Molchalin is one of the most memorable images in the comedy "Woe from Wit". He is endowed with a speaking surname. So, what is this character "silent" about?
We meet Molchalin at the very beginning of the comedy, when we find out that they have mutual love with Sophia, the daughter of the owner of the house. However, in the future it becomes clear that the reciprocity of love exists only in the imagination of Sophia, and Molchalin himself is not as simple as it seems.
Molchalin's life position is most fully revealed during his dialogue with Chatsky . "My father bequeathed to me: firstly, to please all people without exception - the Master, where I happen to live, the Chief, with whom I will serve, his Servant, who cleans the dress, the doorman, the janitor, to avoid evil, the dog of the janitor, so that he was affectionate"- says Molchalin. And indeed, this character will always be able to achieve what he wants precisely because of his ability to find an approach to people. His main goal (like any representative of the "famus society") is to achieve a high position in society by any means. And now he, realizing that Famusov's daughter is in love with him, in order not to offend her, plays a romantic and timid lover. He knows that Sophia reads French romance novels and therefore understands how he should appear in front of her. And it works: Sophia admires his complaisance, modesty, gentleness. He also behaves modestly under Famusov. During the ball, Molchalin tries with all his might to please Khryumina, knowing that she occupies a high position in society ( "Your Spitz is a lovely Spitz, no more than a thimble").
However, it is interesting to observe how his behavior with other people changes. Alone with the maid Lisa, he becomes rude and cheeky. With Chatsky, he talks politely and emphatically restrained, because he understands: Chatsky is an unwanted guest in this house and it is unprofitable to honor him. In addition, Molchalin is amazed that Chatsky is not familiar with one noble lady - Tatyana Yurievna. This shows how important connections and reputation are to Molchalin (and how little they matter to Chatsky). Chatsky's desire to prove to everyone that he was right and Molchalin's restraint are also opposed to each other ( "in my years one should not dare to have one's own judgments").
If Chatsky turned out to be an outcast in this society, then Molchalin feels himself here like a fish in water. It was not in vain that Chatsky said: "The Silent people are blissful in the world." Molchalin is a type of person who, unfortunately, is in demand in any society at any time. It is these people who often achieve a lot precisely because of their hypocrisy. Therefore, it is fashionable to give an affirmative answer to the rather popular question of what will happen to Molchalin after the scandal at the end of the work and exposure: everything will be forgotten pretty quickly and he will continue to live in Famusov’s house as if nothing had happened.
The work "Woe from Wit" by A.S. Griboyedov belongs to the genre of comedy, the events took place at the beginning of the 19th century, in which the author showed images of Moscow nobles. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the present century and the past, the difficult change of old ideals for new ones. On the side of the last century there were a significant number of people in comedy, one of them was a young nobleman who did not yet have any ranks Molchalin. His task was to serve powerful people.
Molchalin himself was a poor nobleman, born in Tver. In the comedy, he lived in the house of Famusov, who, in turn, took Molchalin as a secretary. Molchalin falls in love with Famusov's daughter and secretly meets with her. Famusov is opposed to such relations, because he believes that his daughter needs an influential husband with ranks. Although Molchalin does not meet these requirements, he has another quality that was appreciated by the inhabitants of the Famusovsky house. He did his best to serve in every possible way, and this attracted attention. That is why he managed to get into the position of secretary, where business qualities are important, not honor.
In the work "Woe from Wit" the image of the protagonist can be called the standard behavior of a young nobleman in the environment. We see how he tries to serve, and if necessary, even humiliate himself in front of the influential guests of Famusov's house, all this comes with the expectation that they can be useful in life and further service. Molchalin even took it for granted to praise the coat of Khlestova's dog. To describe the hero, a quote is suitable that says that while “we are in small ranks”, “we must depend on others.” He believes that while you are young, it is not necessary to have an opinion.
The Famus society was famous for boasting, at every opportunity it was common to praise new successes, Molchalin was the same. He was a frequent guest of Princess Tatyana Yurievna. Although in character and behavior Molchalin was the same as everyone else in society, although he agreed with everyone and supported ideas, this did not stop him from going to meanness. For example, his love for Sophia was only a fiction, and he went for it for his own benefit. In fact, he sincerely opens up when communicating with the maid Lisa, whom he liked. And then another character opens up to the reader, you see that there is duplicity in him, which means that such a person is dangerous.
In his soul and heart there is not a drop of respect and warmth for Sophia. He is at great risk when he begins to secretly see Famusov's daughter, because he was constantly in a state of fear that they would be noticed. This expresses cowardice. For Molchalin, an important role was played by the fact that he was worried about the opinions of others, and he was also afraid of what others would think of him. This meanness and deceit of his ruins him, because he begins to harm those with whom he has long been surrounded. He remembered the words of his father, which said to please everyone without exception, which Molchalin followed. Based on this, we can conclude about the attitude of the hero to the description of the ideal of the past century, despite the fact that he is still young.
The author showed Molchalin as a worthy continuation and example of conservative nobles. Such a society is characterized by the fact that for them rank and money are in the first place, these two categories allow them to evaluate the rest. As already mentioned, Molchalin was cunning and two-faced, these are the two main qualities that describe the hero.
Griboyedov touched upon a problem in the comedy that is still relevant today. Indeed, many cases are known when there were the same people who did not see anything in their path and were ready to go through everything for the sake of their goals. This topic will be relevant as long as there are people among us with the same values as Molchalin and his society.
Composition on the theme of Molchalin
The comedy "Woe from Wit", written by Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov in the period from 1822 to 1824, tells about the secular society and life of those times. One of the central characters of the work is Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin, a man from the common people, striving for career growth.
Molchalin seems to be a decent young man who is distinguished by his kindness and modesty. But in fact, all these qualities are just a mask that the hero uses to achieve his goals. His dream is a career, high rank and wealth. Respect among high society is the limit of his happiness. There are many different ways to achieve these goals. But Molchalin chooses the fastest and most negative. He takes steps towards his dream with the help of flattery, hypocrisy and duplicity. He does it so subtly and imperceptibly that many can envy.
The hero worked as a secretary for Famusov, a rich and respected man. He did all the work conscientiously, spoke affectionately and carefully, which is why Famusov liked him. With the daughter of his master, with Sophia, he treated even better and even dared to play a young man in love. Naturally, he does not experience any high feelings towards the girl. On the contrary, he despises her and builds relationships solely for his own benefit. Once guilty before the girl, he rushes to her feet. The reason for this was far from repentance, but the fear of losing the trust of his master Famusov. Another person who was lucky enough to listen to lies from Molchalin was Khlestova. He kindly played cards with her and complimented her dog. In fact, people are very pleased with such behavior in their address. Molchalin showed hypocrisy and helpfulness towards everyone living in the house: from servants to superiors. This was the plan of the hero, which he strictly adhered to.
Thus, Molchalin in Griboyedov's comedy is a negative character. The reader cannot see any positive features of the hero, but sees only hypocrisy and a desire to achieve a dubious goal in dirty ways. With the help of this character, the author reveals a serious problem that still exists today. People who aspire not to anything high, but to fame and money, are ready to go over their heads and put on a mask of sincerity. Usually, having achieved their goals, such people live unhappily and alone.
Option 3
In his comedy Woe from Wit, Griboyedov tells about the nobles of Moscow in the 19th century, it was then that society split into conservatives and those who were impressed by the ideas of the Decembrists. The main idea of the work is the opposition of the current century and the past century, the replacement of outdated ideals of the nobles with completely new ones.
In comedy there is a huge number of supporters of the old ideals. Admirers of the old principles are weighty and significant people in society, such as the landowner Famusov, Colonel Skalozub, and the younger generation, who is simply forced to serve the "old men", also serve the old nobles. Molchalin is one of these young people who is forced to serve the old nobles with their orders.
Molchalin himself is a poor nobleman, born in Tver, he lives in the house of Famusov, who gave him the rank of assessor and hired him as a sergeant. Molchalin is also the lover of Famusov's daughter, but Famusov himself does not know about this. The father does not want to have such a son-in-law as Molchalin, because in Moscow it is customary to have rich relatives. Famusov appreciates in people the desire to serve him, and that is how Molchalin, with the help of his helpfulness, receives such positions.
In this play, the image of Molchalin very accurately corresponds to the nature of the command of a young, not strong nobleman in an influential society. Molchalin is trying to curry favor with the distinguished guests in Famusov's house as much as possible, because they can be useful for his further career growth. The young nobleman stooped to the point that he began to praise the coat of Khlestov's dog. He believes that the nobles of the lower ranks should thus earn respect from their elders.
He, like all the characters in this comedy, considers it his duty to show off and be proud of his success in promotion. Molchalin is excellent at establishing connections with the people he needs, who can help him in his service. Molchalin bears enormous damage to the society in which he is located. He also deceives Famusov's daughter, because he takes care of her only for the sake of long service to her father. He is the kind of person who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, and is capable of causing great damage to the society in which he is located.
Almost every Russian poet in his works first of all tried to convey his feelings, emotions, love. That is why often each poem of poets is precisely their story. One of the famous Russian poets
In 1914, A. Kuprin's work "The Pit" appeared, in which he raises the topic of corrupt love. This is the first writer who was not afraid to reveal the lives of women who sell their love.
The main character of the work is Grishka Chelkash, presented as an experienced, dexterous and courageous thief.
The great comedy of A. S. Griboedov, which appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, opens a new stage in the development of Russian literature. The characters created by the playwright have historical, literary and universal significance. The unconditional find of the author is the image of Molchalin, which absorbed the features of a socio-psychological type, which, unfortunately, was destined in Rus' for a long life. The type of this hero, one might say, is one of the most common in Russian literature. But the very first meeting with him takes place in the play by A.S. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit". The merit of the author is the creation of the literary type of Molchalin, which has become a major acquisition of social thought. Griboyedov showed great power of journalistic generalization. The author elevated the little official - secretary Famusov - to the symbol of a significant socio-political group, firmly linking "silence" with "famusism". Creating the character of Molchalin, Griboyedov showed the influence of bureaucratic morality on the development and behavior of a person. From childhood, the hero was taught slavish servility to the powers that be. The fulfillment of his father's covenant helped him "to take rewards and live happily." But, on the other hand, he, as a petty provincial official, had no other choice. Molchalin is a master in the art of lifting a scarf, keeping silent when he is scolded, for this he received three awards, the rank of assessor and is on friendly terms with many influential people. At the first meeting, it is indeed difficult to determine the real face of Molchalin. We see a timid and shy young man. Sophia in love endows him with a lot of virtues. "The hero of her novel" is "both insinuating and smart", he is "ready to forget himself for others", "yielding, modest, quiet". However, gradually we are convinced that such Molchalin is only a figment of Sophia's imagination. If Chatsky underestimated Molchalin, then Sophia clearly overestimated him. So who, finally, is Molchalin: a humble modest man, clumsy and funny in his servility, or a successful scoundrel? "Warmed" by Famusov, for several years spent in Moscow, Molchalin managed to make a good career: he received the rank of assessor and "three awards", was enrolled in the archives, managed to establish the necessary connections, make profitable acquaintances. He, like Skalozub, "has many channels to get ranks." Molchalin does not disdain anything: There he will stroke the pug in time, Then he will wipe the card at the right time ... Showing the confrontation between Chatsky and Famusov, A.S. Griboedov raises the problem of "the present century" and "the past century". These heroes are people of different generations, while Chatsky and Molchalin are the same age, but the sharper the contrast between them. Each of them shows one of the options for the path that young people can choose: the path of truth-seekers and rebels (the path of Chatsky) and the path of "wordless" who will reach "known degrees" (the path of Molchalin). Molchalin became a household name for meanness, servility. He sincerely does not realize how, being a petty official, one can think and feel independently. Sympathizing with Chatsky that he suffered "failure in the service", Molchalin tries to help him if he, in turn, follows the path of all the silent ones. Silent and always ready to serve, he possesses such a capital that under any circumstances gives him and his descendants the right interest: moderation and accuracy. He also has one more property - the readiness to the grave to please anyone who "feeds and waters, and sometimes bestows a rank." He, if necessary, can take the form of a lover "to please the daughter of such a person." And, of course, Molchalin is on the side of "everyone" in the conflict with the troublemaker Chatsky. It is precisely in the dialogue between Chatsky and Molchalin that the social and spiritual confrontation between a free-thinking person and an environment of moderation and accuracy is finally formed, which will be resolved by slandering Chatsky and his exile. Griboyedov forces Molchalin to be frank and, with some defiance, set forth the rules of life of the circle to which he is close. “Moderation and accuracy”, “I am not a writer”, “at my age I should not dare to have my own opinion”, “after all, one must depend on others” - these are the foundations of Mololinsky’s well-being, from which he will never retreat. But Chatsky was mistaken in assessing Molchalin, in his true role. For him, Molchalin is a nonentity, "the most miserable creature." Chatsky is contemptuously arrogant. But only. He never thought that Molchalin could be his rival. And even when he finds out about the connection between Sophia and Molchalin, he does not take it seriously. After all, at the time of Griboyedov, the Molchalins caused mostly contempt. They could not become worthy opponents of the advanced nobles. Molchalin was an unworthy subject, he did not deserve serious attention. He sacredly fulfills his father's covenant "to please all people without exception." Flattery is Molchalin's main weapon. He flatters everyone who can be useful, and is even ready to play the role of a lover, counting on the mercy of Famusov. However, the mask of the humble quickly flies off him when he speaks with those whom he considers below him. With Lisa, Molchalin tries to look like a rake, forgetting about shyness. He does not put Chatsky in anything, therefore he allows himself to give the latter advice. In the eyes of Molchalin, Chatsky is a loser, so you can behave contemptuously and condescendingly with him. It would seem that before us is a completely unsightly and useless person, but, alas, we, following Chatsky, are forced to admit that "the Silent people are blissful in the world." And apparently the time of the silent ones was already coming, that is, the era of silence - the time of the reign of Nicholas I, the time of ranks and officials. Then comes the hatred of the silent ones. But she did not come immediately, but when it turned out that the eternally young old men of Russian history are they. After all, Molchalin remained, and Chatsky left the stage, Onegin passed, Pechorin died, Rudin, Rakhmetov, Bazarov left. He also became invulnerable. It turned out to be impossible to defeat such people - they are strong by someone else's strength, they cannot be killed with contempt, because their dignity lies in someone else's authority. K. A. Polevoy wrote: "... look around: you are surrounded by silence." But the Molchalins, at first glance, are not so harmless and funny in their effort to please, they should not be underestimated. As time has shown, the Molchalins are tenacious and invulnerable. Most likely, it is not the hero himself who is terrible, but the situation when the Chatskys suffer, and the Molchalins are blissful when the opportunists win. But for how long at the end of the play is Molchalin exposed, humiliated, frightened? Such people are "reborn" quickly, which is very sad and regrettable. They do not repent of their actions, and what is more terrible is that they do not realize the depths of their fall.
The epithets that are awarded to Alexei Molchalin are a flatterer, a toady and a heartless rogue. The anti-hero of the comedy "Woe from Wit" appears to readers as a truly grotesque figure, the description of which is full of sarcastic clichés. And according to the law of the genre, an unpleasant type who stole the heart of a naive girl will be exposed. Alas, such a plot is most often possible only in plays.
History of creation
Molchalin is a colorful and vibrant character, with the help of which he denounced a typical secular society from the time of serfdom. The writer created the first drafts of the comedy Woe from Wit back in 1820.
The results of the work, which lasted for four years, did not satisfy the author. In 1824, Griboedov, during the editing of the resulting work, partially rewrites the character of Molchalin. The writer adds final scenes to the comedy, thereby exposing the secretary to the rest of the characters.
The first attempts to publish Woe from Wit took place in December of the same year. Alas, censorship softened the replicas of the heroes, smoothing over the acute social issues that Griboyedov raised. For example, Molchalin's phrase "After all, one must depend on others" was replaced with "After all, one must keep others in mind."
The comedy, not burdened by the censor's edits, was released to print only in 1831, while the play was specially translated into German. The Russian-language version of the poetic work appeared in Moscow in 1833.
Critical remarks about the play mainly touched on the confrontation and Molchalin. Despite the numerous censures of the secretary, the hero's life values are understandable and correspond to the spirit of the time. This is subtly noted:
“Chatsky says about Molchalin that he used to be so stupid that he is the most miserable creature. Molchalin made it his rule: moderation and accuracy. Let's ask: what is stupid and funny here?
"Woe from Wit"
The plot of Alexander Griboyedov's comedy develops on the territory of the landowner's estate. The economy of an elderly person has long been established, in working moments the secretary helps the man, whose full name is Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin.
The man lives in the house of the employer, so he easily strikes up a relationship with Sofia Famusova. Young people spend a lot of time alone, talking on personal topics. Molchalin's biography undergoes drastic changes when Chatsky returns to his homeland.
Men from the first minutes disliked each other. Chatsky intends to understand the reasons for the strange behavior of his beloved. Molchalin is scared that the secret romance will be revealed. The secretary does not want to lose a profitable position, but the opportunity to become the son-in-law of a wealthy aristocrat is too tempting.
The girl herself has long lost interest in Chatsky and can hardly restrain herself so as not to reveal her secret. When Molchalin falls from a horse, the younger Famusova cannot cope with her emotions. People around begin to suspect that there is a secret connection between the characters.
Having ridiculed the views of the secretary on life, Chatsky incurs the wrath of the girl. Human relationships are surrounded by gossip, intrigue and class prejudice. Molchalin's well-fed life ends at the moment when, succumbing to feelings, the secretary opens his hands and confesses his insidious plans to the maid Lisa.
Sophia herself and an angry Chatsky hear an intimate conversation and unpleasant statements. At this moment, the social problems of Russian officials and the love drama are mixed together. Molchalin is expelled from a rich house, and his rival bitterly concludes:
"The silent ones are blissful in the world!"
Image and character
The debate about whether Molchalin is pathetic or terrible does not subside among connoisseurs of classical literature. The quotation of the character will put everything in its place, because Griboyedov expressed his attitude towards the character through the remarks of Molchalin himself and the people around him.
The comedy hero grew up in Tver and moved to Moscow at a mature age. The young man is poor, grew up in a bourgeois family. His father also worked in the service, so Molchalin from childhood was used to kowtow to the powers that be:
“My father bequeathed to me: firstly, to please all people without exception - the owner, where I happen to live, the boss with whom I will serve.”
The secretary follows the precepts of his father, so he settles in Famusov's house with ease and comfort. Officially, the young man is listed in the "archives", but in fact, he performs the duties of a personal assistant to the landowner. During the service, the man managed to receive three awards, which Molchalin is boastfully proud of.
Illustration for the comedy "Woe from Wit" Partially, the characteristic of the secretary is revealed through the appearance of the character. An attractive young man has a slim figure. A man dresses neatly and watches his own manners:
“Helpful, modest, there is a blush in his face ...”
The costume is for Alexei Stepanovich a kind of way to achieve his own goals in life. A modest frock coat, a colored vest and light-coloured pantaloons help Molchalin to move up the career ladder. After all, the status of a creeping servant allows you to achieve a promotion faster. And it is easier for a quiet young man to achieve the favor of the boss's daughter.
The image of a modest and reserved person is exploited by Griboedov even through the name of the hero. This is how Chatsky thinks about the unpleasant hero:
“Have you not yet broken the silence of the press?<...>But by the way, he will reach certain degrees, because now they love the dumb.
New aspects of Molchalin's character are revealed in the context of the secretary's relationship with women. Ambition forces a man to look after Sophia, while Alexei is interested in the maid Lisa. The hero is not embarrassed that such actions are a sign of hypocrisy and duplicity. Indeed, in the struggle between the aristocracy and bureaucracy, any methods are good.
Misbehavior has consequences for a fluid and quirky person. Aleksey Stepanovich was caught red-handed, and various subterfuges will not save the bureaucrat. However, even after excommunication from a rich house, Molchalin will easily arrange his own life, because, as he wrote:
"Molchalin is devilishly smart when it comes to his personal gain."
Screen adaptations
In 2000, a video version of "Woe from Wit" was released, directed by. The play was included in the 5 most expensive stage projects in Moscow. The image of Molchalin was embodied by the actor.
Quotes
“Often there we find patronage, where we don’t aim.”
"This frankness would not harm us."
"What would you not do to please the daughter of such a man."
“Ah, evil tongues are worse than a gun!”
"I dare not pronounce my judgment."
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In Griboedov's comedy Woe from Wit, the main opposing array of events falls on the images of Chatsky and Famusov. The rest of the acting characters help to reveal the true state of affairs and the depth of the conflict.
Origin and activity
One of these characters, with the help of which the tragedy of what is happening is enhanced, is the image of Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the comedy "Woe from Wit" by A. Griboedov.
Molchalin does not belong to the aristocracy - he is a man of ignoble origin, but thanks to his service, he has access to high society.
Aleksey Stepanovich has not yet managed to rise to significant heights - for now he only holds the position of Famusov's secretary, but he gives hope for an early career advancement, which causes Famusov's special love.
Pavel Afanasyevich allocated a room for Molchalin in his house, although it is difficult to call it a full-fledged room: it is most likely a small closet, but Molchalin, deprived of fate, is quite pleased with this.
Aleksey Stepanovich has been working as Famusov’s personal secretary for the third year already, however, he is registered in a completely different position - based on official data, Molchalin works in the archive department, but in practice this is fictitious, he is only listed there. However, not without benefit for himself - during such a service he received three awards.
Of course, this was the exceptional work of Famusov. This position is also beneficial to Famusov and allowed him to get out of a difficult situation - he provided himself with a good secretary and, moreover, he had to pay not from his own pocket.
The text mentions the rootlessness of Molchalin, but there is no exact explanation. Based on this, several assumptions can be made regarding the essence of such a statement. The first is that Molchalin is a man of simple origin, the second is that he is an orphan, that is, a man without a family.
The writer portrays Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin as an adult man. At the same time, Molchalin rejects even the possibility of his infantilism. Famusov, whose hero serves, takes advantage of Alexei's position. Officially, the hero works in the Archives, because Famusov agreed so. However, this is a mere formality for obtaining ranks. Molchalin's real place of work is Famusov's house. The latter provides his worker with food, drink, shelter, career advancement. Molchalin, apparently, knows how to please Famusov.
Before working with Famusov, in Moscow, the hero lived in Tver. Molchalin, of course, is not a rich person at all. The simplicity of the origin of the hero makes us assume that Molchalin is a tradesman. According to the "Table of Ranks", the hero holds the rank of collegiate assessor. This rank gives the right to the nobility, which is what Molchalin achieves. The man even manages to receive awards, in which his master probably helped Molchalin.
The symbolism of the surname
The image of Molchalin bears the features of symbolism. This is due primarily to his last name. It is based on the verb "be silent". Indeed, this word is an accurate reflection of the essence of Molchalin. He is the silent and faceless servant of Famusov. Even his tread is devoid of any sounds. It seems that he wants to be as unnoticed as possible, quiet.
From time to time, Alexei Stepanovich moves on tiptoe so as not to disturb the household. His behavior is one of the ways to achieve his life goal.
The purpose of life
While most aristocrats are deprived of a purpose in life and lazily live their lives without filling it with any meaning, Molchalin's life has a pronounced character. His goal is to take place and achieve significant achievements in life. Achievements in the eyes of Molchalin are in no way connected with improving the lives of ordinary, ignoble people or contributing to the development of the morality of the aristocracy. The highest goal of Alexei Stepanovich is to become a full-fledged representative of high society.
Molchalin is ready to lay down his bones for another promotion, so he serves Famusov with all his might - it is Pavel Afanasyevich who can help him achieve this goal. And Molchalin has already overcome the first step on this steep ladder - thanks to his ability to suck up and please Famusov, he was given the rank of collegiate assessor. Thus, Alexei Stepanovich turned from a commoner into a poor nobleman. Molchalin found special charm in the fact that his rank had the property of being inherited.
Molchalin and Sofia Famusova
You can further improve your position in society through a profitable marriage. For this, the girls needed to have a lovely figure and an equally lovely face. In the case of the male half of society, it was enough to have a helpful character. It is the ability to serve well that becomes the criterion for favor. Despite his low origin and financial insolvency, in the eyes of Famusov, Alexei Stepanovich looks like a more attractive son-in-law than the noble aristocrat Chatsky. The fact is that Pavel Afanasyevich believes that such an estate and diligence, which Molchalin possesses, will be able to compensate for his origin and achieve an advantageous position in society. In order to achieve the final advantage over other young people, Molchalin only has to accumulate significant capital or start attacking Famusov from another front - if Sonya falls in love with Alexei Stepanovich, then she will be able to convince her father to make a decision in his favor.
Aleksey Stepanovich accelerates this process by starting to show interest in Famusov's daughter, Sofya.
The relationship of young people takes place in the best traditions of platonic love - Molchalin does not allow anything extra in relation to the girl.
Thus, he demonstrates his respectful attitude towards Sophia and the seriousness of his intentions. In addition, such behavior contributes to the achievement of his goal with marriage - Molchalin does not need to have Sonya, he needs to become her husband, so debauchery is an unacceptable thing for him.
We offer to compare in A. Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit".
In dealing with Sophia, Alexei Stepanovich adheres to the same principle as with her father - he pleases her all the time. Naturally, the behavior of Molchalin differs sharply from the behavior of other aristocrats in relation to her. Young people of noble birth are not ready to kowtow to Sonya the way Molchalin does, which is why they do not arouse such interest in her.
To some extent, Famusova's attachment to Molchalin was caused by the lack of proper candidates - after Chatsky's departure, the girl chooses the lesser evil from the rest. At the time of the attachment and the beginning of communication, Sonya did not experience enthusiasm and love attraction to Molchalin, her act could be regarded as revenge on Chatsky, but as a result of the desired effect, such an act did not bring, Sonya eventually got used to the oddities of Molchalin and began to perceive them as ordinary things . In the person of Molchalin, Sonya found a wonderful “living toy”, he not only treats her with deification (which, as it turned out, was feigned), but is also ready to fulfill any of her desires.
Chatsky and Molchalin
The conflict between Chatsky and Molchalin was a priori predetermined - an honest and noble aristocrat cannot understand and accept the position of Famusov and his society, Alexei Stepanovich, who not only depends on Famusov, but also strives to become like them, could become an excellent opponent to Chatsky , if he had more perseverance and individuality, however, since Alexei Stepanovich is used to being a silent observer and never betraying his attitude to certain situations, then there is no sharp discussion between the characters.
In addition, the insightful Chatsky notices the strange attitude of Alexei Stepanovich towards Sonya Famusova. Over time, he discovers the true attitude of Molchalin to the girl and his ghostly love. Chatsky is struck by the double standards of Molchalin - on the one hand, he is ready to flatter immensely, but, on the other hand, he does not immediately neglect to announce his disdain and even disgust for those whom he idolized a couple of minutes ago behind his back.
Attempts to open the eyes of others to the fallacy of their opinions do not lead to anything good - it is flattering for others to perceive their superiority than to realize that all respect towards them was a farce.
Molchalin and Lisa
No matter how two-faced Molchalin may be, yet sometimes he reveals his true feelings and intentions. This state of affairs is not denounced in discussions or small talk (since he tries in advance not to take part in them).
So, for example, Aleksey Stepanovich has a feeling of affection and love in relation to the maid in the house of Famusov - Liza. The hero of the story is faced with a choice - to play his role of Sonya's lover to the end, or to confess his feelings to Lisa.
Unfortunately, as a dishonest person, Molchalin is not limited to this state of affairs and takes care of two girls at once.
Thus, Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin is a classic version of a character playing a double game. This trend continues in the case of Molchalin in all activities. He is hypocritical in relation to Famusov, plays with Sonya's feelings.
Alexei Stepanovich is characterized by uncomplaining and silent servility. For the sake of moving up the social ladder, he is ready to go to even the most immoral deeds. The image of Molchalin has become a household name and is used in relation to a dishonest, hypocritical person.
The character of Molchalin
The hero makes a double impression. On the one hand, Molchalin pleases everyone (the man is a real master in this), he is shy, helpful, timid, calm, timid, modest, quiet, “wordless”. He is characterized by accuracy, moderation, lack of criticism of others. That's why they love him, I guess. But on the other hand, the hero is also characterized by duplicity, hypocrisy. Molchalin is considered a well-mannered and polite person, the hero evokes sympathy from others. Society does not see the true nature of the hero. On the contrary, in Molchalin they see a selfless person who is ready to forget about his own interests for the sake of others.
However, Molchalin pleases and is silent for the sake of self-interest, in order to achieve his goal. Such parting words were given to the hero by the father. The behavior of the hero depends on the circumstances. For example, with Famusov's daughter, a man behaves emphatically politely and modestly. But Molchalin does not really love Sophia. The hero is in love with Lisa. However, with a simple girl there is no need to behave decently. The true face of Molchalin is seen, perhaps, only by Chatsky, who considers the assessor a stupid, cowardly and miserable person. However, Vyazemsky, on the contrary, emphasizes the prudence of the hero, a rational approach to life. The soul of Molchalin is cold and callous. The maid Liza also speaks about this later.