professional performing group, and the name has become known throughout Russia. However, fame as such never attracted him; the most important thing that he stubbornly sought was the opportunity to devote all his time and energy to creativity without a trace. And fame, although it did not come to Mitrofan Pyatnitsky immediately, helped him to fully realize this dream.

Hearing the name of the comedy "Undergrowth", the image of an idler and an ignoramus emerges. Not always the word undergrowth had an ironic meaning. During the time of Peter the Great, children of the nobility under the age of 15 were called undergrowths. Fonvizin managed to give the word a different meaning. After the release of the comedy, it became a household name. The image and characterization of Mitrofanushka in the comedy "Undergrowth" are negative. Through this character, Fonvizin wanted to show the degradation of the Russian nobility, when a person ceases to be a person, turning into an ignorant and stupid beast.

The key role in the comedy "Undergrowth" is occupied by Mitrofan Prostakov, a noble son. The name Mitrofan means "similar", similar to his mother. Parents, as in the water looked. By naming the child by this name, they received a complete copy of themselves. An idler and a parasite, accustomed to the fact that all desires are fulfilled the first time. Favorite activities are good food and sleep. Mitrofan is only 16 years old, and when his peers are full of aspirations and desires, they are completely absent from him.

Mitrofan and mother

Mitrofan is a typical sissy.

“Well, Mitrofanushka, I see you are a mother’s son, and not a father!”

The father loves his son no less than the mother, but the father's opinion means nothing to him. Seeing how the mother treats her husband, humiliating the serfs in front of her, either with a word or with a cuff, the guy made certain conclusions. If a man voluntarily allowed himself to be turned into a rag, then what he deserves. The only desire to wipe your feet and step over.

Thanks to his mother, Mitrofan is absolutely not adapted to life. Why fill your head with problems and worries when there are servants and a mother who is ready for anything for him. Her guardianship and doggy adoration irritated me. Maternal love did not find a response in his heart. He grew up cold, unfeeling. In the final scene, Mitrofan proved that his mother was indifferent to him. He refuses a loved one, as soon as he hears that she has lost everything. Rushing to him in the hope of getting support, the woman hears a rude:

"Yes, get rid of you, mother, how imposed"

Self-interest, the desire to get rich quickly and effortlessly became his credo. These traits are also passed down from the mother. Even the wedding with Sophia was at the suggestion of the mother, who wanted to profitably attach her unlucky son.

“I don’t want to study, I want to get married”

These are Mitrofan's words addressed to her. The proposal was accepted by them with a bang. After all, a wedding with a rich heiress promised him a carefree and secure future.

Leisure

Favorite leisure food and sleep. Food for Mitrofan meant a lot. The guy loved to eat. He stuffed his belly so that he could not sleep. He was constantly tormented by colic, but this did not make the amount of food eaten less.

“Yes, it’s clear, brother, you dined tightly ...”

Having dined heavily, Mitrofan usually went to the dovecote or went to bed. If not for the teachers with their classes, he would get out of bed only to look into the kitchen.

Attitude towards learning

Science was given to Mitrofan with difficulty. For four years the teachers fought to teach the stupid guy at least something, but the result was zero. The mother herself, an uneducated woman, inspired her son that it was not necessary to study. The main thing is money and power, everything else is a waste of time.

“Only you suffer, and everything, I see, is emptiness. Don't study this stupid science!"

Peter's decree that noble children should know arithmetic, God's word and grammar played a role. She had to hire teachers not out of love for the sciences, but because it was supposed to be. It is not surprising that with such an attitude towards learning, Mitrofan did not understand and did not know elementary things.

The value of Mitrofan in comedy

Through the image of Mitrofan, Fonvizin wanted to show what can happen to a person if he stops developing, getting stuck in one pore and forgetting about human values ​​such as love, kindness, honesty, respect for people.

After the release of the comedy D.I. Fonvizin, the name of Mitrofanushka became a household name, the word "undergrowth" received a satirical and deeply generalized meaning. This was due to the realism of the comedy, the artistic skill of the playwright.

What features of realism can we note in comedy? First of all, the principle of historicism. In "Undergrowth" the viewer is shown a wealthy noble family of Catherine's time, i.e. DI. Fonvizin made contemporary life the subject of his image. The characters of the heroes are determined by their life circumstances, i.e. the environment that shaped them. The general way of life in the Russian landowner's estate, the imperfect education system, the moral character of the parents and their ideas about life - these are the components that shaped the personality of the protagonist in the comedy.

Mitrofanushka is an undersized, lazy, clumsy bumpkin who is not yet sixteen years old. His favorite pastime is chasing pigeons. Mitrofan does not particularly favor science. “I don’t want to study, but I want to get married,” he says. Nevertheless, teachers constantly go to him: the seminarian Kuteikin teaches him grammar, the retired sergeant Tsyfirkin teaches him mathematics, the German Vralman teaches him "in French and all sciences." And the son of Prostakova in the sciences "is very successful": from grammar, he knows what is "a noun and an adjective." The door, in his opinion, is an adjective, since it is attached to its place. Another door, which has not yet been hung, is "for the time being, a noun." Mitrofan is just as successful in the study of mathematics - Tsyfirkin has been fighting with him for the third year, and "this undergrowth ... cannot count the sin." Mitrofan is taught history and other sciences by the German Vralman, who previously served as a coachman for Starodum. Vralman does not bother his pupil with classes - instead of teaching him history. Vralman makes the cowgirl Khavronya tell “stories” and, together with Mitrofan, listens to her with pleasure. Mrs. Prostakova, loving her son with all her heart, does not bother him with studies and spoils him in every possible way. She is not able to instill in Mitrofan any positive qualities or concepts of morality, since she herself is deprived of them. The results of such upbringing are deplorable: Mitrofanushka is not only ignorant, but also malicious. He is cowardly, rude to his teachers. At the end of the comedy, he renounces his own mother, who has lost all rights to manage estates. Having failed in her intention to marry her son to Sophia and having lost her estates, Mrs. Prostakova is confused and broken. In the hope of finding solace, she rushes to Mitrofanushka, and in response she hears: “Yes, get rid of it, mother, how it was imposed ...”.

The hero is depicted in many "expressive" scenes: the scene of trying on a caftan, a fight with Skotinin, we see him at the lesson, in the scene of the failed kidnapping of Sophia. All this gives the viewer the opportunity to see the versatility of the personality traits of the character. The author reveals in him such features as complete ignorance, rudeness, cowardice, spoiledness, selfishness, laziness, moral infantilism. Following the traditions of folk satire, the playwright willingly likens his hero to animals. So, for example, Tsyfirkin, in response to Mitrofan's rudeness, answers: "the dog barks, the wind carries."

The life authenticity of the comedy, the versatility of the characters are largely created thanks to the speech of the characters. So, Mitrofan calls his nanny Eremeevna - “old hrychovka”, Tsyfirkina - “garrison rat”, he doesn’t stand on ceremony even when communicating with his uncle, telling him that he “overeat henbane”, and suggesting “get out”.

It is also worth noting the modernity of the play. DI. Fonvizin touches on eternal problems in it, the problems of upbringing and education of the younger generation. And such "Mitrofanushki" exist at all times. More V.O. Klyuchevsky noted this. “It can be said without risk that the Undergrowth has not yet lost a significant share of his former artistic power over either the reader or the viewer, despite his naive dramatic construction, which at every step reveals the threads with which the play is sewn, neither into an outdated language, nor into the dilapidated stage conventions of Catherine's theatre, despite the fragrant morality of the optimists of the last century poured into the play.<…>We live in a different environment and in a different way of life; the same vices in us are revealed differently ”(V.O. Klyuchevsky).

Thus, the comedy "Undergrowth" is at the origins of Russian realistic literature. Having paid a certain tribute to classicism (the presence of a traditional love triangle in the plot, the presence of "talking" surnames, schematism in the depiction of some characters, the presence of positive and negative characters (with the versatility of their characters)), the playwright strives for a wide coverage of the phenomena of contemporary reality. “In Fonvizin's play, everything is Russian, national: the theme, the plot ... the characters of the characters. The ideological orientation of the work is due to time ... Fonvizin showed the dependence of the behavior and characters of people on the environment in which they live. All these elements of realism are reflected in the comedy "Undergrowth". That is why the name Mitrofanushka became "a household name for ridiculous underage stupidity and learning ignorance" (V.O. Klyuchevsky).