A collection of ideal social studies essays. Chichikov's attitude towards Manilov

Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol is a recognized classic of Russian literature. And the greatest names in it are somehow connected with innovation. In this sense, Nikolai Vasilyevich is no exception. For example, he called the work “Dead Souls” a poem, although it was written in prose, not poetry. By this he emphasized the special significance of his creation. The poem, let us recall, is a voluminous lyric-epic work, which is distinguished by its wide coverage of the events presented, as well as the depth of its content. However, Gogol's innovation is not limited to this.

Gogol's critical realism

In Russian literature, with the advent of satirical works created by this author, the critical direction in realistic literature was strengthened at that time. Gogol's realism is full of flagellating, accusatory force - this is its main difference from his contemporaries and predecessors. the writer received the appropriate name. It is called critical realism. What is new in Gogol is the sharpening of the main characters. Hyperbole becomes his favorite technique. This is an impression-enhancing exaggerated depiction of the main features.

The chapter about Manilov among other chapters about landowners

Before considering Chichikov’s attitude towards Manilov, let us briefly describe the structure of the work and the role of these two characters in it. Chapters about landowners are an important part of the poem. More than half of the volume of the first volume is devoted to them. Gogol arranged them in an order that is strictly thought out: first - Manilov, a wasteful dreamer, who is replaced by the thrifty housewife Korobochka; The latter is opposed by Nozdryov, a rogue, a ruined landowner; after this there follows again a turn to the landowner-kulak - the economic Sobakevich. The gallery closes with Plyushkin, a miser who embodies the extreme degree of degeneration of this class.

Techniques used by the author

We notice, reading the work, that the author repeats the techniques in the depiction of each of the landowners. First there is a description of the village, the house, appearance this or that hero. This is followed by a story about how he reacted to Chichikov’s proposal. Then there is a depiction of the relationship of this hero to each of the landowners and, finally, a scene of purchase and sale. And this is no coincidence. A closed circle of techniques was created by the author in order to show the backwardness, conservatism of provincial life, the limitations and isolation of the landowners. It emphasizes dying and stagnation.

his attitude towards Manilov

Chichikov remains a stranger to the reader almost until the last chapter of the work. The main character says nothing about himself throughout the book. This person’s activity revolves only around the purchase dead souls. One gets the feeling that he himself can be counted among them. Other characters also join this ranks. Each of them distorts human nature in their own way, which is reflected in the poem “Dead Souls”.

The image of Chichikov belongs to the type of “average person”. The passion for profit replaces everything else for him. He treats landowners according to their behavior in relation to the transaction. The main thing for him is to get dead souls. He treats those who easily provide him with such an opportunity with gratitude. We will see this in the example of Manilov (“Dead Souls”). The image of Chichikov, in accordance with the Gogol tradition, hyperbolically depicts one main feature. In his case, it is a passion for profit. When committing a crime, Chichikov must be a subtle psychologist and physiognomist. However, he sees in the heroes only the particular, which Gogol strives to elevate to the general, generic. What generalizes the images is the author’s characteristic. Chichikov's attitude towards Manilov, as well as towards other landowners, is entirely based on the degree of success of the business relationship.

Image of Manilov

We learn about Manilov, a courteous and “very courteous” landowner, from the first chapter of Dead Souls. In it, the author depicts the appearance of this hero, emphasizing his eyes, “sweet as sugar.” Manilov's character is revealed in a special manner of conversation, in the use of the most delicate speech patterns. This hero’s ignorance of people, his good-naturedness are revealed when he evaluates city officials as “most kind” and “most respectable” people. This is

Gogol, step by step, inexorably exposes the vulgarity of this man. Satire replaces irony. The children of this landowner (Themistoclus and Alcides) are named after ancient Greek generals in order to show that their parents were educated. Manilov is tearfully complacent, devoid of real feelings and living thoughts. Himself is dead soul, doomed to destruction like the entire autocratic-serf system of our country at that time. The Manilovs are socially dangerous and harmful. The most dire economic consequences can be expected from their management.

Two faces of Manilov

What is Chichikov’s attitude towards Manilov? He meets this seemingly pleasant person on the main character and immediately receives an invitation from him to visit his estate - Manilovka. After this, Chichikov meets Manilov in the village.

The main character's first impression: he is a nice guy. However, subsequently the characteristics of the landowner change. We look at him through the eyes of Gogol, who says that he is “neither in the city of Bogdan nor in the village of Selifan.” Hidden behind the external sweetness of this person, as we see, is selfishness and callousness, which is revealed by the author’s characterization of Manilov. The landowner is busy only with himself. He doesn't take care of the housekeeping at all. The housekeeper and clerk are in charge of the affairs; theft is rampant in his household. This character is not particularly interested in anything. His leisure time is completely occupied by empty thoughts. He says very little, and it is unclear what is on his mind. There was always a book on the table of this landowner, which was laid on one page. Incompleteness reigned even in the furnishings of his home. For many years, some of the chairs were upholstered in matting, and there was missing furniture in some rooms. This reveals the character of the landowner in the best possible way. Manilov is more of a collective image rather than a specific person. It represents landowners belonging to the Nicholas era.

Manilov's office

Let's continue the analysis of the episode "Chichikov at Manilov's". After a long lunch with numerous compliments addressed to the visitor and the hosts, communication moves into the next stage. Chichikov begins a business proposal. The description of Manilov’s office shows how disinclined he really is for any kind of work. An armchair, four chairs, the walls are painted gray or blue. But most of all there is tobacco. It is located in different corners of the office in various forms. Desolation and disorder reign everywhere.

Manilov's dreams

It turns out during the conversation that this landowner does not even have an idea about the number of peasants who died among him. There are more important things for him than housekeeping. He dreams of building a large bridge across the river, on which merchants will sell all sorts of little things for the peasants. Manilov has a desire to alleviate the lot of the serf, but caring for him is not realized in practice. Chichikov therefore never managed to find out the number of dead souls this man had. But that doesn't stop him.

How did Manilov react to Chichikov’s proposal?

Manilov’s reaction to Chichikov’s proposal is interesting. This hero immediately dropped the pipe to the floor and opened his mouth, remaining in this position for several minutes. The landowner was completely at a loss. Only assurances about the legality of such an operation brought him to his senses a little. Manilov is too stupid to convict Chichikov of fraud, but agrees, nevertheless, to hand over the dead souls “without interest.” Of course, this statement greatly pleased the guest. Chichikov said many thanks to the landowner, “prompted by gratitude.” Manilov immediately forgets about the confusion.

By and large, he is no longer interested in why the guest needs dead souls. He is glad that he did a favor for a pleasant person. This is the landowner Manilov. Concluding the scene of the visit, Gogol writes that both friends shook hands for a long time and looked into each other’s eyes, which were filled with tears. An interesting detail that clearly characterizes both. Chichikov's attitude towards Manilov in this final scene opens completely. The deal was very easy for him.

Why did Manilov’s intention to give away dead souls for free make such a strong impression on Chichikov?

But Chichikov simply said that such an enterprise, or negotiation, would in no way be inconsistent with civil regulations and further developments in Russia, and a minute later he added that the treasury would even receive benefits, since it would receive legal duties.

So do you think?..

I believe it will be good.

“But if it’s good, that’s a different matter: I have nothing against it,” Manilov said and completely calmed down.

Now all that remains is to agree on the price.

How's the price? - Manilov said again and stopped. “Do you really think that I would take money for souls that have in some way ended their existence?” If you have come up with such a, so to speak, fantastic desire, then for my part I hand them over to you without interest and take over the deed of sale.

It would be a great reproach to the historian of the proposed events if he failed to say that pleasure overcame the guest after such words uttered by Manilov. No matter how sedate and reasonable he was, he almost even made a jump like a goat, which, as we know, is done only in the strongest impulses of joy. He turned so hard in his chair that the woolen material that covered the pillow burst; Manilov himself looked at him in some bewilderment. Prompted by gratitude, he immediately said so many thanks that he became confused, blushed all over, made a negative gesture with his head, and finally expressed that this was nothing, that he really wanted to prove with something the attraction of the heart, the magnetism of the soul, and the dead souls are in some ways complete rubbish.

“It’s not rubbish at all,” said Chichikov, shaking his hand. A very deep sigh was taken here. He seemed to be in a mood for heartfelt outpourings; Not without feeling and expression, he finally uttered the following words: “If you only knew what service this apparently rubbish rendered to a man without a tribe and clan!” And really, what didn’t I suffer? like some kind of barge among the fierce waves... What persecutions, what persecutions have you not experienced, what grief have you not tasted, and for what? for the fact that he observed the truth, that he was clear in his conscience, that he gave his hand to both the helpless widow and the unfortunate orphan!.. - Here he even wiped away a tear that rolled out with a handkerchief.

Manilov was completely moved. Both friends shook each other's hands for a long time and looked silently into each other's eyes for a long time, in which welling up tears were visible. Manilov did not want to let go of our hero’s hand and continued to squeeze it so hotly that he no longer knew how to help her out. Finally, having pulled it out slowly, he said that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to complete the deed of sale as quickly as possible, and it would be nice if he himself visited the city. Then he took his hat and began to take his leave.

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This episode presents the deal between Chichikov and Manilov. The landowner's desire to give away dead souls for free made a great impression on the hero. Let's try to figure out why this intention impressed Chichikov so much.
When starting negotiations with Manilov, Chichikov could not predict the landowner’s reaction to such a deal. It could even have negative consequences for the hero. Therefore, he tries to convince Manilov that there is nothing wrong with this negotiation.

He has been working on his poem “” for quite a long time. Over the years of his life, he had seen enough of the situation in society around him, of bureaucratic lawlessness. Therefore, in his head, after a hint from A.S. Pushkin, gives rise to the idea of ​​​​creating such an exciting plot. Plus, he was quite real. After all, in those days, it was possible to quite easily cash in and make money by buying dead souls.

And so, the main character, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, makes a tour of the main estates of the city of NN and gets acquainted with their owners.

The first acquaintance occurs with the landowner Manilov. This hero's estate looks gray and boring. The landowner introduces himself and greets his guest with a smile and expresses such emotions in further conversation. This brightens up Pavel Ivanovich’s first impression a little.

Their conversation at the dinner table and after the meal was quite empty. The characters talked about the governor, about the vice-governor, they spoke rather flattering and far from truthful words about their persons. Manilov also expresses sweet and sugary phrases in relation to Chichikov.

Such empty talk clearly characterizes the person of the landowner. The main character, using his ingenuity and cunning, adapts to Manilov’s soft type and conducts the same intimate conversations with him.

A serious conversation about buying dead souls takes place in the landowner’s office. Manilov's sharp question about Chichikov's excessive interest in dead souls brought both men into a stupor. I even dropped the phone from the surprise of hearing the proposal. After several minutes of bewilderment, Pavel Ivanovich pulls himself together and continues the flattering conversation in the style of Manilov. He explains the entire superficial essence of what was planned and repeatedly says that everything is being done within the framework of the law. As soon as phrases about the legality of the deal came out of Chichikov’s mouth, Manilov immediately agreed to it. After all, in fact, the souls of dead peasants seemed to him like some kind of rubbish, and nothing more.

After the landowner's consent, he did not finish playing his role. He emotionally expressed gratitude to Manilov, he shed a tear, which deeply touched the suspicious landowner.

This is how Pavel Ivanovich’s first successful deal went. The success of its implementation directly depends on Chichikov’s assertive character and Manilov’s suspicious image. It is this landowner who becomes the first in the chain along which the main character will follow. Pavel Ivanovich will no longer meet people like Manilov in the city of NN and its districts.

He mistakenly calls the landowner's land Zamanilovka instead of Manilovka; there is nothing alluring and "luring" in the village and the manor's house: several frail flower beds, the house and walls are a shade of blue, similar to gray, there is no greenery anywhere, gloomy gray log huts.

Manilov, at first glance, seems to be a very pleasant person. But the pleasantness of this “too much… sugar” is almost cloying. Only the alluring smile in his image is attractive. There is no “enthusiasm” in him, nothing captivates him, only lengthy thoughts constantly wander through his head.

A person, one might say, does not need anything in this life - he lives for himself and lives. More precisely, it exists according to the principle: when there is day, there will be food. The author notes that for Manilov everything went “somehow by itself”: the economy, the internal arrangement of the house, and relationships with the servants.

The main and sad feature of Manilov: all projects, good and good undertakings remain words: from reading a book (the bookmark in which has been on page fourteen for who knows how many years) to an underground passage with a stone bridge across a pond. Not done - and okay. There are many unresolved problems in the house, but the landowner is only occupied with dreams. The pantry is empty, it’s unclear what’s being prepared in the kitchen, the housekeeper is a thief, the servants are drunkards - all these are low objects, unworthy of masters.

The rascal Chichikov immediately felt the defining feature of Manilov’s personality - sweetness in manners and actions, as well as the desire to please. Therefore, the entire conversation between Chichikov and Manilov is pure ingratiation and flattery. All officials of the city N are mentioned in superlatives: “most respectable”, “most amiable person”, the company is most courteous, everyone is extremely pleasant and worthy.

Even Chichikov’s passage through the doorways of the office and dining room in the Manilovs’ house turns into real pathos: the guest and the owner cannot agree on which of them will go first, since each really wants to give in to the other. As a result, both go through the doors at the same time. The swindler Chichikov “adapts” to Manilov, to this politeness oversaturated with sugar, in order to achieve his selfish goal - the purchase of “dead” souls.

When Chichikov voices his lucrative offer to Manilov, the latter is greatly perplexed. His pipe already falls out of his mouth, he claims that “he heard a strange word”, he even suspects Chichikov of madness (“has the guest gone crazy”). But the desire to please pushes Manilov to act - to sell the “dead” peasants to Chichikov. Moreover, this happens on the basis that Chichikov has a “brilliant” education, which is “visible in every... movement” and a deep facial expression, characteristic only of a “too smart minister.”

The Greek names of Manilov’s children (Themistoclus and Alcides) attract attention (literally jarring). Now, too, some parents are trying to name their children rare “exotic” names. They, like Manilov, try to seem educated, smart and well-read. But this fact speaks only of inner emptiness and ostentatious pomposity, behind which there is nothing.

Until the end of the conversation, the reader hopes that Manilov, even despite his sweetness and servility, is not such a bad person. But this myth is finally debunked by Manilov’s last expression in a conversation with Chichikov that “dead souls are complete rubbish.” Even the mercantile Chichikov is confused by these words, and he objects: “It’s not rubbish at all!”

Empty dreams, sugary ostentatious politeness and flattery - alas, all components of Manilov.