The great Russian writer Vissarion Grigorievich Belinsky, in his famous article “Hero of Our Time,” introduces readers not only to the hero, but also to the modern society in which he exists. The author examines the complex psychological world of his hero, forming parallels with real world events.
At the center of the story, Belinsky places the hero Pechorin, an attractive personality who, it would seem, has everything he needs to be happy. He is young, handsome, educated. However, the hero turns out to be a prisoner of his own contradictions. He is internally torn between his desires, and inevitably expects tragic consequences.
A hero of our time is not just an individual, he is an example of his time. Belinsky clearly transfers Pechorin’s conflicts to the social level, showing that the hero’s problems are problems of the entire Russian society. The author, using episodes from the life of Pechorin, penetrates into the depths of modern realities, comprehending them and offering the reader a view of Russian society that causes dissatisfaction and disappointment.
In Belinsky’s work, the hero appears not only as a reflection of social contradictions and moral dilemmas, but also as a symbolic image. Pechorin is a person devoid of true love and genuine feelings. He becomes hostage to the indifference and emptiness characteristic of the society of his time. The hero demonstrates that the soul can be devoid of meaning and true values, turning into an empty shell.
Hero of our time: article by Belinsky
The article “Hero of Our Time” by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev, which was written by Vissarion Grigorievich Belinsky, the great Russian literary critic and literary scholar, describes the complex image of the so-called “hero of our time.” Belinsky pays attention to various aspects and contradictions that characterize the hero of this work.
At the very beginning of the article, Belinsky points out that the hero of our time is a typical product of the era in which he lives and acts. It reflects the spirit of the times, morals and characteristics of the society in which it exists. A hero of our time is not only an individual, but also a symbol and generalization of collective experience and sentiments.
Belinsky draws attention to the versatility of the hero of our time. He shows that this hero is ambiguous and contradictory: on the one hand, he possesses some of the traits of the hero of romantic works – daydreaming and the desire for freedom, on the other hand, his behavior often reflects negative character traits, such as selfishness and cynicism.
Belinsky also draws attention to the influence of the environment on the formation of the hero of our time. It shows that the circumstances and events that the hero encounters have a significant impact on his character and actions. Thus, the hero of our time is not only the result of the hero’s internal qualities, but also the external circumstances in which he finds himself.
| Basic Concepts | Examples |
|---|---|
| Hero of our time | Pechorin from the novel by I. S. Turgenev |
| Versatility | The hero of our time has many contradictory character traits. |
| Environmental influence | The events and circumstances that the hero encounters influence his actions. |
The content of the article:
| 1. Introduction |
| 2. Life and work of the author |
| 3. The main idea of the work |
| 4. Analysis of the hero Pechorin |
| 5. Comparison with other literary heroes |
Analysis of the main character’s image
At first glance, Pechorin seems to be a charming and multifaceted person, capable of arousing interest in himself. He has extraordinary charisma, however, under this external attractiveness lies emptiness and lack of true feelings. Pechorin has become a symbol of the younger generation, which is looking for the meaning of life, but does not find it because of its self-centeredness and indifference to others.
The image of Pechorin embodies all the negative features of the era in which the hero lives. He becomes an indirect critic of Russian reality, noting its boringness, philistinism, superficiality and spiritual wretchedness. At the same time, Pechorin himself is committed to the ideas of belonging to the aristocratic stratum, but even within the aristocracy he feels the emptiness and meaninglessness of his position.
One of the key points in the image of Pechorin is his inaction. The hero observes life, but does not take an active part in events. He is skeptical about any form of activity and entertainment, he is characterized by indifference and aloofness. This attitude towards the world emphasizes his moral decay and alienation from society.
Because of his complexity and mystery, Pechorin evokes conflicting assessments. He is both attractive and repulsive, he evokes interest and fear. The image of Pechorin allows the reader to think about the reality of the hero and his connection with the spirit of the time. In it we see the story of one man, but also an example of a society that lacks depth and ideals.
The role of nature in the novel
In the novel “A Hero of Our Time,” Lermontov pays special attention to the description of nature, which plays a significant role in the development of the plot and characterization of the heroes.
Nature in the novel is not only the background for the action, but also a reflection of the inner world of the characters. Descriptions of landscapes and natural phenomena help the reader better understand the emotional state of the characters and create the atmosphere of the work.
For example, at the beginning of the first part of the novel, the author describes the remote mountain gorges where the events of the work take place. These gloomy and dark landscapes symbolize the isolation and loneliness of the main character, his internal conflict and unresolved mental pain.
Stormy natural events, such as autumn storms or floods, also accompany turning points in the plot and reflect the extreme emotional states of the characters. For example, when Pechorin travels through the mountains, he is connected with nature by strong emotions, which intensify his internal conflict, his hopelessness and thirst for adventure.
In addition, the description of nature helps to create a certain atmosphere of the work. For example, the landscapes of the Caucasus, with its high mountains and endless expanses, create a feeling of grandeur and unpredictability, which corresponds to the tragic fate of the hero and the general theme of the work.
Thus, nature is important in the novel “A Hero of Our Time.” It helps to better understand the characters’ characters, creates the mood and atmosphere of the work, and also serves as a symbol and reflection of their inner world.
In the novel “Oblomov,” Goncharov, through the image of the main character Ilya Ilyich Oblomov, reveals the contradictions and shortcomings of the Russian public, which is under the influence of feudal relations. The lazy and weak-willed Oblomov symbolizes the backwardness and passivity of Russian society.
Through Oblomov’s life, the author shows the passage of time and progress within society. Stunning descriptions of the hero’s life and everyday life reflect the unproductive essence of Russian reality, which gives rise to laziness, inaction and apathy in the individual.
Goncharov sharply criticizes the society of his time, where life has turned into an endless circle of pleasures and idleness, but is unable to create and develop activities and inventions. The writer pronounces a harsh verdict on this status quo, noting that idleness causes suffering and causes bitterness in the soul of every individual.
Goncharov emphasizes the need for change in Russian society and calls on readers to become active participants in the process of renewal and progress. The author notes that only an active and creative society can lead to the achievement of happiness and prosperity for each of its members.
Thus, social criticism in the work “Oblomov” by Ivan Goncharov is a powerful incentive for changing old stereotypes and introducing new ideas and values. After reading this wonderful novel, the reader understands not only the importance of social progress, but also his own role in creating a better future.