In the summer of 184, a new young teacher, who was hired by the Islaev family, disturbed the calm and measured life in the village.
Belyaev Alexey Nikolaevich fell in love with all family members from the very first days of work. He became a real friend and mentor for ten-year-old Kolya Islaev. In addition to boring lessons, the teacher launches a kite with him, makes a bow and arrow, and climbs trees.
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Of course, the young teacher was much more interesting than the old German teacher Mr. Schaaf.
Faith's training was also fun. She was 17 years old. She became a pupil of the Islaev family. Alexey Nikolaevich walked with her a lot, had fun, caught squirrels.
The maid Katya did not remain indifferent to the young teacher. She even began to ignore Matvey, who had been courting her for a long time.
But a real hurricane of emotions and experiences was caused by the teacher at the mistress of the house, the wife of Arkady Sergeevich, Natalya Petrovna Islayeva. Her husband paid little attention to her. He constantly solved economic issues, repaired something, bought something, built something. But Natalya Petrovna was never interested in such matters. Her conversations with Rakitin, who is a friend of the Islayevs' house and has some feelings for Natalya Petrovna, do not amuse her either. But this does not bother her much, she is absolutely cold towards him and the signs of his attention do not warm her at all. Yes, he himself began to notice this lately. Only the appearance of a young teacher lifted her spirits. She blossomed like a flower, became lively and cheerful.
Mr. Shpingelsky, who works as a doctor, also noticed this change in the mood of the mistress of the house. He arrived at the Islayevs' house not alone, but with Bolshintsov, who longed with all his heart to get Vera's hand and heart. He was stupid and slovenly, and besides, he was forty-eight years old. Natalya Petrovna reluctantly listened to Bolshintsov's proposal, because she did not want to give away the young and beautiful Vera for him.
Only a feeling of jealousy made her not close the question of the matchmaking of Vera, who did not hide her sympathy for the teacher.
Rakitin did not want to believe that his feelings were unrequited on the part of Natalya Petrovna. It was more pleasant for him to think that there was nothing between her and Belyaev, and that she was simply flattered by the attention from the young man.
Updated: 2013-08-21
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Turgenev I.S., A month in the countryside.
The appearance of a new face in a village is always an event. When in the summer of 184 ... a new home teacher appeared on the rich estate of the Islayevs, the already established balance turned out to be somehow disturbed or, in any case, shaken. From the very first day, his student, ten-year-old Kolya Islaev, fell in love with Alexei Nikolaevich. The teacher made a bow for him, gets on with a kite, promises to teach him how to swim. And how cleverly he climbs trees! This. you don't want boring old Schaaff teaching him German. It was easy and fun with the new teacher and seventeen-year-old pupil of the Islayevs, Vera: they went to see the dam, caught a squirrel, walked for a long time, fooled around a lot. The twenty-year-old maid Katya also noticed the young man and somehow changed to Matvey, who was courting her. But the most subtle processes took place in the soul of the hostess - Natalya Petrovna Islayeva. Her Arkady Sergeevich is constantly busy, always building something, improving it, putting it in order. Natalya Petrovna, on the other hand, is alien and bored with her husband's household chores. The conversations of Rakitin’s friend at home are also boring. And in general, he is always at hand, he does not need to be conquered, he is completely tame, harmless: “Our relations are so pure, so sincere;...; You and I have the right not only to Arcadia, but to look everyone straight in the eye..." Still, such relationships are not quite natural. His feeling is so peaceful, it does not excite her .... Rakitin is worried that lately Natalya Petrovna is constantly out of sorts, some kind of change is taking place in her. Isn't it towards him? At the appearance of Alexei Nikolaevich, she obviously perks up. This was also noticed by Shpigelsky, the county doctor, who came to help Bolshintsov marry Vera. The applicant is forty-eight years old, clumsy, unintelligent, uneducated. Natalya Petrovna is surprised by the proposal: Vera is still so young ... However, when she sees Vera whispering something to Belyaev and both laughing, she nevertheless returns to the conversation about matchmaking. Rakitin is getting more and more worried: is he starting to annoy her? Nothing is more tiring than a gloomy mind. He has no illusions, but he hoped that her calm feeling with time... Yes, now his situation is rather ridiculous. Here Natalya Petrovna spoke with Belyaev, and immediately in the face of liveliness and gaiety, which never happened after a conversation with him. She even confesses in a friendly way: this Belyaev made a rather strong impression on her. But do not exaggerate. This man infected her with his youth - and nothing more. Alone with herself, she seems to remember: it's time to stop all this. Verina's tears in response to Bolshintsov's proposal seemed to have restored her ability to see herself in the true light. Don't let the girl cry. Bolshintsov is out of the question. But jealousy flares up again when Vera admits that she likes Belyaev. It is now clear to Natalya Petrovna who the rival is. "But wait, it's not over yet." And then she is horrified: what is she doing? He wants to marry the poor girl to an old man. Is she jealous of Vera? What is she, in love, or what? Yes, I'm in love! First. But it's time to wake up. Michel (Rakitin) must help her. Rakitin believes that the teacher should be recommended to leave. And yes, he will leave. Suddenly Islaev appears. Why is this wife, leaning on Rakitin's shoulder, pressing a handkerchief to her eyes? Mikhail Alexandrovich is ready to explain himself, but a little later. Natalya Petrovna herself is going to announce to Belyaev about the need to leave. At the same time, he finds out (impossible to resist) whether he really likes this girl? But from a conversation with the teacher, it turns out that he does not love Vera at all and is ready to tell her about it himself, only it is unlikely that after that it will be convenient for him to stay in the house. Meanwhile, Anna Semyonovna, Islayev's mother, was also a witness to the scene that aroused her son's jealousy, Lizaveta Bogdanovna tells this news to Shpigelsky, but he reassures: Mikhailo Alexandrovich has never been a dangerous person, these clever people all come out with a tongue, chatter. He himself is not like that. His proposal to Lizaveta Bogdanovna looks like a business proposal, and it was listened to quite favorably. Belyaev quickly presented himself with an opportunity to explain himself to Vera. It is clear to Vera that he does not love her and that Natalya Petrovna betrayed her secret. The reason is clear: Natalya Petrovna herself is in love with the teacher. Hence the attempts to pass her off as Bolshintsov. In addition, Belyaev remains in the house. It can be seen that Natalya Petrovna herself still hopes for something, because Vera is not dangerous to her. Yes, and Alexei Nikolaevich, maybe he loves her. The teacher blushes, and it is clear to Vera that she was not mistaken. The girl presents this discovery to Natalya Petrovna. She is no longer a meek young pupil, but a woman insulted in her feelings. The opponent is again ashamed of her actions. It's time to stop cheating. Decided: they see Belyaev for the last time. She informs him about this, but at the same time she admits that she loves him, that she was jealous of Vera, mentally passed her off as Bolshintsov, and by cunning found out her secret. Belyaev is amazed at the confession of a woman whom he revered as a higher being, so that now he cannot force himself to leave. No, Natalya Petrovna is adamant: they part forever. Belyaev obeys: yes, he must leave, and tomorrow. He says goodbye and wants to leave, but hearing a quiet “stay”, he stretches out his arms to her, but then Rakitin appears: what did Natalya Petrovna decide about Belyaev? Nothing. Their conversation should be forgotten, it's over, it's over. Gone? Rakitin saw how Belyaev was confused, ran away ... The appearance of Islaev makes the situation even more piquant: "What is this? A continuation of today's explanation?" He does not hide discontent and anxiety. Let Michelle tell about their conversation with Natasha. Rakitin's confusion leads him to ask directly if he loves his wife? Loves? So what to do? Michel is going to leave... Well, it's right. But he will leave for a short time, because there is no one here to replace him. At this moment, Belyaev appears, and Mikhail Alexandrovich informs him that he is leaving: for the peace of his friends, a decent person must sacrifice something. And Alexei Nikolaevich would have done the same, wouldn't he? Meanwhile, Natalya Petrovna begs Vera to forgive her, kneels before her. But it is difficult for her to overcome dislike for a rival who is kind and gentle only because she feels loved. And Vera should stay in her house! No way, She can't bear her smile, she can't see how Natalya Petrovna basks in her happiness. The girl turns to Shpigelsky: is Bolshintsov really a good and kind person? The doctor vouches that he is the most excellent, honest and kind. (His eloquence is understandable. For Verino's consent, he was promised three horses.) Well, then Vera asks me to convey that he accepts the offer. When Belyaev comes to say goodbye, Vera, in response to his explanation of why he should not stay in the house, says that she herself will not stay here for long and will not interfere with anyone. A minute after Belyaev left, she becomes a witness to the despair and anger of her rival: he did not even want to say goodbye ... Who allowed him to interrupt so stupidly ... This contempt, finally ... Why does he know that she would never have dared ... Now both of them are equal with Vera... There is hatred in Natalya Petrovna's voice and look, and Vera tries to calm her down, telling her that she won't bother the benefactor with her presence for long. They cannot live together. Natalya Petrovna, however, has come to her senses again. Does Verochka really want to leave her? But they are both saved now ... Everything is in order again. Islaev, finding his wife upset, reproaches Rakitin for not preparing Natasha. I shouldn't have announced my departure so suddenly. Does Natasha understand that Mikhail Alexandrovich is one of the best people? Yes, she knows that he is a wonderful person and they are all wonderful people ... And meanwhile ... Without finishing, Natalya Petrovna runs out, covering her face with her hands. Rakitin is especially bitter about such a farewell, but rightly so for the talker, and everything is for the best - it was time to stop these painful, these consumptive relations. One is time to go. Islaev has tears in his eyes: "But still ... thank you! You are a friend, for sure!" But there seems to be no end to the surprises. Alexey Nikolaevich disappeared somewhere. Rakitin explains the reason: Verochka fell in love with a teacher, and he, like an honest man ... Islaev, of course, has a headache. Everyone flees, and all because honest people. Anna Semyonovna is even more perplexed. Belyaev left, Rakitin left, even the doctor, even Shpigelsky, hurried to the sick. Again, only Shaaf and Lizaveta Bogdanovna will remain nearby. What does she think of this whole story, by the way? The companion sighs, lowers her eyes: "... Maybe I won't have to stay here for long... And I'm leaving."
The appearance of a new face in a village is always an event. When in the summer of 184 ... a new home teacher appeared on the rich estate of the Islayevs, the already established balance turned out to be somehow disturbed or, in any case, shaken.
From the very first day, his student, ten-year-old Kolya Islaev, fell in love with Alexei Nikolaevich. The teacher made a bow for him, gets on with a kite, promises to teach him how to swim. And how cleverly he climbs trees! This. you don't want boring old Schaaff teaching him German.
It was easy and fun with the new teacher and seventeen-year-old pupil of the Islayevs, Vera: they went to see the dam, caught a squirrel, walked for a long time, fooled around a lot. The twenty-year-old maid Katya also noticed the young man and somehow changed to Matvey, who was courting her.
But the most subtle processes took place in the soul of the hostess - Natalya Petrovna Islayeva. Her Arkady Sergeevich is constantly busy, always building something, improving it, putting it in order. Natalya Petrovna, on the other hand, is alien and bored with her husband's household chores. The conversations of a friend of Rakitin’s house are also boring. And in general, he is always at hand, he does not need to be conquered, he is completely tame, harmless: “Our relations are so pure, so sincere<…>We have the right not only to Arkady, but to look everyone straight in the eye ... ”And yet such relations are not entirely natural. His feeling is so peaceful, she doesn't care about it....
Rakitin is worried that lately Natalya Petrovna has been constantly out of sorts, some kind of change is taking place in her. Isn't it towards him? At the appearance of Alexei Nikolaevich, she obviously perks up. This was also noticed by Shpigelsky, the county doctor, who came to help Bolshintsov marry Vera. The applicant is forty-eight years old, clumsy, unintelligent, uneducated. Natalya Petrovna is surprised by the proposal: Vera is still young ... However, when she sees Vera whispering something to Belyaev and both laughing, she nevertheless returns to the conversation about matchmaking.
Rakitin is getting more and more worried: is he starting to annoy her? Nothing is more tiring than a gloomy mind. He has no illusions, but he hoped that her calm feeling with time… Yes, his situation is rather ridiculous now. Here Natalya Petrovna spoke with Belyaev, and immediately in the face of liveliness and gaiety, which never happened after a conversation with him. She even confesses in a friendly way: this Belyaev made a rather strong impression on her. But do not exaggerate. This man infected her with his youth - and nothing more.
Alone with herself, she seems to remember: it's time to stop all this. Verina's tears in response to Bolshintsov's proposal seemed to have restored her ability to see herself in the true light. Don't let the girl cry. Bolshintsov is out of the question. But jealousy flares up again when Vera admits that she likes Belyaev. It is now clear to Natalya Petrovna who the rival is. "But wait, it's not over yet." And then she is horrified: what is she doing? He wants to marry the poor girl to an old man. Is she jealous of Vera? What is she, in love, or what? Yes, I'm in love! First. But it's time to wake up. Michel (Rakitin) must help her.
Natalya Petrovna herself is going to announce to Belyaev about the need to leave. At the same time, he finds out (impossible to resist) whether he really likes this girl? But from a conversation with the teacher, it turns out that he does not love Vera at all and is ready to tell her about it himself, only it is unlikely that after that it will be convenient for him to stay in the house.
Meanwhile, Anna Semyonovna, Islayev's mother, was also a witness to the scene that aroused her son's jealousy, Lizaveta Bogdanovna tells this news to Shpigelsky, but he reassures: Mikhailo Alexandrovich has never been a dangerous person, these clever people all come out with a tongue, chatter. He himself is not like that. His proposal to Lizaveta Bogdanovna looks like a business proposal, and it was listened to quite favorably.
Belyaev quickly presented himself with an opportunity to explain himself to Vera. It is clear to Vera that he does not love her and that Natalya Petrovna betrayed her secret. The reason is clear: Natalya Petrovna herself is in love with the teacher. Hence the attempts to pass her off as Bolshintsov. In addition, Belyaev remains in -
home. It can be seen that Natalya Petrovna herself still hopes for something, because Vera is not dangerous to her. Yes, and Alexei Nikolaevich, maybe he loves her. The teacher blushes, and it is clear to Vera that she was not mistaken. The girl presents this discovery to Natalya Petrovna. She is no longer a meek young pupil, but a woman insulted in her feelings.
The opponent is again ashamed of her actions. It's time to stop cheating. Decided: they see Belyaev for the last time. She informs him about this, but at the same time she admits that she loves him, that she was jealous of Vera, mentally passed her off as Bolshintsov, and by cunning found out her secret.
Belyaev is amazed at the confession of a woman whom he revered as a higher being, so that now he cannot force himself to leave. No, Natalya Petrovna is adamant: they part forever. Belyaev obeys: yes, he must leave, and tomorrow. He says goodbye and wants to leave, but hearing a quiet “stay”, stretches out his arms to her, but then Rakitin appears: what did Natalya Petrovna decide about Belyaev? Nothing. Their conversation should be forgotten, it's over, it's over. Gone? Rakitin saw how Belyaev got confused, ran away ...
The appearance of Islaev makes the situation even more piquant: “What is this? Continuation of today's explanation? He does not hide discontent and anxiety. Let Michelle tell about their conversation with Natasha. Rakitin's confusion leads him to ask directly if he loves his wife? Loves? So what to do? Michel is going to leave... Well, it's a good idea. But he will leave for a short time, because there is no one here to replace him. At this moment, Belyaev appears, and Mikhail Alexandrovich informs him that he is leaving: for the peace of his friends, a decent person must sacrifice something. And Alexei Nikolaevich would have done the same, wouldn't he?
Meanwhile, Natalya Petrovna begs Vera to forgive her, kneels before her. But it is difficult for her to overcome dislike for a rival who is kind and gentle only because she feels loved. And Vera should stay in her house! No way, She can't bear her smile, she can't see how Natalya Petrovna basks in her happiness. The girl turns to Shpigelsky: is Bolshintsov really a good and kind person? The doctor vouches that he is the most excellent, honest and kind. (His eloquence is understandable. For Verino's consent, he was promised three horses.) Well, then Vera asks me to convey that he accepts the offer. When Belyaev comes to say goodbye, Vera, in response to his explanation of why he should not stay in the house, says that she herself will not stay here for long and will not interfere with anyone.
A minute after Belyaev’s departure, she becomes a witness to the despair and anger of her rival: he didn’t even want to say goodbye ... Who allowed him to interrupt so stupidly ... This contempt, finally ... Why does he know that she would never have dared ... Now they are both equal with Vera ...
There is hatred in Natalya Petrovna's voice and look, and Vera tries to calm her down, saying that she will not bother the benefactor with her presence for long. They cannot live together. Natalya Petrovna, however, has come to her senses again. Does Verochka really want to leave her? But they are both saved now ... Everything is in order again.
Islaev, finding his wife upset, reproaches Rakitin for not preparing Natasha. I shouldn't have announced my departure so suddenly. Does Natasha understand that Mikhail Alexandrovich is one of the best people? Yes, she knows that he is a wonderful person and they are all wonderful people ... And meanwhile ... Without finishing, Natalya Petrovna runs out, covering her face with her hands. Rakitin is especially bitter about such a farewell, but rightly so for the talker, and everything is for the best - it was time to stop these painful, these consumptive relations. However, it's time to go. Islaev has tears in his eyes: “But still ... thank you! You are a friend, for sure! But there seems to be no end to the surprises. Alexey Nikolaevich disappeared somewhere. Rakitin explains the reason: Verochka fell in love with a teacher, and he, like an honest person ...
Islaev, of course, is dizzy. Everyone flees, and all because honest people. Anna Semyonovna is even more perplexed. Belyaev left, Rakitin left, even the doctor, even Shpigelsky, hurried to the sick. Again, only Shaaf and Lizaveta Bogdanovna will remain nearby. What does she think of this whole story, by the way? The companion sighs, lowers her eyes: "... Maybe I won't have to stay here for long ... And I'm leaving."
Turgenev conceived the play Student in 1848. He carefully works on it and in 1850 sends Nekrasova to St. Petersburg. The imminent release of Turgenev's play has already been announced, and everyone was looking forward to it. But censorship did not allow it to be published. Only in 1855 was he able to publish a comedy in Sovremennik under the title A Month in the Country.
The play was first staged in 1872 in Moscow at the Maly Theatre. In 1879 - at the Alexander Theater. The role of Verochka was played by M. G. Savina, the actress was so fascinated by this small role that she amazed even the creator of the comedy with her performance: “Did I really write this Verochka ?!” Turgenev was amazed to see Verochka performed by Savina. The play was a huge success and became a repertoire.
Drama or comedy?
Turgenev called the play “A Month in the Country” a “comedy” in the subtitle. But according to the signs of the genre, in terms of content, it is rather a drama. The author himself called the play a story in dramatic form. Many critics also noted that the play is long and boring, not staged, as there is no dramatic vein in it. They noticed that the play is not quite a comedy, but rather a story in dialogues.
Undoubtedly, the love collision in which the characters found themselves resembles, rather, a traditional comedy plot. But Turgenev is distinguished by a rare ability to convey all the spiritual movements of his heroes through their words. An attentive viewer will see feelings and thoughts behind them. It would seem that the hero is talking about an outsider, and a whole drama is revealed to the reader. This is how the state of mind manifests itself in real life. This is precisely the value of Turgenev's work "A Month in the Country". A summary of the play is given below.
Heroes of the play
Belyaev Aleksey Nikolaevich - raznochinets student. He is twenty one years old. He is still young and inexperienced, but sincere, natural and simple. In his naivety, he does not notice the love affair that has erupted around his person.
Rakitin Mikhail Alexandrovich - a nobleman, a friend of the Islaevs' house, an interlocutor of Natalya Petrovna. At thirty, he does not have his own family, his own destiny. This is a special type of "superfluous person", "habitant". He is honest, smart, intelligent, but unhappy in his own way.
Islaev Arkady Sergeyevich is a thirty-six-year-old landowner and owner of the estate where the events take place. Warm-hearted, modest and kind, he is helpful and gentle with his wife Natalya Petrovna.
Natalya Petrovna is a twenty-nine-year-old mistress of the house, Islayev's wife. A smart, passionate woman, she cannot contain her feelings for Belyaev. Love pushes her to mean deeds, makes her lie and dodge. She makes others unhappy.
The rest of the participants in Turgenev's play "A Month in the Country" (their names are also mentioned in the summary):
- Verochka is a seventeen-year-old pupil of the Islaevs. She is pure and innocent. The insidious behavior of Natalya Petrovna forces the girl to agree to marriage with Bolshintsov.
- Bolshintsov Afanasy Ivanovich is a forty-eight-year-old contender for Verochka's husband. A good candidate for an arranged marriage, but a stupid and difficult person.
- Shpigelsky Ignatiy Ilyich is a forty-year-old doctor who easily compromises with his conscience for the sake of profit.
- Anna Semyonovna Islaeva is the mother of Arkady Sergeich.
- Lizaveta Bogdanovna is Anna Semyonovna's companion.
- Kolya is the ten-year-old son of Natalya and Arkady Islayev.
- Schaaf is a German tutor.
- servants - Matvey and Katya.
New teacher
Turgenev's play "A Month in the Village" takes place in the Islayev estate. The summary and the first act begin with a description of the living room where Anna Semyonovna, Lizaveta Bogdanovna and tutor Schaaf are playing cards. Natalya Petrovna is busy with embroidery, Rakitin is reading The Count of Monte Cristo to her. Soon an inattentive listener interrupts him and starts a conversation about her son's new teacher - a student from Moscow, who was hired for the summer. Kolya runs into the room and enthusiastically tells that the teacher made him a bow and arrows and promises to teach him how to swim. Belyaev enters after him, greets everyone present and leaves with Kolya to feed the horses.
Servant Matvey reports on the arrival of Dr. Shpigelsky. Natalya Petrovna complains to him about his bad mood. He tells about the girl Verenitsyna, who cannot make a choice between two chosen ones. To which Natalya Petrovna replies: "You can love two." Anna Semyonovna and Lizaveta Bogdanovna go out into the garden. Rakitin consoles the lost tutor. Shpigelsky tells Islaeva that his friend wants to marry her pupil, Vera. Natalya Petrovna is surprised, because she considers the seventeen-year-old girl still a child. This ends the first act of Turgenev's comedy A Month in the Country. A summary of the second act is described below, where the scene takes place in the Islaevs' garden.
Rakitin guesses Islaeva's feelings
The maid Katya is busy picking berries. Matvey seeks from her an answer to his marriage proposal. Seeing Schaaf walking with a fishing rod, he leaves. Katya continues to pick raspberries when Belyaev and Vera come out into the garden. They sit on a bench and try to attach a tail to a kite. Verochka asks Alexei about his studies, about Moscow and tells about himself. Rakitin arrives with Natalya Petrovna, and Belyaev and Vera leave to look for Kolya.
Islayeva and Rakitin sat down on the bench. He tries to find out from her why she has been irritable lately. Natalya Petrovna gets angry and leaves. Mikhail suspects that she was carried away. I saw Belyaev and struck up a conversation with him. Islayeva returns, noticeably blossoms at the sight of Belyaev, and takes Alexei away to fly a kite. Rakitin follows gloomily.
Shpigelsky and Bolshintsov join the company. The doctor tells Mikhail that they need to talk. This ends the second act of Turgenev's play "A Month in the Country". The summary of the third act begins with Rakitin's conversation with the doctor. The action takes place in the living room.
Natalya Petrovna learns about Vera's love
Shpigelsky asks Rakitin to assist in the matter of Vera's marriage and admits that Bolshintsov promised him three horses for a successful outcome. Seeing Natalya Petrovna leaving the office, the doctor leaves. Islaeva begins to talk about Belyaev, but Rakitin interrupts the conversation that is unpleasant for him and asks Natalya Petrovna to decide the fate of the pupil right now. He summons Vera and leaves them to talk. Islaeva directly asks the girl if she agrees to marry Bolshintsov. This proposal seems ridiculous to Vera, and she confesses to Islayeva about her feelings for Alexei. Natalya Petrovna is unable to hide her jealousy.
An alarmed Rakitin enters, he is sure that the only correct way out is to send Belyaev away, he must leave. Natalya Petrovna cries on Mikhail's shoulder, and Arkady enters the room with Anna Semyonovna. Islaeva runs away, and Rakitin is interrogated. Excited, Mikhail promises to give them an answer later.
Islaeva declares to Alexei that she is forced to refuse him a place due to the fact that her pupil is in love with him. Hearing in response that he considers Vera just a child, Islaeva says that Alexei can take his time with his departure. They say goodbye, and the third act of the play "A Month in the Country" by Ivan Turgenev ends with Islayeva's monologue. A summary of the fourth part is described below. The action takes place in the passage, in the description the author indicated that evening had come.
Islaeva confesses her feelings to Alexei
The maid Katya is waiting in the hallway for Alexei. It's starting to rain. Shpigelsky and Lizaveta Bogdanovna run into the house. Katya is hiding. The doctor offers Elizaveta Bogdanovna to marry him. The rain stopped and they returned to the garden. Alexei appears, and the maid brings Vera. The girl knows about the upcoming departure of Belyaev and came to say goodbye. He assures the girl that not everything has been decided with his departure.
Natalya Petrovna enters, and Vera begins to shame her that, having revealed her secret to Alexei, she committed an ugly act. Even jealousy does not justify it. Faith runs away in tears. Belyaev is shocked and at the same time embarrassed. Natalya Petrovna confesses her feelings to him. Alexei is completely confused. The conversation is interrupted by Rakitin. Aleksey, convinced that he must leave immediately, leaves. Arkady enters and sees that his wife is alone with Rakitin and is greatly agitated. But he doesn't ask questions. The fourth act of the play "A Month in the Country" by Turgenev ends with Islaev carelessly taking Natalya Petrovna by the arm and inviting everyone to drink tea.
The house is empty... Everyone is leaving...
Islaev is trying to work, looking through the papers. But thoughts about Natalya and Mikhail do not allow him to concentrate. He asks the servant to invite Michael to him. As soon as he enters, Islaev demands an explanation from him. Rakitin admits that he has long been in love with his wife. Islaev is outraged, but sure of his decency. Rakitin assures Arkady that he will leave their house tomorrow.
Mikhail announces his departure, but Natalya Petrovna is cold with him. Rakitin leaves to collect things. Alexey goes after him. Islaeva tries to ask Verochka for forgiveness. But she does not want to show the appearance of well-being. Shpigelsky persuades Vera to pay attention to Bolshintsov. To his surprise, she does not resist, as she cannot stay in this house any longer. She agrees to the marriage, and Shpigelsky hurries to get his three.
Belyaev comes to say goodbye and asks Vera to give Islayeva a farewell note, as he immediately leaves for Moscow. As soon as Natalya Petrovna appears on the threshold, Vera hands her a message. Islaeva is deeply shocked: Alexei did not even come to say goodbye. Arkady tries to console his wife, scolding Rakitin in an undertone. He is sure that she is upset because of Michael. Vera leads away Natalya Petrovna, who has turned pale.
Frightened Anna Semenovna, Schaaf, Lizaveta Bogdanovna, Shpigelsky and Kolya run in. They were informed that Natalya Petrovna had become ill. Arkady assures them that everything is in order. Kolya is looking for his teacher, but Rakitin informs that Alexei is leaving. Shaken, Islaev goes out to see them off, and Shpigelsky undertakes to give them a lift to the city in a new troika. Kolya leaves with Schaaf for a lesson. Anna Semyonovna sighs that the house is completely empty. Lizaveta Bogdanovna modestly says: "... and I won't stay here for long... and I'm leaving." With these words, Turgenev ends "A Month in the Country". The content of the play shows that everyone leaves this house.
Analysis of the work. Soul drama or selfishness?
The characters of Turgenev's heroes are revealed not so much in action as in monologues and dialogues. The comedy "A Month in the Country" was no exception. In the first act, the reader sees the living room of the Islaevs. Rakitin is reading a book. This is all an ordinary background, but the true essence of what is happening appears through it. Natalya Petrovna does not like everything, she is annoyed by the fact that her husband takes everything with fervor, and the fact that Rakitin unconditionally agrees with her in everything.
It seems that she hates this boring living room, "lace" smart conversations, and she wants natural feelings and sincere actions. Therefore, she was drawn to a young student with a "cheerful, bold look." In a conversation with Rakitin, she emphasizes that Belyaev is not at all like them, that he is a man of another world. The reader is already ready to believe her: that she is a woman, eager for space, for freedom from smart, but apathetic interlocutors.
But then Shpigelsky appears with a story about the girl Verenitsyna. And the shrewd doctor, in response to Islayeva’s complaints that she is bored, says: “You are my lady, who will make you laugh? You don't need it now." Having a husband, she keeps Rakitin near her for four years, now a student has appeared, embarrassing her peace. Hence the rapid pulse, nerves, bile. Shpigelsky prescribes drops for her, but when Anna Semyonovna asks if Natasha is healthy, he answers: “Absolutely.”
From his point of view, all the love experiences of Islaeva are just a master's whim. He does not approve of it, but does not hesitate to use it for his own selfish purposes. She rejected Vera's marriage proposal, claiming that she was just a child. But, driven by jealousy, Islaeva returns to the conversation about her marriage.
Natalya Petrovna torments Rakitin with riddles and turns to him for help. But at the same time, he does not hide his attitude towards Belyaev. This desire to capture as much attention and affection as possible speaks not so much about her feelings, but about selfishness. Hearing her monologue about self-contempt, a promise to love only her husband, about jealousy, about remorse, the reader no longer believes in the depth of her experiences. It was this skill of Ivan Sergeevich that his contemporaries admired. How skillfully, in dialogues and monologues, Turgenev reveals the drama in A Month in the Country.
Analysis of the work. General flight or condemnation?
Now not only Shpigelsky sees Islayeva as a predator, but also Verochka, who has experienced her egoism. The broken fate of the girl does not touch Islaeva, and if she asks for forgiveness from her, then only for her own peace of mind. Trusting Verochka morally matured in one day. On the day when her faith in people, her love was destroyed. Rakitin, hearing that Verochka and Belyaev love each other, exclaims: "Poor woman!" Selflessly devoted Rakitin sincerely sympathizes with Islaeva. But in the end, her selfishness drives him out of this house too.
Cheerful, sincere Belyaev brought a stream of fresh air into the house. Kolya, who did not know real childhood, fell in love with the teacher from the very first day. Vera did not know the real joy of life and sincere communication either. Even Islaeva, looking at Alexei, realized that she had never been young. For Belyaeva, Natalia Petrovna was something inaccessible, a "higher being." He didn't even think about getting close to her. Nevertheless, her confession took the young man by surprise: he puts on a new frock coat, inserts a flower into his buttonhole. He changes, becomes different. And only Rakitin's mockery sobers him up.
Belyaev decides to leave. Before leaving, he tells Verochka that he loved her. This unites them, this is their common moral victory. Verochka also does not want to stay here anymore. Insulted by the attitude of Islaeva, Rakitin leaves the house. Shpigelsky, who has long been embittered at the bar, declares that his "presence is not required here." Even Lizaveta Bogdanovna announces her imminent departure. Her last phrase in "A Month in the Village" seems to emphasize that the general flight is nothing but general condemnation. And only the good-natured Islaev, modest and cordial, continues to love his Natasha as before.
The appearance of a new face in a village is always an event. When in the summer of 184 ... a new home teacher appeared on the rich estate of the Islayevs, the already established balance turned out to be somehow disturbed or, in any case, shaken.
From the very first day, his student, ten-year-old Kolya Islaev, fell in love with Alexei Nikolaevich. The teacher made a bow for him, gets on with a kite, promises to teach him how to swim. And how cleverly he climbs trees! This. you don't want boring old Schaaff teaching him German.
It was easy and fun with the new teacher and seventeen-year-old pupil of the Islayevs, Vera: they went to see the dam, caught a squirrel, walked for a long time, fooled around a lot. The twenty-year-old maid Katya also noticed the young man and somehow changed to Matvey, who was courting her.
But the most subtle processes took place in the soul of the hostess - Natalya Petrovna Islayeva. Her Arkady Sergeevich is constantly busy, always building something, improving it, putting it in order. Natalya Petrovna, on the other hand, is alien and bored with her husband's household chores. The conversations of a friend of Rakitin’s house are also boring. And in general, he is always at hand, he does not need to be conquered, he is completely tame, harmless: “Our relations are so pure, so sincere. We have the right not only to Arcadia, but to look everyone straight in the eye. ... ”And yet such relationships are not entirely natural. His feeling is so peaceful, she doesn't care about it....
Rakitin is worried that lately Natalya Petrovna has been constantly out of sorts, some kind of change is taking place in her. Isn't it towards him? At the appearance of Alexei Nikolaevich, she obviously perks up. This was also noticed by Shpigelsky, the county doctor, who came to help Bolshintsov marry Vera. The applicant is forty-eight years old, clumsy, unintelligent, uneducated. Natalya Petrovna is surprised by the proposal: Vera is still so young ... However, when she sees Vera whispering something to Belyaev and both laughing, she nevertheless returns to the conversation about matchmaking.
Rakitin is getting more and more worried: is he starting to annoy her? Nothing is more tiring than a gloomy mind. He has no illusions, but he hoped that her calm feeling with time… Yes, his situation is rather ridiculous now. Here Natalya Petrovna spoke with Belyaev, and immediately in the face of liveliness and gaiety, which never happened after a conversation with him. She even confesses in a friendly way: this Belyaev made a rather strong impression on her. But do not exaggerate. This man infected her with his youth - and nothing more.
Alone with herself, she seems to remember: it's time to stop all this. Verina's tears in response to Bolshintsov's proposal seemed to have restored her ability to see herself in the true light. Don't let the girl cry. Bolshintsov is out of the question. But jealousy flares up again when Vera admits that she likes Belyaev. It is now clear to Natalya Petrovna who the rival is. "But wait, it's not over yet." And then she is horrified: what is she doing? He wants to marry the poor girl to an old man. Is she jealous of Vera? What is she, in love, or what? Yes, I'm in love! First. But it's time to wake up. Michel (Rakitin) must help her.
Natalya Petrovna herself is going to announce to Belyaev about the need to leave. At the same time, he finds out (impossible to resist) whether he really likes this girl? But from a conversation with the teacher, it turns out that he does not love Vera at all and is ready to tell her about it himself, only it is unlikely that after that it will be convenient for him to stay in the house.
Meanwhile, Anna Semyonovna, Islayev's mother, was also a witness to the scene that aroused her son's jealousy, Lizaveta Bogdanovna tells this news to Shpigelsky, but he reassures: Mikhailo Alexandrovich has never been a dangerous person, these clever people all come out with a tongue, chatter. He himself is not like that. His proposal to Lizaveta Bogdanovna looks like a business proposal, and it was listened to quite favorably.
Belyaev quickly presented himself with an opportunity to explain himself to Vera. It is clear to Vera that he does not love her and that Natalya Petrovna betrayed her secret. The reason is clear: Natalya Petrovna herself is in love with the teacher. Hence the attempts to pass her off as Bolshintsov. In addition, Belyaev remains in the house. It can be seen that Natalya Petrovna herself still hopes for something, because Vera is not dangerous to her. Yes, and Alexei Nikolaevich, maybe he loves her. The teacher blushes, and it is clear to Vera that she was not mistaken. The girl presents this discovery to Natalya Petrovna. She is no longer a meek young pupil, but a woman insulted in her feelings.
The opponent is again ashamed of her actions. It's time to stop cheating. Decided: they see Belyaev for the last time. She informs him about this, but at the same time she admits that she loves him, that she was jealous of Vera, mentally passed her off as Bolshintsov, and by cunning found out her secret.
Belyaev is amazed at the confession of a woman whom he revered as a higher being, so that now he cannot force himself to leave. No, Natalya Petrovna is adamant: they part forever. Belyaev obeys: yes, he must leave, and tomorrow. He says goodbye and wants to leave, but hearing a quiet “stay”, stretches out his arms to her, but then Rakitin appears: what did Natalya Petrovna decide about Belyaev? Nothing. Their conversation should be forgotten, it's over, it's over. Gone? Rakitin saw how Belyaev got confused, ran away ...
The appearance of Islaev makes the situation even more piquant: “What is this? Continuation of today's explanation? He does not hide discontent and anxiety. Let Michelle tell about their conversation with Natasha. Rakitin's confusion leads him to ask directly if he loves his wife? Loves? So what to do? Michel is going to leave... Well, it's a good idea. But he will leave for a short time, because there is no one here to replace him. At this moment, Belyaev appears, and Mikhail Alexandrovich informs him that he is leaving: for the peace of his friends, a decent person must sacrifice something. And Alexei Nikolaevich would have done the same, wouldn't he?
Meanwhile, Natalya Petrovna begs Vera to forgive her, kneels before her. But it is difficult for her to overcome dislike for a rival who is kind and gentle only because she feels loved. And Vera should stay in her house! No way, She can't bear her smile, she can't see how Natalya Petrovna basks in her happiness. The girl turns to Shpigelsky: is Bolshintsov really a good and kind person? The doctor vouches that he is the most excellent, honest and kind. (His eloquence is understandable. For Verino's consent, he was promised three horses.) Well, then Vera asks me to convey that he accepts the offer. When Belyaev comes to say goodbye, Vera, in response to his explanation of why he should not stay in the house, says that she herself will not stay here for long and will not interfere with anyone.
A minute after Belyaev’s departure, she becomes a witness to the despair and anger of her rival: he didn’t even want to say goodbye ... Who allowed him to interrupt so stupidly ... This contempt, finally ... Why does he know that she would never have dared ... Now they are both equal with Vera ...
There is hatred in Natalya Petrovna's voice and look, and Vera tries to calm her down, saying that she will not bother the benefactor with her presence for long. They cannot live together. Natalya Petrovna, however, has come to her senses again. Does Verochka really want to leave her? But they are both saved now ... Everything is in order again.
Islaev, finding his wife upset, reproaches Rakitin for not preparing Natasha. I shouldn't have announced my departure so suddenly. Does Natasha understand that Mikhail Alexandrovich is one of the best people? Yes, she knows that he is a wonderful person and they are all wonderful people ... And meanwhile ... Without finishing, Natalya Petrovna runs out, covering her face with her hands. Rakitin is especially bitter about such a farewell, but rightly so for the talker, and everything is for the best - it was time to stop these painful, these consumptive relations. However, it's time to go. Islaev has tears in his eyes: “But still ... thank you! You are a friend, for sure! But there seems to be no end to the surprises. Alexey Nikolaevich disappeared somewhere. Rakitin explains the reason: Verochka fell in love with a teacher, and he, like an honest person ...
Islaev, of course, is dizzy. Everyone flees, and all because honest people. Anna Semyonovna is even more perplexed. Belyaev left, Rakitin left, even the doctor, even Shpigelsky, hurried to the sick. Again, only Shaaf and Lizaveta Bogdanovna will remain nearby. What does she think of this whole story, by the way? The companion sighs, lowers her eyes: "... Maybe I won't have to stay here for long ... And I'm leaving."