Literary and historical notes of a young technician. A.N. Ostrovsky "Dowry": description, characters, analysis of the work Read the work of the dowry
Act one
Characters
Harita Ignatievna Ogudalova, middle-aged widow; dressed elegantly, but boldly and beyond her years.
Larisa Dmitrievna, her daughter, a girl, is dressed richly, but modestly.
Moky Parmenych Knurov, one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune.
Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov, a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company, a European in costume.
Julius Kapitonych Karandyshev, a young man, a poor official.
Sergei Sergeevich Paratov, a brilliant gentleman, from the shipowners, over 30 years old.
Robinson.
Gavrilo, club bartender and owner of a coffee shop on the boulevard.
Ivan, a servant in a coffee shop.
The action takes place at the present time, in the big city of Bryakhimov, on the Volga.
City boulevard on the high bank of the Volga, with a platform in front of the coffee shop. To the right (from the actors) is the entrance to the coffee shop, to the left are the trees; in the depths there is a low cast-iron grate, behind it is a view of the Volga, a large expanse of forests, villages, and so on. There are tables and chairs on the platform: one table on the right side, near the coffee shop, the other on the left.
The first phenomenon
Gavrilo is standing at the door of the coffee shop, Ivan is putting the furniture in order on the site.
Ivan. There are no people on the boulevard.
Gavrilo. It's always like this on holidays. We live in the old way: from late mass everything to pie and cabbage soup, and then, after bread and salt, seven hours of rest.
Ivan. Already seven! Three or four hours. This is a good establishment.
Gavrilo. But around evening they wake up, drink tea until the third melancholy ...
Ivan. Until longing! What is there to grieve about?
Gavrilo. Sit tighter at the samovar, swallow boiling water for two hours, that's how you'll know. After the sixth sweat, she, the first melancholy, rises ... They part with tea and crawl out onto the boulevard to breathe and roam. Now the pure public is walking: there is Mokiy Parmenych Knurov prone himself.
Ivan. Every morning he measures the boulevard back and forth, exactly as promised. And why does he bother himself so much?
Gavrilo. For exercise.
Ivan. What is exercise for?
Gavrilo. For appetite. And he needs an appetite for dinner. What dinners does he have! Can you eat such a dinner without exercise!
Ivan. Why is he silent?
Gavrilo. "Silence"! You are an eccentric ... How do you want him to talk, if he has millions! Who should he talk to? There are two or three people in the city, he talks to them, but no one else; Well, he is silent. He does not live here for long from this himself; Yes, and would not live if it were not for work. And he goes to talk to Moscow, St. Petersburg and abroad, where he has more space.
Ivan. But Vasily Danilych is coming from under the mountain. Here is also a rich man, but he talks.
Gavrilo. Vassily Danilych is still young; engages in cowardice; he still understands himself little, but in summer he will enter, the same idol will be.
From the left, Knurov comes out and, ignoring the bows of Gavrila and Ivan, sits down at the table, takes a French newspaper out of his pocket and reads. From the right enters Vozhevatov.
The second phenomenon
Knurov, Vozhevatov, Gavrilo, Ivan.
Vozhevatov (respectfully bowing). Moky Parmenych, I have the honor to bow!
Knurov. BUT! Vasily Danilych! (Gives a hand.) Where?
Vozhevatov. From the pier. (Sits down.)
Gavrilo comes closer.
Knurov. Have you met anyone?
Vozhevatov. Met, but not met. Yesterday I received a telegram from Sergei Sergeich Paratov. I buy a ship from him.
Gavrilo. Isn't it "Swallow", Vasily Danilych?
Vozhevatov. Yes, "Swallow". And what?
Gavrilo. Runs briskly, a strong steamer.
Vozhevatov. Yes, Sergei Sergeyevich deceived me, he did not come.
Gavrilo. You were waiting for them with the "Airplane", and they, maybe, will come on their own, on the "Swallow".
Ivan. Vasily Danilych, yes, there is a steamer running from above.
Vozhevatov. Few of them run along the Volga.
Ivan. This is Sergey Sergeyevich coming.
Vozhevatov. You think?
Ivan. Yes, it seems that they, sir ... The casings on the "Swallow" are painfully noticeable.
Vozhevatov. You will dismantle the casings for seven miles.
Ivan. For ten, you can sort it out, sir ... Yes, and it goes well, now you can see that with the owner.
Vozhevatov. How far?
Ivan. Out of the island. And so it lays, and so it lays.
Gavrilo. Are you saying lining?
Ivan. Lines. Passion! Shibche "Airplane" runs, and measures.
Gavrilo. They are going.
Vozhevatov (to Ivan). So you tell me how they will pester.
Ivan. Listen, sir... Tea, fired from a cannon.
Gavrilo. Without fail.
Vozhevatov. From what gun?
Gavrilo. They have their own barges at anchor in the middle of the Volga.
Vozhevatov. I know.
Gavrilo. So there is a gun on the barge. When they meet or see off Sergei Sergeyitch, they always fire like that. (Glancing aside behind the coffee shop.) There, and the carriage is coming after them, sir, cabbie, Chirkova, sir! Apparently, they let Chirkov know that they would come. The owner Chirkov himself is on the goats. It's behind them.
Vozhevatov. How do you know what's behind them?
Gavrilo. Four pacers in a row, have mercy, follow them. For whom will Chirkov collect such a quadruple! After all, it's horrible to watch ... like lions ... all four on snaffles! And a harness, a harness! Behind them, sir.
Ivan. And the gypsy with Chirkov is sitting on the goats, in the front Cossack, tied with a belt so that it looks like he will break.
Gavrilo. It's behind them. There is no one else to ride such a four. They With.
Knurov. Paratov lives in style.
Vozhevatov. Nothing else, but enough chic.
Knurov. Do you buy a steamer cheaply?
Vozhevatov. Cheap, Moky Parmenych!
Knurov. Yes, sure; but what for the calculation to buy. Why is he selling?
Vozhevatov. Know no benefits.
Knurov. Of course, where is he! This is not a bar business. Here you will find a benefit, especially if you buy something cheap.
Vozhevatov. By the way, we have a lot of cargo at the bottom.
Knurov. It wasn’t the money that was needed ... he’s wasted.
Vozhevatov. His business. Our money is ready.
Knurov. Yes, you can do things with money, you can. (With a smile.) Well, Vasily Danilych, who has a lot of money.
Vozhevatov. Is it bad business! You yourself, Moky Parmenych, know this better than anyone.
Knurov. I know, Vasily Danilych, I know.
Vozhevatov. Shall we have a cold drink, Moky Parmenych?
Knurov. What are you, in the morning! I haven't had breakfast yet...
Vozhevatov. Nothing, sir. One Englishman - he is the director at the factory - told me that it is good to drink champagne on an empty stomach from a cold. And I caught a little cold yesterday.
Knurov. How? Such warmth is worth it.
Vozhevatov. Yes, all the same, and he caught a cold: it was very cold.
Knurov. No, that's good; people will look, they will say: neither light nor dawn - they drink champagne.
Vozhevatov. And so that people do not say anything bad, so we will drink tea.
Knurov. Well, tea is another matter.
Vozhevatov (Gavrila). Gavrilo, give us a cup of mine, do you understand?.. Mine!
Gavrilo. I'm listening, sir. (Exits.)
Knurov. Do you drink a special one?
Vozhevatov. Yes, all the same champagne, only he will pour it into teapots and serve glasses with saucers.
Knurov. Witty.
Vozhevatov. Need will teach you everything, Moky Parmenych!
Knurov. Are you going to Paris for an exhibition?
Vozhevatov. Here I’ll buy a steamer and send it down for cargo and go.
Knurov. And I am one of these days: they are waiting for me.
Gavrilo brings two teapots of champagne and two glasses on a tray.
Vozhevatov (pouring). Have you heard the news, Moky Parmenych? Larisa Dmitrievna is getting married.
Knurov. How to get married? What do you! For whom?
Vozhevatov. For Karandyshev.
Knurov. What nonsense is this! Here is a fantasy! Well, what is Karandyshev! He’s not a match for her, Vasily Danilych!
Vozhevatov. What a couple! But what to do, where to get suitors? After all, she's a dowry.
Knurov. Dowry women find good suitors.
Vozhevatov. Not that time. There used to be a lot of suitors, and there were enough for homeless women; and now the grooms are just short; how many dowries, so many suitors, there are no extra ones - the dowry women lack something. Would Kharita Ignatyevna have given for Karandyshev if they had been better?
Knurov. A brisk woman.
Vozhevatov. She must not be Russian.
Knurov. From what?
Vozhevatov. Already very agile.
Knurov. How did she screw it up? The Ogudalovs are still a decent surname, and suddenly for some Karandyshev! .. Yes, with her dexterity ... the house of singles is always full ...
Vozhevatov. To go to her - everyone goes - because it's very fun: the young lady is pretty, plays various instruments, sings, circulation is free, it pulls ... Well, you need to think about getting married.
Knurov. After all, she gave out two.
Vozhevatov. She gave out something, but you need to ask them if it’s sweet for them to live. Some mountaineer, a Caucasian princeling, took the elder away. That was some fun ... As soon as he saw it, he shook, even began to cry - so for two weeks he stood beside her, holding on to the dagger and sparkling with his eyes, so that no one would come up. He got married and left, yes, they say, he didn’t take him to the Caucasus, he stabbed him to death on the road from jealousy. The other also married some foreigner, and after that he turned out to be not a foreigner at all, but a cheater.
Knurov. Ogudalova didn’t discriminate stupidly: her fortune is small, there is nothing to give a dowry from, so she lives openly, accepts everyone.
Vozhevatov. She also loves to have fun. And her means are so small that even for such a life is not enough.
Knurov. Where does she take it?
Vozhevatov. Grooms pay. As someone likes a daughter, so fork out ... Then they will take it from the groom for a dowry, but don’t ask for a dowry.
Knurov. Well, I think that not only suitors are paid, but for you, for example, frequent visits to this family are not cheap.
Vozhevatov. I won't go broke, Moky Parmenych! What to do, you have to pay for pleasures: they don’t get for nothing; and it is a great pleasure to be in their house.
Knurov. Indeed, a pleasure, you are telling the truth.
Vozhevatov. And you almost never do.
Knurov. Yes, it’s embarrassing: they have a lot of all sorts of rabble, then they meet, bow, and climb to talk. Here, for example, Karandyshev, well, what an acquaintance for me!
Vozhevatov. Yes, it looks like a market in their house.
Knurov. Well, what good! He climbs to Larisa Dmitrievna with compliments, the other with tenderness, and buzz, do not give her a word to say. It's nice to see her alone more often - without interference.
Vozhevatov. Need to get married.
Knurov. Marry! Not everyone can, and not everyone wants to; Here I am, for example, married.
Vozhevatov. So there is nothing to do ... The grapes are good, but green, Moky Parmenych.
Knurov. You think?
Vozhevatov. Visible business. People don’t have such rules: there were few cases, but they weren’t flattered, even for Karandyshev, but married.
Knurov. And it would be nice to take a ride to an exhibition with such a young lady in Paris.
Vozhevatov. Yes, it will not be boring, the walk is pleasant. What are your plans, Moky Parmenych!
Knurov. Didn't you also have these plans?
Vozhevatov. Where to me! I'm simple for such things. I have no courage with women: you know, I received such a very moral, patriarchal upbringing.
Knurov. Well, yes, explain! You have more chances than I do: youth is a great thing. Yes, and you will not regret the money; you buy a steamship cheaply, so from the profits you can. But, tea, it would not be cheaper than “Swallows”!
Vozhevatov. There is a price for every product, Mokiy Parmenych! Even though I'm young, I won't go too far: I won't pass on too much.
Knurov. Don't hesitate! How long will it take to fall in love with your years; And perishing then what calculations!
Vozhevatov. No, somehow I, Moky Parmenych, do not notice this at all in myself.
Knurov. What?
Vozhevatov. And that's what they call love.
Knurov. It is commendable, you will be a good merchant. And yet you are much closer to her than others.
Vozhevatov. Yes, what is my closeness! I sometimes pour an extra glass of champagne from my mother, I learn a song, I drive novels that girls are not allowed to read.
Knurov. Corrupt, then, little by little.
Vozhevatov. Give me what! I'm not forcibly imposing ... Why should I care about her morality! I am not her guardian.
Knurov. I keep wondering, did Larisa Dmitrievna, besides Karandyshev, have no suitors at all?
Vozhevatov. Were; yes, she is simple.
Knurov. How simple? That is stupid?
Vozhevatov. Not stupid, but no cunning, not like a mother. That one has all cunning and flattery, and this one suddenly, for no apparent reason, will say that it is not necessary.
Knurov. That is the truth?
Vozhevatov. Yes, the truth; and the homeless can't do that. To whom it is located, does not hide it at all. Here Sergey Sergeyevich Paratov appeared last year, I couldn’t get enough of him, but he traveled for two months, beat off all the suitors, and besides, he caught a cold, disappeared no one knows where.
Knurov. What happened to him?
Vozhevatov. Who knows; because he is smart. And how much she loved him, she almost died of grief. How sensitive! (Laughs.) I rushed to catch up with him, my mother turned back from the second station.
Knurov. Were there suitors after Paratov?
Vozhevatov. Two people ran in: an old man with gout and a wealthy steward of some prince, always drunk. Larisa had no time for them, but she had to be amiable: mother orders.
Knurov. However, her position is unenviable.
Vozhevatov. Yes, even funny. She sometimes has tears in her eyes, apparently, she decided to cry, and her mother tells her to smile. Then suddenly this cashier showed up. Here he was throwing money, and falling asleep to Harita Ignatievna. He fought off everyone, but he did not show off for long: they arrested him in their house. The brawl is healthy! (Laughs.) For a month, the Ogudalovs could not show their eyes anywhere. Here Larisa flatly announced to her mother: “Enough, she says, shame on us; I’ll go for the first one, who will marry, whether rich or poor, I won’t make out.” And Karandyshev is right there with the offer.
Knurov. Where did this Karandyshev come from?
Vozhevatov. He has been spinning in their house for a long time, three years. They didn’t drive, and there wasn’t much honor. When the alternation happened, none of the rich suitors was in sight, so they kept him, slightly invited, so that it was not completely empty in the house. And when some rich man used to come running, it was just a pity to look at Karandyshev; neither speak to him nor look at him. And he, sitting in the corner, plays different roles, throws wild looks, pretends to be desperate. Once I wanted to shoot myself, but it didn’t work out, I just made everyone laugh ... But then here’s some fun: they once had a fancy-dress evening under Paratov; so Karandyshev dressed as a robber; he took an ax in his hands and threw brutal glances at everyone, especially at Sergei Sergeyitch.
Knurov. And what?
Vozhevatov. The ax was taken away and they were ordered to change clothes; and then, they say, get out!
Knurov. So, he was awarded for constancy. Glad, I think.
Vozhevatov. Still as glad something, shines like an orange. What a laugh! After all, he is our weirdo. He would like to get married as soon as possible and leave for his little estate, while the conversations subside, so the Ogudalovs wanted; and he drags Larisa to the boulevard, walks arm in arm with her, raising his head so high that he is about to stumble upon someone. Yes, I put on glasses for some reason, but I never wore them. Bows - barely nods; what tone he took; before it was not even heard, but now it’s all “I, I, I want, I want.”
Knurov. Like a Russian peasant: there is little joy in being drunk, you have to break down so that everyone can see. If it breaks, they beat him twice, well, he is satisfied and goes to sleep.
Vozhevatov. Yes, it seems that Karandyshev cannot escape.
Knurov. A poor girl; how she suffers looking at him, I think.
Vozhevatov. He decided to finish his apartment, that's weird. In the study, he nailed a penny carpet to the wall, hung daggers, Tula pistols: the hunter would have been amazing, otherwise he would never take a gun in his hands. Drags to itself, shows; it is necessary to praise, otherwise you will offend - a proud, envious person. I ordered a horse from the village, some motley nag; the driver is small, and the caftan on him is from the big one. And he carries Larisa Dmitrievna on this camel; he sits so proudly, as if he were riding thousands of trotters. He comes out of the boulevard, shouting to the policeman: “Order to serve my carriage!” Well, this carriage drives up with music, all the screws, all the nuts rattle in different voices, and the springs tremble, as if alive.
Knurov. Pity poor Larisa Dmitrievna, pity...
Vozhevatov. Why are you so compassionate?
Knurov. Can't you see that this woman is made for luxury. An expensive diamond is expensive and requires a setting.
Vozhevatov. And a good jeweler.
Knurov. You told the absolute truth. A jeweler is not a simple artisan, he must be an artist. In a beggarly situation, and even with a foolish husband, she will either die or become vulgar.
Vozhevatov. And I think so that she will leave him soon. Now she is still dead; but he will recover and take a closer look at her husband, what he is ... (Quiet.) Here they are, easy on the face of something ...
Enter Karandyshev, Ogudalova, Larisa. Vozhevatov gets up and bows, Knurov takes out a newspaper.
The third phenomenon
Knurov, Vozhevatov, Karandyshev, Ogudalova; Larisa, in the back, sits down on a bench by the grating and looks through binoculars over the Volga. Gavrilo, Ivan.
Ogudalova (walking up to the table). Hello gentlemen!
Karandyshev comes up to her. Vozhevatov gives his hand to Ogudalova and Karandyshev. Knurov, silently and without getting up, gives Ogudalova a hand, nods slightly to Karandyshev and plunges into reading the newspaper.
Vozhevatov. Harita Ignatievna, sit down, you are welcome! (Pulls up a chair.)
Ogudalova sits down.
Would you like a seagull?
Karandyshev sits down.
Ogudalova. Maybe I'll have a cup.
Vozhevatov. Ivan, give me a cup and add boiling water!
Ivan takes the kettle and leaves.
Karandyshev. What a strange fantasy to drink tea at this time? I'm surprised.
Vozhevatov. Thirst, Julius Kapitonych, but I don't know what to drink. Advise - I will be very grateful.
Karandyshev (looks at watch). Now it's noon, you can drink a glass of vodka, eat a cutlet, drink a glass of good wine - I always have breakfast like that.
Vozhevatov (Ogudalova). Here is life, Harita Ignatievna, you will envy! (to Karandyshev.) I would live, it seems, at least a day in your place. Vodka and wine! We can’t do that, sir, you’ll probably lose your mind. Everything is possible for you: you won’t live on capital, because it doesn’t exist, and we were born into the world so bitter, our affairs are very great, so we can’t lose our minds.
Ivan brings a teapot and a cup.
Please, Harita Ignatievna! (Pours and gives a cup.) I also drink cold tea so that people do not say that I drink hot drinks.
Ogudalova. The tea is cold, only, Vasya, you poured me a strong one.
Vozhevatov. Nothing, sir. Eat, do me a favor! In the air it is not harmful.
Karandyshev (to Ivan). Come serve me at dinner today.
Ivan. Listen, sir, Julius Kapitonych!
Karandyshev. You, brother, clean your clothes.
Ivan. The case is known, tailcoat; we don't understand anything.
Karandyshev. Vasily Danilych, here's what: come and dine with me today!
Vozhevatov. I humbly thank you ... Will you order me to wear a tailcoat too?
Karandyshev. As you wish, don't be shy. However, ladies will.
Vozhevatov (bowing.) I'm listening, sir. I hope not to drop myself.
Karandyshev (passes to Knurov). Moky Parmenych, would you like to dine with me today?
Knurov (looks at him in surprise). You?
Ogudalova. Moky Parmenych, it's the same as ours - this dinner is for Larisa.
Knurov. Yes, so you're inviting? OK. I will come.
Karandyshev. So I will hope.
Knurov. I already said that I would come. (Reading newspaper.)
Ogudalova. Julius Kapitonych is my future son-in-law, I marry Larisa to him.
Karandyshev. Yes, Moky Parmenych, I took a chance. In general, I have always been above prejudice ...
Knurov closes with a newspaper.
Vozhevatov (Ogudalova). Moky Parmenych is strict...
Karandyshev (departing from Knurov to Vozhevatov). I wish Larisa Dmitrievna to be surrounded only by selected people.
Vozhevatov. Does that mean I belong to the chosen society? Thanks, I didn't expect it. (Gavrila.) Gavrilo, how much for my tea?
Gavrilo. Two portions deigned to ask?
Vozhevatov. Yes, two servings.
Gavrilo. So you know, Vasily Danilych, not for the first time... Thirteen rubles, sir...
Vozhevatov. Well, I thought it was cheaper.
Gavrilo. Why would it be cheaper? Rates, duty, have mercy!
Vozhevatov. Why, I'm not arguing with you that you pester! Get money and get out! (Gives money.)
Karandyshev. Why it's so expensive, I don't understand.
Gavrilo. To whom it is dear, and to whom it is not ... You don’t eat such tea.
Ogudalova (to Karandyshev). Stop it, don't interfere in your own business!
Ivan. Vasily Danilych, "Swallow" is coming.
Vozhevatov. Moky Parmenych, "Swallow" is coming, would you like to take a look? We will not go down, we will look from the mountain.
Knurov. Let's go. Curious. (Stands up.)
Ogudalova. Vasya, I'll ride on your horse.
Vozhevatov. Go, just send it quickly! (Goes up to Larisa and speaks to her quietly.)
Ogudalova (approaches Knurov). Moky Parmenych, we started a wedding, so you won’t believe how much trouble ...
Knurov. Yes…
Ogudalova. And suddenly such expenses that could not be expected in any way ... Tomorrow is the birth of Larisa, I would like to give something ...
Knurov. Okay, I'll come to you.
Ogudalova leaves.
Larisa (Vozhevatov). Goodbye, Vasya!
Vozhevatov and Knurov leave. Larisa approaches Karandyshev.
Harita Ignatievna Ogudalova, middle-aged widow; dressed elegantly, but boldly and beyond her years.
Larisa Dmitrievna, her daughter, a maiden; dressed richly but modestly.
Moky Parmevych Knurov, one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune.
Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov, a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading firm; European in costume.
Julius Kapitonych Karandyshev, a young man, a poor official.
Sergei Sergeevich Paratov, a brilliant gentleman, from the shipowners, over 30 years old.
Robinson.
Gavrilo, club bartender and owner of a coffee shop on the boulevard.
Ivan, a servant in a coffee shop.
The action takes place at the present time, in the big city of Bryakhimov on the Volga. City boulevard on the high bank of the Volga, with a platform in front of the coffee shop; to the right of the actors is the entrance to the coffee shop, to the left are the trees; in the depths there is a low cast-iron grate, behind it is a view of the Volga, a large expanse of forests, villages, etc.; there are tables and chairs on the landing: one table on the right side, near the coffee shop, the other on the left.
The first phenomenon
Gavrilo stands at the door of the coffee shop, Ivan arranges the furniture on the site.
Ivan. There are no people on the boulevard.
Gavrilo. It's always like this on holidays. We live in the old way: from late mass everything to pie and cabbage soup, and then, after bread and salt, seven hours of rest.
Ivan. Already seven! Three or four hours. This is a good establishment.
Gavrilo. But around vespers they wake up, drink tea until the third melancholy ...
Ivan. Until longing! What is there to grieve about?
Gavrilo. Sit tighter at the samovar, swallow boiling water for two hours, that's how you'll know. After the sixth sweat, she, the first melancholy, rises ... They part with tea and crawl out onto the boulevard to breathe and roam. Now the pure public is walking: there is Mokiy Parmenych Knurov prone himself.
Ivan. Every morning he measures the boulevard back and forth, exactly as promised. And why is he bothering himself so much?
Gavrilo. For exercise.
Ivan. What is exercise for?
Gavrilo. For appetite. And he needs an appetite for dinner. What dinners does he have! Can you eat such a dinner without exercise?
Ivan. Why is he silent?
Gavrilo. "Silence"! You are a freak. How do you want him to talk, if he has millions! Who should he talk to? There are two or three people in the city, he talks to them, but no one else; Well, he is silent. He does not live here for long from this himself; Yes, and would not live if it were not for work. And he goes to talk to Moscow, St. Petersburg and abroad, where he has more space.
Ivan. But Vasily Danilych is coming from under the mountain. Here is also a rich man, but talkative.
Gavrilo. Vassily Danilych is still young; engages in cowardice; still little understands himself; and in summer it will enter, the same idol will be.
Left exits Knurov and, not paying attention to the bows of Gavrila and Ivan, he sits down at the table, takes a French newspaper out of his pocket and reads it. Right enters Vozhevatov.
The second phenomenon
Knurov, Vozhevatov, Gavrilo, Ivan.
Vozhevatov (respectfully bowing). Moky Parmenych, I have the honor to bow!
Knurov. BUT! Vasily Danilych! (Gives a hand.) Where?
Vozhevatov. From the pier. (Sits down.)
Gavrilo comes closer.
Knurov. Have you met anyone?
Vozhevatov. Met, but not met. Yesterday I received a telegram from Sergei Sergeich Paratov. I buy a ship from him.
Gavrilo. Isn't it "Swallow", Vasily Danilych?
Vozhevatov. Yes, "Swallow". And what?
Gavrilo. Runs briskly, a strong steamer.
Vozhevatov. Yes, Sergei Sergeyevich deceived me, he did not come.
Gavrilo. You were waiting for them with the "Airplane", and they, maybe, will come on their own, on the "Swallow".
Ivan. Vasily Danilych, yes, there is a steamer running from above.
Vozhevatov. Few of them run along the Volga.
Ivan. This is Sergey Sergeyevich coming.
Vozhevatov. You think?
Ivan. Yes, it seems that they, sir ... The casings on the "Swallow" are painfully noticeable.
Vozhevatov. You will dismantle the casings for seven miles!
Ivan. For ten, you can sort it out, sir ... Yes, and it goes well, now you can see that with the owner.
Vozhevatov. How far?
Ivan. Out of the island. And so it lays, and so it lays.
Gavrilo. Are you saying lining?
Ivan. Lines. Passion! Shibche "Airplane" runs, and measures.
Gavrilo. They go with.
Vozhevatov (to Ivan). So you tell me how they will pester.
Ivan. Listen, sir... Tea, fired from a cannon.
Gavrilo. Without fail.
Vozhevatov. From what gun?
Gavrilo. They have their own barges at anchor in the middle of the Volga.
Vozhevatov. I know.
Gavrilo. So there is a gun on the barge. When they meet or see off Sergei Sergeyitch, they always fire like that. (Glancing aside behind the coffee shop.) There, and the carriage is coming after them, sir, cabbie, Chirkov, sir! Apparently, they let Chirkov know that they would come. The owner himself, Chirkov, on the goats. - It's behind them.
Vozhevatov. How do you know what's behind them?
Gavrilo. Four pacers in a row, have mercy, follow them. For whom will Chirkov collect such a quadruple! After all, it's horrible to watch ... like lions ... all four on snaffles! And a harness, a harness! - Behind them.
Ivan. And the gypsy with Chirkov is sitting on the goats, in the front Cossack, tied with a belt so that, just look, it will break.
Gavrilo. It's behind them. There is no one else to ride such a four. They With.
Knurov. Paratov lives in style.
Vozhevatov. Nothing else, but enough chic.
Knurov. Do you buy a steamer cheaply?
Vozhevatov. Cheap, Moky Parmenych.
Knurov. Yes, sure; but what for the calculation to buy. Why is he selling?
Vozhevatov. Know no benefits.
Knurov. Of course, where is he! This is not a bar business. Here you will find a benefit, especially if you buy something cheap.
Vozhevatov. By the way, we have a lot of cargo at the bottom.
Knurov. Did you need money? He's motivated.
Vozhevatov. His business. Our money is ready.
Knurov. Yes, you can do things with money, you can. (With a smile.) Well, Vasily Danilych, who has a lot of money.
Vozhevatov. Is it bad business! You yourself, Moky Parmenych, know this better than anyone.
Knurov. I know, Vasily Danilych, I know.
Vozhevatov. Shall we have a cold drink, Moky Parmenych?
Knurov. What are you, in the morning! I haven't had breakfast yet.
Vozhevatov. Nothing, sir. One Englishman - he is the director at the factory - told me that it is good to drink champagne on an empty stomach from a cold. And I caught a little cold yesterday.
Knurov. How? Such warmth is worth it.
Vozhevatov. Yes, all the same, and he caught a cold: it was very cold.
Knurov. No, that's good; people will look, they will say: it is neither light nor dawn - they drink champagne.
Vozhevatov. And so that people do not say anything bad, so we will drink tea.
Knurov. Well, tea is another matter.
Vozhevatov (Gavrila). Gavrilo, give us a cup of mine, do you understand?... mine!
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Alexander Ostrovsky's play "Dowry", created by the author in 1874 - 1878, is a vivid narrative concerning the problem of the "little man". Its characters are mainly people for whom earthly wealth is above all, and only Ogudalova's daughter Larisa tries to oppose generally accepted norms of behavior and thinks differently. After getting acquainted with the main characters and describing the summary, you can better understand what the author wanted to say in his work.
The main characters of the play
Larisa- the main character, a girl from a poor family who wants to get married. Betrayed by the wealthy master Paratov, she agrees to marry Karandyshev, a jealous and stupid man, although she does not love him at all. This eventually leads to tragedy.
Harita Ignatievna Ogudalova- a widow, mother of Larisa, a domineering woman, whom the girl used to obey from childhood.
Julius Kapitonovich Karandyshev- Larisa's fiancé, a selfish, jealous and vengeful person. To defend his innocence, he grabs a weapon. Makes a very bad impression.
Sergei Sergeevich Paratov- a rich gentleman, a former lover of Larisa. He preferred a bride with a large fortune to her.
Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov- Larisa's childhood friend, a rich young man.
Moky Parmenych Knurov- an elderly man, in whose hands - a huge fortune. Gives advice to Larisa's mother about her daughter's marriage to Karandyshev.
Act one: Karandyshev - Larisa's fiancé
The big city of Bryakhimov, on the Volga. On one side of the entrance to the coffee shop there is a boulevard, on the other - trees, in the depths - a low iron grate, behind which a view of the Volga opens.
The first phenomenon
On the site in front of the coffee shop, Gavrilo, the bartender, and Ivan, the servant, are having a dialogue. They talk about life, about the peculiar behavior of the rich, in particular Mokiy Parmenych Knurov, an aged man with a huge fortune, and Vasily Danilovich Vozhevatov, a young man, a representative of a wealthy trading company.
The second phenomenon
Vozhevatov and Knurov enter the coffee shop and talk to each other; Gavrilo and Ivan sometimes join the conversation. First, they are talking about buying a steamship, then, going to drink champagne and tea, they talk about these drinks and gradually move on to the topic of the marriage of Larisa Dmitrievna, daughter of Harita Ignatievna Ogudalova. Everyone present in the coffee shop believes that the groom - Julius Kapitonych Karandyshev - is absolutely not a couple for a girl.
Of course, there were those who wooed her before, but none of them could resist. For example, the girl was very discouraged when, last year, Sergei Sergeevich Piratov “traveled for two months, beat off all the suitors, and his trace caught a cold, disappeared, no one knows where.”
And Karandyshev, according to Vozhevatov and Knurov, behaves strangely.
The third phenomenon
Ogudalova Harita Ignatievna and her daughter Larisa appear among those present. The girl's mother agrees to have a cup of tea. Karandyshev invites Vasily Danilovich and Mokiy Parmenych to dinner, but the latter agrees only when he finds out that the proposal actually comes from Ogudalova, and dinner is arranged for Larisa.
Suddenly, Ivan says that a ship called "Swallow" is coming, but neither Knurov nor Vozhevatov want to go down to the pier. Ogudalova, approaching Knurov, informs him that, firstly, the wedding requires many expenses, and secondly, her Larisa has a birthday tomorrow, and she does not know what to give. Moky Parmenych understands the hint and promises to drop by. Finally, Harita Ignatievna, Knurov and Vozhevatov leave the stage.
The fourth phenomenon
Larisa admires the view of the Volga and suddenly turns to Karandyshev with a request to leave for the village. However, jealousy surged up in the groom, and he asks the question: what did she talk about with Vozhevatov, and even called him simply by his first name - Vasya. Karandyshev is not interested in Larisa's excuses that she has known Vasily Danilych since childhood, that they had nothing bad. But Julius Kapitonovich declares that old habits must be abandoned. And he reproaches the bride with the past, saying that they had a "gypsy camp" in their house. The girl objects that this did not happen of her own free will, it was so necessary for her mother. She struggles to love her fiancé, and openly admits this to him, wanting support. Karandyshev suddenly realizes that he offended his beloved girl and says in embarrassment: “... I said this ...” Larisa asks him to be careful in words, because she is very impressionable and vulnerable. The girl is afraid to condemn even Sergei Sergeyevich, although everything shows that this man did not do well to her in the past - and she tries to stop the questions that Karandyshev asks about this. But the groom is not appeased. Then Larisa openly admits: Sergey Sergeevich is better than him. And he cites as an example the story of how once he and a Caucasian officer fired pistols - first the officer shot at a glass, which Sergei Sergeyevich kept on his head. And knocked him out, but turned pale. “I will shoot the girl who is dearest to me - and I will not turn pale,” Paratov said. And knocked out the coin put into Larisa's hand.
Karandyshev reluctantly agrees to recognize some of the merits of Sergei Sergeevich, because, in addition to everything, Larisa said that he helped the poor, but continues to be jealous of the bride. However, she honestly says that she does not love and will never love Yuli Kapitonych, and she continues to have feelings only for Sergei Sergeyevich. A shot is heard from a cannon in honor of Paratov. Nervous, Larisa is going home.
Fifth phenomenon
Ivan and Gavrilo rejoice at the arrival of the master - Sergei Sergeevich. Gentlemen - Paratov with Robinson, his friend, Vozhevatov and Knurov - enter the coffee shop. Ivan tries in every possible way to please Sergei Sergeyevich.
The sixth phenomenon
For his helpfulness, the servant receives a ruble from Paratov. Sergey Sergeevich reports that he sold the barges, then introduces his friend, actor Arkady Schastlivtsev, to Knurov and Vozhevatov, whom he calls Robinson, and not without reason. It turns out that he was generously picked up on the island, where he found himself with his friend, a merchant's son: they were dropped off for indecent behavior. Now the artist is in full submission to Paratov.
The seventh phenomenon
Robinson is unhappy that Vozhevatov addresses him as "you", but when he learns that he is rich, he resigns himself and says: "That's my taste." And then he offers friendship to Vasily Danilych.
Sergei Sergeevich invites friends to dinner, but both Vozhevatov and Knurov are forced to refuse, because they were invited to the house of Larisa, who is getting married. Upon learning this news, Paratov loses heart, but pretends to be sincerely happy for his former lover. As for the dinner, the interlocutors are sure that Sergei Sergeevich will be invited to it as well.
Act two: the attitude of others to the girl's marriage
The first phenomenon
The action takes place in Ogudalova's house. Larisa's mother is in a well-furnished room with furniture and a piano on which lies a guitar. She holds a box in her hands and calls her daughter to show a gift from Vasya. Larisa changes clothes, so she says: "I'll look later." Suddenly, Knurov enters the room.
The second phenomenon
Ogudalova is very pleased with the unexpected visit of Knurov, does not know where to put him. They begin to talk, and the main topic of conversation is Larisa's marriage. Moky Parmenych is convinced that Larisa's mother is fundamentally wrong in passing off her daughter as a poor man. Larisa, according to Knurov, was created for brilliance, and Karandyshev is not able to provide a decent existence. He advises in this case to lean on the strong shoulder of a rich man.
Then Mokiy Parmenych asks Ogudalova a question about the box she is holding in her hands.
“I wanted to give my daughter a present,” Larisa’s mother answers. Knurov advises to provide the girl, first of all, with a good wardrobe and promises to pay for all purchases. After that, he leaves.
The third phenomenon
Larisa appears, who does not seem to share her mother's enthusiasm for Vasily's gift. Ogudalova offers to thank both Vozhevatov and Knurov, although Larisa has no idea what Moky Parmenych wants to do for her. The main desire of Larisa, about which she tells her mother, is to escape from the city to the village, walk through the forest, picking berries and mushrooms before the summer has passed ... “Is he up to the village?” - Ogudalova objects, knowing the character of Karandyshev.
The fourth phenomenon
Ilya the Gypsy enters. Larisa asks him to fix the guitar. Ilya regrets that they have many basses in the gypsy choir, but only one tenor, Anton, but he is now ill. Suddenly they report that the master has arrived, and the delighted gypsy hastily leaves.
Fifth, sixth event
Larisa is tired of being humiliated, and she tells her mother about it. When Karandyshev comes in, Ogudalova tells him that Larisa really wants to leave the city. However, the groom is absolutely not clear where she is in a hurry and why. Julius Kapitonovich assures that they will definitely live in the village, but only after they become husband and wife.
Larisa, who wants the wedding to be modest and hears objections from both her mother and Karandyshev, laments, saying that everyone plays with her like with a doll.
Julius Kapitonovich condemns the morals of the townspeople. It is incomprehensible to him that all people rejoice at the arrival of the master - Sergei Sergeyevich. Frightened Larisa, having learned that this is none other than Paratov, and now he is approaching their house, again begins to persuade Yuli Kapitonovich to leave for the village. She wants to disappear, hide from her ex-fiance.
The seventh phenomenon
Paratov enters the house and gives Ogudalova a pen. They hug and kiss. Harita Ignatievna pretends to be incredibly happy about the visit of Sergei Sergeyevich. The master says that he intends to marry profitably, but does not want to say who his chosen one is. Then he wants to see Larisa Dmitrievna. Ogudalova is calling her daughter.
The eighth phenomenon
Larisa and Sergei Sergeevich are left alone. A dialogue takes place between them, in which Larisa reproaches Paratov that she had been waiting for him before, but was already tired. Sergei Sergeevich, in turn, also makes claims to the girl, saying that she has lost a lot in his eyes. The main character objects that she is not getting married of her own free will. Paratov guesses that Larisa still loves him, but this is how the circumstances developed. In addition, the girl claims that Karandyshev has sincere feelings for her.
The ninth phenomenon
Ogudalova introduces Karandyshev and Paratov. Both of them seem to speak politely to each other, but poorly concealed jealousy comes through in the speech. The atmosphere is gradually heating up. Ogudalova is trying to reconcile the gentlemen, each of whom has a dislike for the other. Following the rules of etiquette, Karandyshev, on the advice of Kharita Ignatievna, invites Paratov to dinner. He says in a cold tone that he agrees.
The tenth phenomenon
Vozhevatov suddenly enters the room, asking permission from Larisa and Ogudalova to let Robinson in. Vasily commands Arkady strongly, and this immediately catches the eye. Karandyshev invites his friend Vasily to dinner.
The eleventh phenomenon
Vozhevatov asks Paratov if he liked Larisa's fiancé and receives a negative answer: "who can like him." Sergei Sergeevich comes up with a plan to make fun of Karandyshev.
Act three: Larisa runs away with Paratov, a former lover
The first phenomenon
The action takes place in Karandyshev's room, furnished without taste. Carpet on one wall, weapons on the other. Another character appears - Aunt Karandysheva, Evrosinya Potapovna, a domineering and greedy woman. Ivan asks her for lemons for tea, she shows displeasure and gives cranberry juice instead.
The second phenomenon
During lunch at Karandyshev's, Larisa burns with shame. But Julius Kapitonovich does not seem to notice anything, in addition, they try to solder him on purpose in order to laugh. The girl is painfully experiencing such a shame.
The third phenomenon
Evdokia Potapovna comes in, asking if dinner is over. She reproaches that in vain they transfer purchased expensive products. Larisa keenly feels the suffocating atmosphere of what is happening around and wants to run again. Efrosinya Potapovna leaves to count the silver.
The fourth phenomenon
Knurov is going to go to the club to eat, because after the so-called lunch at Karandyshev's he was left hungry. This is the first time this has happened, he said. Those present conclude that Julius Kapitonovich is a fool. But Paratov reveals the plan: Karandyshev was specially drunk to see what would come of it. But Robinson, who was also well treated to wine, seems to be all over the place.
Fifth phenomenon
Robinson becomes ill after such a violent libation. He says that he was poisoned by some strange wine. Paratov promises to cure him.
The sixth phenomenon
Robinson examines Karandyshev's room and asks about the weapons hanging on the wall. It appears to be Turkish. Julius Kapitonovich takes a pistol off the wall, but Paratov says that he still won't fire, even if he uses it now. Karandyshev objects. Then it comes to high-quality and low-quality cigars.
The seventh phenomenon
Ogudalova reproaches Karandyshev for being drunk, but he does not consider himself drunk at all. Paratov offers Yuliya Kapitonych a drink with him for brotherhood. He agrees and tells Ivan to bring cognac. Robinson perks up when he hears that the owner of the house has a drink that he knows how to handle.
The eighth phenomenon
Robinson declares that they finished off Karandyshev by drinking: he started, and Sergey Sergeevich will finish.
The ninth phenomenon
Ilya the gypsy who appeared offers to go with them, everyone is ready and waiting on the boulevard. Paratov, Knurov and Vozhevatov agree, but they do not want to take Robinson for a walk. Vozhevatov comes up with a way to get rid of an obsessive fellow traveler.
The tenth phenomenon
Vozhevatov, in order to get rid of Robinson, pretends that he is going to Paris and takes Arkady with him, only on the way he offers to go to his house so that he can rest before the road. The cunning plan succeeds.
The eleventh phenomenon
Larissa appears. She was unwell - this is how she explains the reason why she was not with the guests. Paratov tells the girl that he and Karandyshev drank brotherhood. Sergei Sergeevich calls Ilya into their society, explaining that he is his friend. Larisa is asked to sing something, but at first she refuses, and then agrees - resisting Karandyshev, who is trying to forbid his future, as he believes, wife. Together with Ilya and Robinson, who joined in the second verse, they sing "Don't Tempt Me". Paratov and Vozhevatov are delighted with Larisa's voice.
Karandyshev now asks for champagne, but Efrosinya Potapovna flatly refuses to serve the drink. Finally, everyone disperses. Larisa stays with Sergei Sergeevich.
The twelfth phenomenon
Paratov reproaches himself for having lost such a treasure as Larisa in the past. He invites the girl to go with him to the Volga to ride boats - and receives consent.
The thirteenth phenomenon
Everyone is happy that Larisa will be in their company. Praises are sung in her address, Karandyshev declares that he is proud of his bride. Finally, they are going to go. The girl says goodbye to her mother.
The fourteenth phenomenon
Karandyshev is very upset by the flight of the bride. He did not suspect that Larisa would leave for the Volga without warning and demanded that Ogudalova report where her daughter was. Receiving no answer, in a fit of fierce anger, Yuliy Kapitonych grabs a pistol and runs away. Harita Ignatievna tells Ivan to stop him.
Act four: Karandyshev shoots the bride
The first phenomenon
Robinson invites Ivan to play with him, however, he has no money. The servant does not agree to such conditions. Arkady learns that Karandyshev was very indignant when the guests left with Larisa and chased them with a pistol. He wonders if the eccentric Julius Kapitonich wanted to kill him.
The second phenomenon
Karandyshev, who appeared, demands from Robinson an answer to the question where are all the “comrades”. Arkady invites him to wait for everyone at the pier. Enraged, Julius Kapitonovich leaves.
The third and fourth phenomenon
Gavrilo and Ivan are talking among themselves, assuming that everyone has already arrived. Ilya comes in with the gypsies. Gavrilo offers them tea.
Fifth phenomenon
Knurov and Vozhevatov argue that Larisa has an unenviable position. The poor girl again believed the man who had already deceived her once. And he is engaged to a very rich bride, and they are unlikely to succeed.
The sixth phenomenon
Robinson and Vozhevatov are talking among themselves. It turns out that when Vasily offered Arkady a trip to Paris, it was not about the capital of France, but a tavern on the square. Knurov comes up, who wants to tell Vasily Danilych something. He offers Vozhevatov to save Larisa from the arbitrariness of Karandyshev and take her to Paris (the real one).
The seventh phenomenon
Paratov asks Robinson if he is going to Paris soon. Arkady replies that he no longer trusts the merchants, but he would go on such a journey with him. Larisa asks Paratov whether he has serious intentions about getting married, but Sergey Sergeevich suggests that she first go home. The girl is very afraid and prefers not to appear in her native land at all, saying that Karandyshev is finished as a groom. The only one she wants to marry is Sergey Sergeevich. However, Paratov again betrays her, saying that he uttered the careless phrase “I am yours” just in a fit of surging feelings.
The eighth phenomenon
Robinson informs Paratov that Karandyshev was walking near the coffee shop with a gun, but Sergey Sergeevich strictly orders him to harness the carriage and take Larisa Dmitrievna home. Vozhevatov also betrays the desperate girl, who tearfully asks her childhood friend to take pity on her, to teach her what to do in such a situation. Knurov invites her to go to Paris, but upset Larisa is silent.
The ninth phenomenon
Larisa's head is spinning. She thinks about throwing herself into the Volga, but then leaves these thoughts because she is afraid. However, the girl betrayed by all wants to die - even from the fact that she gets sick.
The tenth phenomenon
Karandyshev is looking for Larisa. He wants, firstly, to take revenge on her offenders, and secondly, if necessary, to punish the bride for running away. "There she is!" Robinson exclaims when he sees the girl. Julius Kapitonovich orders to leave them alone.
The eleventh phenomenon
Larisa frankly admits that Karandyshev is disgusting to her. But he wants at all costs to avenge the insult inflicted on the girl, noticing that rich gentlemen are playing with her, as if with a thing. “If I am a thing, then it is very expensive,” the girl says and asks to call Knurov. Larisa begs Yuli Kapitonovich to leave, but he does not want to back down for anything, he even agrees to immediately leave the city with her. However, the girl is adamant! In no case does she want to belong to Yuli Kapitonych. The desperate "groom" with the words "so don't get you to anyone" shoots Larisa with a pistol.
The twelfth phenomenon
Larissa is dying. A gypsy choir sings offstage. The girl, it seems, is even glad of such an outcome. She says she loves and forgives everyone. Her voice is gradually weakening.
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Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky
Dowry
(Drama in four acts)
Act one
Characters
...Harita Ignatievna Ogudalova, middle-aged widow; dressed elegantly, but boldly and beyond her years.
Larisa Dmitrievna, her daughter, a girl, is dressed richly, but modestly.
Moky Parmenych Knurov, one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune.
Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov, a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company, a European in costume.
Julius Kapitonych Karandyshev, a young man, a poor official.
Sergei Sergeevich Paratov, a brilliant gentleman, from the shipowners, over 30 years old.
Robinson.
Gavrilo, club bartender and owner of a coffee shop on the boulevard.
Ivan, a servant in a coffee shop.
The action takes place at the present time, in the big city of Bryakhimov, on the Volga.
City boulevard on the high bank of the Volga, with a platform in front of the coffee shop. To the right (from the actors) is the entrance to the coffee shop, to the left are the trees; in the depths there is a low cast-iron grate, behind it is a view of the Volga, a large expanse of forests, villages, and so on. There are tables and chairs on the platform: one table on the right side, near the coffee shop, the other on the left.
The first phenomenon
Gavrilo is standing at the door of the coffee shop, Ivan is putting the furniture in order on the site.
Ivan. There are no people on the boulevard.
Gavrilo. It's always like this on holidays. We live in the old way: from late mass everything to pie and cabbage soup, and then, after bread and salt, seven hours of rest.
Ivan. Already seven! Three or four hours. This is a good establishment.
Gavrilo. But around evening they wake up, drink tea until the third melancholy ...
Ivan. Until longing! What is there to grieve about?
Gavrilo. Sit tighter at the samovar, swallow boiling water for two hours, that's how you'll know. After the sixth sweat, she, the first melancholy, rises ... They part with tea and crawl out onto the boulevard to breathe and roam. Now the pure public is walking: there is Mokiy Parmenych Knurov prone himself.
Ivan. Every morning he measures the boulevard back and forth, exactly as promised. And why does he bother himself so much?
Gavrilo. For exercise.
Ivan. What is exercise for?
Gavrilo. For appetite. And he needs an appetite for dinner. What dinners does he have! Can you eat such a dinner without exercise!
Ivan. Why is he silent?
Gavrilo. "Silence"! You are an eccentric ... How do you want him to talk, if he has millions! Who should he talk to? There are two or three people in the city, he talks to them, but no one else; Well, he is silent. He does not live here for long from this himself; Yes, and would not live if it were not for work. And he goes to talk to Moscow, St. Petersburg and abroad, where he has more space.
Ivan. But Vasily Danilych is coming from under the mountain. Here is also a rich man, but he talks.
Gavrilo. Vassily Danilych is still young; engages in cowardice; he still understands himself little, but in summer he will enter, the same idol will be.
From the left, Knurov comes out and, ignoring the bows of Gavrila and Ivan, sits down at the table, takes a French newspaper out of his pocket and reads. From the right enters Vozhevatov.
The second phenomenon
Knurov, Vozhevatov, Gavrilo, Ivan.
Vozhevatov (respectfully bowing). Moky Parmenych, I have the honor to bow!
Knurov. BUT! Vasily Danilych! (Gives a hand.) Where?
Vozhevatov. From the pier. (Sits down.)
Gavrilo comes closer.
Knurov. Have you met anyone?
Vozhevatov. Met, but not met. Yesterday I received a telegram from Sergei Sergeich Paratov. I buy a ship from him.
Gavrilo. Isn't it "Swallow", Vasily Danilych?
Vozhevatov. Yes, "Swallow". And what?
Gavrilo. Runs briskly, a strong steamer.
Vozhevatov. Yes, Sergei Sergeyevich deceived me, he did not come.
Gavrilo. You were waiting for them with the "Airplane", and they, maybe, will come on their own, on the "Swallow".
Ivan. Vasily Danilych, yes, there is a steamer running from above.
Vozhevatov. Few of them run along the Volga.
Ivan. This is Sergey Sergeyevich coming.
Vozhevatov. You think?
Ivan. Yes, it seems that they, sir ... The casings on the "Swallow" are painfully noticeable.
Vozhevatov. You will dismantle the casings for seven miles.
Ivan. For ten, you can sort it out, sir ... Yes, and it goes well, now you can see that with the owner.
Vozhevatov. How far?
Ivan. Out of the island. And so it lays, and so it lays.
Gavrilo. Are you saying lining?
Ivan. Lines. Passion! Shibche "Airplane" runs, and measures.
Gavrilo. They are going.
Vozhevatov (to Ivan). So you tell me how they will pester.
Ivan. Listen, sir... Tea, fired from a cannon.
Gavrilo. Without fail.
Vozhevatov. From what gun?
Gavrilo. They have their own barges at anchor in the middle of the Volga.
Vozhevatov. I know.
Gavrilo. So there is a gun on the barge. When they meet or see off Sergei Sergeyitch, they always fire like that. (Glancing aside behind the coffee shop.) There, and the carriage is coming after them, sir, cabbie, Chirkova, sir! Apparently, they let Chirkov know that they would come. The owner Chirkov himself is on the goats. It's behind them.
Vozhevatov. How do you know what's behind them?
Gavrilo. Four pacers in a row, have mercy, follow them. For whom will Chirkov collect such a quadruple! After all, it's horrible to watch ... like lions ... all four on snaffles! And a harness, a harness! Behind them, sir.
Ivan. And the gypsy with Chirkov is sitting on the goats, in the front Cossack, tied with a belt so that it looks like he will break.
Gavrilo. It's behind them. There is no one else to ride such a four. They With.
Knurov. Paratov lives in style.
Vozhevatov. Nothing else, but enough chic.
Knurov. Do you buy a steamer cheaply?
Vozhevatov. Cheap, Moky Parmenych!
Knurov. Yes, sure; but what for the calculation to buy. Why is he selling?
Vozhevatov. Know no benefits.
Knurov. Of course, where is he! This is not a bar business. Here you will find a benefit, especially if you buy something cheap.
Vozhevatov. By the way, we have a lot of cargo at the bottom.
Knurov. It wasn’t the money that was needed ... he’s wasted.
Vozhevatov. His business. Our money is ready.
Knurov. Yes, you can do things with money, you can. (With a smile.) Well, Vasily Danilych, who has a lot of money.
Vozhevatov. Is it bad business! You yourself, Moky Parmenych, know this better than anyone.
Knurov. I know, Vasily Danilych, I know.
Vozhevatov. Shall we have a cold drink, Moky Parmenych?
Knurov. What are you, in the morning! I haven't had breakfast yet...
Vozhevatov. Nothing, sir. One Englishman - he is the director at the factory - told me that it is good to drink champagne on an empty stomach from a cold. And I caught a little cold yesterday.
Knurov. How? Such warmth is worth it.
Vozhevatov. Yes, all the same, and he caught a cold: it was very cold.
Knurov. No, that's good; people will look, they will say: neither light nor dawn - they drink champagne.
Vozhevatov. And so that people do not say anything bad, so we will drink tea.
Knurov. Well, tea is another matter.
Vozhevatov (Gavrila). Gavrilo, give us a cup of mine, do you understand?.. Mine!
Gavrilo. I'm listening, sir. (Exits.)
Knurov. Do you drink a special one?
Vozhevatov. Yes, all the same champagne, only he will pour it into teapots and serve glasses with saucers.
Knurov. Witty.
Vozhevatov. Need will teach you everything, Moky Parmenych!
Knurov. Are you going to Paris for an exhibition?
Vozhevatov. Here I’ll buy a steamer and send it down for cargo and go.
Knurov. And I am one of these days: they are waiting for me.
Gavrilo brings two teapots of champagne and two glasses on a tray.
Vozhevatov (pouring). Have you heard the news, Moky Parmenych? Larisa Dmitrievna is getting married.
Knurov. How to get married? What do you! For whom?
Vozhevatov. For Karandyshev.
Knurov. What nonsense is this! Here is a fantasy! Well, what is Karandyshev! He’s not a match for her, Vasily Danilych!
Vozhevatov. What a couple! But what to do, where to get suitors? After all, she's a dowry.
Knurov. Dowry women find good suitors.
Vozhevatov. Not that time. There used to be a lot of suitors, and there were enough for homeless women; and now the grooms are just short; how many dowries, so many suitors, there are no extra ones - the dowry women lack something. Would Kharita Ignatyevna have given for Karandyshev if they had been better?
Knurov. A brisk woman.
Vozhevatov. She must not be Russian.
Knurov. From what?
Vozhevatov. Already very agile.
Knurov. How did she screw it up? The Ogudalovs are still a decent surname, and suddenly for some Karandyshev! .. Yes, with her dexterity ... the house of singles is always full ...
Vozhevatov. To go to her - everyone goes - because it's very fun: the young lady is pretty, plays various instruments, sings, circulation is free, it pulls ... Well, you need to think about getting married.
Knurov. After all, she gave out two.
Vozhevatov. She gave out something, but you need to ask them if it’s sweet for them to live. Some mountaineer, a Caucasian princeling, took the elder away. That was some fun ... As soon as he saw it, he shook, even began to cry - so for two weeks he stood beside her, holding on to the dagger and sparkling with his eyes, so that no one would come up. He got married and left, yes, they say, he didn’t take him to the Caucasus, he stabbed him to death on the road from jealousy. The other also married some foreigner, and after that he turned out to be not a foreigner at all, but a cheater.
Knurov. Ogudalova didn’t discriminate stupidly: her fortune is small, there is nothing to give a dowry from, so she lives openly, accepts everyone.
Vozhevatov. She also loves to have fun. And her means are so small that even for such a life is not enough.
Knurov. Where does she take it?
Vozhevatov. Grooms pay. As someone likes a daughter, so fork out ... Then they will take it from the groom for a dowry, but don’t ask for a dowry.
Knurov. Well, I think that not only suitors are paid, but for you, for example, frequent visits to this family are not cheap.
Vozhevatov. I won't go broke, Moky Parmenych! What to do, you have to pay for pleasures: they don’t get for nothing; and it is a great pleasure to be in their house.
Knurov. Indeed, a pleasure, you are telling the truth.
Vozhevatov. And you almost never do.
Knurov. Yes, it’s embarrassing: they have a lot of all sorts of rabble, then they meet, bow, and climb to talk. Here, for example, Karandyshev, well, what an acquaintance for me!
Vozhevatov. Yes, it looks like a market in their house.
Knurov. Well, what good! He climbs to Larisa Dmitrievna with compliments, the other with tenderness, and buzz, do not give her a word to say. It's nice to see her alone more often - without interference.
Vozhevatov. Need to get married.
Knurov. Marry! Not everyone can, and not everyone wants to; Here I am, for example, married.
Vozhevatov. So there is nothing to do ... The grapes are good, but green, Moky Parmenych.
Knurov. You think?
Vozhevatov. Visible business. People don’t have such rules: there were few cases, but they weren’t flattered, even for Karandyshev, but married.
Knurov. And it would be nice to take a ride to an exhibition with such a young lady in Paris.
Vozhevatov. Yes, it will not be boring, the walk is pleasant. What are your plans, Moky Parmenych!
Knurov. Didn't you also have these plans?
Vozhevatov. Where to me! I'm simple for such things. I have no courage with women: you know, I received such a very moral, patriarchal upbringing.
Knurov. Well, yes, explain! You have more chances than I do: youth is a great thing. Yes, and you will not regret the money; you buy a steamship cheaply, so from the profits you can. But, tea, it would not be cheaper than “Swallows”!
Vozhevatov. There is a price for every product, Mokiy Parmenych! Even though I'm young, I won't go too far: I won't pass on too much.
Knurov. Don't hesitate! How long will it take to fall in love with your years; And perishing then what calculations!
Vozhevatov. No, somehow I, Moky Parmenych, do not notice this at all in myself.
Knurov. What?
Vozhevatov. And that's what they call love.
Knurov. It is commendable, you will be a good merchant. And yet you are much closer to her than others.
Vozhevatov. Yes, what is my closeness! I sometimes pour an extra glass of champagne from my mother, I learn a song, I drive novels that girls are not allowed to read.
Knurov. Corrupt, then, little by little.
Vozhevatov. Give me what! I'm not forcibly imposing ... Why should I care about her morality! I am not her guardian.
Knurov. I keep wondering, did Larisa Dmitrievna, besides Karandyshev, have no suitors at all?
Vozhevatov. Were; yes, she is simple.
Knurov. How simple? That is stupid?
Vozhevatov. Not stupid, but no cunning, not like a mother. That one has all cunning and flattery, and this one suddenly, for no apparent reason, will say that it is not necessary.
Knurov. That is the truth?
Vozhevatov. Yes, the truth; and the homeless can't do that. To whom it is located, does not hide it at all. Here Sergey Sergeyevich Paratov appeared last year, I couldn’t get enough of him, but he traveled for two months, beat off all the suitors, and besides, he caught a cold, disappeared no one knows where.
Knurov. What happened to him?
Vozhevatov. Who knows; because he is smart. And how much she loved him, she almost died of grief. How sensitive! (Laughs.) I rushed to catch up with him, my mother turned back from the second station.
Knurov. Were there suitors after Paratov?
Vozhevatov. Two people ran in: an old man with gout and a wealthy steward of some prince, always drunk. Larisa had no time for them, but she had to be amiable: mother orders.
Knurov. However, her position is unenviable.
Vozhevatov. Yes, even funny. She sometimes has tears in her eyes, apparently, she decided to cry, and her mother tells her to smile. Then suddenly this cashier showed up. Here he was throwing money, and falling asleep to Harita Ignatievna. He fought off everyone, but he did not show off for long: they arrested him in their house. The brawl is healthy! (Laughs.) For a month, the Ogudalovs could not show their eyes anywhere. Here Larisa flatly announced to her mother: “Enough, she says, shame on us; I’ll go for the first one, who will marry, whether rich or poor, I won’t make out.” And Karandyshev is right there with the offer.
Knurov. Where did this Karandyshev come from?
Vozhevatov. He has been spinning in their house for a long time, three years. They didn’t drive, and there wasn’t much honor. When the alternation happened, none of the rich suitors was in sight, so they kept him, slightly invited, so that it was not completely empty in the house. And when some rich man used to come running, it was just a pity to look at Karandyshev; neither speak to him nor look at him. And he, sitting in the corner, plays different roles, throws wild looks, pretends to be desperate. Once I wanted to shoot myself, but it didn’t work out, I just made everyone laugh ... But then here’s some fun: they once had a fancy-dress evening under Paratov; so Karandyshev dressed as a robber; he took an ax in his hands and threw brutal glances at everyone, especially at Sergei Sergeyitch.
Knurov. And what?
Vozhevatov. The ax was taken away and they were ordered to change clothes; and then, they say, get out!
Knurov. So, he was awarded for constancy. Glad, I think.
Vozhevatov. Still as glad something, shines like an orange. What a laugh! After all, he is our weirdo. He would like to get married as soon as possible and leave for his little estate, while the conversations subside, so the Ogudalovs wanted; and he drags Larisa to the boulevard, walks arm in arm with her, raising his head so high that he is about to stumble upon someone. Yes, I put on glasses for some reason, but I never wore them. Bows - barely nods; what tone he took; before it was not even heard, but now it’s all “I, I, I want, I want.”
Knurov. Like a Russian peasant: there is little joy in being drunk, you have to break down so that everyone can see. If it breaks, they beat him twice, well, he is satisfied and goes to sleep.
Vozhevatov. Yes, it seems that Karandyshev cannot escape.
Knurov. A poor girl; how she suffers looking at him, I think.
Vozhevatov. He decided to finish his apartment, that's weird. In the study, he nailed a penny carpet to the wall, hung daggers, Tula pistols: the hunter would have been amazing, otherwise he would never take a gun in his hands. Drags to itself, shows; it is necessary to praise, otherwise you will offend - a proud, envious person. I ordered a horse from the village, some motley nag; the driver is small, and the caftan on him is from the big one. And he carries Larisa Dmitrievna on this camel; he sits so proudly, as if he were riding thousands of trotters. He comes out of the boulevard, shouting to the policeman: “Order to serve my carriage!” Well, this carriage drives up with music, all the screws, all the nuts rattle in different voices, and the springs tremble, as if alive.
Knurov. Pity poor Larisa Dmitrievna, pity...
Vozhevatov. Why are you so compassionate?
Knurov. Can't you see that this woman is made for luxury. An expensive diamond is expensive and requires a setting.
Vozhevatov. And a good jeweler.
Knurov. You told the absolute truth. A jeweler is not a simple artisan, he must be an artist. In a beggarly situation, and even with a foolish husband, she will either die or become vulgar.
Vozhevatov. And I think so that she will leave him soon. Now she is still dead; but he will recover and take a closer look at her husband, what he is ... (Quiet.) Here they are, easy on the face of something ...
Enter Karandyshev, Ogudalova, Larisa. Vozhevatov gets up and bows, Knurov takes out a newspaper.
The third phenomenon
Knurov, Vozhevatov, Karandyshev, Ogudalova; Larisa, in the back, sits down on a bench by the grating and looks through binoculars over the Volga. Gavrilo, Ivan.
Ogudalova (walking up to the table). Hello gentlemen!
Karandyshev comes up to her. Vozhevatov gives his hand to Ogudalova and Karandyshev. Knurov, silently and without getting up, gives Ogudalova a hand, nods slightly to Karandyshev and plunges into reading the newspaper.
Vozhevatov. Harita Ignatievna, sit down, you are welcome! (Pulls up a chair.)
Ogudalova sits down.
Would you like a seagull?
Karandyshev sits down.
Ogudalova. Maybe I'll have a cup.
Vozhevatov. Ivan, give me a cup and add boiling water!
Ivan takes the kettle and leaves.
Karandyshev. What a strange fantasy to drink tea at this time? I'm surprised.
Vozhevatov. Thirst, Julius Kapitonych, but I don't know what to drink. Advise - I will be very grateful.
Karandyshev (looks at watch). Now it's noon, you can drink a glass of vodka, eat a cutlet, drink a glass of good wine - I always have breakfast like that.
Vozhevatov (Ogudalova). Here is life, Harita Ignatievna, you will envy! (to Karandyshev.) I would live, it seems, at least a day in your place. Vodka and wine! We can’t do that, sir, you’ll probably lose your mind. Everything is possible for you: you won’t live on capital, because it doesn’t exist, and we were born into the world so bitter, our affairs are very great, so we can’t lose our minds.
Ivan brings a teapot and a cup.
Please, Harita Ignatievna! (Pours and gives a cup.) I also drink cold tea so that people do not say that I drink hot drinks.
Ogudalova. The tea is cold, only, Vasya, you poured me a strong one.
Vozhevatov. Nothing, sir. Eat, do me a favor! In the air it is not harmful.
Karandyshev (to Ivan). Come serve me at dinner today.
Ivan. Listen, sir, Julius Kapitonych!
Karandyshev. You, brother, clean your clothes.
Ivan. The case is known, tailcoat; we don't understand anything.
Karandyshev. Vasily Danilych, here's what: come and dine with me today!
Vozhevatov. I humbly thank you ... Will you order me to wear a tailcoat too?
Karandyshev. As you wish, don't be shy. However, ladies will.
Vozhevatov (bowing.) I'm listening, sir. I hope not to drop myself.
Karandyshev (passes to Knurov). Moky Parmenych, would you like to dine with me today?
Knurov (looks at him in surprise). You?
Ogudalova. Moky Parmenych, it's the same as ours - this dinner is for Larisa.
Knurov. Yes, so you're inviting? OK. I will come.
Karandyshev. So I will hope.
Knurov. I already said that I would come. (Reading newspaper.)
Ogudalova. Julius Kapitonych is my future son-in-law, I marry Larisa to him.
Karandyshev. Yes, Moky Parmenych, I took a chance. In general, I have always been above prejudice ...
Knurov closes with a newspaper.
Vozhevatov (Ogudalova). Moky Parmenych is strict...
Karandyshev (departing from Knurov to Vozhevatov). I wish Larisa Dmitrievna to be surrounded only by selected people.
Vozhevatov. Does that mean I belong to the chosen society? Thanks, I didn't expect it. (Gavrila.) Gavrilo, how much for my tea?
Gavrilo. Two portions deigned to ask?
Vozhevatov. Yes, two servings.
Gavrilo. So you know, Vasily Danilych, not for the first time... Thirteen rubles, sir...
Vozhevatov. Well, I thought it was cheaper.
Gavrilo. Why would it be cheaper? Rates, duty, have mercy!
Vozhevatov. Why, I'm not arguing with you that you pester! Get money and get out! (Gives money.)
Karandyshev. Why it's so expensive, I don't understand.
Gavrilo. To whom it is dear, and to whom it is not ... You don’t eat such tea.
Ogudalova (to Karandyshev). Stop it, don't interfere in your own business!
Ivan. Vasily Danilych, "Swallow" is coming.
Vozhevatov. Moky Parmenych, "Swallow" is coming, would you like to take a look? We will not go down, we will look from the mountain.
Knurov. Let's go. Curious. (Stands up.)
Ogudalova. Vasya, I'll ride on your horse.
Vozhevatov. Go, just send it quickly! (Goes up to Larisa and speaks to her quietly.)
Ogudalova (approaches Knurov). Moky Parmenych, we started a wedding, so you won’t believe how much trouble ...
Knurov. Yes…
Ogudalova. And suddenly such expenses that could not be expected in any way ... Tomorrow is the birth of Larisa, I would like to give something ...
Knurov. Okay, I'll come to you.
Ogudalova leaves.
Larisa (Vozhevatov). Goodbye, Vasya!
Vozhevatov and Knurov leave. Larisa approaches Karandyshev.
A large fictional city on the Volga - Bryakhimov. An open area near a coffee shop on Privolzhsky Boulevard. Knurov (“one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune,” as the remark says about him) and Vozhevatov (“a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company, a European in costume), having ordered champagne in a tea set, they begin to discuss the news: a well-known beauty without a dowry Larisa Ogudalova marries a poor official Karandyshev. Vozhevatov explains the modest marriage with the desire of Larisa, who experienced a strong passion for the “brilliant gentleman” Paratov, who turned her head, beat off all the suitors and suddenly left. After the scandal, when another fiancé was arrested for embezzlement right in the Ogudalovs' house, Larisa announced that she would marry the first who would marry, and Karandyshev, a long-time and unsuccessful admirer, "and right there." Vozhevatov reports that he is waiting for Paratov, who sold him his steamer "Swallow", which causes a joyful animation of the owner of the coffee shop. The best quadruple in the city rode to the pier with the owner on the goats and gypsies in full dress.
The Ogudalovs appear with the Karandyshevs. Ogudalova is treated to tea, Karandyshev puts on airs and, as an equal, turns to Knurov with an invitation to dinner. Ogudalova explains that the dinner is in honor of Larisa, and she joins the invitation. Karandyshev reprimands Larisa for being familiar with Vozhevatov, several times condemningly mentions the Ogudalovs' house, which offends Larisa. The conversation turns to Paratov, to whom Karandyshev treats with envious hostility, and Larisa - with delight. She is outraged by the fiancé's attempts to compare herself with Paratov, she declares: "Sergei Sergeyich is the ideal of a man." During the conversation, cannon shots are heard, Larisa gets scared, but Karandyshev explains: “Some tyrant merchant gets off his barge,” meanwhile, from the conversation between Vozhevatov and Knurov, it is known that the firing was in honor of Paratov’s arrival. Larisa and her fiancé leave.
Paratov appears, accompanied by the provincial actor Arkady Schastlivtsev, whom Paratov calls Robinson, because he took him from a desert island, where Robinson was dropped off for a brawl. To Knurov’s question whether he is sorry to sell the “Swallow”, Paratov replies: “What is“ sorry ”, I don’t know that. I’ll find a profit, so I’ll sell everything, anything, ”and after this he announces that he is marrying a bride with gold mines, he came to say goodbye to his bachelor will. Paratov invites him to a men's picnic across the Volga, makes a rich order to the restaurateur and invites him to dine for a while. Knurov and Vozhevatov regretfully refuse, saying that they are dining with Larisa's fiancé.
The second act takes place in the Ogudalovs' house, the main feature of the living room is a piano with a guitar on it. Knurov arrives and reproaches Ogudalova that she is giving Larisa away for a poor man, predicts that Larisa will not be able to endure a miserable semi-petty-bourgeois life and will probably return to her mother. Then they will need a solid and rich "friend" and offer themselves to such "friends". After that, he asks Ogudalova, without stint, to order a dowry and a wedding toilet for Larisa, and send the bills to him. And leaves. Larisa appears, tells her mother that she wants to leave for the village as soon as possible. Ogudalova paints village life in gloomy colors. Larisa plays the guitar and sings the song "Don't tempt me unnecessarily", but the guitar is out of tune. Seeing through the window the owner of the gypsy choir Ilya, she calls him to fix the guitar. Ilya says that the gentleman is coming, which “we have been waiting for all year”, and runs away at the call of other gypsies who announced the arrival of a long-awaited client. Ogudalova worries: did they hurry up with the wedding and did they miss a more profitable game? Karandyshev appears, whom Larisa asks to leave for the village as soon as possible. But he does not want to rush to "magnify" (Ogudalova's expression) Larisa, to satisfy his pride, which has suffered for so long from neglect of him, Karandyshev. Larisa reproaches him for this, not at all hiding the fact that she does not love him, but only hopes to love him. Karandyshev scolds the city for its attention to the depraved, squandered reveler, whose arrival drove everyone crazy: restaurateurs and sex workers, cabbies, gypsies and townspeople in general, and when asked who it is, he angrily throws: “Your Sergey Sergeyevich Paratov” and, looking into window, says that he came to the Ogudalovs. Frightened, Larisa leaves with her fiancé to other chambers.
Ogudalova affectionately and familiarly receives Paratov, asks why he suddenly disappeared from the city, finds out that he went to save the remnants of the estate, and now he is forced to marry a bride with half a million dowry. Ogudalova calls Larisa, an explanation takes place between her and Paratov in private. Paratov reproaches Larisa that she soon forgot him, Larisa admits that she continues to love him and gets married in order to get rid of the humiliation in front of "impossible suitors." Paratov's pride is satisfied. Ogudalova introduces him to Karandyshev, a quarrel occurs between them, as Paratov seeks to offend and humiliate Larisa's fiancé. Ogudalova settles the scandal and forces Karandyshev to invite Paratov to dinner as well. Vozhevatov appears, accompanied by Robinson, posing as an Englishman, and introduces him to those present, including Paratov, who himself recently gave Robinson to him. Vozhevatov and Paratov conspire to have fun at Karandyshev's dinner.
The third act is in Karandyshev's office, poorly and tastelessly decorated, but with great pretensions. Aunt Karandysheva is on the stage, ridiculously complaining about the losses from dinner. Larisa appears with her mother. They discuss the terrible dinner, the humiliating misunderstanding of Karandyshev's position. Ogudalova says that the guests deliberately solder Karandyshev and laugh at him. After the women leave, Knurov, Paratov and Vozhevatov appear, complaining about a crappy dinner and terrible wine and rejoicing that Robinson, who can drink anything, helped get Karandyshev drunk. Karandyshev appears, who puts on airs and boasts, not noticing that they are laughing at him. He is sent for cognac. At this time, the gypsy Ilya reports that everything is ready for a trip across the Volga. The men say among themselves that it would be nice to take Larisa, Paratov undertakes to persuade her. Larisa, who has appeared, is asked to sing, but Karandyshev tries to forbid her, then Larisa sings “Do not tempt”. The guests are delighted, Karandyshev, about to say a long-prepared toast, leaves for champagne, the rest leave Paratov alone with Larisa. He spins her head, telling her that a few more moments like this and he will give up everything to become her slave. Larisa agrees to go on a picnic in the hope of getting Paratov back. Karandyshev, who appeared, makes a toast to Larisa, in which the most precious thing to him is that she “knows how to sort people out” and therefore chose him. Karandyshev is sent for more wine. When he returns, he learns about Larisa's departure for a picnic, he finally realizes that he was laughed at, and threatens to take revenge. Grabbing a gun, he runs away.
The fourth act is again in the coffee shop. Robinson, not taken to the picnic, learns from a conversation with a servant that they saw Karandyshev with a pistol. He appears and asks Robinson where his comrades are. Robinson gets rid of him, explaining that they were casual acquaintances. Karandyshev leaves. Knurov and Vozhevatov, who have returned from a picnic, appear, believing that "the drama is beginning." Both understand that Paratov made serious promises to Larisa, which he does not intend to fulfill, and therefore she is compromised and her position is hopeless. Now their dream can come true to go with Larisa to Paris for an exhibition. In order not to interfere with each other, they decide to toss a coin. The lot falls to Knurov, and Vozhevatov gives his word to retire.
Larisa appears with Paratov. Paratov thanks Larisa for the pleasure, but she wants to hear that she has now become his wife. Paratov replies that he cannot break up with a rich bride because of Larisa's passion, and instructs Robinson to take her home. Larisa refuses. Vozhevatov and Knurov appear, Larisa rushes to Vozhevatov asking for sympathy and advice, but he resolutely evades, leaving her with Knurov, who offers Larisa a joint trip to Paris and maintenance for life. Larisa is silent, and Knurov leaves, asking her to think. In desperation, Larisa approaches the cliff, dreaming of dying, but does not dare to commit suicide and exclaims: “How would someone kill me now ...” Karandyshev appears, Larisa tries to drive him away, speaks of her contempt. He reproaches her, says that Knurov and Vozhevatov played her in a toss, like a thing. Larisa is shocked and, picking up his words, says: “If you are a thing, it’s so expensive, very expensive.” She asks to send Knurov to her. Karandyshev tries to stop her, shouting that he forgives her and takes her out of the city, but Larisa rejects this offer and wants to leave. She does not believe his words of love for her. Enraged and humiliated, Karandyshev shoots her. The dying Larisa gratefully accepts this shot, puts the revolver near her and tells those who have run to the shot that no one is to blame: "It's me." Gypsy singing can be heard offstage. Paratov shouts: "Tell me to shut up!", But Larisa does not want this and dies to the loud gypsy choir with the words: "... you are all good people ... I love you all ... I love you all."
retold
