Characteristics of positive characters to lead childhood. L.N

In the story "Childhood" Maxim Gorky portrayed his own image. The writer lost his father early and was forced to live in the house of his relatives, where a gloomy and bleak atmosphere reigned. Grandfather was distinguished by cruelty, other relatives - by greed and cowardice. In such an environment, the personality of the classic of Russian and Soviet literature was formed, but in this house he also found love and understanding. The characterization of Alyosha from the story "Childhood" by Gorky is the topic of this article.

WITH early years the writer learned the harsh truth of life. The reality of the life of the Russian people tormented him throughout the years. But still, even against the backdrop of an unsightly picture, he found something beautiful. Invincible faith in man guided him both in life and in creativity.

Grandfather

Before Alyosha got to the house of his relatives, he knew nothing about violence. His grandfather - his mother's father - was a man not only cruel, but also extremely unfair. He kept the whole house in fear. Children were punished here for any offense. And even if the child's guilt was not proven, he was severely beaten.

What is the characteristic of Alyosha from the story "Childhood" by Gorky? After analyzing the boy's actions, we can conclude that he differed from his relatives in his desire for justice and compassion for the grief of others. The atmosphere in my grandfather's house was unspiritual. The person and his experiences were not taken into account. Alyosha had every chance to become like one of the inhabitants of this gloomy dwelling. However, the injustice that he faced resulted in the desire to fight for his rights, contributed to the development of the best human qualities.

Grandfather was an outright tyrant. For any reason, he was furious. And over the years, greed began to develop in him more and more, taking into last years pathological forms. The man in this house had no value. Material values ​​were above all. But, despite this, life next to such people has become a good school of life for Alyosha Peshkov.

Gregory

The characterization of Alyosha from the story "Childhood" by Gorky would be incomplete without a description of his attitude to this character. A blind master lived in his grandfather's house. And his uncles, who had an extremely meager intellect, regularly made fun of him. The ridicule of his blindness amused them. And their sons - Alyosha's cousins ​​- quickly adopted a similar way of entertainment from their fathers. The protagonist of Gorky's story not only did not imitate adults in this ugly business, but from an early age began to understand how low his relatives were behaving. He felt compassion for Gregory. The characterization of Alyosha from the story "Childhood" by Gorky suggests that this hero had a beautiful noble soul that was not crippled even in a dark, soulless world.

Akulina Ivanovna

The author of the story describes the grandmother as "round, big-headed, with big eyes and a funny nose." This woman almost replaced his mother and became a person, thanks to whose kindness the boy's soul did not harden. Akulina Ivanovna was a poorly educated person, but gifted in her own way. She told many fairy tales and stories to her grandson. The tendency to use mythological plots and romantic motifs, which can be seen in early work Gorky, perhaps, was laid down in the childhood of the writer. In addition, this woman had an extraordinary artistry. “She didn’t dance, but seemed to be telling something,” the author recalls in her work. Faith in God helped her overcome life's difficulties. And most importantly - the grandmother had fearlessness and courage, as evidenced by the fragment in the story, which depicts a fire in the grandfather's house.

Alyosha Peshkov is a personality in whose formation the struggle between good and evil played a special role. She was not open-minded. His wife did not respond to the cruelty and stupidity of his grandfather with such. But the boy, using the example of his grandmother, understood that evil can only be overcome with love and kindness. Alyosha Peshkov kept the image of this woman in his heart for the rest of his life.

gypsies

In the grandfather's house, in addition to his wife, sons and grandchildren, Ivan lived - a foundling, for whose appearance he was endowed with a characteristic nickname. He was handsome, dark-haired, like a gypsy. Everyone in the house treated him in a special way. Surprisingly, Gorky remembered his childhood to the smallest detail. Description of the events in the story and the people who influenced its formation inner peace, is proof of that. The image of the Gypsy is presented quite vividly in the story. It should be said that he received this nickname not only because of his external data, but also for his tendency to steal. Yet, oddly enough, Alyosha loved him precisely for his honesty. Ivan was a sincere person and became a true friend to our hero during his stay in his grandfather's house.

Good Deed

There was another person who played a significant role in shaping Alyosha's personality. It was a strange man nicknamed the Good Deed. He lived in a new house, which his grandfather bought after the old one burned down, he was distinguished by learning and disinterestedness. The boy liked to talk with him for a long time. And he was very upset when the Good Deed was expelled from the house. In the book, he called him one of the close ones from an endless series of strangers.

One of the main images in the writer's work was Alyosha. Gorky "Childhood" wrote in adulthood. But the bright and lively depiction of the boy's experiences suggests that the events of this period in the author's biography became decisive in his life and writing.

Answer left a guest

Alyosha Peshkov Alyosha Peshkov - main character and the narrator of the story. In early childhood, he settles in his mother's family - the evil and scandalous Kashirin family. The story "Childhood" is Alyosha's story about his hard life with the Kashirins. >>> Grandmother Grandmother Akulina Ivanovna Kashirina is a kind, energetic woman. She is about 60 years old. Grandma becomes best friend Alyosha for many years. >>> Grandfather Grandfather Vasily Vasilyevich Kashirin is a respected, wealthy man, the owner of a dyeing workshop. He is about 80 years old. Grandfather is a smart, but greedy and cruel person. >>> Alyosha's mother Varvara Vasilievna Kashirina (married Peshkova, Maksimova) is a young woman. After the death of her husband, Varvara leaves her son Alyosha to be raised by her grandmother Akulina. >>> Alyosha's father Maksim Savvateevich Peshkov is Alyosha Peshkov's father and Varvara's husband. Maxim Peshkov is a kind, cheerful person. Dies at a young age. >>> Uncle Yakov Uncle Yakov Vasilyevich Kashirin is one of the two uncles of the Kashirins. Jacob is an evil, cruel, stupid, envious person. Jacob beat his wife to death. >>> Uncle Mikhailo Uncle Mikhailo (Mikhail Vasilyevich Kashirin) is Alyosha's second uncle, a cruel, envious, evil man. He beats his pregnant wife, aunt Natalya>>>Tsyganok Ivan Tsyganok is a 19-year-old boy, a foundling, brought up in the Kashirin family. Gypsy is funny kind person. He dies through the fault of uncles Yakov and Mikhail. >>> Master Grigory Master Grigory Ivanovich is a kind, intelligent old man, a faithful assistant to grandfather Vasily in his workshop. In the end, Gregory goes blind and becomes a beggar. >>> Good Deed Good Deed - a man whose name is not indicated in the story. He rents a room in the house of grandfather Kashirin. Good Deed is a kind, sweet and very lonely person. He becomes Alyosha's best friend, but soon the grandfather drives the man out of the house. >>> Aunt Natalya Aunt Natalya Kashirina is Uncle Mikhail's wife, a timid and quiet woman. Pregnant aunt Natalya is beaten by her husband and suffers in the Kashirin family. During the birth of her third child, she dies. Sasha Yakovov Sasha Kashirin (Jakov's son) is the son of Uncle Yakov, cousin of Alyosha Peshkov. An evil, cunning boy, just like his father. Sasha Mikhailov Sasha Kashirin (Mikhailov's son) is the son of Uncle Mikhail and Aunt Natalya, cousin of Alyosha Peshkov. Quiet, sad and lazy boy. Katerina Katerina Kashirina - daughter of uncle Mikhail and aunt Natalya, cousin Alyosha Peshkov. Nurse Evgenia Nurse Evgenia lives in the Kashirins' house and takes care of the children. Evgeny Maksimov Evgeny Maksimov is the stepfather of Alyosha Peshkov, the second husband of Varvara. Eugene is a nobleman. Having married Barbara, he loses all the money in cards, because of which the family falls into poverty. He beats his wife and cheats on her. Uncle Peter Uncle Peter is a cab driver, a tenant in the house of grandfather Kashirin. Alyosha listens with interest to his stories from the life of the peasants. Uncle Peter commits suicide. Death in the Pocket of Igosh Death in the Pocket is a blessed person. Local boys offend and beat Igosha. Alyosha, on the contrary, sympathizes with the poor man.

In 1851, Leo Tolstoy traveled to the Caucasus. At that moment, there were fierce battles with the highlanders, in which the writer took part, without interrupting the fruitful creative work. It was at this moment that Tolstoy came up with the idea of ​​creating a novel about the spiritual growth and personal development of a person.

Already in the summer of 1852, Lev Nikolaevich sent the first story "Childhood" to his editor. In 1854, the part "Boyhood" was printed, and three years later - "Youth".

This is how the autobiographical trilogy was designed, which today is included in the compulsory school curriculum.

Analysis of the trilogy of works

Main character

The plot is based on the life of Nikolai Irtenyev, a nobleman from a noble family, who is trying to find the meaning of existence, build the right relationship with environment. The characteristics of the protagonist are quite autobiographical, so the process of finding spiritual harmony is especially important for the reader, who finds parallels with the fate of Leo Tolstoy. It is interesting that the author seeks to present the portrait of Nikolai Petrovich through the points of view of other people whom fate brings together with the main character.

Plot

Childhood

In the story "Childhood" Kolenka Irteniev appears as a modest child who experiences not only joyful, but also mournful events. In this part, the writer maximally reveals the idea of ​​the dialectic of the soul. At the same time, "Childhood" is not without the power of faith and hope for the future, since the author describes the life of a child with undisguised tenderness. It is interesting that in the plot there is no mention of Nikolenka's life in parental home. The fact is that the formation of the boy was influenced by people who did not belong to his immediate family circle. First of all, these are the tutor Karl Ivanovich Irtenyev and his housekeeper Natalya Savishna. Interesting episodes of "Childhood" are the process of creating a blue picture, as well as playing rowers.

adolescence

The story "Boyhood" begins with the thoughts of the protagonist who visited him after the death of his mother. In this part, the character touches on the philosophical issues of wealth and poverty, intimacy and loss, jealousy and hatred. In this story, Tolstoy seeks to convey the idea that the analytical mindset inevitably reduces the freshness of feelings, but at the same time does not prevent a person from striving for self-improvement. In Boyhood, the Irtenyev family moves to Moscow, and Nikolenka continues to communicate with tutor Karl Ivanovich, receive punishments for bad grades and dangerous games. A separate storyline is the development of the relationship of the protagonist with Katya, Lyuba, and also a friend Dmitry.

Youth

The finale of the trilogy - "Youth" - is dedicated to the protagonist's attempts to get out of the labyrinth of internal contradictions. Irteniev's plans for moral development are collapsing against the backdrop of an idle and petty lifestyle. The character is faced here with the first love anxieties, unfulfilled dreams, the consequences of vanity. In "Youth" the plot begins with the 16th year of Irtenyev's life, who is preparing to enter the university. The hero experiences the joy of confession for the first time, and also faces difficulties in communicating with friends. Tolstoy seeks to show that life has made the main character less sincere and kind towards people. Neglect, pride of Nikolai Petrovich leads him to expulsion from the university. The series of ups and downs does not end, but Irtenyev decides to create new rules for a good life.

Tolstoy's trilogy was realized with an interesting compositional idea. The author does not follow the chronology of events, but the stages of personality formation and turning points in fate. Lev Nikolayevich conveys through the main character the basic values ​​of a child, a teenager, a youth. There is also an edifying aspect to this book, as Tolstoy appeals to all families not to miss highlights education of a new generation.

According to many literary critics, this book is about essential role kindness, which helps a person to stay away from cruelty and indifference, even in spite of serious life trials. Despite the seeming ease of narration and the fascination of the plot, Tolstoy's novel hides the deepest philosophical overtones - without hiding moments from his own life, the author seeks to answer the question of what challenges of fate a person has to answer in the process of growing up. Moreover, the writer helps the reader decide what kind of answer to give.

Characteristics of the hero

In the story "Childhood" M. Gorky spoke about his childhood years, in which his grandmother occupied almost the main place. Strange, very plump, big-headed, with huge eyes, a loose reddish nose. The grandmother appeared in the boy's life when his father died, and until the end of her days she was always there.

The boy sees and understands that the grandmother is internally beautiful, she is soft, affectionate, kind, trying to understand and help in any situation.

With her fullness, grandmother walked very easily, smoothly and deftly. Her movements were like those of a cat.

Grandmother had a very pleasant snow-white smile, while her eyes flashed with a warm light, and her face became young and bright.

Her hair was black, very thick, long and unruly. Therefore, when the grandmother combed her hair with a rare-toothed comb, she usually got angry.

Grandmother spoke cheerfully, smoothly, in a singsong voice. She often mentioned God. Everything she said was warm and affectionate, so the boy made friends with his grandmother from the first day, she became for him the most faithful and close friend, the most understanding person. Later, he realized that the grandmother was the kind of person who gives her love disinterestedly, she loves the world as it is.

M. Gorky reverently recalls his grandmother, and, perhaps, it was his disinterested attitude towards people that helped the writer to endure in the future. M. Gorky's story "Childhood" is autobiographical. Everyone who surrounded Alyosha Peshkov helped the writer grow up, albeit with the pain of memories, insults, but it was a school.

A quivering, still unconscious love was evoked in the boy by his grandmother Akulina Ivanovna. A man of rich soul, colorful appearance, possessing the wisdom that is characteristic of the Russian people.

Alexey saw his grandmother for the first time, when she "for the sixth decade of summer-spring spread over and went." The way I perceived the world Grandma, no one could. From the shore passing by, from the domes of churches drowned in the sky, she could burst into tears or laugh. And who else could tell the boy such tales that the hardened bearded sailors asked: “Come on, grandmother, tell me something else! ..” For Alyosha Peshkov, grandmother became the light that everyone should have in life. She became his most faithful friend, "the most understandable and close person." “She was all dark, but she glowed from the inside ... with an unquenchable, cheerful and warm light.”

Alyosha learned selfless love from his grandmother, since the grandfather's family, where he unwittingly ended up, lived according to the harsh rules established by his usurper grandfather. It seems that a kind person occasionally peeps through him, but the shell snaps into place ... and do not argue, otherwise the reprisal will be rods. Grandmother knew the character of her grandfather well, she was not afraid of him, unlike other family members. For anyone, she could become a mountain, if the grandfather is not right.

The house was filled with her warmth, her love and light, living energy. She put her whole soul into caring for her children and grandchildren. Nobody needed Gypsy, thrown under the gate of the house, was accepted by the grandmother as her own, she fed and left the boy. Working around the house from dawn until late at night, my grandmother saw everyone and everything that was happening around, paid attention to everyone who needed her.

And her heroism during the fire She was equal to the elements. Both, the flame and the grandmother, fought for the workshop. Who will win. She saved what was dear to her, was her home, household; fire burned what he considered his prey. The fire was extinguished, the grandmother received burns, but she also found words of comfort for others.

M. Gorky went through the school of generosity and severity, love and malice, but all his life he himself tried to analyze his actions, give love, and educate himself. And thanks to fate that he had such a wonderful grandmother.

Nikolenka Irteniev - the main character of the story "Childhood", written by a brilliant writer, returns readers to distant childhood, and also opens the spiritual and moral world of the child.

What is the characteristic of Nikolenka Irtenev? How did the author feel about it? Did he idealize his hero? And what did he want to convey to the hearts of readers, choosing the image of the child as key and central in his work?

Let's briefly analyze the realistic, life story written by L. N. Tolstoy, "Childhood", and try to find answers to the above questions.

Image of childhood

The characterization of Nikolenka from the story “Childhood” begins from the very first lines of the work. Before us appears a sleeping boy, whose sleep is guarded by his kind loving mentor.

From the brief remarks and reflections of the child, it is clear that he is the son of a landowner who grew up in greenhouse conditions, a little spoiled and eccentric, but very kind and gentle.

The narration is not for nothing conducted in the first person. This enables us to get to know the boy's thoughts and feelings better, his childish immediacy and childish seriousness.

The characterization of Nikolenka Irteniev is a characterization of Tolstoy himself, since many of the events and incidents described in the story are taken directly from the author's memoirs.

What did Leo Tolstoy keep in his memory? “Childhood” opens before us his first years of life, it not only vividly and effectively characterizes the younger generation of wealthy landowners, but also criticizes, exposes the immorality and hypocrisy of the noble way of life of that time.

Appearance of the main character

The portrait of Nikolenka from the story “Childhood” presents us with a rather ugly boy of ten years old with a large nose, large lips and small eyes, with constantly protruding whirlwinds on the top of his head.

The boy is very worried about his external shortcomings. Because of this, he is sometimes overcome by sadness and despair. He even asks God for outward beauty and is ready to give up all that is most valuable, just to have a perfect look.

And although sometimes it may seem that the main character deliberately describes himself as such a little freak, the elders still repeatedly talk about his ugly appearance. This is noted even by the one who loves Nikolenka more than anyone in the world - his mother. On the other hand, she repeatedly emphasized the spiritual attractiveness of her youngest son.

conflicting feelings

What is Nikolenka in the story "Childhood"?

This is an ordinary boy, a little envious, a little absurd, but very kind, gentle and conscientious.

Most likely, Irtenyev's conscientiousness is his inner core, which attracts us to the main character.

He can do ugly things, he can have bad judgments, he can think and feel what is reprehensible, but he will always, always (!) Feel shame and regret, repentance and some remorse after that. After that, I want to believe and hope that Nikolenka will change, improve and become better.

Relationship with a mentor

What are the contradictory feelings of Nikolenka?

For example, in his relationship with a children's teacher, a German by birth, Karl Ivanovich. This poor man did not have a life in his distant homeland, and he came to Russia in search of happiness. The German did not find wealth and prosperity, but, by nature, kind and cordial, he became very attached to his pupils and, in the simplicity of his soul, gave them all of himself.

Nikolenka loves her poor mentor very much and takes pity on him. For example, he dreams of growing up and helping his teacher, alleviating his grief, and even sacrificing a lot for him.

His sincere love for Karl Ivanovich is also manifested in practice: often Nikolenka approaches the mentor, gently takes his hand and affectionately calls him “dear” teacher.

However, in the soul of the boy there are multiple abrupt changes. He can scold and get angry at the destitute teacher, answer him rudely and insolently, wish him all the bad things. And all this is only because of a strict suggestion, a short remark or a bad assessment!

Of course, later, after analyzing his wrong behavior, little Irtenyev begins to feel remorse and try to make amends.

Relations with Ilenka

The characterization of Nikolenka from the story “Childhood” clearly emerges in his relationship with Ilenka Grap, who was the same age as the main character. Ilenka was a sickly, quiet child, hunted down and bullied by rich comrades. His father had neither wealth nor a title, but he tried to maintain acquaintance with the Irtenyevs in the hope of further patronage. How hard it was for Ilenka to communicate with the inflated barchuks who offended him, humiliated him, insulted him and even beat him!

Children, already capable of showing cruelty, brought the unfortunate boy to tears, without even thinking about the fact that he was experiencing mental anguish and torment.

Memories of persecution of Ilenka dark spot lie on the heart of Irtenyev for many years. He, so gentle and sympathetic, with a subtle understanding soul, reproaches himself for following the lead of adult children and not standing up for a defenseless destitute boy.

The lordship of the hero

However, in relation to Nikolenka to his subordinate people, a note of arrogance and swagger always slipped through. He considered himself much higher than Karl Ivanovich and Natalya Savishna, servants attached to him with all their hearts. He treated his poor peers contemptuously and arrogantly, considering himself better and smarter.

Where did such a sense of arrogance and superiority come from in this nice sweet child? The characterization of Nikolenka from the story “Childhood” fully reveals to us the causes and consequences of his actions and judgments.

The little boy was brought up in the home of a rich, arrogant landowner. From infancy, he was taught that he was a lord's son, worthy of reverence and reverence. With mother's milk, Nikolenka absorbed a sense of superiority and a desire to live in luxury and contentment, among servants, servile people.

So many noble children were brought up. And that was common at the time.

hard trials

But this does not mean that little Irtenyev lived in a castle in the air, protected by fate from problems and worries. No, troubles and experiences also touched him, leaving an indelible sorrowful mark in a tender soul.

The image of Nikolenka Irtenyev in the story “Childhood” is the image of a rich boy who knows personal grief and subtly feels other people's suffering.

Despite a comfortable and passive existence, the protagonist experiences severe emotional trauma: misunderstanding of his older brother, arrogance of a friend, pride and immorality of his father, who cheats on his mother and ruins the whole family.

However, Nikolenka's most sorrowful recollection is sudden death mother.

Attitude to maman

The image of the mother is the brightest, the most beautiful way in the story, while in the work there is no specific description of the appearance or detailed characteristics of the woman.

Mother for Nikolenka is the most beloved creature on earth. He does not hesitate to show tenderness and affection for her, loves to often spend time with her and communicate. Most likely, it is thanks to the early influence of the mother that the boy grows up to be such a kind and sympathetic child, able to sympathize and feel guilty. Therefore, the characterization of Nikolenka from the story "Childhood" would be incomplete and one-sided, if not for the description of his relationship with his mother.

The death of the most beloved person left an indelible wound in the boy's heart. He cried a lot and suffered, in his own way experiencing a bitter loss. He did not understand how a blooming and cheerful mother could turn into a yellow withered creature with closed eyes and an unrecognizable face.

And at the same time, the boy describes all his sensations and feelings with boundless sincerity and directness. He calls the moment of self-forgetfulness, spent near the coffin of his beloved parent, the truest manifestation of grief. In other cases, when Nikolenka wept and sobbed for his mother, he did it out of a sense of pride, pretentiousness and selfishness, honestly admitting this to himself and experiencing deep shame and contempt for himself.

The influence of the image of Nikolenka

As you can see, in his story "Childhood" Tolstoy created a vivid original image of Nikolenka Irtenyev, which teaches us to respond correctly to our misfortunes and failures. The work also shows that childhood is important time the formation of the personality and worldview of the child, which will leave an indelible mark on his mind and heart.