Thunderstorm reduction by chapters. A.N

Action 1

Public garden on the banks of the Volga.

Phenomenon 1

Kuligin is sitting on a bench, Kudryash and Shapkin are walking. Kuligin admires the Volga. They hear Dikoy scolding his nephew in the distance. They are discussing this. Kudryash says that Boris Grigorievich is complaining1 about the obedience of the inhabitants, that there is no one Wild in the dark alley. Shapkin notices that except, who does the same thing, but under the guise of piety. He adds that it was not for nothing that Dikoy wanted to give Kudryash as a soldier. Kudryash replies that Dikoy is afraid of him, because he understands that he is his own head. He regrets that Dikiy does not have adult daughters, otherwise he would have him.

Phenomenon 2

Dikoy and Boris appear. Dikoy scolds Boris, he obediently listens, Dikoy leaves.

Phenomenon 3

Boris tells those present about his family and home circumstances. Boris's grandmother (Dikoy's mother and Boris's father) disliked him because he married. The daughter-in-law and mother-in-law did not get along as well as the daughter-in-law. We moved to Moscow, where we raised our children without denying them anything. Boris studied at the Commercial Academy, and his sister at the boarding school. My parents died due to cholera. A grandmother in the city of Kalinov also died, leaving her grandchildren an inheritance, which their uncle must pay them when they come of age, but only on the condition that they will be respectful to him. Kuligin notes that neither Boris nor his sister will see an inheritance, since nothing will stop Dikiy from saying that they were disrespectful. Boris works, but does not receive a salary - they will pay him off at the end of the year, as Dikiy wishes. All the household are afraid of the Wild One - he scolds everyone, but no one dares to answer him. Kudryash recalls how Dikoy was scolded by a hussar on the ferry, to whom he could not respond in kind, and how Dikoy then took his anger out on his family for several days. Boris says that he can’t get used to the local order. Kuligin replies: Kuligin recalls that Dikoy answered the mayor when he came to him following complaints from workers that they were being calculated incorrectly:
Feklusha appears with another woman. Feklusha says that around, that, blesses, and especially. They are walking.
Kuligin says about Kabanikha that she... Then he adds that for the general benefit he is looking for a perpetuum mobile (perpetual motion machine), wondering where he can get money for a model.

Phenomenon 4

Boris (alone) says about Kuligin that he is a good person - . He grieves that he will have to waste his youth in this wilderness, what.

Phenomenon 5

Katerina, Varvara, Tikhon and Kabanikha appear. The boar nags her son that his wife is dearer to him than his mother, that try his mother-in-law. Tikhon tries to dissuade her. Katerina enters into a conversation, but Kabanikha interrupts her and complains to Tikhon that he does not keep his wife at bay. Tikhon answers: . Kabanova reproaches her son that he... He answers: Kabanova notes that if you don’t keep your wife in fear, she can take a lover.

Phenomenon 6

Tikhon reproaches Katerina that he always gets it from his mother because of her. Left without his mother’s supervision, Tikhon wants to go to Diky’s for a drink. Leaves.

Phenomenon 7

Katerina and Varvara are left alone.

Katerina! Katerina remembers the time when she lived with her parents - she went to get water, watered the flowers, then went to church with pilgrims and pilgrims - She had extraordinary dreams in which they sang, smelled of cypress, etc. Katerina tells Varvara that she feels as if she is standing before an abyss, sensing trouble. She admits that she has sin on her mind. Varvara says that after Tikhon leaves, she will come up with something. Katerina shouts:

Phenomenon 8

A half-crazy lady appears with two lackeys, shouts that beauty leads to the abyss, to the pool, points to the Volga, threatens fiery hell.

Phenomenon 9

Katerina is scared. Varvara calms her down and says that she’s a lady. Thunderstorm, it starts to rain. Katerina gets scared, she and Varvara run away.
Act 2

A room in the Kabanovs' house.

Phenomenon 1

Feklusha and Glasha are talking. Glasha says that he asks why they shouldn’t live in peace. Feklusha replies that it is impossible to live without sin in the world, says that she too is subject to sin - she loves. Says that. He says that there are countries where... Feklusha leaves, Glasha speaks approvingly of the wanderers who talk about everything.

Phenomenon 2

Katerina tells Varvara about how she was offended in some way as a child and she ran out to the Volga, got into a boat, and in the morning she was found about ten miles away. Then he admits to Varvara that he loves Boris. Varvara says that he also likes Katerina, but it’s a pity he has nowhere to see her. Katerina gets scared and shouts that she won’t exchange her Tisha for anyone. Varvara argues with her about what she can do. Katerina assures her that if she gets tired of life here, nothing will stop her - she will either throw herself out the window, or in the Volga will drown herself. Varvara says that as soon as Tikhon leaves, she calls Katerina with her.

Phenomenon 3

Kabanikha and Tikhon enter, getting ready to go on the road. Kaba-nikha tells him to tell his wife how to live without him, then she herself pronounces instructions, Tikhon repeats after her. He leaves with Varvara.

Phenomenon 4

Katerina asks Tikhon not to leave. He answers: Katerina asks then to take her with her. Tikhon refuses, explaining that he needs a break from scandals and everyone at home. Katerina begs her husband to take a terrible oath from her, falls to her knees in front of him, he picks her up, doesn’t listen, says that it’s a sin.

Phenomenon 5

Kabanikha, Varvara and Glasha arrive. Tikhon leaves, Katerina says goodbye to him, Kabanova makes her bow at her husband’s feet.

Phenomenon 6

The boar is alone. He complains that the old days show that there is no longer the former respect for the elderly. Young people, in her opinion, don’t know how to do anything, but they also want to live by their own will.

Phenomenon 7

Kabanikha reproaches Katerina for not saying goodbye to her husband as she should. . Katerina replies that she doesn’t know how and doesn’t want to make people laugh.

Phenomenon 8

Katerina alone complains that she has no children. She regrets that she did not die in childhood, then she would fly like a butterfly from Flower to Flower, etc. She is going to wait for Tikhon.

Phenomenon 9

Varvara tells Katerina that she asked to sleep in the garden, where there is a gate, the key to which Kabanikha usually hides, then adds that she took away this key and put another one in its place. Gives this key to Katerina. Katerina shouts: , but takes the key.

Phenomenon 10

Katerina argues with herself alone, holding the key in her hand, wants to throw it, but then hides it in her pocket. Decides to see Boris, and there.
Act 3

The street at the gate of the Kabanovs' house.

Phenomenon 1

Feklusha tells Kabanikha that the last times have come, that in other cities there is noise, running around, incessant driving. He says that in Moscow everyone is in a hurry, and so on. Kabanova agrees with Feklusha and declares that she will never go there under any circumstances.

Phenomenon 2

Dikoy appears. Kabanova asks why he’s wandering around so late. Dikoy is drunk and argues with Kabanikha, who rebuffs him. Dikoy asks her for forgiveness, explains that he was angry in the morning: the workers began to demand payment of the money owed to them. . He complains about his temper, which leads him to the point where he then has to ask for forgiveness. Dikoy leaves.

Phenomenon 3

Boris tells Glasha that he was sent from home to get Dikiy. He sighs that he can’t see Katerina. Kuligin appears, admires the weather, the beautiful places, then adds what, what. The poor have no time to walk, but the rich sit behind closed gates, dogs guard the house so that no one sees how they rob orphans, relatives, and nephews. Kudryash and Varvara appear and kiss. Kudryash leaves, followed by Kuligin.

Phenomenon 4

Varvara makes an appointment for Boris in the ravine behind the Kabanovs’ garden.

Night, ravine behind the Kabanovs’ garden.

Phenomenon 1

Kudryash plays the guitar and sings a song about a free Cossack.

Phenomenon 2

Boris appears. He argues with Kudryash over a place for a date. Then he tells Kudryash that he loves a married woman, who, when she prays in church, looks like an angel. Curly guesses what it is, says what, notices what.

Phenomenon 3

Varvara arrives, she and Kudryash go for a walk. Boris and Katerina are left alone. Katerina: She accuses Boris of ruining her, she’s afraid of the future. Boris urges her not to think about the future. Katerina admits that she loves Boris.

Phenomenon 4-5

Kudryash and Varvara come and ask if the lovers have gotten along. They answer in the affirmative and are removed. Curly praises the idea of ​​climbing through the garden gate. After some time, Boris and Katerina return. Having agreed on a new date, everyone leaves.
Act 4

A narrow gallery of a building that has begun to collapse, on the walls of which scenes of the Last Judgment are depicted.

Phenomenon 1

It's raining, people running into the gallery and discussing the images on the walls.

Phenomenon 2

Kuligin and Dikoy appear. Kuligin tries to persuade Dikiy to donate money to install a sundial on the boulevard. He scolds Kuligin, tries to get rid of him, says: . Kuligin explains to Dikiy that it is necessary to install several lightning rods in the city. Dikoy shouts that the thunderstorm is God’s punishment, but nothing at all, calls Kuligin an atheist and a Tatar. Kuligin leaves with nothing, muttering to himself that he must submit, and promising that they will talk when he has a million. The rain is stopping.

Phenomenon 3

Boris and Varvara are discussing the latest news - Tikhon has arrived. Varvara reports that Katerina has become not herself. Varvara is afraid that she. The storm starts again.

Phenomenon 4

Kabanikha, Tikhon, Katerina and Kuligin appear.

The play "The Thunderstorm" was written in 1859. You can read the action-by-action summary of The Storm to get a better understanding of the conflict and storylines. The plot of the play represents an episode from the life of the Kabanov family, namely, the meeting and subsequent betrayal of his wife with a young man who came to the city.

This event becomes fatal not only for Katerina herself, but also for the whole family. The conflict represents a clash of the “dark kingdom” with the need for a new life. This is not a classicist play, but a realistic one.

Main characters of the drama

Main characters:

• Katerina is a young girl, the wife of Tikhon Kabanov. Modest, pure, correct. She acutely feels the injustice of the world around her.
• Boris, a young man, “decently educated,” came to visit his uncle, Savl Prokofievich Diky. In love with Katerina.
• Kabanikha (Marfa Ignatievna Kabanova) is a rich merchant’s wife, a widow. A powerful and despotic woman, she subjugates people to her will.
• Tikhon Kabanov is the son of Kabanikha and Katerina’s husband. He acts as his mother pleases and has no opinion of his own.

Other characters:

• Varvara is the daughter of Kabanikha. A headstrong girl who is not afraid of her mother.
• Kudryash is Varvara’s lover.
• Dikoy Savel Prokofievich is a merchant, an important person in the city. A rude and ill-mannered person.
• Kuligin is a tradesman obsessed with the ideas of progress.
• The lady is half crazy.
• Feklusha is a wanderer.
• Glasha is the Kabanovs' maid.

"Thunderstorm" very brief summary

The play takes place in the mid-19th century in the town of Kalinov on the banks of the Volga.

The main character of the play is a young married woman, Katerina Kabanova, with a kind and sensitive nature. She is married to an unloved man, Tikhon Kabanov. Katerina is deeply unhappy in the Kabanov family.

The head of the family is the evil and powerful old woman Kabanikha, Tikhon’s mother. The stupid, spineless Tikhon obeys his mother in everything.

Katerina falls in love with Boris, a young man who came from Moscow to visit his uncle, the merchant Dikiy. Katerina is tormented because she loves not her husband Tikhon, but Boris. One day Tikhon leaves the city for two weeks.

Varvara Kabanova, Tikhon’s sister, sympathizes with the unfortunate Katerina. She helps Katerina meet Boris. As a result, Katerina and Boris meet for 10 nights. Tikhon returns home ahead of schedule. Katerina does not see Boris and misses him. She is tormented by remorse. Unable to bear it, she tells her husband and mother-in-law the truth. Tikhon is ready to forgive Katerina’s betrayal, but the evil Kabanikha will not allow this.

Meanwhile, Dikoy sends Boris on business to Siberia for three years. Boris obediently agrees with his uncle, since otherwise he will deprive Boris and his sister of their inheritance. Katerina asks Boris to take her with him to Siberia, but Boris is afraid of his uncle and leaves alone.

Heartbroken, Katerina throws herself into the river. Seeing Katerina in the river, Tikhon wants to rush into the water to save her. But Kabanikha stops her son, threatening to curse him for saving his unfaithful wife. Katerina is drowning. When her body is carried ashore, Tikhon blames Kabanikha’s mother for her death.

End of the play.

Another play by A. N. Ostrovsky, “Dowry,” was written in 1874–1878. We suggest reading through the phenomena in four acts. The work is a striking example of psychological realism in Russian literature.

A condensed retelling of the play "The Thunderstorm"

The events take place in the first half of the 19th century, in the fictional Volga town of Kalinov. The first action takes place in a public garden on the high bank of the Volga. A local self-taught mechanic, Kuligin, talks with young people - Kudryash, the clerk of the rich merchant Dikiy, and the tradesman Shapkin - about the rude antics and tyranny of Dikiy. Then Boris, Dikiy’s nephew, appears, who, in response to Kuligin’s questions, says that his parents lived in Moscow, educated him at the Commercial Academy and both died during the epidemic.

He came to Dikoy, leaving his sister with his mother’s relatives, in order to receive part of his grandmother’s inheritance, which Dikoy must give to him according to the will, if Boris is respectful to him. Everyone assures him: under such conditions, Dikoy will never give him the money. Boris complains to Kuligin that he can’t get used to life in Dikiy’s house, Kuligin talks about Kalinov and ends his speech with the words: “Cruel morals, sir, in our city, cruel!”

The Kalinovites disperse. Together with another woman, the wanderer Feklusha appears, praising the city for its “blah-a-lepie”, and the Kabanovs’ house for its special generosity to wanderers. "Kabanovs?" - Boris asks: “A prude, sir, he gives money to the poor, but completely eats up his family,” explains Kuligin. Kabanova comes out, accompanied by her daughter Varvara and son Tikhon and his wife Katerina. She grumbles at them, but finally leaves, allowing the children to walk along the boulevard. Varvara lets Tikhon go out for a drink in secret from his mother and, left alone with Katerina, talks with her about domestic relationships and about Tikhon. Katerina talks about her happy childhood in her parents’ house, about her fervent prayers, about what she experiences in the temple, imagining angels in a ray of sunshine falling from the dome, dreams of spreading her arms and flying, and finally admits that “something wrong” is happening to her. something".

Varvara guesses that Katerina has fallen in love with someone and promises to arrange a date after Tikhon leaves. This proposal horrifies Katerina. A crazy lady appears, threatening that “beauty leads into the deep end,” and prophesies hellish torment. Katerina gets terribly scared, and then “a thunderstorm comes”, she hurries Varvara home to the icons to pray. The second act, taking place in the Kabanovs' house, begins with a conversation between Feklusha and the maid Glasha. The wanderer asks about the Kabanovs’ household affairs and conveys fabulous stories about distant countries, where people with dog heads “for infidelity”, etc. Katerina and Varvara appear, preparing Tikhon for the trip, and continue the conversation about Katerina’s hobby. Varvara calls Boris’s name, sends him a bow and persuades Katerina to sleep with her in the gazebo in the garden after Tikhon’s departure.

Kabanikha and Tikhon come out, the mother tells her son to strictly tell his wife how to live without him, Katerina is humiliated by these formal orders. But, left alone with her husband, she begs him to take her on a trip, after his refusal she tries to give him terrible oaths of fidelity, but Tikhon does not want to listen to them: “You never know what comes to mind...” The returned Kabanikha orders Katerina to bow to her husband in legs. Tikhon leaves.

Varvara, leaving for a walk, tells Katerina that they will spend the night in the garden and gives her the key to the gate. Katerina doesn’t want to take it, then, after hesitating, she puts it in her pocket. The next action takes place on a bench at the gate of the Kabanovsky house. Feklusha and Kabanikha talk about the “last times”, Feklusha says that “for our sins” “the time has begun to come to debasement”, talks about the railway (“they began to harness the fiery serpent”), about the bustle of Moscow life as a devilish obsession. Both are expecting even worse times. Dikoy appears with complaints about his family, Kabanikha reproaches him for his disorderly behavior, he tries to be rude to her, but she quickly stops this and takes him into the house for a drink and a snack. While Dikoy is treating himself, Boris, sent by Dikoy’s family, comes to find out where the head of the family is. Having completed the assignment, he exclaims with sadness about Katerina: “If only to take a look at her with one eye!”

Varvara, who has returned, tells him to come at night to the gate in the ravine behind the Kabanovsky garden. The second scene represents a night of youth, Varvara goes out on a date with Kudryash and tells Boris to wait - “you’ll wait for something.” There is a date between Katerina and Boris. After hesitation and thoughts of sin, Katerina is unable to resist awakened love. “Why feel sorry for me - it’s no one’s fault,” she herself went for it. Don't be sorry, destroy me! Let everyone know, let everyone see what I am doing (hugs Boris). If I wasn’t afraid of sin for you, will I be afraid of human judgment?” The entire fourth action, taking place on the streets of Kalinov - in the gallery of a dilapidated building with the remains of a fresco representing fiery Gehenna, and on the boulevard - takes place against the backdrop of a gathering and finally breaking thunderstorm.

It begins to rain, and Dikoy and Kuligin enter the gallery, who begins to persuade Dikoy to give money to install a sundial on the boulevard. In response, Dikoy scolds him in every possible way and even threatens to declare him a robber. Having endured the abuse, Kuligin begins to ask for money for a lightning rod. At this point, Dikoy confidently declares that it is a sin to defend against a thunderstorm sent as punishment “with poles and some kind of furrows, God forgive me.”

The stage empties, then Varvara and Boris meet in the gallery. She reports on Tikhon's return, Katerina's tears, Kabanikha's suspicions and expresses fear that Katerina will confess to her husband that she has cheated on her. Boris begs to dissuade Katerina from confessing and disappears. The rest of the Kabanovs enter. Katerina waits with horror that she, who has not repented of her sin, will be killed by lightning, a crazy lady appears, threatening with hellish flames. Katerina can no longer hold on and publicly confesses to her husband and mother-in-law that she was “walking” with Boris. Kabanikha gloatingly declares: “What, son! Where will the will leads; […] That’s what I’ve been waiting for!” The last action is again on the high bank of the Volga. Tikhon complains to Kuligin about his family grief, about what his mother says about Katerina: “She must be buried alive in the ground so that she can be executed!” “And I love her, I’m sorry to lay a finger on her.” Kuligin advises to forgive Katerina, but Tikhon explains that under Kabanikha this is impossible.

Not without pity, he also speaks about Boris, whom his uncle sends to Kyakhta. The maid Glasha enters and reports that Katerina has disappeared from the house. Tikhon is afraid that “out of melancholy she might kill herself!”, and together with Glasha and Kuligin he leaves to look for his wife. Katerina appears, she complains about her desperate situation in the house, and most importantly, about her terrible longing for Boris. Her monologue ends with a passionate spell: “My joy! My life, my soul, I love you! Respond!” Boris enters. She asks him to take her with him to Siberia, but understands that Boris’s refusal is due to the truly complete impossibility of leaving with her. She blesses him on his journey, complains about the oppressive life in the house, about her disgust for her husband.

Having said goodbye to Boris forever, Katerina begins to dream alone about death, about a grave with flowers and birds that “will fly to the tree, sing, and have children.” “Live again?” - she exclaims with horror. Approaching the cliff, she says goodbye to the departed Boris: “My friend! My joy! Goodbye!" and leaves. The stage is filled with alarmed people, including Tikhon and his mother in the crowd.

A cry is heard behind the stage: “The woman threw herself into the water!” Tikhon tries to run to her, but his mother does not let him in, saying: “I’ll curse you if you go!” Tikhon falls to his knees. After some time, Kuligin brings in Katerina’s body. “Here is your Katerina. Do what you want with her! Her body is here, take it; but the soul is now not yours; she is now before a judge who is more merciful than you!” Rushing to Katerina, Tikhon accuses his mother: “Mama, you ruined her!” and, not paying attention to Kabanikha’s menacing shouts, falls on his wife’s corpse.

“Good for you, Katya! Why did I stay in the world and suffer!” - with these words from Tikhon the play ends.

Read also: Ostrovsky began working on the play in the summer of 1881; on December 7, 1883, the comedy was completed; it is a classic example of melodrama. On our website you can read a summary of “” and get acquainted with the main characters of the comedy. The structure of the play combines the features of comedy, realistic everyday life and psychological drama.

Action 1

Kudryash and Kuligin talk about the beauty of nature, but their opinions are different. For Kudryash, landscapes are nothing, but Kuligin is delighted by them. From afar, the men see Boris and Dikiy, who is actively waving his arms. They begin to gossip about Savl Prokofievich. Dikoy approaches them. He is unhappy with the appearance of his nephew, Boris, in the city and does not want to talk to him. From Boris’s conversation with Savl Prokofievich, it becomes clear that besides Dikiy, Boris and his sister have no other relatives left.

In order to receive an inheritance after the death of his grandmother, Boris is forced to establish good relations with his uncle, but he does not want to give the money that Boris’s grandmother bequeathed to her grandson.

Boris, Kudryash and Kuligin discuss the difficult character of Dikiy. Boris admits that it is difficult for him to be in the city of Kalinovo, because he does not know the local customs. Kuligin believes that it is impossible to earn money here by honest work. But if Kuligin had money, the man would spend it for the benefit of humanity by collecting a perpeta mobile. Feklusha appears, praising the merchants and life in general, saying: “We live in the promised land...”.

Boris feels sorry for Kuligin; he understands that the inventor’s dreams of creating mechanisms useful to society will forever remain just dreams. Boris himself does not want to waste his youth in this outback: “driven, downtrodden, and even foolishly decided to fall in love...” with someone with whom he was unable to even talk. This girl turns out to be Katerina Kabanova.

On stage are Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Varvara.

Kabanov speaks to his mother. This dialogue is shown as a typical conversation in this family. Tikhon is tired of his mother’s moralizing, but he still fawns over her. Kabanikha asks his son to admit that his wife has become more important to him than his mother, as if Tikhon will soon stop respecting his mother altogether. Katerina, present at the same time, denies the words of Marfa Ignatievna. Kabanova begins to slander herself with redoubled force so that those around her will convince her otherwise. Kabanova calls herself an obstacle to married life, but there is no sincerity in her words. Within a moment, she takes control of the situation, accusing her son of being too soft: “Look at you! Will your wife be afraid of you after this?”

This phrase shows not only her imperious character, but also her attitude towards her daughter-in-law and family life in general.

Kabanov admits that he has no will of his own. Marfa Ignatievna leaves. Tikhon complains about life, blaming his oppressive mother for everything. Varvara, his sister, replies that Tikhon himself is responsible for his life. After these words, Kabanov goes to have a drink with Dikiy.

Katerina and Varvara have a heart-to-heart talk. “Sometimes it seems to me that I am a bird,” is how Katya characterizes herself. She completely withered in this society. This can be seen especially well against the background of her life before marriage. Katerina spent a lot of time with her mother, helped her, went for walks: “I lived, didn’t worry about anything, like a bird in the wild.” Katerina feels death approaching; admits that she no longer loves her husband. Varvara is concerned about Katya’s condition, and in order to improve her mood, Varvara decides to arrange a meeting for Katerina with another person.

The Lady appears on the stage, she points to the Volga: “This is where beauty leads. Into the deep end." Her words will turn out to be prophetic, although no one in the city believes her predictions. Katerina was frightened by the words spoken by the old woman, but Varvara was skeptical about them, since the Lady sees death in everything.

Kabanov returns. At that time, married women were not allowed to walk around alone, so Katya had to wait for him to go home.

Act 2

Varvara sees the reason for Katerina’s suffering in the fact that Katya’s heart “hasn’t gone away yet,” because the girl was married off early. Katerina feels sorry for Tikhon, but she has no other feelings for him. Varvara noticed this a long time ago, but asks to hide the truth, because lies are the basis of the existence of the Kabanov family. Katerina is not used to living dishonestly, so she says that she will leave Kabanov if she can no longer be with him.

Kabanov urgently needs to leave for two weeks. The carriage is already ready, things are collected, all that remains is to say goodbye to your family. Tikhon orders Katerina to obey her mother, repeating Kabanikha’s phrases: “tell her not to be rude to her mother-in-law... so that her mother-in-law respects her as her own mother,... so she doesn’t sit idly by,... so she doesn’t look at young guys!” This scene was humiliating for both Tikhon and his wife. Words about other men confuse Katya. She asks her husband to stay or take her with him. Kabanov refuses his wife and is embarrassed by his mother’s phrase about other men and Katerina. The girl senses impending disaster.

Tikhon, saying goodbye, bows at his mother’s feet, fulfilling her will. Kabanikha doesn’t like that Katerina said goodbye to her husband with a hug, because the man is the head of the family, and she has become an equal with him. The girl has to bow at Tikhon’s feet.

Marfa Ignatievna says that the current generation does not know the rules at all. Kabanikha is unhappy that Katerina does not cry after her husband leaves. It’s good when there are elders in the house: they can teach. She hopes not to live to see the time when all the old people die: “I don’t know where the light will stand…”

Katya is left alone. She likes the silence, but at the same time it scares her. Silence for Katerina becomes not rest, but boredom. Katya regrets that she doesn’t have children, because she could be a good mother. Katerina is thinking about flying and freedom again. The girl imagines how her life could turn out: “I will start some work as promised; I’ll go to the guest house, buy some canvas, and sew linen, and then give it to the poor. They will pray to God for me.” Varvara goes for a walk, saying that she has changed the lock on the gate in the garden. With the help of this little trick, Varvara wants to arrange a meeting with Boris for Katerina. Katerina blames Kabanikha for her misfortunes, but nevertheless does not want to succumb to the “sinful temptation” and secretly meet with Boris. She does not want to be led by her feelings and violate the sacred bonds of marriage.

Boris himself also does not want to go against the rules of morality, he is not sure that Katya has similar feelings for him, but still wants to see the girl again.

Act 3

Feklusha and Glasha talk about moral principles. They are glad that Kabanikha’s house is the last “paradise” on earth, because the rest of the city’s residents have a real “sodom”. They also talk about Moscow. From the point of view of provincial women, Moscow is too fussy a city. Everything and everyone there seems to be in a fog, which is why they walk around tired, and there is sadness in their faces.

A drunk Dikoy comes in. He asks Marfa Ignatievna to talk to him to ease his soul. He is unhappy that everyone is constantly asking him for money. Dikiy is especially annoyed by his nephew. At this time, Boris passes near the Kabanovs’ house, looking for his uncle. Boris regrets that, being so close to Katerina, he cannot see her. Kuligin invites Boris for a walk. Young people are talking about rich and poor. From Kuligin’s point of view, the rich close themselves in their homes so that others do not see their violence against relatives.

They see Varvara kissing Curly. She also informs Boris about the place and time of the upcoming meeting with Katya.

with his own eyes, in the ravine under the Kabanovs’ garden, Kudryash sings a song about a Cossack. Boris tells him about his feelings for a married girl, Ekaterina Kabanova. Varvara and Kudryash go to the bank of the Volga, leaving Boris to wait for Katya.

Katerina is frightened by what is happening, the girl drives Boris away, but he calms her down. Katerina is terribly nervous and admits that she doesn’t have her own will, because “now Boris’s will is over her.” In a fit of emotion, she hugs the young man: “If I was not afraid of sin for you, will I be afraid of human judgment?” The young people confess their love to each other.

The hour of parting is near, as Kabanikha may wake up soon. The lovers agree to meet the next day. Unexpectedly, Kabanov returns.

Act 4

(events take place 10 days after the third act)

City residents walk along the gallery overlooking the Volga. It is clear that a thunderstorm is approaching. On the walls of the destroyed gallery one can discern the outlines of a painting of fiery Gehenna and an image of the battle of Lithuania. Kuligin and Dikoy are talking in raised voices. Kuligin enthusiastically talks about a good cause for everyone and asks Savl Prokofievich to help him. Dikoy refuses quite rudely: “So know that you are a worm. If I want, I’ll have mercy, if I want, I’ll crush.” He does not understand the value of Kuligin’s invention, namely a lightning rod with which it will be possible to generate electricity.

Everyone leaves, the stage is empty. The sound of thunder is heard again.

Katerina increasingly has a presentiment that she will soon die. Kabanov, noticing his wife’s strange behavior, asks her to repent of all her sins, but Varvara quickly ends this conversation. Boris comes out of the crowd and greets Tikhon. Katerina turns even more pale. Kabanikha may suspect something, so Varvara signals Boris to leave.

Kuligin calls not to be afraid of the elements, because it is not she who kills, but grace. Nevertheless, residents continue to discuss the impending storm, which “will not go away in vain.” Katya tells her husband that a thunderstorm will kill her today. Neither Varvara nor Tikhon understand Katerina’s internal torment. Varvara advises to calm down and pray, and Tikhon suggests going home.

The Lady appears and turns to Katya with the words: “Where are you hiding, stupid? You can't escape God! ...it's better to be in the pool with beauty! Hurry up!” In a frenzy, Katerina confesses her sin to both her husband and mother-in-law. All those ten days when her husband was not at home, Katya secretly met with Boris.

Action 5

Kabanov and Kuligin discuss Katerina's confession. Tikhon again shifts part of the blame onto Kabanikha, who wants to bury Katya alive. Kabanov could forgive his wife, but he is afraid of his mother’s anger. The Kabanov family completely fell apart: even Varvara ran away with Kudryash.

Glasha reports Katerina missing. Everyone goes in search of the girl.

Katerina is alone on stage. She thinks that she has ruined both herself and Boris. Katya sees no reason to live on, asks for forgiveness and calls her lover. Boris came to the girl’s call, he was gentle and affectionate with her. But Boris needs to go to Siberia, and he cannot take Katya with him. The girl asks him to give alms to those in need and pray for her soul, convincing him that she is not planning anything bad. After saying goodbye to Boris, Katerina throws herself into the river.

People are shouting that some girl has thrown herself from the shore into the water. Kabanov realizes that it was his wife, so he wants to jump after her. Kabanikha stops her son. Kuligin brings Katerina's body. She is as beautiful as she was in life, only a small drop of blood appeared on her temple. “Here is your Katerina. Do whatever you want with her! Her body is here, take it; but the soul is now not yours: it is now before a judge who is more merciful than you!”

The play ends with Tikhon’s words: “Good for you, Katya! But for some reason I remained to live in the world and suffer!”

Conclusion

The work “The Thunderstorm” by A. N. Ostrovsky can be called one of the main plays among the entire creative path of the writer. Social and everyday themes were certainly close to the viewer of that time, just as they are close today. However, against the backdrop of all these details, what unfolds is not just a drama, but a real tragedy, ending with the death of the main character. The plot, at first glance, is simple, but the novel “The Thunderstorm” is not limited to Katerina’s feelings for Boris. In parallel, you can trace several storylines, and, accordingly, several conflicts that are realized at the level of minor characters. This feature of the play is fully consistent with the realistic principles of generalization.

From the retelling of “The Thunderstorm” one can easily draw a conclusion about the nature of the conflict and its content, however, for a more detailed understanding of the text, we recommend that you read the full version of the work.

The plot of Ostrovsky's "The Thunderstorm" in 3 minutes

The events of the play take place in the mid-19th century in the town of Kalinov on the banks of the Volga.

Action 1

Residents of the city hear how the greedy and evil merchant Dikoy scolds his nephew Boris. When Dikoy leaves, Boris admits to his friend Kuligin that he tolerates Dikoy’s abuse for the sake of his inheritance. Boris and his sister will receive Uncle Dikiy's inheritance if they obey him in everything. Left alone, Boris thinks about Katerina Kabanova, the married woman with whom he is in love. At this time, the merchant Kabanikha goes for a walk with her daughter Varvara, son Tikhon and his wife Katerina Kabanova. Kabanikha reproaches her son for the fact that, having got married, he stopped loving his mother as before. Tikhon calms his mother, and she leaves. Tikhon himself goes to visit Dikiy. Varvara and Katerina are left alone. Katerina admits to Varvara that she loves another person, not her husband Tikhon. Katerina believes that this is a sin and worries about it. Varvara calms her down.

Act 2

Tikhon is going to go to the city for 2 weeks. Katerina and Tikhon say goodbye in private. Katerina asks her husband not to leave her or to take her with him, but Tikhon refuses. Having said goodbye, he leaves. Varvara wants to help Katerina meet her beloved Boris. To do this, the cunning Varvara steals the key to the gate from Kabanikha’s mother and gives it to Katerina. Now Katerina can secretly go on a date with Boris. Katerina is afraid to deceive her husband, but at the same time she really wants to see Boris.

Act 3

Her godfather, the merchant Dikoy, comes to visit Kabanikha. He asks Kabanikha to talk to him to ease his heart. Greedy Dikoy admits that he always feels sorry for paying workers money, even if they earned it. Meanwhile, Boris approaches Kabanikha’s house, hoping to see Katerina living here. Here he sees Varvara, who tells him that someone is waiting for him at the ravine. Arriving at the place, Boris sees his beloved Katerina. They confess their love to each other and go away to be alone. Varvara and Kudryash also retire. After this, all four agree to meet again tomorrow.

Act 4

Ten days pass. Varvara meets Boris and tells him that Tikhon returned home ahead of schedule, and Katerina is behaving strangely. Meanwhile, Kabanikha with her son Tikhon and Katerina walk around the city and meet Boris. Seeing him, Katerina screams and sobs. Varvara hints to Boris to leave. People on the street say that there will be a strong thunderstorm that will probably cause a fire or kill someone. Hearing this, Katerina tells her husband Tikhon that the thunderstorm will kill her. A “half-crazy lady” passes by Katerina, who suddenly calls Katerina a sinner. Unable to hide the truth, Katerina confesses to her husband Tikhon and mother-in-law Kabanikha that she went on dates with Boris for 10 nights.

Action 5

Tikhon meets Kuligin on the street and tells him the news: Varvara ran away from home with Kudryash, Katerina is behaving strangely, Dikoy is sending Boris to another city for three years. Kuligin advises Tikhon to forgive Katerina. But Tikhon explains that his mother, Kabanikha, will not allow this, and he obeys his mother in everything. Immediately Tikhon hears from the maid that Katerina has left home. Tikhon goes to look for her. Meanwhile, Katerina walks through the city and sees Boris. He says goodbye to her, as he needs to go to Siberia on business on the orders of Uncle Dikiy. They say goodbye. Heartbroken, Katerina tells herself that she wants to die. Kabanikha, Tikhon Kabanov and other heroes are looking for Katerina around the city. Suddenly Katerina is found in the river. Tikhon wants to throw himself into the water to save her. But Kabanikha stops her son. She promises to curse him if he rushes to save his wife. Finally, Katerina’s body is carried ashore. Tikhon rushes to his dead wife and blames his mother, Kabanikha, for everything.

This is interesting: Ostrovsky wrote the play “” in 1849. The comedy's original titles were "Insolvent Debtor" and "Bankrupt." The play is written within the framework of realism. In the comedy, Ostrovsky ridicules the Moscow merchant society of that time, exposing the lack of spirituality and soullessness of people living according to the laws of deception.

Video summary of Groza Ostrovsky

The work caused a great resonance not only in the theatrical, but also in the literary environment. The prototype of the main character was theater actress Lyubov Kositskaya, who later played the role of Katerina.

Drama in five acts

Faces:

Savel Prokofievich Dikoy, merchant, significant person in the city. Boris Grigorievich, his nephew, a young man, decently educated. Marfa Ignatievna Kabanova(Kabanikha), rich merchant's wife, widow. Tikhon Ivanovich Kabanov, her son. Katerina, his wife. Varvara, Tikhon's sister. Kuligin, tradesman, self-taught watchmaker, looking for perpetuum mobile. Vanya Kudryash, a young man, Dikov's clerk. Shapkin, tradesman. Feklusha, wanderer. Glasha, a girl in Kabanova's house. Lady with two footmen, an old woman of 70 years old, half crazy. City dwellers of both sexes.

The action takes place in the city of Kalinov, on the banks of the Volga, in the summer. 10 days pass between actions 3 and 4.

Act one

Public garden on the high bank of the Volga; beyond the Volga there is a rural view. There are two benches and several bushes on the stage.

First appearance

Kuligin sits on a bench and looks across the river. Kudryash and Shapkin are walking.

Kuligin (sings). “In the middle of a flat valley, at a smooth height...” (Stops singing.) Miracles, truly it must be said, miracles! Curly! Here, my brother, for fifty years I have been looking across the Volga every day and I still can’t get enough of it. Curly. And what? Kuligin. The view is extraordinary! Beauty! The soul rejoices. Curly. Nashto! Kuligin. Delight! And you: “nothing!” Have you looked closely, or don’t understand what beauty is spilled in nature. Curly. Well, there’s nothing to talk about with you! You are an antique, a chemist! Kuligin. Mechanic, self-taught mechanic. Curly. It's all the same.

Silence.

Kuligin (pointing to the side). Look, brother Kudryash, who is waving his arms like that? Curly. This? This is Dikoy scolding his nephew. Kuligin. Found a place! Curly. He belongs everywhere. He's afraid of someone! He got Boris Grigoryich as a sacrifice, so he rides it. Shapkin. Look for another scolder like ours, Savel Prokofich! There's no way he'll cut someone off. Curly. Shrill man! Shapkin. Kabanikha is also good. Curly. Well, at least that one is all under the guise of piety, but this one has broken free! Shapkin. There is no one to calm her down, so he fights! Curly. We don’t have many guys like me, otherwise we would have taught him not to be naughty. Shapkin. What would you do? Curly. They would have given a good beating. Shapkin. Like this? Curly. Four or five of us in an alley somewhere would talk to him face to face, and he would turn into silk. But I wouldn’t even say a word to anyone about our science, I’d just walk around and look around. Shapkin. No wonder he wanted to give you up as a soldier. Curly. I wanted it, but I didn’t give it, so it’s all the same thing. He won’t give me up: he senses with his nose that I won’t sell my head cheap. He's the one who's scary to you, but I know how to talk to him. Shapkin. Oh my! Curly. What's here: oh! I am considered a rude person; Why is he holding me? Therefore, he needs me. Well, that means I’m not afraid of him, but let him be afraid of me. Shapkin. It's as if he doesn't scold you? Curly. How not to scold! He can't breathe without it. Yes, I don’t let it go either: he is the word, and I am ten; he will spit and go. No, I won’t slave to him. Kuligin. Should we take him as an example? It's better to endure it. Curly. Well, if you are smart, then teach him to be polite first, and then teach us too! It’s a shame that his daughters are teenagers, none of them are older. Shapkin. So what? Curly. I would respect him. I'm too crazy about girls!

Dikoy and Boris pass by. Kuligin takes off his hat.

Shapkin (to Curly).

Let's move to the side: he'll probably get attached again.

They are leaving.

Second phenomenon The same,

Dikoy and Boris. Wild. What the hell are you, you came here to beat me up! Parasite! Get lost! Boris. Holiday; what to do at home! Wild. You will find a job as you want. I told you once, I told you twice: “Don’t you dare come across me”; you're itching for everything! Not enough space for you? Wherever you go, here you are! Ugh, damn you! Why are you standing like a pillar! Are they telling you no? Boris. I’m listening, what else should I do! Wild(looking at Boris).

Fail! I don’t even want to talk to you, the Jesuit. (Leaving.) I imposed myself! (Spits and leaves.)

The third phenomenon

Kuligin, Boris, Kudryash and Shapkin. Kuligin. What is your business, sir, with him? We will never understand. You want to live with him and endure abuse. Boris. What a hunt, Kuligin! Captivity. Kuligin. But what kind of bondage, sir, let me ask you. If you can, sir, then tell us. Boris. Why not say so? Did you know our grandmother, Anfisa Mikhailovna? Curly. How could you not know! Boris. She didn’t like Father because he married a noble woman. It was on this occasion that the priest and mother lived in Moscow. My mother said that for three days she could not get along with her relatives, it seemed very strange to her. Kuligin. Still not wild! What can I say! You need to have a big habit, sir. Boris. Our parents raised us well in Moscow; they spared nothing for us. I was sent to the Commercial Academy, and my sister to a boarding school, and both suddenly died of cholera; My sister and I were left orphans. Then we hear that my grandmother died here and left a will so that my uncle would pay us the share that should be given when we come of age, only on condition. Kuligin. With which one, sir? Boris. If we are respectful to him. Kuligin. This means, sir, that you will never see your inheritance. Boris. No, that’s not enough, Kuligin! He will first break with us, scold us in every possible way, as his heart desires, but he will still end up not giving anything, or just some little thing. Moreover, he will say that he gave it out of mercy, and that this should not have been the case. Curly. This is such an institution among our merchants. Again, even if you were respectful to him, who would forbid him to say that you are disrespectful? Boris. Well, yes. Even now he sometimes says: “I have my own children, why would I give other people’s money? Through this I must offend my own people!” Kuligin. So, sir, your business is bad. Boris. If I were alone, it would be fine! I would give up everything and leave. I feel sorry for my sister. He was about to discharge her, but my mother’s relatives didn’t let her in, they wrote that she was sick. It’s hard to imagine what life would be like for her here. Curly. Of course. Do they understand the appeal? Kuligin. How do you live with him, sir, in what position? Boris. Yes, not at all: “Live,” he says, “with me, do what they tell you, and pay whatever you give.” That is, in a year he will give it up as he pleases. Curly. He has such an establishment. With us, no one dares say a word about salary, he’ll scold you for what it’s worth. “How do you know what’s on my mind,” he says? How can you know my soul? Or maybe I’ll be in such a mood that I’ll give you five thousand.” So talk to him! Only in his entire life he had never been in such a position. Kuligin. What to do, sir! We must try to please somehow. Boris. That's the thing, Kuligin, it's absolutely impossible. Even their own people can’t please him; where am I supposed to be! Curly. Who will please him if his whole life is based on swearing? And most of all because of the money; Not a single calculation is complete without swearing. Another is happy to give up his own, if only he would calm down. And the trouble is, someone will make him angry in the morning! He picks on everyone all day long. Boris. Every morning my aunt begs everyone with tears: “Fathers, don’t make me angry! darlings, don’t make me angry!” Curly. There's nothing you can do to protect yourself! I got to the market, that's the end! He will scold all the men. Even if you ask at a loss, you still won’t leave without scolding. And then he went for the whole day. Shapkin. One word: warrior! Curly. What a warrior! Boris. But the trouble is when he is offended by such a person whom he does not dare to scold; stay home here! Curly. Fathers! What a laugh it was! Once on the Volga, on a ferry, a hussar cursed him. He worked miracles! Boris. And what a homey feeling it was! After that, everyone hid in attics and closets for two weeks. Kuligin. What is this? No way, have the people moved on from Vespers?

Several faces pass at the back of the stage.

Curly. Let's go, Shapkin, on a revelry! Why stand here?

They bow and leave.

Boris. Eh, Kuligin, it’s painfully difficult for me here without the habit! Everyone looks at me somehow wildly, as if I’m superfluous here, as if I’m disturbing them. I don't know the customs here. I understand that all this is Russian, native, but I still can’t get used to it. Kuligin. And you will never get used to it, sir. Boris. From what? Kuligin. Cruel morals, sir, in our city, cruel! In philistinism, sir, you will see nothing but rudeness and stark poverty. And we, sir, will never get out of this crust! Because honest work will never earn us more than our daily bread. And whoever has money, sir, tries to enslave the poor so that he can make even more money from his free labors. Do you know what your uncle, Savel Prokofich, answered to the mayor? The peasants came to the mayor to complain that he would not disrespect any of them. The mayor began to tell him: “Listen,” he says, Savel Prokofich, pay the men well! Every day they come to me with complaints!” Your uncle patted the mayor on the shoulder and said: “Is it worth it, your honor, for us to talk about such trifles! I have a lot of people every year; You understand: I won’t pay them a penny per person, but I make thousands out of this, so that’s good for me!” That's it, sir! And among themselves, sir, how they live! They undermine each other's trade, and not so much out of self-interest as out of envy. They are at enmity with each other; They get drunken clerks into their high mansions, such, sir, clerks that there is no human appearance on him, his human appearance is hysterical. And they, for small acts of kindness, scribble malicious slander against their neighbors on stamped sheets. And for them, sir, a trial and a case will begin, and there will be no end to the torment. They sue and sue here, but they go to the province, and there they are waiting for them and splashing their hands with joy. Soon the fairy tale is told, but not soon the deed is done; they drive them, they drive them, they drag them, they drag them; and they are also happy about this dragging, that’s all they need. “I’ll spend it, he says, and it won’t cost him a penny.” I wanted to depict all this in poetry... Boris. Can you write poetry? Kuligin. In the old-fashioned way, sir. I read a lot of Lomonosov, Derzhavin... Lomonosov was a sage, an explorer of nature... But he was also from ours, from a simple rank. Boris. You would have written it. It would be interesting. Kuligin. How is it possible, sir! They will eat you, swallow you alive. I already get enough, sir, for my chatter; I can’t, I like to spoil the conversation! I also wanted to tell you about family life, sir; yes some other time. And there is also something to listen to.

Feklusha and another woman enter.

Feklusha. Blah-alepie, honey, blah-alepie! Wonderful beauty! What can I say! You live in the promised land! And the merchants are all pious people, adorned with many virtues! Generosity and many donations! I’m so pleased, so, mother, completely satisfied! For our failure to leave them even more bounties, and especially to the Kabanovs’ house.

They leave.

Boris. Kabanovs? Kuligin. Prude, sir! He gives money to the poor, but completely eats up his family.

Silence.

If only I could find a mobile phone, sir!

Boris. What would you do? Kuligin. Why, sir! After all, the British give a million; I would use all the money for society, for support. Jobs must be given to the philistines. Otherwise, you have hands, but nothing to work with. Boris. Are you hoping to find a perpetuum mobile? Kuligin. Absolutely, sir! If only now I could get some money from modeling. Farewell, sir! (Leaves.)

The fourth phenomenon

Boris (alone).

It's a shame to disappoint him! What a good man! He dreams for himself and is happy. And I, apparently, will ruin my youth in this slum. I’m walking around completely devastated, and then there’s still this crazy thing creeping into my head! Well, what's the point! Should I really start tenderness? Driven, downtrodden, and then foolishly decided to fall in love. Who! A woman with whom you will never even be able to talk. (Silence.) And yet she can’t get out of my head, no matter what you want. Here she is! She goes with her husband, and her mother-in-law with them! Well, am I not a fool? Look around the corner and go home. (Leaves.)

From the opposite side enter Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Varvara.

Fifth appearance

Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Varvara. Kabanova. If you want to listen to your mother, then when you get there, do as I ordered you. Kabanov. How can I, Mama, disobey you! Kabanova. Elders are not very respected these days. Varvara (to herself). No respect for you, of course! Kabanov. I, it seems, mummy, don’t take a step out of your will. Kabanova. I would believe you, my friend, if I hadn’t seen with my own eyes and heard with my own ears what kind of respect children show to their parents now! If only they remembered how many illnesses mothers suffer from their children. Kabanov. I, mummy... Kabanova. If a parent ever says something offensive, out of your pride, then, I think, it could be rescheduled! What do you think? Kabanov. But when, Mama, have I ever been unable to bear being away from you? Kabanova. The mother is old and stupid; Well, you, young people, smart ones, shouldn’t exact it from us fools. Oh, my God! (To Mother.) Do we dare, Mama, to think! Kabanova. After all, out of love your parents are strict with you, out of love they scold you, everyone thinks to teach you good. Well, I don’t like it now. And the children will go around praising people that their mother is a grumbler, that their mother does not allow them to pass, that they are squeezing them out of the world. And, God forbid, you can’t please your daughter-in-law with some word, so the conversation started that the mother-in-law was completely fed up. Kabanov. No, mama, who is talking about you? Kabanova. I haven’t heard, my friend, I haven’t heard, I don’t want to lie. If only I had heard, I would have spoken to you, my dear, in a different way. (Sighs.) Oh, a grave sin! What a long time to sin! A conversation close to your heart will go well, and you will sin and get angry. No, my friend, say what you want about me. You can’t tell anyone to say it: if they don’t dare to your face, they will stand behind your back. Kabanov. Shut up your tongue... Kabanova. Come on, come on, don't be afraid! Sin! I’ve seen for a long time that your wife is dearer to you than your mother. Since I got married, I don’t see the same love from you. Kabanov. How do you see this, Mama? Kabanova. Yes in everything, my friend! What a mother doesn’t see with her eyes, she has a prophetic heart; she can feel with her heart. Or maybe your wife is taking you away from me, I don’t know. Kabanov. No, mama! what are you saying, have mercy! Katerina. For me, Mama, it’s all the same, like my own mother, like you, and Tikhon loves you too. Kabanova. It seems like you could keep quiet if they don’t ask you. Don’t intercede, mother, I won’t offend you! After all, he is also my son; don't forget this! Why did you jump out in front of your eyes to make jokes! So that they can see how much you love your husband? So we know, we know, in your eyes you prove it to everyone. Varvara (to herself). I found a place for instructions to read. Katerina. You are in vain saying this about me, Mama. Whether in front of people or without people, I’m still alone, I don’t prove anything of myself. Kabanova. Yes, I didn’t even want to talk about you; and so, by the way, I had to. Katerina. By the way, why are you offending me? Kabanova. What an important bird! I'm really offended now. Katerina. Who enjoys tolerating falsehoods? Kabanova. I know, I know that you don’t like my words, but what can I do, I’m not a stranger to you, my heart aches for you. I have long seen that you want freedom. Well, wait, you can live in freedom when I’m gone. Then do what you want, there will be no elders over you. Or maybe you’ll remember me too. Kabanova. Well, that's enough, stop it, please. Maybe you loved your mother while you were single. Do you care about me? your wife is young. Kabanov. One does not interfere with the other, sir: the wife is in itself, and I have respect for the parent in itself. Kabanova. So will you exchange your wife for your mother? I won't believe this for the life of me. Kabanov. Why should I change it, sir? I love both of them. Kabanova. Well, yes, yes, that's it, spread it! I see that I am a hindrance to you. Kabanov. Think as you wish, everything is your will; Only I don’t know what kind of unfortunate person I was born into this world that I can’t please you with anything. Kabanova. Why are you pretending to be an orphan? Why are you being so naughty? Well, what kind of husband are you? Look at you! Will your wife be afraid of you after this? Kabanov. Why should she be afraid? It's enough for me that she loves me. Kabanova. Why be afraid? Why be afraid? Are you crazy, or what? He won’t be afraid of you, and he won’t be afraid of me either. What kind of order will there be in the house? After all, you, tea, live with her in law. Ali, do you think the law means nothing? Yes, if you hold such stupid thoughts in your head, you should at least not chatter in front of her, and in front of your sister, in front of the girl; She should also get married: this way she will listen to enough of your chatter, and then her husband will thank us for the science. You see what kind of mind you still have, and you still want to live by your own will. Kabanov. Yes, Mama, I don’t want to live by my own will. Where can I live by my own will! Kabanova. So, in your opinion, everything should be affectionate with your wife? Why not shout at her and threaten her? Kabanov. Yes I am, mummy... Kabanova (hotly). At least get a lover! A! And this, perhaps, in your opinion, is nothing? A! Well, speak up! Kabanov. Yes, by God, mummy... Kabanova(completely coolly).

Silence.

Fool! (Sighs.) What can you say to a fool! only one sin!

I'm going home. Kabanov. And now we will only walk along the boulevard once or twice. Kabanova. Well, as you wish, just make sure I don’t wait for you! You know, I don't like this. Kabanov. No, mommy! God save me!

Kabanova. That's the same! (Leaves.)

Appearance Six

The same without Kabanova. Kabanov. You see, I always get it from my mother for you! This is what my life is like! Katerina. What is my fault? Kabanov. I don’t know who is to blame. Varvara. How would you know? Varvara. So it’s not her fault! Her mother attacks her, and so do you. And you also say that you love your wife. It's boring for me to look at you. (Turns away.) Kabanov. Interpret here! What should I do? Varvara. Know your business - keep quiet if you don’t know anything better. Why are you standing and shifting? I can see in your eyes what’s on your mind. Kabanov. So what? Varvara. It is known that. I would like to go see Savel Prokofich and have a drink with him. What's wrong, or what? Kabanov. You guessed it, brother. Katerina. You, Tisha, come quickly, otherwise mamma will scold you again. Varvara. You are faster, in fact, otherwise you know! Kabanov. How could you not know! Varvara. We also don’t have a great desire to accept abuse because of you. Kabanov. I'll be there in a jiffy. Wait! (Leaves.)

Seventh Appearance

Katerina and Varvara.

Katerina. So, Varya, do you feel sorry for me? Varvara (looking to the side). Of course it's a pity. Katerina. So you love me then? (Kisses him firmly.) Varvara. Why shouldn’t I love you! Katerina. Well, thank you! You are so sweet, I love you to death.

Silence.

Do you know what came to my mind?

Varvara. What? Katerina. Why don't people fly! Varvara. I do not understand what you say. Katerina. I say: why don’t people fly like birds? You know, sometimes I feel like I'm a bird. When you stand on a mountain, you feel the urge to fly. That's how she would run up, raise her hands and fly. Something to try now? (Wants to run.) Varvara. What are you making up? Katerina (sighing). How playful I was! I've completely withered away from you. Varvara. Do you think I don't see? Katerina. Was that what I was like? I lived, didn’t worry about anything, like a bird in the wild. Mama doted on me, dressed me up like a doll, and didn’t force me to work; I used to do whatever I want. Do you know how I lived with girls? I'll tell you now. I used to get up early; If it’s summer, I’ll go to the spring, wash myself, bring some water with me, and that’s it, I’ll water all the flowers in the house. I had many, many flowers. Then we’ll go to church with Mama, everyone and pilgrims - our house was full of pilgrims and praying mantises. And we’ll come from church, sit down to do some kind of work, more like gold velvet, and the wanderers will begin to tell us: where they were, what they saw, different lives, or sing poetry. So time will pass until lunch. Here the old women go to sleep, and I walk around the garden. Then to Vespers, and in the evening again stories and singing. It was so good! Katerina. Yes, everything here seems to be out of captivity. And to death I loved going to church! Exactly, it happened that I would enter heaven, and I didn’t see anyone, and I didn’t remember the time, and I didn’t hear when the service was over. Just like it all happened in one second. Mama said that everyone used to look at me, what was happening to me! Do you know: on a sunny day, such a light column goes down from the dome, and smoke moves in this column, like clouds, and I see, it used to be as if angels were flying and singing in this column. And sometimes, girl, I would get up at night - we also had lamps burning everywhere - and somewhere in a corner I would pray until the morning. Or I’ll go into the garden early in the morning, the sun is just rising, I’ll fall on my knees, pray and cry, and I myself don’t know what I’m praying for and what I’m crying about; that's how they'll find me. And what I prayed for then, what I asked for, I don’t know; I didn’t need anything, I had enough of everything. And what dreams I had, Varenka, what dreams! Either the temples are golden, or the gardens are some kind of extraordinary, and invisible voices are singing, and there is a smell of cypress, and the mountains and trees seem not to be the same as usual, but as if depicted in images. And it’s like I’m flying, and I’m flying through the air. And now I sometimes dream, but rarely, and not even that. Varvara. So what? Katerina (after a pause). I'll die soon. Varvara. That's enough! Katerina. No, I know that I will die. Oh, girl, something bad is happening to me, some kind of miracle. This has never happened to me. There is something so unusual about me. I’m starting to live again, or... I don’t know. Varvara. What's the matter with you? Katerina(takes her hand). But what, Varya, it would be some kind of sin! Such fear comes over me, such and such fear comes over me! It’s as if I’m standing over an abyss and someone is pushing me there, but I have nothing to hold on to. (He grabs his head with his hand.) Varvara. What happened to you? Are you healthy? Katerina. Healthy... It would be better if I were sick, otherwise it’s not good. Some kind of dream comes into my head. And I won’t leave her anywhere. If I start to think, I won’t be able to collect my thoughts; I’ll pray, but I won’t be able to pray. I babble words with my tongue, but in my mind it’s not at all like that: it’s as if the evil one is whispering in my ears, but everything about such things is bad. And then it seems to me that I will feel ashamed of myself. What happened with me? Before trouble, before any of this! At night, Varya, I can’t sleep, I keep imagining some kind of whisper: someone speaks to me so affectionately, as if he were loving me, as if a dove was cooing. I no longer dream, Varya, of paradise trees and mountains as before; and it’s as if someone is hugging me so warmly, and leading me somewhere, and I follow him, I go... Katerina. Why am I telling you: you are a girl. Varvara (looking around). Speak! I'm worse than you. Katerina. Well, what should I say? I'm ashamed. Varvara. Speak, there is no need! Katerina. It will become so stuffy for me, so stuffy at home, that I would run. And such a thought will come to me that, if it were up to me, I would now be riding along the Volga, on a boat, singing, or in a good troika, hugging... Varvara. Not with my husband. Katerina. How do you know? Varvara. I wish I knew!.. Katerina. Ah, Varya, sin is on my mind! How much I, poor thing, cried, what I didn’t do to myself! I can't escape this sin. Can't go anywhere. After all, this is not good, because this is a terrible sin, Varenka, why do I love others? Varvara. Why should I judge you! I have my sins. Katerina. What should I do! My strength is not enough. Where should I go; Out of boredom I will do something about myself! Varvara. What you! What happened to you! Just wait, my brother will leave tomorrow, we’ll think about it; maybe it will be possible to see each other. Katerina. No, no, don't! What you! What you! God forbid! Varvara. Why are you so scared? Katerina. If I see him even once, I will run away from home, I will not go home for anything in the world. Varvara. But wait, we'll see there. Katerina. No, no, don’t tell me, I don’t even want to listen!

Varvara. What a desire to dry out! Even if you die of melancholy, they will feel sorry for you! Well, just wait. So what a shame it is to torture yourself!

A lady enters with a stick and two footmen in three-cornered hats behind.

The eighth phenomenon

Same with the lady. Lady. What, beauties? What are you doing here? Are you expecting some good guys, gentlemen? Are you having fun? Funny? Does your beauty make you happy? This is where beauty leads.(Points to the Volga.)

Here, here, in the deep end!

Varvara smiles.

Why are you laughing! Don't be happy! (Knocks with a stick.) You will all burn inextinguishably in fire. Everything in the resin will boil unquenchable! (Leaving.) Look, there, where beauty leads! (Leaves.)

Katerina and Varvara.

Appearance Ninth Katerina. Oh, how she scared me! I’m trembling all over, as if she were prophesying something for me. Varvara. On your own head, old hag! Katerina. What did she say, huh? What she said? Varvara. It's all nonsense. You really need to listen to what she is saying. She prophesies this to everyone. All my life I sinned from a young age. Just ask them what they'll tell you about her! That's why he's afraid to die. What she is afraid of, she scares others with. Even all the boys in the city are hiding from her - she threatens them with a stick and shouts (mocking): “You will all burn in fire!” Varvara. There is something to be afraid of! Old fool... Katerina. I'm scared, I'm scared to death! She all appears in my eyes.

Silence.

Varvara (looking around). Why is this brother not coming, there’s no way, the storm is coming. Katerina (with horror). Storm! Let's run home! Hurry up! Varvara. Are you crazy or something? How will you show up home without your brother? Katerina. No, home, home! God bless him! Varvara. Why are you really afraid: the thunderstorm is still far away. Katerina. And if it’s far away, then perhaps we’ll wait a little; but really, it’s better to go. Let's go better! Varvara. But if something happens, you can’t hide at home. Katerina. Yes, it’s still better, everything is calmer; At home I go to the icons and pray to God!

Varvara. I didn't know you were so afraid of thunderstorms. I'm not afraid.

Katerina. How, girl, not to be afraid! Everyone should be afraid. It’s not so scary that it will kill you, but that death will suddenly find you as you are, with all your sins, with all your evil thoughts. I’m not afraid to die, but when I think that suddenly I will appear before God as I am here with you, after this conversation, that’s what’s scary. What's on my mind! What a sin! scary to say!

Thunder.

Varvara. I didn't know you were so afraid of thunderstorms. I'm not afraid.

Kabanov enters.

Varvara. Here comes my brother. (To Kabanov.) Run quickly!

Katerina. Oh! Hurry, hurry!

All the faces, except Boris, are dressed in Russian.

This work has entered the public domain. The work was written by an author who died more than seventy years ago, and was published during his lifetime or posthumously, but more than seventy years have also passed since publication. It may be freely used by anyone without anyone's consent or permission and without payment of royalties.

The play was published in 1859. It came from the author’s pen very quickly. The idea of ​​writing a similar work appeared in Alexander Ostrovsky around July of the same year, and in October it was already published. Written in the genre of a realistic play.

The conflict in it is the struggle of the “dark kingdom” with new trends.

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Characters in the play

Basic:

• Katerina Kabanova- a young woman, the wife of Tikhon Kabanov. Quiet and shy. Pure and correct in thoughts. He experiences the imperfections of the surrounding world very painfully;
• Boris- a young man with a good education. He came and lives with Uncle Diky Savl Prokofievich. Loves Ekaterina Kabanova;
• Kabanikha (Kabanova Marfa Ignatievna)- mother of Katerina's husband. A widowed, wealthy woman of the merchant class. He oppresses his entire family in the person of his daughter, son and daughter-in-law, as well as the servants. Not averse to subjugating others to yourself;
• Tikhon Kabanov- Kabanikha’s son and at the same time Katerina’s husband. He has no opinion, and therefore always obeys his domineering mother.

Other characters:

• Varvara - Kabanikha's daughter. The girl is headstrong by nature, and her mother’s threats are an empty phrase for her;
• Kudryash - clerk of the rich merchant Dikiy. Barbara's Beloved;
• Savel Prokofievich Dikoy - merchant. A person who has great influence in solving many important issues in Kalinov. Rude and ill-mannered;
• Kuligin - tradesman who believes that progress will conquer all the bad things in life;
• Lady- the lady is out of her mind;
• Feklusha - wanderer;
• Glasha - maid Kabanikha family.

Main content

In order to learn about the conflict and the main plot lines of the work, let's quickly read the play “The Thunderstorm” by Ostrovsky, a summary of the actions.

First action

On the high bank of the Volga River in a public garden, the local self-taught mechanic Kuligin talks with Dikiy's clerk - Kudryash - and the tradesman Shapkin. Kuligin and Kudryash argue about how beautiful nature is. The mechanic is completely delighted with her beauty, but for Curly it is nothing.

At this moment, the men notice the merchant Dikiy Savla Profyevich with his nephew Boris. They are talking animatedly about something, the nephew is gesticulating desperately. Meanwhile, the conversation turns to the rude actions and tyranny of the Wild. The merchant approaches Kuligin and his company. He is very dissatisfied with Boris and his arrival in the city.

During the conversation, the reader understands that Boris and his sister have no one except their uncle. It also becomes clear that the grandmother of Boris and his sisters, and therefore the natural mother of Savla the Wild, left her fortune to her grandson. At the same time, specifying as one of the conditions the good relationship between uncle and grandson. The merchant doesn’t want to hear about it.

Dikoy leaves. Boris, Kudryash and Kuligin continue to talk about the difficult temperament of the merchant. The young man complains that he does not live very well in the city, since he is unfamiliar with local traditions. The mechanic said that many in the city earn their money through dishonest labor and claims that if he ever has money, he will collect a perpetuum mobile for the benefit of the people. Feklusha comes and praises all the merchants of the city as benefactors.

Boris feels sorry for the self-taught mechanic because it is unlikely that he will be able to fulfill his dream and invent something useful for society. It's not even a matter of his talent, but a financial issue. He is against staying here and spending his best years. He also scolds himself for the fact that “he foolishly decided to fall in love...” The object of desire is Ekaterina Kabanova.

Then Katerina, Tikhon, Kabanikha and Varvara appear on the stage. Mother and son are having a conversation. The reader observes how this family usually communicates with each other. Tikhon is tired of listening to his mother’s constant instructions, but he still continues to slavishly listen to her. Kabanikha asks him not to conceal his sin and tell her that Katerina has become more important to him than his own mother.

Marfa Ignatievna laments that he will soon not value his mother at all. The daughter-in-law, listening to this conversation, denies the words of her husband’s mother. Kabanikha says even more things so that the others will take pity on her. She claims that she is interfering with the married life of Tikhon and Katerina. Her tirade reeks of insincerity. A second later, the mother is already vomiting and lashing out, calling Tikhon weak-willed.

Marfa Ignatievna believes that Katya must be obedient to both her husband and mother-in-law in everything. “Will the wife become afraid...” - this is the main phrase that characterizes the meaning of family relationships according to the thoughts of this representative of the “close kingdom” of tyrants. Tikhon agrees that he has a weak character. Marfa Ignatievna leaves. Tikhon complains to his sister about his mother. My sister says that we are all responsible for our actions and our character. Kabanov goes to Dikiy's for a drink.

Next we hear a conversation between Varvara and Katerina. A young woman calls herself a “bird” (“I sometimes think I’m a bird”). And indeed, Katerina literally fades away after she gets married. Like a flower in the dark kingdom.

The main character is all in anticipation of something terrible, perhaps even death. She tells her sister-in-law that Tikhon is her unloved husband.

Varvara is very worried about Katerina’s mood and in order to correct it, she does everything in her power - she arranges a meeting for Katerina with another person.

Then the reader sees the Lady again, and she utters prophetic words, pointing to the river: “This is where beauty leads. Into the deep end." Katerina believes this and is very scared. Varvara does not believe Barynya’s words, because she believes that she sees destruction in everything.

Kabanov arrives. Katerina is waiting for her husband, since married women in the 19th century were forbidden to walk alone.

Second act

Varvara believes that Katerina suffers because she has not yet loved. The woman was really very young and married off. She doesn't want to live a lie with a man she doesn't love. Varvara is convinced that her daughter-in-law should just remain silent, and she feels sorry for her brother.

At this moment, Kabanov needs to leave for 2 weeks on very urgent business. Things are packed, the carriage is delivered, and here the reader observes another scene that humiliates not only the young married couple, but also their feelings. At the suggestion of Kabanikha, Tikhon told his wife not to look at young men. Katerina asked her husband not to leave her, but to take her with him. She has a presentiment of trouble. Kabanov refuses her.

Saying goodbye, Katerina hugged her husband and Kabanikha didn’t like this either, since she seemed to be on a par with him. The wife should fall at her feet, since he is the head. Tikhon himself is forced to fall at his mother’s feet. Kabanikha is sure that the younger generation has completely forgotten the customs of the old days. The reason is that Katerina does not cry bitter tears after Tikhon’s departure.

Katya is alone. She regrets that she has neither a son nor a daughter. She could take care of them. Varya says that there is a new lock on the gate. She came up with this trick to arrange a date between Katerina and Boris.

Katerina realizes that Kabanikha is to blame for many of her misfortunes. She does not want to give in to temptation and secretly meet with Boris. The man himself is of the same opinion. He does not know what feelings Katerina has for him.

Third act

Feklusha and Glasha are having a conversation about morality. At the same time, they consider the Kabanov family to be the last bastion of moral principles, when in Kalinov there is “Sodom and Gomorrah” all around. They remember Moscow and say that it is a very restless and hectic city, and that is why people walk there dissatisfied and sad.

Dikoy arrives, fairly drunk. He wants to talk with Kabanikha. He admits to her that everyone often tries to beg money from him, and most of all he is annoyed with his nephew.

At this moment Boris is walking past the Kabanovs' estate. He would like to look at Katerina, but is forced to deny himself this. Meets Kuligin. They take a walk with him. They start talking about poverty and wealth. The mechanic believes that the rich do not allow anyone into their homes because they abuse their families there.

On the way they meet Varvara. She kisses Kudryash and tells Boris where and when Katerina will be waiting for him.

Night. The ravine under the Kabanovs' garden. Curly sings. Boris confesses to him and Varvara that he loves Katerina. Varya and Kudryash went to the river bank. Boris continues to wait. A young woman appears and is very scared. Nervous. Hugs Boris. They tell each other about their love.

The meeting of lovers does not last long, since Kabanikha may notice the absence of her daughter-in-law. Suddenly Tikhon arrives.

Act Four

Ten days have passed since the previous events. Thunder can be heard on stage. Kalinovites stroll along the alley overlooking the river. Scenes of fiery hell are painted on the wall. Dikoy and Kuligin are arguing animatedly. A mechanic asks a merchant for money for his new invention - a lightning rod. The mechanic tells Wild that he does not realize the importance of this discovery. The merchant rudely interrupts Kuligin and calls him a “worm.”

Everyone leaves and thunder is heard again.

Katerina has a more and more distinct premonition of death. Kabanov asks her to repent, as he is very concerned about his wife’s behavior. The conversation ends with the appearance of Varvara. Boris appears and greets Kabanov. Katya is paler than death. Varvara makes it clear to Boris to leave, since Marfa Ipatieva might understand something.

Kuligin urges people not to be afraid of thunderstorms.

Katerina claims that today she will become her victim. Her sister-in-law and husband cannot understand her. Varvara asks her not to worry, and Kabanov tells her to go home.

The Lady arrives. He again speaks prophetic words to Katerina. She frantically repents before her husband and mother-in-law. The reader learns that they met for ten days while Kabanov was away.

Fifth act

Kabanov and Kuligin will talk about Katya’s confession. Tikhon thinks that part of the blame lies with his mother, who hates her daughter-in-law. He was able to forget his wife’s betrayal, but Kabanikha’s reaction is an insurmountable obstacle for him. Kabanikhina's family disappears like a sand castle. Her daughter ran away with her lover.

Glasha said that Katerina was nowhere to be found. Everyone rushes to look for her.

Katerina is alone. In atonement, she calls out to her lover. He comes with bad news. He needs to go to Siberia. He can't take her with him. The woman loses all meaning in life and throws herself into the river.

People's screams can be heard. The reader learns from them that an unknown woman threw herself into the water. Tikhon realizes that this is his wife and wants to rush after her. Marfa Ignatievna holds him back. Katerina's body was brought by Kuligin. She is as beautiful as she was when she was alive. There is only a drop of blood on his temple.

Kabanov says: “...for some reason I remained to live in the world and suffer!” He understands that there is no longer a “ray of light” in the dark kingdom. Having read the play “The Thunderstorm” - a summary of the chapters - we understand that Ostrovsky puts into the mouth of Tikhon Kabanov the whole meaning of the tragedy: how bad it is when the forces of the “dark kingdom” win.

It is not even necessary to read “The Thunderstorm” in its entirety - a summary of the actions makes it clear to the reader how difficult it is for the “birds” in the “dark kingdom”. Such as Katerina, Kuligin, Boris and other characters in the play. The events of the play unfold against the backdrop of ordinary everyday affairs, and end in tragedy - the death of Katerina, the main character of the work.

At first glance, the plot is simple and has several lines of development. And it doesn’t end with just the uneasy love between the main character and Boris. The reader observes the conflicts of minor characters:

• mechanic Kuligin and merchant Dikiy;
• Varenka Kabanova and clerk Kudryash.

This is what makes the play special.

Ostrovsky's play "The Thunderstorm" was written in 1859. The writer came up with the idea for the work in the middle of summer, and on October 9, 1859, the work was already completed. This is not a classicist play, but a realistic one. The conflict represents a clash of the “dark kingdom” with the need for a new life. The work caused a great resonance not only in the theatrical, but also in the literary environment. The prototype of the main character was theater actress Lyubov Kositskaya, who later played the role of Katerina.

The plot of the play represents an episode from the life of the Kabanov family, namely, the meeting and subsequent betrayal of his wife with a young man who came to the city. This event becomes fatal not only for Katerina herself, but also for the whole family. To better understand the conflict and storylines, you can read the chapter-by-chapter summary of The Thunderstorm below.

Main characters

Katerina- a young girl, the wife of Tikhon Kabanov. Modest, pure, correct. She acutely feels the injustice of the world around her.

Boris- a young man, “decently educated,” came to visit his uncle, Savl Prokofievich Dikiy. In love with Katerina.

Kabanikha(Marfa Ignatievna Kabanova) – a rich merchant’s wife, widow. A powerful and despotic woman, she subjugates people to her will.

Tikhon Kabanov- son of Kabanikha and husband of Katerina. He acts as his mother pleases and has no opinion of his own.

Other characters

Varvara- daughter of Kabanikha. A headstrong girl who is not afraid of her mother.

Curly- Varvara's beloved.

Dikoy Savel Prokofievich- merchant, important person in the city. A rude and ill-mannered person.

Kuligin- a tradesman obsessed with the ideas of progress.

Lady- half crazy.

Feklusha- wanderer.

Glasha- maid of the Kabanovs.

Summary

Action 1

Kudryash and Kuligin talk about the beauty of nature, but their opinions are different. For Kudryash, landscapes are nothing, but Kuligin is delighted by them. From afar, the men see Boris and Dikiy, who is actively waving his arms. They begin to gossip about Savl Prokofievich. Dikoy approaches them. He is unhappy with the appearance of his nephew, Boris, in the city and does not want to talk to him. From Boris’s conversation with Savl Prokofievich, it becomes clear that besides Dikiy, Boris and his sister have no other relatives left.

In order to receive an inheritance after the death of his grandmother, Boris is forced to establish good relations with his uncle, but he does not want to give the money that Boris’s grandmother bequeathed to her grandson.

Boris, Kudryash and Kuligin discuss the difficult character of Dikiy. Boris admits that it is difficult for him to be in the city of Kalinovo, because he does not know the local customs. Kuligin believes that it is impossible to earn money here by honest work. But if Kuligin had money, the man would spend it for the benefit of humanity by collecting a perpeta mobile. Feklusha appears, praising the merchants and life in general, saying: “We live in the promised land...”.

Boris feels sorry for Kuligin; he understands that the inventor’s dreams of creating mechanisms useful to society will forever remain just dreams. Boris himself does not want to waste his youth in this outback: “driven, downtrodden, and even foolishly decided to fall in love...” with someone with whom he was unable to even talk. This girl turns out to be Katerina Kabanova.

On stage are Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Varvara.

Kabanov speaks to his mother. This dialogue is shown as a typical conversation in this family. Tikhon is tired of his mother’s moralizing, but he still fawns over her. Kabanikha asks his son to admit that his wife has become more important to him than his mother, as if Tikhon will soon stop respecting his mother altogether. Katerina, present at the same time, denies the words of Marfa Ignatievna. Kabanova begins to slander herself with redoubled force so that those around her will convince her otherwise. Kabanova calls herself an obstacle to married life, but there is no sincerity in her words. Within a moment, she takes control of the situation, accusing her son of being too soft: “Look at you! Will your wife be afraid of you after this?”

This phrase shows not only her imperious character, but also her attitude towards her daughter-in-law and family life in general.

Kabanov admits that he has no will of his own. Marfa Ignatievna leaves. Tikhon complains about life, blaming his oppressive mother for everything. Varvara, his sister, replies that Tikhon himself is responsible for his life. After these words, Kabanov goes to have a drink with Dikiy.

Katerina and Varvara have a heart-to-heart talk. “Sometimes it seems to me that I am a bird,” is how Katya characterizes herself. She completely withered in this society. This can be seen especially well against the background of her life before marriage. Katerina spent a lot of time with her mother, helped her, went for walks: “I lived, didn’t worry about anything, like a bird in the wild.” Katerina feels death approaching; admits that she no longer loves her husband. Varvara is concerned about Katya’s condition, and in order to improve her mood, Varvara decides to arrange a meeting for Katerina with another person.

The Lady appears on the stage, she points to the Volga: “This is where beauty leads. Into the deep end." Her words will turn out to be prophetic, although no one in the city believes her predictions. Katerina was frightened by the words spoken by the old woman, but Varvara was skeptical about them, since the Lady sees death in everything.

Kabanov returns. At that time, married women were not allowed to walk around alone, so Katya had to wait for him to go home.

Act 2

Varvara sees the reason for Katerina’s suffering in the fact that Katya’s heart “hasn’t gone away yet,” because the girl was married off early. Katerina feels sorry for Tikhon, but she has no other feelings for him. Varvara noticed this a long time ago, but asks to hide the truth, because lies are the basis of the existence of the Kabanov family. Katerina is not used to living dishonestly, so she says that she will leave Kabanov if she can no longer be with him.

Kabanov urgently needs to leave for two weeks. The carriage is already ready, things are collected, all that remains is to say goodbye to your family. Tikhon orders Katerina to obey her mother, repeating Kabanikha’s phrases: “tell her not to be rude to her mother-in-law... so that her mother-in-law respects her as her own mother,... so she doesn’t sit idly by,... so she doesn’t look at young guys!” This scene was humiliating for both Tikhon and his wife. Words about other men confuse Katya. She asks her husband to stay or take her with him. Kabanov refuses his wife and is embarrassed by his mother’s phrase about other men and Katerina. The girl senses impending disaster.

Tikhon, saying goodbye, bows at his mother’s feet, fulfilling her will. Kabanikha doesn’t like that Katerina said goodbye to her husband with a hug, because the man is the head of the family, and she has become an equal with him. The girl has to bow at Tikhon’s feet.

Marfa Ignatievna says that the current generation does not know the rules at all. Kabanikha is unhappy that Katerina does not cry after her husband leaves. It’s good when there are elders in the house: they can teach. She hopes not to live to see the time when all the old people die: “I don’t know where the light will stand…”

Katya is left alone. She likes the silence, but at the same time it scares her. Silence for Katerina becomes not rest, but boredom. Katya regrets that she doesn’t have children, because she could be a good mother. Katerina is thinking about flying and freedom again. The girl imagines how her life could turn out: “I will start some work as promised; I’ll go to the guest house, buy some canvas, and sew linen, and then give it to the poor. They will pray to God for me.” Varvara goes for a walk, saying that she has changed the lock on the gate in the garden. With the help of this little trick, Varvara wants to arrange a meeting with Boris for Katerina. Katerina blames Kabanikha for her misfortunes, but nevertheless does not want to succumb to the “sinful temptation” and secretly meet with Boris. She does not want to be led by her feelings and violate the sacred bonds of marriage.

Boris himself also does not want to go against the rules of morality, he is not sure that Katya has similar feelings for him, but still wants to see the girl again.

Act 3

Feklusha and Glasha talk about moral principles. They are glad that Kabanikha’s house is the last “paradise” on earth, because the rest of the city’s residents have a real “sodom”. They also talk about Moscow. From the point of view of provincial women, Moscow is too fussy a city. Everything and everyone there seems to be in a fog, which is why they walk around tired, and there is sadness in their faces.

A drunk Dikoy comes in. He asks Marfa Ignatievna to talk to him to ease his soul. He is unhappy that everyone is constantly asking him for money. Dikiy is especially annoyed by his nephew. At this time, Boris passes near the Kabanovs’ house, looking for his uncle. Boris regrets that, being so close to Katerina, he cannot see her. Kuligin invites Boris for a walk. Young people are talking about rich and poor. From Kuligin’s point of view, the rich close themselves in their homes so that others do not see their violence against relatives.

They see Varvara kissing Curly. She also informs Boris about the place and time of the upcoming meeting with Katya.

At night, in a ravine under the Kabanovs’ garden, Kudryash sings a song about a Cossack. Boris tells him about his feelings for a married girl, Ekaterina Kabanova. Varvara and Kudryash go to the bank of the Volga, leaving Boris to wait for Katya.

Katerina is frightened by what is happening, the girl drives Boris away, but he calms her down. Katerina is terribly nervous and admits that she doesn’t have her own will, because “now Boris’s will is over her.” In a fit of emotion, she hugs the young man: “If I was not afraid of sin for you, will I be afraid of human judgment?” The young people confess their love to each other.

The hour of parting is near, as Kabanikha may wake up soon. The lovers agree to meet the next day. Unexpectedly, Kabanov returns.

Act 4

(events take place 10 days after the third act)

City residents walk along the gallery overlooking the Volga. It is clear that a thunderstorm is approaching. On the walls of the destroyed gallery one can discern the outlines of a painting of fiery Gehenna and an image of the battle of Lithuania. Kuligin and Dikoy are talking in raised voices. Kuligin enthusiastically talks about a good cause for everyone and asks Savl Prokofievich to help him. Dikoy refuses quite rudely: “So know that you are a worm. If I want, I’ll have mercy, if I want, I’ll crush.” He does not understand the value of Kuligin’s invention, namely a lightning rod with which it will be possible to generate electricity.
Everyone leaves, the stage is empty. The sound of thunder is heard again.

Katerina increasingly has a presentiment that she will soon die. Kabanov, noticing his wife’s strange behavior, asks her to repent of all her sins, but Varvara quickly ends this conversation. Boris comes out of the crowd and greets Tikhon. Katerina turns even more pale. Kabanikha may suspect something, so Varvara signals Boris to leave.

Kuligin calls not to be afraid of the elements, because it is not she who kills, but grace. Nevertheless, residents continue to discuss the impending storm, which “will not go away in vain.” Katya tells her husband that a thunderstorm will kill her today. Neither Varvara nor Tikhon understand Katerina’s internal torment. Varvara advises to calm down and pray, and Tikhon suggests going home.

The Lady appears and turns to Katya with the words: “Where are you hiding, stupid? You can't escape God! ...it's better to be in the pool with beauty! Hurry up!” In a frenzy, Katerina confesses her sin to both her husband and mother-in-law. All those ten days when her husband was not at home, Katya secretly met with Boris.

Action 5

Kabanov and Kuligin discuss Katerina's confession. Tikhon again shifts part of the blame onto Kabanikha, who wants to bury Katya alive. Kabanov could forgive his wife, but he is afraid of his mother’s anger. The Kabanov family completely fell apart: even Varvara ran away with Kudryash.

Glasha reports Katerina missing. Everyone goes in search of the girl.

Katerina is alone on stage. She thinks that she has ruined both herself and Boris. Katya sees no reason to live on, asks for forgiveness and calls her lover. Boris came to the girl’s call, he was gentle and affectionate with her. But Boris needs to go to Siberia, and he cannot take Katya with him. The girl asks him to give alms to those in need and pray for her soul, convincing him that she is not planning anything bad. After saying goodbye to Boris, Katerina throws herself into the river.

People are shouting that some girl has thrown herself from the shore into the water. Kabanov realizes that it was his wife, so he wants to jump after her. Kabanikha stops her son. Kuligin brings Katerina's body. She is as beautiful as she was in life, only a small drop of blood appeared on her temple. “Here is your Katerina. Do whatever you want with her! Her body is here, take it; but the soul is now not yours: it is now before a judge who is more merciful than you!”

The play ends with Tikhon’s words: “Good for you, Katya! But for some reason I remained to live in the world and suffer!”

Conclusion

The work “The Thunderstorm” by A. N. Ostrovsky can be called one of the main plays among the entire creative path of the writer. Social and everyday themes were certainly close to the viewer of that time, just as they are close today. However, against the backdrop of all these details, what unfolds is not just a drama, but a real tragedy, ending with the death of the main character. The plot, at first glance, is simple, but the novel “The Thunderstorm” is not limited to Katerina’s feelings for Boris. In parallel, you can trace several storylines, and, accordingly, several conflicts that are realized at the level of minor characters. This feature of the play is fully consistent with the realistic principles of generalization.

From the retelling of “The Thunderstorm” one can easily draw a conclusion about the nature of the conflict and its content, however, for a more detailed understanding of the text, we recommend that you read the full version of the work.