Comedy A.N. Ostrovsky "Poverty is not a vice": a summary of the work

On January 25, 1854, the comedy by Alexander Nikolayevich Ostrovsky premiered at the Maly Theater in St. Petersburg. It was written in 1853. The author dedicated this work to the artist of this theater Sadovsky Prov Mikhailovich, who often participated in the productions of the plays of his talented friend. The comedy "Poverty is not a vice", a summary of which you will read in this article, is written in three acts. All events take place in one of the county towns.

At the very beginning of the comedy, the reader finds himself in the house of the formidable merchant Gordey Karpych Tortsov. Here, in one of the rooms, sit the clerk Mitya and a relative of the owner Yegorushka. The latter reads a book and informs his interlocutor that there is no one in the house except the brother of the merchant Lyubim Karpych. After some time, the owner's wife Pelageya Yegorovna and their daughter Lyubov Gordeevna arrive. In the comedy "Poverty is not a vice", a summary of which is given here, Tortsov's wife complains that her husband contacted the Moscow merchant Korshunov and became simply unbearable. She also reports that now a rich merchant wants to marry his daughter without fail to some manufacturer from Moscow. For Mitya, this is terrible news. After all, he is secretly in love with Lyubov Gordeevna. This became clear a little later, when the clerk read his love poems to the chosen one. She told him that she was also in love with him. But the young man regrets that he is very poor, that he is obliged to support his mother on his small salary. He guesses that the merchant Tortsov will never bless them with his daughter. In this work, Alexander Ostrovsky also very brightly illuminated the topic of material things. “Poverty is not a vice” - a summary of the play is given here - confirmation of how imperfect everything is in our world.

Action 2

In the next act, the owner himself appears in the house with his Moscow guest Korshunov. At this time, all household members gather in the living room. The day before, Mitya had an explanation with Lyubov Gordeevna and told her frankly about his love. The young couple decides to ask Gordey Karpych's blessing for their marriage. But as soon as the merchant appeared in the house, he drives Mitya away. His daughter is upset, and Korshunov tries to win her favor by wooing her and hinting at matchmaking. The girl hates this old man. She begs her father in tears not to marry her. However, Tortsov is adamant. He is pleased that he married his daughter to a Moscow manufacturer and tells everyone about the imminent marriage. This ends the 2nd act of the comedy "Poverty is not a vice." The summary of the work does not allow to convey the fullness of the feelings experienced by the characters.

Action 3

The next day at the Tortsovs' house was not a joyful one. Everyone is busy with the upcoming wedding. But this event is desirable only for Gordey Karpych and Korshunov. Lyubov Gordeevna agreed with her father's will, but was very depressed. Her mother is concerned about this. At this time, a pale Mitya enters the room and informs everyone that he has decided to go to his mother. In a conversation with his beloved, he offers her to run away, but is refused. Following him, Korshunov comes to the young bride and paints for her all the charms of marriage with him. Merchant Tortsov is very pleased with his future son-in-law. And soon in the play “Poverty is not a vice”, the summary of which you are now reading, a character appears that flashed only in the first act - the owner’s brother Lyubim Karpych. He insults Korshunov and invites him to leave the house. The Moscow businessman is angry at such treatment and leaves in anger, breaking off the engagement. At this time, Mitya enters the room and, not being afraid of the ferocious disposition of the merchant, asks for his daughter's hand in marriage. Tortsov rages, but those present begin to persuade him to give a blessing on the marriage of lovers. He agrees.

The comedy "Poverty is not a vice", a very brief summary of which is given above, is one of the masterpieces of the great master. We hope that this article will encourage you to read this work in its entirety.