The character of Strawberry in the comedy examiner. Strawberry characterization of the comedy hero. Several interesting compositions

Gogol's idea to display everything bad in his work was completely successful at the time of the events he described. All existing vices have mixed with each other in the form of the main and secondary characters. The image and characteristics of Strawberry in the comedy "The Inspector General" is similar to the image of many officials not only in Tsarist Russia. In our time, people like Artemy Filippovich are found no less often. The seamy side of the bureaucratic system will bare before the reader in all its glory, exposing in an unattractive light the employees of state structures, who are used to solving their problems bypassing the law.

Strawberry image

“Strawberry, the trustee of charitable establishments, is a very fat, clumsy and awkward person, but with all that a sneak and a rogue. Very helpful and fussy ... "

Full name Artemy Filippovich Strawberry. Works as an official. Responsible for all charitable institutions in the city: hospitals, shelters, educational institutions, almshouses. Married. Father with many children with five children of different sexes. Strawberry's appearance makes a repulsive impression.

"... Strawberries are a perfect pig in a yarmulke ..."

A fat fat man with a good-natured face. In fact, behind the rustic appearance of Artemy Filippovich hides a cunning, hypocritical person who, for the sake of his own interests, without a twinge of conscience, substitute a neighbor.

Characteristic

Strawberry is typical representative the bureaucratic world. His character will be revealed to the reader gradually, but from the first minutes it is clear how rotten and vile person this character is.

Negligence. Like most officials, he is absolutely indifferent to work. God knows what is going on in the institutions entrusted to him. Patients in dirty clothes walk along the corridor. The smell of tobacco overpowers everyone else. There are no plates with the patient's name above the hospital beds. Medicines do not even reach the sick.

Arrogant. Strawberries think highly of themselves. People who occupy a position in society lower than his, automatically become inferior in his eyes. Patients in the institutions entrusted to him live their lives. Nobody cares about them. With Christian Ivanovich they have their own view of mere mortals.

“… The closer to nature, the better; we do not use expensive medicines. The man is simple: if he dies, he dies; if he gets well, he will get well anyway. "

Liar. Pretending that he loves his job and fulfills his duties faithfully for Strawberry is easy.

"I can say that I do not regret anything and that I am zealously fulfilling my service ..."

“Since I took over the leadership, it may even seem incredible to you, everyone is recovering like flies. The patient does not have time to enter the infirmary, as he is already healthy; and not so much medicine as honesty and order ... "

Traitor and careerist. It is not necessary to have such a friend, an enemy. For the sake of career growth, strawberries are able to betray and substitute those who have worked with him side by side for more than one year. Sitting on colleagues is his favorite pastime. According to Strawberry, all means can be used to achieve the goal, as in war. Wanting to please Khlestakov, he handed over the judge and the postmaster with giblets.

“The local postmaster does nothing at all: everything is in a state of neglect, the parcels are delayed ... if you please find it yourself on purpose. The judge too ... "

Strawberries always find an excuse for their unseemly actions, convincing everyone that they are beneficial. Everything, they say, for the good of the fatherland.

Bribe taker. Bribes for Strawberries are common. He is used to solving many problems with cash. It is money that helps to close our eyes to his sins before the law.

Flattering, helpful. Strawberries are used to fawning over the authorities. He perfectly mastered this tactic and knows when and to whom he can sing sweet speeches for the sake of his own interests. His speech is fussy. The movements are clumsy. His whole appearance is comical, but it is worth remembering that his appearance this person deceptive. The good-natured fat man is actually cruel and calculating. He knows perfectly well what he wants from life and how to achieve it.

The trustee of charitable institutions, a very fat, clumsy and clumsy person, but with all that a sly and a rogue. Very helpful and fussy. Strawberries are a rogue, embezzler and informer. He knows how, when and what to say. The trustee of charitable institutions, a very fat, clumsy and clumsy person, but with all that a sly and a rogue. Very helpful and fussy. Strawberries are a rogue, embezzler and informer. He knows how, when and what to say.

Artemy Filippovich Strawberry serves in a small provincial town and leads life "in accordance with his rank and position", does not care about the state interest, while his own well-being is above all for him, mercy is in the hands of a swindler. God-pleasing institutions for Strawberries are a feeding trough, In treating patients with his credo: "The closer to nature, the better", Artemy Filippovich Strawberry serves in a small district town and leads life "in accordance with his rank and position", does not at all care about the state interest , while his own well-being is above all else, mercy is in the hands of a crook. God-pleasing institutions for Strawberries are a feeding trough, In the treatment of patients, his credo: "The closer to nature, the better",

Artemy Filippovich does not bother himself with determining the diagnosis of the patient's disease and treating it. He says on this score: “A simple man: if he dies, he will die anyway; if he recovers, then he will recover. " Artemy Filippovich does not bother himself with determining the diagnosis of the patient's disease and treating it. He says on this score: “A simple man: if he dies, he will die anyway; if he recovers, then he will recover. "

Before the visit of the Inspector General in the charitable institutions of Strawberry, dirt and disorder reigns. The cooks have dirty hats, and the sick have their clothes like they worked in a smithy. In addition, patients are constantly smoking. Before the visit of the Inspector General, in the charitable institutions of Strawberry, mud and disorder reign. The cooks have dirty hats, and the sick have their clothes like they worked in a smithy. In addition, patients are constantly smoking.

Strawberries are afraid of the inspector, and therefore when he learns of the inspector's arrival, he is ready to "take cosmetic measures": put on clean caps on the sick, write the name of the disease on the plate over the beds, and reduce the number of sick people so that their excess is not attributed to bad eye or to the non-art of the doctor. Strawberries are afraid of the inspector, and therefore when he learns of the inspector's arrival, he is ready to "take cosmetic measures": put on clean caps on the sick, write the name of the disease on the plate over the beds, and reduce the number of sick people so that their excess is not attributed to bad eye or to the non-art of the doctor.

When he found out that Dmukhanovsky's daughter was marrying a fictional Inspector General, he hurries to congratulate the mayor on the upcoming wedding and future career. Artemy Filippovich sees the reason for the "takeoff" of the mayor in his merits. He inwardly curses his boss, who intends to receive a general's rank. True, he says this aside, as if to himself. At the same time, out of habit, he hurries to remind of himself: “And don't forget us ... When he found out that Dmukhanovsky's daughter was marrying a fictional Inspector General, he hurries to congratulate the mayor on the upcoming wedding and future career. Artemy Filippovich sees the reason for the "takeoff" of the mayor in his merits. He inwardly curses his boss, who intends to receive the rank of general. True, he says this aside, as if to himself. At the same time, out of habit, he hurries to remind of himself: “And don't forget us ...

After he finds out that the Inspector is not Khlestakov, he reluctantly perceives the reviews about himself from Khlestakov's letter, in anger he tries to find out who "spread the rumor" that the inspector has arrived. After he finds out that the Inspector is not Khlestakov, he reluctantly perceives the reviews about himself from Khlestakov's letter, in anger he tries to find out who "spread the rumor" that the inspector has arrived.

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Strawberry Artemy Filippovich is one of the most slippery, disgusting and disgusting characters in Gogol's comedy "The Inspector General". And although he takes a secondary role, the ugliness of his human traits can be seen in small details.

Who is he? First of all, a careerist who is engaged in hooking up his familiar officials. He is assigned the role of trustee of charitable institutions.

The action of the comedy takes place in 1831, when denunciations and gossip about their comrades were widespread, and Strawberry succeeded in this more than others: as soon as a fake auditor meets with him, Artemy Filippovich immediately spreads all the ins and outs on his colleagues. About one of them, he says that he does not understand how he was generally assigned the position of superintendent of schools. According to Strawberry, he is "worse than the Jacobin."

Strawberry looks impressive, but his body large sizes, awkward movements. And his fussiness, a desire to serve as best as possible and as quickly as possible, makes him a funny elephant, who first got into the apartment, behaves extremely compliant to the "owner", does not dare to contradict. But as soon as there is an opportunity to overthrow the "owner", he is ready to sell his own mother for it. Artemy Filippovich did not give a damn about moral principles and the moral aspects of your life. It is due to the fact that Strawberry knows how to curry favor better than others, that the alleged auditor is led primarily to him.

During the situation in the hospital, we realize that our clumsy friend is also very greedy. And he justifies his greed both for himself and for those around him as if by noble motives, which literally make him not buy the necessary expensive drugs for his establishment, because, in his words, "the closer to nature, the better." By no means, these are not all the problems that the hospital has: patients here do not hesitate to treat themselves to cigarettes, the chefs wear long-worn hats. And in general, the whole hospital reigns dirt and despondency. Strawberry himself does not deal with hospital affairs: he does not heal and does not even diagnose.

Artemy Filippovich is a lazy person who does not want to work, to improve the lives of his patients and his hospital workers. He doesn't care how patients feel, he thinks about money, honor and status. The image of such a person was relevant during Gogol's life, but now we can observe exactly the same characters everywhere, which is very sad.

Essay about the character Strawberry

Strawberry is one of the minor characters in the comedy by N.V. Gogol "The Inspector General". Artemy Filippovich Strawberry - head of churches, hospitals, orphanages, educational institutions, monasteries, in a word, institutions pleasing to God. Gogol describes the hero as an intriguer, a man stewed by gossip, lies and snitching. Strawberries blabber all the rabble to Khlestakov, which his colleagues and city officials are engaged in. It was a description of the character in two words. Now we will reveal this image in more detail.

Strawberry is a fat man with a kind face. But this is not the case. Behind his good guise is a deceitful, hypocritical official who, for his own benefit, can easily step over any person.

Strawberries are a collective image of all officials. Its essence will be revealed to the reader in stages, from chapter to chapter, but already from the first pages it becomes clear that nothing good can be expected from such a character.

Strawberries are extremely negligent. Like all his colleagues, he doesn't care about his own work. Chaos, confusion, and absurdity unfolds in the places he must lead. The visitors to his hospital are dirty, they walk around in rags and smell terrible. There is a tobacco smell in the hospital. Medication is often forgotten. There are no signs above their beds that would indicate their first and last names.

In addition, arrogance is highly developed in Strawberry. He considers himself better and smarter than others. Officials below him are considered handicapped in his eyes.

The hero is lying. It is not difficult for him to very plausibly pretend that he loves his work, that he loves the visitors of his establishments. The whole activity of Strawberry lies in the fact that he imitates this activity.

A hero by nature is a person who can easily betray for the sake of his career. If there is such a friend, then the enemy is definitely not needed. For the sake of his well-being, Strawberry can betray those people who have worked with him for a very long time and will not blink an eye at the same time. Surviving colleagues from work is his hobby. Strawberries adhere to the principle "The end justifies the means." Say, in the work you need to do whatever you want in order to obtain benefits. The most interesting thing is that the hero finds excuses for all his immoral actions. He tries to convince everyone that all his actions can be of great benefit to society.

Thus, there is not a single decent quality in Strawberry. Gogol believes that people like him can destroy Russian society.

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The wonderful comedy by Nikolai Gogol "The Inspector General" was created by the author at the beginning of the 19th century, but it still remains relevant. The shrewd classic managed to paint portraits of officials - children of his time, but meanwhile, their features can be found in people - our contemporaries. Let's get acquainted with the characteristics of Strawberries from The Inspector General, highlight the main features of the image of this official and find out why Gogol included him in the plot of his play.

A brief introduction

For the first time, a meeting with Strawberry occurs with the reader when familiarizing himself with the list of characters. Then Gogol briefly describes his character as a fat and extremely awkward man, distinguished by his helpfulness and fussiness.

After reading these introductory fragments, you can make a brief description of Strawberries from The Inspector General: this trustee of charitable institutions is dishonest, behind his good-natured appearance is a swindler and a rogue. He achieves his goals not by honest work, but by fawning and currying favor with those who are higher in rank.

Further acquaintance with the play will show that Gogol, with amazing talent, created the image of an unscrupulous official, describing it in just two lines.

Character

Artemy Filippovich Strawberry from The Inspector General, whose characteristics are presented below, appears in the first appearance of the first act, by which the author emphasizes that this official is one of the key characters in the play. There were many charitable establishments at the time when the writer lived and worked. These are hospitals, shelters, and nursing homes. Strawberry was supposed to help the weakest and most vulnerable people, who already have nothing to take away from, but he cynically uses his position for personal gain.

Consider what character traits you need to indicate when characterizing Strawberries from the "Inspector":

Lying. The official is lying that he conscientiously approaches his duties and takes care of the people entrusted to him.
Cynicism. This person does not want to do anything, however, preparing for the visit of the auditor, he is ready to give the patients clean caps, behind a mask of decency to hide the chaos that is happening in hospitals.
Ignorance. The trustee of charitable institutions does not know anything about medicine, and does not buy expensive medicines. He believes that a person is simple - "if he dies, then he will die anyway, if he recovers, then he will get well anyway." Patients in his institutions are more like blacksmiths than people in need of medical attention.

This official fawns at the imaginary auditor, but instead of trying to put things in order in the institutions, he prefers an easier way - to give bribes.

Relations with other officials

Giving a characterization of Strawberries from The Inspector General, it should be mentioned that this hero is an informer and a traitor. Wanting to curry favor, he without a shadow of a doubt betrays all the secrets of his friends. In a conversation with Khlestakov, Strawberry begins to expose his colleagues in front of the false auditor, confidentially informing that the postmaster is a slacker, detains all the packages and does nothing, the judge has a fairly close relationship with the wife of the landowner Dobchinsky. He is even ready to present all this information in writing, that is, to write a denunciation.

Speech features

Let's consider the main speech features that help in characterizing Strawberries from The Inspector General. In conversations with other officials, he is on an equal footing, offers methods on how to appease the auditor. So, it was he who started the speech about the need to give Khlestakov a bribe.

Talking to the guest, Strawberry is very polite, let's note his turns: “I have the honor to introduce myself”, “I am glad to try,” “Would you please ask. They help him to be respectful, to show his respect in front of an imaginary auditor.

Interesting are his sideways remarks, which reflect the true attitude of the hero to other officials.

Exposure

To continue the characterization of Strawberries from The Inspector General in the text follows an analysis of the last scenes when the officials, to their horror, learn that Khlestakov was mistaken for an inspector. How does Artemy Filippovich appear before the readers in these actions?

He is very pleased when, while reading a letter, facts are pronounced that discredit other officials, but he begins to lie and fidget when he has to read aloud about himself.
Khlestakov called him "a pig in a yarmulke", which sincerely touched the complete hero. Here we are talking about comparison and by features appearance, and behavior.
Without getting out of the crowd of angry officials, Strawberry begins to actively accuse Dobchinsky and Bobchinsky that it was they who initially took the visiting master for the inspector.

The characterization of Strawberry from "The Inspector General" becomes complete, the reader understands that this person is always trying to find the guilty, cannot take responsibility for his own actions, is envious and deceitful. If quite recently he was indignant at the mayor, who had the good fortune to marry his daughter to an important official, now he is ready to unite with him and unleash anger on Dobchinsky and Bobchinsky.

Role and meaning

Gogol deliberately does not indicate the place of action, saying only that all events unfold in the district town N. By this, the writer emphasizes that such unscrupulous officials can exist throughout Russia.

Spectators and readers were amused to observe the behavior of the trustee of charitable institutions, who, however, for all his amusement, appears to be a terrible person. He was given great power, the ability to do good deeds and help people, but Artemy Filippovich prefers only to make money, saving on the sick.

AT brief description Strawberries from "The Inspector General" should definitely point out that this character, although endowed by Gogol with a speech individuality (which is worth one phrase, that patients recover like flies), is typical of his time. An unscrupulous official who carelessly fulfills his duties; an envious person, a liar, an informer and a sucker - this is what the trustee of charitable institutions and many officials of his time are like. Gogol boldly laughs at them, exposing them in an absurd form, but in fact the writer is sad and painful to see that there are a lot of such unworthy people in life.

We examined the characteristics of Strawberries in Gogol's "The Inspector General". It should be noted that this character represents a collection of negative traits that were inherent in unscrupulous careerist officials of the 19th century.

Comedy in five acts

There is no reason to blame the mirror if the face is crooked.

Folk proverb

Characters

Anton Antonovich Skvoznik-Dmukhanovsky, mayor. Anna Andreevna, his wife. Marya Antonovna, his daughter. Luka Lukich Khlopov, the superintendent of schools. His wife. Ammos Fedorovich Lyapkin-Tyapkin, judge. Artemy Filippovich Strawberry, trustee of charitable institutions. Ivan Kuzmich Shpekin, postmaster.

Peter Ivanovich Dobchinsky Peter Ivanovich Bobchinsky

urban landlords.

Ivan Alexandrovich Khlestakov, an official from St. Petersburg. Osip, his servant. Christian Ivanovich Gibner, the county doctor.

Fedor Andreevich Lyulyukov Ivan Lazarevich Rastakovsky Stepan Ivanovich Korobkin

retired officials, honorary persons in the city.

Stepan Ilyich Ukhovertov, private bailiff.

Svistunov Pugovitsyn Derzhimorda

policemen.

Abdulin, merchant. Fevronya Petrovna Poshlepkina, locksmith. Non-commissioned officer's wife. Bear, the mayor's servant. Tavern servant. Guests and guests, merchants, burghers, petitioners.

Characters and costumes

Notes to Messrs. Actors

The governor, who has already grown old in the service and is a very intelligent person in his own way. Although he is a bribe-taker, he behaves very respectably; rather serious; somewhat even reasonable; speaks neither loudly nor softly, neither more nor less. His every word is significant. His facial features are coarse and harsh, like anyone who has begun a heavy service from lower ranks. The transition from fear to joy, from baseness to arrogance is quite quick, as in a person with roughly developed inclinations of the soul. He is dressed, as usual, in his uniform with buttonholes and boots with spurs. His hair is cropped and gray. Anna Andreevna, his wife, a provincial coquette, not quite old yet, brought up half on novels and albums, half on the hassle of her pantry and girl's. She is very curious and shows vanity on occasion. Sometimes she takes power over her husband because he is not able to answer her; but this power extends only to trifles and consists in reprimands and ridicule. She changes into different dresses four times during the play. Khlestakov, a young man of about twenty-three, thin, slender; somewhat silly and, as they say, without a king in his head - one of those people who are called empty in the offices. Speaks and acts without any consideration. He is unable to stop constant attention on some thought. His speech is abrupt, and the words fly out of his mouth completely unexpectedly. The more the person fulfilling this role shows sincerity and simplicity, the more he will benefit. Dressed in fashion. Osip, the servant, is the way servants of several elderly years usually are. He speaks earnestly, looks somewhat downward, is sensible and loves to read lectures for his master himself. His voice is always almost even, in conversation with the master takes on a stern, abrupt and somewhat even rude expression. He is smarter than his master and therefore more likely to guess, but does not like to talk a lot and is a cheat in silence. His suit is a gray or blue shabby coat. Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky, both short, short, very curious; are extremely similar to each other; both with small abdomens; both speak quickly and help tremendously with gestures and hands. Dobchinsky is a little taller and more serious than Bobchinsky, but Bobchinsky is more cheeky and livelier than Dobchinsky. Lyapkin-Tyapkin, a judge, a man who has read five or six books, and therefore somewhat free-thinking. The hunter is great at guessing, and therefore gives weight to every word. The person who represents him must always keep a significant face in his face. He speaks in bass with an elongated stretch, wheezing and glanders - like an old clock that first hiss and then chimes. Strawberry, the trustee of charitable institutions, a very fat, clumsy and clumsy person, but with all that a weasel and a rogue. Very helpful and fussy. Postmaster, naive to the point of naivety. Other roles are self-explanatory. Their originals are almost always before our eyes. The actors should pay particular attention to the last scene. The last spoken word should make an electrical shock to everyone at once, suddenly. The whole group must change position in an instant. The sound of amazement should burst from all women at once, as if from one breast. Failure to comply with these notes may cause the entire effect to disappear.

Action one

A room in the mayor's house.

Phenomenon I

Governor, guardian of godly institutions, superintendent of schools, judge, private bailiff, doctor, two quarterly.

Governor. I invited you, gentlemen, in order to tell you the unpleasant news: an auditor is coming to us. Ammos Fedorovich. How is the auditor? Artemy Filippovich... How is the auditor? Governor. An auditor from St. Petersburg, incognito. And also with a secret prescription. Ammos Fedorovich. Here are the ones on! Artemy Filippovich... There was no concern, so go ahead! Luka Lukich. Lord God! also with a secret prescription! Governor. I seemed to have a presentiment: today I dreamed all night about some two extraordinary rats. Indeed, I have never seen such: black, unnatural size! came, sniffed, and walked away. I’ll read you a letter that I received from Andrei Ivanovich Chmykhov, whom you, Artemy Filippovich, know. Here is what he writes: “My dear friend, godfather and benefactor (mutters in an undertone, running his eyes soon)... and notify you. " AND! here: “I hasten, by the way, to notify you that an official has arrived with an order to inspect the entire province and especially our district (raises his finger significantly)... I learned this from the most reliable people, although he presents himself as a private person. Since I know that you, like everyone else, have sins, because you are an intelligent person and do not like to miss what floats into your hands ... "(stopping), well, here are your own ..." then I advise you take precaution, because he can come at any hour, unless he has already arrived and does not live somewhere incognito ... Yesterday I ... "Well, then family matters started:" ... sister Anna Kirilovna came to me and my husband; Ivan Kirilovich has grown very fat and is still playing the violin ... ”- and so on, and so on. So that's the circumstance! Ammos Fedorovich. Yes, the circumstance is ... extraordinary, just extraordinary. Something for good reason. Luka Lukich. Why, Anton Antonovich, why is this? Why do we need an auditor? Governor. What for! So, apparently, fate! (Sighing.) Until now, thanks be to God, we were approaching other cities; now it's our turn. Ammos Fedorovich. I think, Anton Antonovich, that there is a subtle and more political reason here. It means this: Russia ... yes ... wants to wage a war, and the ministry, you see, sent an official to find out if there was treason. Governor. Where did you have enough! Another smart man! Treason in the county town! What is he, borderline, or what? Yes from here, even if you ride for three years, you won't get to any state. Ammos Fedorovich. No, I'll tell you, you are not that ... you are not ... The bosses have subtle types: for nothing that they are far away, but they shake their heads. Governor. Whether or not it shoots, but I warned you, gentlemen. Look, in my part I have made some orders, I advise you too. Especially you, Artemy Filippovich! Undoubtedly, a passing official will first of all want to inspect the godly establishments under your control - and therefore you will make everything decent: the caps would be clean, and the sick would not look like blacksmiths, as they usually go home. Artemy Filippovich... Well, that's nothing. The caps, perhaps, can be worn and clean. Governor. Yes, and also over each bed inscribed in Latin or in whatever language ... that's up to you, Christian Ivanovich, - any disease: when someone got sick, which day and day ... It's not good that you have such strong tobacco is smoked that you always sneeze when you enter. And it would be better if there were fewer of them: they would immediately be attributed to bad eye or to the non-art of a doctor. Artemy Filippovich... ABOUT! As for healing, Christian Ivanovich and I took our own measures: the closer to nature, the better - we do not use expensive medicines. A simple man: if he dies, he will die anyway; if he gets well, he will get well. Yes, and it would be difficult for Christian Ivanovich to communicate with them: he does not know a word in Russian.

Christian Ivanovich makes a sound, partly similar to a letter and and a few on e.

Governor. I would also advise you, Ammos Fedorovich, to pay attention to public places. In your front hall, where petitioners usually come, the watchmen brought in domestic geese with little goslings, which dart about underfoot. It is, of course, commendable for everyone to start a household, and why shouldn't the watchman start it? only, you know, in such a place it is indecent ... I wanted to notice it to you before, but somehow I forgot everything. Ammos Fedorovich. But today I will have them all taken to the kitchen. If you want, come to dinner. Governor. Besides, it’s bad that you have all kinds of rubbish drying up in your very presence and over the very closet with papers a hunting arapnik. I know you love hunting, but it's better to accept it for a while, and then, as the inspector passes, perhaps you can hang him again. Also your assessor ... he, of course, is a well-versed person, but he smells like he’s just leaving the distillery — that’s also not good. I wanted to tell you about this for a long time, but I do not remember, I was amused by something. There is against this remedy, if it really is, as he says, he has a natural smell: you can advise him to eat onions, or garlic, or something else. In this case, Christian Ivanovich can help with various medicines.

Christian Ivanovich makes the same sound.

Ammos Fedorovich. No, it is no longer possible to drive this out: he says that his mother hurt him in childhood, and since then he gives off a little vodka from him. Governor. Yes, I just noticed you. As for the internal order and what Andrei Ivanovich calls sinners in his letter, I cannot say anything. And it’s strange to say: there is no person who does not have any sins behind him. This is already so arranged by God Himself, and Volterians in vain speak against this. Ammos Fedorovich. What do you think, Anton Antonovich, are sins? Sin to sin - strife. I tell everyone openly that I take bribes, but why bribes? Greyhound puppies. This is a completely different matter. Governor. Well, puppies or whatever - all bribes. Ammos Fedorovich. Well, no, Anton Antonovich. But, for example, if someone has a fur coat worth five hundred rubles, and a shawl for his wife ... Governor. Well, what of the fact that you take bribes for greyhound puppies? But you don't believe in God; you never go to church; and at least I am firm in the faith, and every Sunday I go to church. And you ... Oh, I know you: if you start talking about the creation of the world, your hair just stands on end. Ammos Fedorovich. Why, he came by himself, with his own mind. Governor. Well, otherwise a lot of intelligence is worse than it would be at all. However, I just mentioned the county court; and to tell the truth, hardly anyone will ever look there: this is such an enviable place, God himself protects it. But for you, Luka Lukic, as the caretaker of educational institutions, you need to take care especially about the teachers. They are people, of course, scientists and were brought up in different colleges, but they have very strange deeds, naturally inseparable from their academic rank. One of them, for example, this one that has a fat face ... I can't remember his last name, can't do without making a grimace, ascending to the pulpit, like that (makes a grimace), and then starts with his hand from -Under a tie, iron your beard. Of course, if he makes a face like that to a student, then it’s still nothing: maybe it’s there and it’s necessary, I cannot judge about that; but judge for yourself, if he does it to the visitor, it can be very bad: Mr. Auditor or someone else who can take it personally. From this, the devil knows what can happen. Luka Lukich. What am I really to do with him? I've already told him several times. Just the other day, when our leader entered the classroom, he made a face that I had never seen before. He did it from a kind heart, but I was reprimanded: why are free-thinking thoughts instilled in youth? Governor. The same thing I must tell you about the history teacher. He is a learned head - you can see it, and he has picked up the darkness of information, but only explains with such fervor that he does not remember himself. I once listened to him: well, while I was talking about the Assyrians and Babylonians - nothing else, but how I got to Alexander the Great, I can't tell you what happened to him. I thought it was a fire, by God! I ran away from the pulpit and that there was strength to grab the chair on the floor. It is, of course, the hero of Alexander the Great, but why break the chairs? from this loss to the treasury. Luka Lukich. Yes, he's hot! I have already noticed this for him several times ... He says: "As you wish, I will not spare life for science." Governor. Yes, this is the already inexplicable law of fate: an intelligent person - either a drunkard, or will make such a face that at least take out the saints. Luka Lukich. God forbid to serve on the scientific side! You are afraid of everything: everyone gets in the way, everyone wants to show that he is also an intelligent person. Governor. That would be nothing - damn incognito! Suddenly he will look: “Ah, you are here, darlings! And who, say, is the judge here? " - "Lyapkin-Tyapkin". - “And bring Lyapkin-Tyapkin here! And who is the trustee of charitable institutions? " - "Strawberry". - "And serve Strawberries here!" That's what's wrong!

Phenomenon II

The same and the postmaster.

Postmaster. Explain, gentlemen, what, what kind of official is going? Governor. Haven't you heard? Postmaster. I heard from Pyotr Ivanovich Bobchinsky. He just came to my post office. Governor. Well? What do you think about this? Postmaster. What do I think? there will be a war with the Turks. Ammos Fedorovich. In one word! I thought the same myself. Governor. Yes, both of them hit the sky with a finger! Postmaster. Really, the war with the Turks. This is all the Frenchman crap. Governor. What a war with the Turks! It will just be bad for us, not the Turks. This is already known: I have a letter. Postmaster. And if so, then there will be no war with the Turks. Governor. Well, how are you, Ivan Kuzmich? Postmaster. What am I? How are you, Anton Antonovich? Governor. What am I? There is no fear, but just a little ... The merchants and citizenship confuses me. They say that I was a good match for them, and I, by God, if I took something else, then, really, without any hatred. I even think (takes his arm and takes him aside)I even wonder if there was any denunciation against me. Why is there really an auditor for us? Listen, Ivan Kuzmich, could you, for our common benefit, every letter that arrives at your post office, both incoming and outgoing, you know, print out a little and read it: does it contain some kind of report or just correspondence? If not, then you can seal again; however, you can even give away the printed letter. Postmaster. I know, I know ... Don't teach this, I do this not so much out of precaution, but more out of curiosity: I love to know death what is new in the world. I'll tell you that this is an interesting reading. You will read another letter with delight - this is how different passages are described ... and what edification ... better than in Moskovskiye Vedomosti! Governor. Well, tell me, have you read anything about some official from St. Petersburg? Postmaster. No, there is nothing about Petersburg, but a lot is said about Kostroma and Saratov. It is a pity, however, that you do not read the letters: there are wonderful places. Just recently, a lieutenant wrote to a friend and described the ball in the most playful ... very, very good: "My life, dear friend, flows, he says, in empyrean countries: there are a lot of young ladies, the music is playing, the standard jumps ..." , described with great feeling. I kept it with me on purpose. Want to read it? Governor. Well, now is not the time. So do your mercy, Ivan Kuzmich: if you come across a complaint or a report in case you come across a complaint, then delay it without any reasoning. Postmaster. With great pleasure. Ammos Fedorovich. See, you will get it someday. Postmaster. Ah, priests! Governor. Nothing, nothing. It's another matter if you made something public out of this, but this is a family matter. Ammos Fedorovich. Yes, a bad thing has started! And I, I confess, was on my way to you, Anton Antonovich, in order to regale you with a little dog. A sister to the dog you know. After all, you heard that Cheptovich and Varkhovinsky started a lawsuit, and now I have a luxury: hounding hares on the lands of both of them. Governor. Fathers, your hares are no longer dear to me: I have the damned incognito sitting in my head. So you wait for the door to open and - shast ...

Phenomenon III

The same Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky, both enter, out of breath.

Bobchinsky. Emergency! Dobchinsky. Unexpected news! All . What, what is it? Dobchinsky. Unforeseen business: we arrive at the hotel ... Bobchinsky (interrupting). We come with Pyotr Ivanovich to the hotel ... Dobchinsky (interrupting). Eh, excuse me, Pyotr Ivanovich, I'll tell you. Bobchinsky. Eh, no, excuse me ... excuse me, excuse me ... you don't even have such a syllable ... Dobchinsky. And you will go astray and not remember everything. Bobchinsky. I remember, by God, I remember. Don't bother me, let me tell you, don't bother me! Tell me, gentlemen, do you kindly so that Pyotr Ivanovich does not interfere. Governor. Say, for God's sake, what is it? My heart is out of place. Sit down, gentlemen! Take the chairs! Pyotr Ivanovich, here's a chair for you.

Everyone sits down around both Petrov Ivanovichs.

Well, what, what is it?

Bobchinsky. Excuse me, excuse me: I'm all in order. As soon as I had the pleasure of leaving you after you deigned to be embarrassed by the letter you received, yes, sir, then I ran in ... please don't interrupt, Pyotr Ivanovich! I know everything, everything, everything, sir. So, if you please see, I ran to Korobkin's. And not finding Korobkin at home, he turned to Rastakovsky, and not finding Rastakovsky, went to Ivan Kuzmich to tell him the news you received, yes, walking from there, I met with Pyotr Ivanovich ... Dobchinsky (interrupting). Near the booth where the pies are sold. Bobchinsky. Near the booth where the pies are sold. Yes, having met with Pyotr Ivanovich, and I say to him: "Have you heard about the news, the one that Anton Antonovich received from a reliable letter?" And Pyotr Ivanovich already heard about this from your housekeeper Avdotya, who, I don’t know, was sent for something to Philip Antonovich Pochechuev. Dobchinsky (interrupting). Over a keg for French vodka. Bobchinsky (taking his hands away)... Over a keg for French vodka. So we went with Pyotr Ivanovich to Pochechuev ... Oh, you, Pyotr Ivanovich ... don't interrupt, please, don't interrupt! .. Let's go to Pochechuev, but on the road Pyotr Ivanovich says: "Let's go, he says , to the tavern. In my stomach ... I haven't eaten anything since the morning, so a stomach concussion ... "- yes, in the stomach of Pyotr Ivanovich ..." And they brought fresh salmon to the tavern, he says, so we'll have a snack. " We were just at the hotel, when suddenly a young man ... Dobchinsky (interrupting). Not bad-looking, in a particular dress ... Bobchinsky. Not bad-looking, in a particular dress, walks around the room that way, and in her face there is such reasoning ... physiognomy ... actions, and here (twirls his hand near his forehead) many, many things. As if I had a presentiment and say to Pyotr Ivanovich: "There is something here for a reason, sir." Yes. And Pyotr Ivanovich had already blinked his finger and called the innkeeper, the innkeeper Vlas: his wife gave birth to him three weeks ago, and such a perky boy will, like his father, maintain the inn. Calling Vlas, Pyotr Ivanovich and ask him on the sly: "Who, he says, is this young man?" - and Vlas replies to this: "This", - says ... Eh, don't interrupt, Pyotr Ivanovich, please don't interrupt; you will not tell, by God, you will not tell: you whisper; you, I know, have one tooth in your mouth with a whistle ... “This, he says, is a young man, an official — yes, sir — traveling from Petersburg, and by his last name, he says, Ivan Aleksandrovich Khlestakov, sir, he says, to the Saratov province and, he says, he attests himself strangely: he has been living for another week, does not go from the tavern, takes everything into account and does not want to pay a penny. " As he told me this, and so above and enlightened me. "Eh!" - I say to Pyotr Ivanovich ... Dobchinsky. No, Pyotr Ivanovich, I said: "eh!" Bobchinsky. First you said, and then I said. “Eh! - Pyotr Ivanovich and I said. - And why should he sit here when his road lies in the Saratov province? Yes, sir. But he is this official. Governor. Who, what official? Bobchinsky. The official about whom they deigned to receive a notation is an auditor. Governor (in fear). What are you, the Lord is with you! It's not him. Dobchinsky. Is he! and does not pay money and does not travel. Who would be if not him? And the road is registered in Saratov. Bobchinsky. He, he, by God he ... So observant: he looked at everything. I saw that Pyotr Ivanovich and I were eating salmon - more because Pyotr Ivanovich about his stomach ... yes, so he looked into our plates. I was filled with fear. Governor. Lord, have mercy on us sinners! Where does he live there? Dobchinsky. In the fifth room, under the stairs. Bobchinsky. In the same issue where the passing officers fought last year. Governor. How long has he been here? Dobchinsky. And two weeks already. Came to Vasily Egyptian. Governor. Two weeks! (Aside.) Fathers, matchmakers! Endure, holy saints! During these two weeks a non-commissioned officer's wife was carved! The prisoners were not given provisions! There is a tavern on the streets, filth! Shame! reproach! (Grabs his head.) Artemy Filippovich... Well, Anton Antonovich? - parade to the hotel. Ammos Fedorovich. No no! Put your head forward, clergy, merchants; that's in the book "Acts of John the Freemason" ... Governor. No no; let me myself. There were difficult cases in my life, I went, I even received thanks. Perhaps God will endure now. (Turning to Bobchinsky.) You say he's a young man? Bobchinsky. Young, about twenty-three or four years old. Governor. So much the better: you will soon get a taste of the young. The trouble is, if the old devil, and the young one is all above. You, gentlemen, get ready for your part, and I will go on my own, or at least with Pyotr Ivanovich, privately, for a walk, to visit, whether the passing people are not in trouble. Hey, Svistunov! Svistunov. Anything? Governor. Go now for the private bailiff; or not, I need you. Tell someone there to have a private bailiff as soon as possible, and come here.

The quarter runs in a hurry.

Artemy Filippovich... Come on, let's go, Ammos Fedorovich! In fact, trouble can happen. Ammos Fedorovich. Why should you be afraid? Clean caps put on the sick, and the ends in the water. Artemy Filippovich... What caps! The patients were ordered to give Gabersup, and I have such cabbage along all the corridors that take care only of my nose. Ammos Fedorovich. And I am at peace on this score. Indeed, who will go to the county court? And even if he looks into some paper, he will not be happy with life. I've been sitting in the judge's chair for fifteen years now, but when I look into the memo - ah! I just wave my hand. Solomon himself will not allow what is true and what is not true in it.

The judge, the trustee of charitable institutions, the superintendent of schools and the postmaster leave and in the doorway encounter a returning quarter.

Phenomenon IV

Governor, Bobchinsky, Dobchinsky and quarterly.

Governor. What, the droshky are standing there? Quarterly. Are standing. Governor. Go outside ... or not, wait! Go and fetch ... But where are the others? are you the only one? After all, I ordered Prokhorov to be here too. Where is Prokhorov? Quarterly. Prokhorov is in a private house, but he cannot be used to business. Governor. How so? Quarterly. Yes, so: they brought him in the morning dead. Already two tubs of water have been poured out, still not sober. Governor (clutching his head)... Oh my God, my God! Go outside as soon as possible, or not - run into the room first, hear! and bring back a sword and a new hat. Well, Pyotr Ivanovich, let's go! Bobchinsky. And I, and I ... let me too, Anton Antonovich! Governor. No, no, Pyotr Ivanovich, you can't, you can't! It's awkward, and we can't fit in a droshky. Bobchinsky. Nothing, nothing, I’m like this: a cock, a cock, I’ll run after the droshky. I would only have a little bit through the crack, through the door, to see how he is doing these things ... Governor (taking the sword, to the quarter)... Run now, take the ten's, and let each of them take ... Eck the sword is scratched! The damned merchant Abdulin sees that the mayor has an old sword, he has not sent a new one. Oh, crafty people! And so, scammers, I think there are already requests from under the counter and they are preparing. Let everyone pick up the street ... damn it, down the street - a broomstick! and sweep the whole street that goes to the inn, and sweep it clean ... Hear! Look: you! you! I know you: you are thinking about it and stealing silver spoons into your boots - look, I have my ear! .. What have you done with the merchant Chernyaev - huh? He gave you two arshins of cloth for your uniform, and you pulled off the whole thing. Look! you take it out of order! Go!

Phenomenon V

The same private bailiff.

Governor. Ah, Stepan Ilyich! Tell me, for God's sake: where have you gone? What does it look like? Private bailiff. I was here just outside the gate. Governor. Well, listen, Stepan Ilyich! An official came from St. Petersburg. How did you go there? Private bailiff. Yes, just as you ordered. I sent the quarterly Pugovitsyn with the tenth to clean up the sidewalk. Governor. And where is Derzhimorda? Private bailiff. Derzhimorda rode a fire pipe. Governor. Is Prokhorov drunk? Private bailiff. Drunk. Governor. How did you allow this to happen? Private bailiff. God knows him. Yesterday there was a fight outside the city - I went there for order, but returned drunk. Governor. Listen, you do this: the quarterly Pugovitsyn ... he is tall, so let him stand on the bridge for the improvement. Yes to sweep away hastily old fencenext to the shoemaker, and put a straw pole to make it look like the layout. The more the breakdown, the more it means the activities of the mayor. Oh my god! I had forgotten that near that fence there was all sorts of rubbish piled on forty carts. What a nasty city this is! just put up some kind of monument or just a fence somewhere - the devil only knows where and they will inflict all sorts of rubbish! (Sighs) Yes, if a visiting official asks the service: are you satisfied? - to say: "We are happy with everything, your honor"; and whoever is dissatisfied, then after giving him such displeasure ... Oh, oh, ho, ho, x! sinful, sinful in many ways. (Takes a case instead of a hat.) Only give, God, to get away with it as soon as possible, and there I will put on a candle such as no one else has put: for each beast of the merchant I will impose three pounds of wax to be delivered. Oh my God, my God! Let's go, Pyotr Ivanovich! (He wants to put on a paper case instead of a hat.) Private bailiff. Anton Antonovich, this is a box, not a hat. Governor (throwing the box). Box so box. Damn her! Yes, if they ask why a church was not built at a charitable institution, for which a sum was allocated five years ago, then do not forget to say that it began to be built, but burned down. I presented a report on this. And then, perhaps, someone, having forgotten, will foolishly say that it did not begin. Yes, tell Derzhimorda not to give vent to his fists too much; For the sake of order, he puts lights under the eyes of everyone - both right and wrong. Let's go, let's go, Pyotr Ivanovich! (Leaves and returns.) Yes, not to let the soldiers out into the street without anything: this trashy garnish will only put on a uniform over the shirt, and there is nothing below.

Everyone leaves.

Phenomenon VI

Anna Andreevna and Marya Antonovna run onto the stage.

Anna Andreevna. Where, where are they? Oh, my God! .. (Opening the door.) Husband! Antosha! Anton! (Speaks soon.) And everything is you, and everything is behind you. And she went to dig: "I am a pin, I am a kerchief." (Runs to the window and shouts.) Anton, where, where? Have you arrived? auditor? with a mustache! with what mustache? The mayor's voice... After, after, mother! Anna Andreevna. After? Here's the news - after! I don't want after ... I just have one word: what is he, Colonel? AND? (With disdain.) Left! I will remember this for you! And all this: “Mamma, mamma, wait a minute, I will pin the scarf on the back; I am now. " Here's to you now! So they didn't know anything! And all the damned coquetry; I heard that the postmaster was here, and let's pretend to be in front of the mirror; and from that side, and from this side will fit. Imagines that he is dragging after her, and he just makes a grimace at you when you turn away. Marya Antonovna. But what to do, mamma? All the same, in two hours we will find out everything. Anna Andreevna. In two hours! Thank you very much. Here's a borrowed answer! How could you not have guessed to say that in a month you can learn even better! (Hangs out the window.) Hey Avdotya! AND? What, Avdotya, did you hear someone came there? .. Didn't you? What a silly woman! Wave his hands? Let him wave, and you still would have asked him. I couldn't find out! The head is nonsense, all the suitors are sitting. AND? We left soon! yes you would run after the droshky. Go, go now! Do you hear, shoots, ask where you went; Yes, ask me well: what kind of newcomer, what kind of person he is, do you hear? Look through the crack and find out everything, and what kind of eyes: black or not, and come back this minute, do you hear? Rather, rather, rather, rather! (Screams until the curtain falls. So the curtain closes both of them standing by the window.)