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The main characters of “Quiet Don. Brief description of the heroes of the novel Quiet Don Aksinya

“Quiet Don” is the most significant work of those dedicated to the Don Cossacks. In terms of scale, it is compared to Tolstoy's War and Peace. The epic novel “Quiet Don” reflects a huge part of the life of the inhabitants of the Cossack village and the tragedy of the entire Russian people. Reviews from critics agree on one thing: the book is one of the greatest in literature. Opinions about the writer are not so flattering. The article is devoted to disputes about the authorship of the famous novel and the characteristics of the main characters.

History of creation

The novel was conceived in the early twenties of the last century. Its writing was preceded by the creation of Don stories. The characters of the Cossack village inspired the author to long work above scale a work of art. And in 1940, the fourth volume of the novel “Quiet Don” was completed. Reviews from researchers, including Alexander Solzhenitsyn, indicate a lot of controversy. The author of “In the First Circle” stated that the material in the book is extremely superior life experience and Sholokhov’s level of education. Such work, according to Solzhenitsyn, can only be created by a master, and only after numerous attempts. Mikhail Sholokhov was in his twenties at the time he wrote the first volume. Behind him were only four classes of the gymnasium.

Perhaps one of the geniuses who are born once every two hundred years was the author of the novel “Quiet Don”? Reviews from critics and readers about Sholokhov's subsequent works indicate that the writer never again showed such tremendous talent in his work.

The main images in the novel

Long communication with representatives of the pre-revolutionary Cossacks should have preceded work on such an outstanding work as “Quiet Don”. Reviews from supporters of the idea of plagiarism are based on the fact that Sholokhov, due to his age, could not have such experience. In the novel, first of all, what is striking is the authenticity of the depiction of the everyday life and psychological make-up of the characters.

At the center of the story are people with bright individual characters and complex destinies. The life path of Grigory Melekhov is shown most deeply. This hero is a reflection of the entire Don Cossacks. His life quest is the fate of all representatives of this social culture. Peasant labor was the most important in the life of each of them. And using the example of the main character, it is shown how difficult it was for a simple Don Cossack to give up his usual way of life, closeness to the land and peasant labor. The novel is full of picturesque landscapes. The beauty and colors of nature occupy an important place in the entire narrative of the novel “Quiet Don”.

M. Sholokhov formulated his reviews of creative writing as follows: “A bad writer is one who is able to embellish reality, trying to spare the reader’s feelings.” And in the great epic novel, as proof of these words, there are not only the beauty of the Don nature and the noble feelings of the main characters, but also monstrous morals bordering on savagery.

Grigory Melekhov

The heroes of the novel are complex, multifaceted characters. The main one is Grigory Melekhov. At the beginning of the work, he is shown as a man accustomed to peaceful peasant labor. It should also be said about the author’s style, filled with bright, vibrant colors and specific flavor. “Gregory’s feet are accustomed to trampling the ground,” these words complement the image of Gregory and create a portrait of a man destined for work and family life. However, youth and southern blood become decisive in his fate. He fell in love with a married woman. The strength of his feelings is confirmed by his decisive actions, one of which is leaving his family and serving as a groom.

One of storylines is the story of the extraordinary love of Gregory and Aksinya. Reviews of the book “Quiet Don” left in large quantities F. G. Biryukov. The Soviet literary critic, who rejected the idea of Sholokhov’s plagiarism, said in particular that the author was far from idyllic in creating the novel. The great work contains patriarchalism, antediluvian morals, and everyday backwardness. But especially heartfelt dark side human life shown in chapters dedicated to the war. The main character sees the dirt of human life, and he is overcome by confusion and great doubts.

Gregory at war

The horror of military morals that Melekhov witnessed leads to the fact that he does not know which side he should go to. He sees fratricide, death. Grigory meets with a “red” Cossack, who influences his worldview. But later he sees his terrible violent death and goes over to the side of the “whites”. But even here he is not left with uncertainty about the correctness of his choice. Countless wanderings across the Russian land, engulfed in war, robbery and poverty, end with a return to their home, which was once crowded and noisy. Only Gregory's son and sister survived - the civil war spared no one.

“Quiet Don” is a novel, a review of which was left by almost every outstanding personality in the literature of the 20th century. Lithuanian writer J. Avižius said that the author of this great work was not constrained by any rules or canons. And therefore the novel is written powerfully, and the burning truth of life lives in it. “In its form, the novel has a rare integrity, as if carved from a single clay,” wrote J. Avijus.

The subject of study by many outstanding historians and literary scholars was “Quiet Don”. Criticism and reviews of the novel are the topic of a great many critical articles. V.V. Petelin’s opinion about the main character of the work comes down to the concept of the typicality of this character. According to the literary critic, Gregory is a symbol of the entire people, a collective image of all those who survived the tragedy during the years of the revolution. And there were millions of them.

Aksinya

The main character is the artistic embodiment of passion, impulse and instincts. Her fate is tragic and could not have been different, given the events that occurred back in father's house. Aksinya became a victim of domestic violence. This fact cast a shadow on the relationship with her young husband. But Aksinya’s love changes as the story progresses. The heroine becomes older, and at the same time her feelings become mature. At the beginning of the novel it is selfish, but at the end it resembles maternal care and becomes sacrificial.

Mikhail Sholokhov depicted the main characters in the novel “Quiet Don” with subtle psychologism. Reviews and opinions about the book, despite the incessant disputes about authorship, agree on one thing - this is a great work. Alexei Tolstoy emphasized that in this work, although the life of the Don Cossacks is presented extremely picturesquely, universal and national themes still come to the fore.

Don's image

Particular attention in the novel is paid to the depiction of the Cossacks. Not far from the village of Veshenskaya, where the main characters live, lies the great mighty Don. He is nothing more than a symbol of the life of the entire people. The title of the book contrasts with the events that are described in it. The life of the Melekhov, Astakhov and other characters’ families is by no means filled with peace and quiet. But the image of the river symbolizes the aspirations and aspirations of the heroes created in the novel “Quiet Don” by Mikhail Sholokhov. Reviews of this book by Sergei Mikhalkov consist of comparing the role of the Don in the work with the Volga in the works of Gorky.

Natalia

Mostly representatives of Soviet literature left positive reviews and reviews about Sholokhov’s skill. “Quiet Don”, according to the writer Yu. V. Bondarev, is a book in which fate is in the foreground ordinary people. Representatives of the people later became favorite images in the works of pro-Soviet authors. But we should pay tribute to the artistic gift of the writer, who created portraits of heroines that later became the most striking in the history of all literature. and passionate Aksinya, and quiet loving Natalya, and frivolous Daria.

The wife of Grigory Melekhov is the embodiment of selfless love, tenderness, boundless. In the first years of marriage, she is not capable of showing feelings. Natalya is too young, and her temper is not at all hot. This pushes Gregory to constantly compare his wife with his beloved Aksinya.

Natalia's fate is sad, like the life of her rival. Grigory rushes between her and his mistress and cannot find happiness anywhere. But, despite everything, she continues to love and be faithful. The death of Natalia Melekhova leads to the fact that the love triangle is broken. From now on, nothing interferes with the happiness of Gregory and Aksinya. However, there is also war, which brings with it adversity, hardship and death. And there is nothing stronger than her.

Ilyinichna

With unprecedented power mother's love and Ilyinichna has wisdom. She knows life and the order that reigns in it. The wisdom of this woman is demonstrated by her attitude towards her daughter-in-law. She welcomes Natalya into her home again and, in brief conversations, strives to convey her experience to her. Ilyinichna knows how to restore peace in the house, as evidenced by her relationship with Pantelei Prokofievich. She alone is capable of curbing this man’s wild, hot temper. And she also knows that only love for children can unite parents.

Panteley Prokofievich

The head of the Melekhov family is a tough and hardworking person. It contains too clearly the features of an outdated patriarchal worldview. Melekhov Sr. believes that he has the right to punish the unfaithful wife of his eldest son. And he independently finds a bride for the youngest, which is too willful an act even taking into account the mores of that time. But in the soul of Pantelei Prokofievich there lives kindness and tenderness. These qualities manifest themselves, first of all, in relation to Natalya. The father is hurt because his daughter-in-law is unloved by his son. He strives to achieve justice. And although he has a rather unique concept of it, only good intentions drive his actions.

Petr Melekhov

His older brother, Grigory, is inferior in beauty and charm. But at the beginning of the novel, wisdom, calmness, and good nature appear in him. Later in the chapters that talk about military service, a slightly different Peter emerges before the reader. This one is cunning and knows how to adapt. There is no hot blood in him that is related to his father, younger brother and sister. And there is no that noble desire for independence that unites the members of the Melekhov family.

Daria

Another interesting female image is Peter's wife. Daria is attractive and slim. Family life did not deprive her of her girlish beauty. But a burning desire to live, to be happy pushes her to commit all sorts of crimes. The most terrible of them is murder. However, having become infected " bad disease“Due to promiscuous love affairs, she deliberately drowns in a deep river.

AKSINYA Aksinya is a Cossack woman, the wife of Stepan Astakhov, the beloved of Grigory Melekhov. Aksinya is the embodiment of impulse, passion, instincts. The heroine suffered a difficult fate. At the age of 16, she was raped by her father. The unloved Stepan Astakhov took Aksinya as his wife and constantly reproached his wife for her “sin”. Stepan loved Aksinya very much and was furiously jealous of her. In a fit of rage, he beat his wife half to death. Already being Stepan's wife, Aksinya met her love - young Grigory Melekhov. In her relationship with him, the heroine wants to “fall out of bitter love throughout her entire life.” For the sake of Gregory, she was not afraid of bad fame in the village, left her husband and began to live with her beloved. The heroine's love changes over time. At first her feeling was selfish. With her love, Aksinya took revenge for her life in captivity with Stepan, for her dried out heart. Before certain point in the description of Aksinya’s beauty, the word “vicious” prevailed. With the birth of her daughter, the heroine's beauty changed. She has “prettier eyes” and a “confident and happy posture.” Aksinya, like Natalya, fights for Gregory throughout the entire novel. After the death of her little daughter, she again takes Melekhov away from the family. But now her love turns from selfish to sacrificial. She thinks first of all about Gregory, feeling “almost maternal tenderness” for him. Aksinya warms up Mishatka, becomes close to Ilyinichna, and after Natalya’s death achieves the love of her children. Being completely devoted to Gregory, Aksinya does not leave him during all his tossing. At the end of the novel, the heroine dies from a Red Guard bullet. Children and love are the last things Aksinya will think about.

GRIGORY MELEKHOV Among the heroes of "Quiet Don" it falls to the lot of Grigory Melekhov to be moral core a work that embodied the main features of a powerful folk spirit. Grigory is a young Cossack, a daredevil, a man with capital letter, but at the same time he is a man not without weaknesses, as evidenced by his reckless passion for married woman- Aksinya, which he is unable to overcome. The fate of Gregory became a symbol of the tragic destinies of the Russian Cossacks. And therefore, by tracing the entire life path of Grigory Melekhov, starting with the history of the Melekhov family, one can not only reveal the reasons for his troubles and losses, but also come closer to understanding the essence of that historical era, whose deep and faithful appearance we find on the pages of “Quiet Don,” one can understand a lot about the tragic fate of the Cossacks and the Russian people as a whole. Grigory inherited a lot from his grandfather Prokofy: a hot-tempered, independent character, the ability for tender, selfless love. The blood of the “Turkish” grandmother appeared not only in appearance Gregory, but also in his veins, and on the battlefields, and in the ranks. Raised in best traditions Russian Cossacks, Melekhov from a young age cherished Cossack honor, which he understood more broadly than just military valor and loyalty to duty. His main difference from ordinary Cossacks was that his moral sense did not allow him to share his love between his wife and Aksinya, or to participate in Cossack robberies and reprisals. One gets the impression that this era, which sends trials to Melekhov, is trying to destroy or break the rebellious, proud Cossack.

The first such test for Gregory is his passion for Aksinya: he did not hide his feelings, he was ready to answer for his offense among the Cossacks. In my opinion, it would have been much worse if he, a young Cossack, had secretly visited Aksinya. When he realized that he was not able to break completely with his former mistress, he left the farm and went with Aksinya to Yagodnoye, albeit not conforming to the popular image of a Cossack, but still listening to his moral sense and not giving up on himself. During the war, honestly fulfilling his Cossack duty, Gregory did not hide behind the backs of his comrades, but also did not boast of reckless courage. Four St. George's crosses and four medals are valuable evidence of how Melekhov behaved during the war. Grigory Melekhov stood out among other Cossacks, although he was devoid of the “superhuman” touch that authors usually endow with their main characters. The inevitable murders that Gregory commits in battle are committed by him with edged weapons, which means in an equal battle. He reproached himself for a long time and could not forgive himself for the murder of an unarmed Austrian. He is disgusted by violence, and even more so by murder, because the essence of Gregory’s character is love for all living things, an acute sense of other people’s pain. All he dreams of is to return to his native kuren and take up his favorite farm. But he is a Cossack, awarded the officer rank for his valor, who with his mother’s milk absorbed the unwritten Cossack ideas about honor and duty. This predetermined the tragic fate of Melekhov. He is forced to be torn between the craving for his native land and the duty of a warrior, between his family and Aksinya, between the whites and the reds.

A conversation with Mishka Koshev showed in the best possible way the tragic hopelessness of that fatal circle into which Melekhov found himself against his will: “If the Red Army soldiers had not been going to kill me at the party then, I might not have participated in the uprising. “If you weren’t an officer, no one would touch you.” “If I hadn’t been hired, I wouldn’t have been an officer... Well, it’s a long song!” The tragedy of Grigory Melekhov is the tragedy of the Russian Cossacks as a whole. No matter which side the Cossacks fight on, they want one thing: to return to their native farm, to their wife and children, to plow the land, to run their farm. But the whirlwind of history burst into their kurens, tearing the Cossacks from their native places and throwing them into the very heat of a fratricidal war, a war in the name of ideals that are obscure, and even alien to the majority of ordinary Cossacks. However, no matter how the war tossed the Cossack, if his soul was not deadened, then the longing for the land, for his native farm, was alive in it. Sholokhov compares the life of Gregory at the end of his journey with the black steppe scorched by fires. A strong, brave man became a light sliver in the stormy ocean of historical changes. Here it is - Tolstoy's insignificance of personality in history. But no matter how great the tragedy of what is happening, hope is inspired by the last symbolic picture - father and son, and all around “the young grass is cheerfully green, countless larks are fluttering above it in the blue sky, migrating geese are grazing on the green fodder, and the nests that have settled for the summer are building.” little bustard"

DARIA Daria Melekhova is the wife of Pyotr Melekhov, Grigory’s older brother. A lazy and cynical woman, she is, at the same time, very charming. Daria always gets it from Ilyinichna for laziness and sloppiness. But the heroine never loses heart, turning a deaf ear to all comments. Among other things, Daria is slutty. In the absence of her husband, she does not hesitate to cheat on Peter. The Civil War influenced the fate of this woman. She lost her husband, who was killed by their neighbor, the Bolshevik Mishka Koshevoy. And Daria herself had to become a killer. The heroine cold-bloodedly kills her godfather Ivan Alekseevich Kotlyarov, and then, realizing what she has done, gets drunk and lies completely unconscious. Despite all negative qualities, Daria is not devoid of morals. Having become infected with syphilis, she swims into the middle of the river and deliberately drowns.

ILYINICHNA Ilyinichna is the mother of Grigory Melekhov, a Don Cossack. She embodies the national image of a Russian woman. Despite her age, she has retained her portly frame and stately gait - she “swims like a goose” around the yard and house. Ilyinichna is the keeper of the hearth, the successor of the Cossack family, “a wise and courageous old woman.” I. admits to Natalya that she has suffered a lot from her husband. And he cheated on her and beat her almost to death. But Ilyinichna endured everything for the sake of duty: family and children. Ilyinichna - very Strong woman. Having learned about the death of her husband, this “firm old woman” did not shed a tear, but only withdrew into herself. She is a great worker, a “busser”, spending from morning to evening at work. The meaning of her life is to work for the sake of her family. The main advantage of a Russian woman, according to Sholokhov, lies in the great sense of motherhood. Ilyinichna waited for Grigory until her last day, prepared food for him in case of his arrival, went out to meet him outside the outskirts: “- Grishenka, my dear! . – she paused and said in a different, low and dull voice: “My little blood!” . »

It is this maternal feeling that makes Ilyinichna wiser and smarter than those at war. She understands that both “whites” and “reds” are people, someone’s beloved sons, who should please their mothers, and not shoot at each other. Therefore, Ilyinichna condemns cruelty and violence: “You are God...God, son, don’t forget! - she says to Gregory. “We used a rumor that you chopped up some sailors... Lord! Come to your senses, Grishenka! Look at the children you are growing up, and those you ruined probably also have children left...” I., hating the murderer of his eldest son Mishka Koshevoy, and feels maternal pity for him: he sends sackcloth, mends clothes, feeds him.

LISTNITSKY Evgeny Listnitsky is a nobleman who has an estate near the village of Tatarskaya. He went through the whole first world war, during the revolution he sided with the whites. It was on his estate that Grigory and Aksinya worked before the war. Listnitsky liked Aksinya, and for some time they had an affair. It is Listnitsky who sees in last time Emperor after his abdication: “Listnitsky almost ran past people looking back at him in amazement. In his eyes the tsar’s hand fell from the edge of his black hat, the silent idling of the car driving away and the humiliating silence of the crowd, silently seeing off the last emperor, rang in his ears.” Only Listnitsky is trying to break the ring of humiliating silence of the people. He is a noble man who remains completely loyal to the emperor and Tsarist Russia, fighting for her. When his former ideals collapse, Listnitsky experiences this extremely painfully.

Mishka KOSHEVOY Mishka Koshevoy is a Cossack from the village of Tatarskaya, who went over to the side of the Bolsheviks. His character is characterized by impetuosity, great emotionality, and maximalism. Having accepted the position of the “reds”, the hero completely devotes his life to the fight against the whites, the enemies of the people. Now Koshevoy does not see people as his fellow countrymen, friends, neighbors. He divides people into “friends” and “enemies”. Koshevoy is a fanatic of his business. He mercilessly kills people, drowning out the pangs of conscience with the phrase “We are all murderers.” Koshevoy’s anger and revenge extend to the families of the warring parties, the elderly and children. He brutally kills grandfather Grishaka, burns down many houses of his enemies: “with three comrades he burned out one hundred and fifty yards of the village of Karginskaya.” Kosheva takes care of Grigory Melekhov’s sister Dunyashka. She agrees to marry him, despite the fact that Koshevoy killed her older brother Peter.

NATALIA Natalya is the daughter of Miron Grigorievich Korshunov, the wife of Grigory Melekhov. Natalya is a “very beautiful” girl. She's bold grey eyes, embarrassed and reserved smile, open look. Natalya is very hardworking: she has “big, crushed by work” hands. Even after becoming the mother of two children, the heroine will maintain a well-proportioned, sedate figure and a “wide, working back.” Parents married Gregory and Natalya. The Melekhovs immediately accepted their daughter-in-law into their family. Natalya captivated Ilyinichna and Pantelei Prokofich with her spiritual qualities and hard work.

The heroine loved one person all her life - her husband. Shyness and chastity did not allow her to even kiss Gregory before the wedding. In the first months after the wedding, Natalya's love was cold and slow, her feelings were deeply hidden. Only the birth of children allowed the heroine to open up. Natalya became more confident, “bloomed and became amazingly prettier,” her face “blushed joyfully.” Natalya learned to warm with her love. Natalya devoted herself entirely to her children and husband. “I’ve been hammering into children all my life,” Sholokhov writes about her. Natalya carried the feeling of great love for her husband throughout her life. Despite Gregory’s dislike and his relationship with Aksinya, when she met her husband, Natalya invariably experienced “excited joy.” Although Gregory brought his wife a lot of grief. Because of his dislike, she tried to commit suicide and was left crippled. Because of his dislike, Natalya died. The heroine did not want to give birth to a child from a man who did not love her. In desperation, she decided to have an abortion and died from loss of blood.

PONTELEI PROKOFIEVICH MELEKHOV Ponteley Prokofievich Melekhov is the father of Grigory Melekhov. A native Cossack, he cannot imagine his life away from peasant labor and his native Don region. Ponteley Prokofievich devotedly loves his family and children. He is childishly proud of the achievements of Gregory, the rebel commander, and sincerely rejoices at the appearance of two grandchildren - the continuation of the Melekhov family. In times of unrest, Pontelei does not lose his main quality - thriftiness. He drags into the house everything that is in bad shape, that has become “orphaned.” He even takes out a machine gun from somewhere and hides it for “household needs.” Pontelei skillfully “cripples” horses so that they are not taken by passing units. Thus, the hero, like a peasant, fights for the safety of his home, the usual working life, your family. The war took away Pontelei's children and fellow countrymen. The eldest son Peter was killed by the “red” neighbor Mishka Koshev, the youngest son Grigory is on the run, the daughter Dunyashka wants to marry her brother’s killer.

Saving the farm, Pontelei has to go to the “retreats” with all his “goods”, waiting there for the atrocities of the warring forces. At the end of his life, unable to withstand the trials that befell him, Pontelei falls into complete indifference. He begins to scold his “goods,” lost or taken away during the war - a sad sign of the hero’s brokenness. Pontelei vaguely guesses: “Some other principles hostile to him have entered into the control of life.” As a result, the hero dies, contracting typhus, far from home, in the stream of refugees fleeing the war.

MIRON GRIGORIEVICH KORSHUNOV Miron Grigorievich Korshunov is a rich Cossack, father of Natalya Korshunova, friend and matchmaker of Pantelei Prokofievich. Myron is a hard worker and a strong owner. One of the richest peasants on the farm. The hero achieved his prosperity through his work, love of the land, thriftiness, and practical ingenuity. He believes that a person should be rewarded according to his work. Therefore, the hero feels deeply offended and humiliated when the Soviet government begins to equalize everyone. Myron doesn’t understand why his neighbors, who don’t want or don’t know how to work, should receive part of his “goods” acquired with sweat and blood? Why is he, who earned everything with his hump, now considered a monster and should lose everything? Unable to bear this tragedy, Miron dies as a result of decossackization.

Presentation on the topic: a brief description of heroes of the novel "Quiet Don"

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Aksinya Aksinya is a Cossack woman, the wife of Stepan Astakhov, the beloved of Grigory Melekhov. Aksinya is the embodiment of impulse, passion, instincts. The heroine suffered a difficult fate. At the age of 16, she was raped by her father. The unloved Stepan Astakhov took Aksinya as his wife and constantly reproached his wife for her “sin.” Stepan loved Aksinya very much and was furiously jealous of her. In a fit of rage, he beat his wife half to death. Already being Stepan's wife, Aksinya met her love - young Grigory Melekhov. In her relationship with him, the heroine wants to “fall out of bitter love throughout her entire life.” For the sake of Gregory, she was not afraid of bad fame in the village, left her husband and began to live with her beloved. The heroine's love changes over time. At first her feeling was selfish. With her love, Aksinya took revenge for her life in captivity with Stepan, for her dried out heart. Until a certain point, the word “vicious” prevailed in describing Aksinya’s beauty. With the birth of her daughter, the heroine's beauty changed. She develops “prettier eyes” and a “confident, happy posture.” Aksinya, like Natalya, fights for Gregory throughout the entire novel. After the death of her little daughter, she again takes Melekhov away from the family. But now her love turns from selfish to sacrificial. She thinks first of all about Gregory, feeling “almost maternal tenderness” for him. Aksinya warms up Mishatka, becomes close to Ilyinichna, and after Natalya’s death achieves the love of her children. Being completely devoted to Gregory, Aksinya does not leave him during all his tossing. At the end of the novel, the heroine dies from a Red Guard bullet. Children and love are the last things Aksinya will think about.

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Grigory Melekhov Among the heroes of “Quiet Don”, it falls to Grigory Melekhov to be the moral core of the work, which embodies the main features of a powerful folk spirit. Grigory is a young Cossack, a daredevil, a man with a capital letter, but at the same time he is not without weaknesses, as evidenced by his reckless passion for a married woman, Aksinya, whom he is unable to overcome. The fate of Gregory became a symbol of the tragic destinies of the Russian Cossacks. And therefore, by tracing the entire life path of Grigory Melekhov, starting with the history of the Melekhov family, one can not only reveal the causes of his troubles and losses, but also come closer to understanding the essence of that historical era, whose deep and true image we find on the pages of “Quiet Don”, one can realize a lot about the tragic fate of the Cossacks and the Russian people as a whole. Grigory inherited a lot from his grandfather Prokofy: a hot-tempered, independent character, the ability for tender, selfless love. The blood of the “Turkish” grandmother manifested itself not only in Gregory’s appearance, but also in his veins, both on the battlefield and in the ranks. Brought up in the best traditions of the Russian Cossacks, Melekhov from a young age cherished Cossack honor, which he understood more broadly than just military valor and loyalty to duty. His main difference from ordinary Cossacks was that his moral sense did not allow him to share his love between his wife and Aksinya, or to participate in Cossack robberies and reprisals. One gets the impression that this era, which sends trials to Melekhov, is trying to destroy or break the rebellious, proud Cossack.

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Daria Daria Melekhova is the wife of Pyotr Melekhov, Grigory’s older brother. A lazy and cynical woman, she is, at the same time, very charming. Daria always gets it from Ilyinichna for laziness and sloppiness. But the heroine never loses heart, turning a deaf ear to all comments. Among other things, Daria is slutty. In the absence of her husband, she does not hesitate to cheat on Peter. The Civil War influenced the fate of this woman. She lost her husband, who was killed by their neighbor, the Bolshevik Mishka Koshevoy. And Daria herself had to become a killer. The heroine cold-bloodedly kills her godfather Ivan Alekseevich Kotlyarov, and then, realizing what she has done, gets drunk and lies completely unconscious. Despite all the negative qualities, Daria is not devoid of morality. Having become infected with syphilis, she swims into the middle of the river and deliberately drowns.

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Ilyinichna Ilyinichna is the mother of Grigory Melekhov, a Don Cossack. She embodies the national image of a Russian woman. Despite her age, she has retained her portly figure and stately gait—she “swims like a goose” around the yard and house. Ilyinichna is the keeper of the hearth, the successor of the Cossack family, “a wise and courageous old woman.” I. admits to Natalya that she has suffered a lot from her husband. And he cheated on her and beat her almost to death. But Ilyinichna endured everything for the sake of duty: family and children. Ilyinichna is a very strong woman. Having learned about the death of her husband, this “firm old woman” did not shed a tear, but only withdrew into herself. She is a great worker, a “busser”, spending from morning to evening at work. The meaning of her life is to work for the sake of her family. The main advantage of a Russian woman, according to Sholokhov, lies in the great sense of motherhood. Ilyinichna waited for Grigory until her last day, prepared food for him in case of his arrival, went out to meet him outside the outskirts: “- Grishenka, my dear!..” she paused and said in a different, low and dull voice: “My little blood!..”

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It is this maternal feeling that makes Ilyinichna wiser and smarter than those at war. She understands that both “whites” and “reds” are people, someone’s beloved sons, who should please their mothers, and not shoot at each other. Therefore, Ilyinichna condemns cruelty and violence: “You are God...God, son, don’t forget! - she says to Gregory. “We used a rumor that you chopped up some sailors... Lord! Come to your senses, Grishenka! Look at the children you are growing up, and those you ruined probably also have children left...” I., hating the murderer of his eldest son Mishka Koshevoy, feels maternal pity for him: he sends sackcloth, mends clothes, feeds him.

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Listnitsky Evgeny Listnitsky is a nobleman who has an estate near the village of Tatarskaya. He went through the entire First World War, and during the revolution he sided with the whites. It was on his estate that Grigory and Aksinya worked before the war. Listnitsky liked Aksinya, and for some time they had an affair. It is Listnitsky who sees the emperor for the last time after his abdication: “Listnitsky almost ran past people looking back at him in amazement. In his eyes the tsar’s hand fell from the edge of his black hat, the silent idling of the car driving away and the humiliating silence of the crowd ringing in his ears as they silently saw off the last emperor.” Only Listnitsky is trying to break the ring of humiliating silence of the people. He is a noble man who remains completely loyal to the emperor and tsarist Russia and fights for it. When his former ideals collapse, Listnitsky experiences this extremely painfully.

Slide no. 10

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Mishka Koshevoy Mishka Koshevoy is a Cossack from the village of Tatarskaya, who went over to the side of the Bolsheviks. His character is characterized by impetuosity, great emotionality, and maximalism. Having accepted the position of the “reds,” the hero completely devotes his life to the fight against the whites, the enemies of the people. Now Koshevoy does not see people as his fellow countrymen, friends, neighbors. He divides people into “friends” and “enemies”. Koshevoy is a fanatic of his business. He mercilessly kills people, drowning out the pangs of conscience with the phrase “We are all murderers.” Koshevoy’s anger and revenge extend to the families of the warring parties, the elderly and children. He brutally kills grandfather Grishaka, burns down many houses of his enemies: “with three comrades he burned out one hundred and fifty yards of the village of Karginskaya.” Kosheva takes care of Grigory Melekhov’s sister Dunyashka. She agrees to marry him, despite the fact that Koshevoy killed her older brother Peter.

Slide no. 11

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Natalya Natalya is the daughter of Miron Grigorievich Korshunov, the wife of Grigory Melekhov. Natalya is a “very beautiful” girl. She has bold gray eyes, a shy and reserved smile, and an open look. Natalya is very hardworking: she has “big, crushed by work” hands. Even after becoming the mother of two children, the heroine will maintain a well-proportioned, sedate figure and a “wide, working back.” Parents married Gregory and Natalya. The Melekhovs immediately accepted their daughter-in-law into their family. Natalya captivated Ilyinichna and Pantelei Prokofich with her spiritual qualities and hard work.

Slide no. 12

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The heroine loved one person all her life - her husband. Shyness and chastity did not allow her to even kiss Gregory before the wedding. In the first months after the wedding, Natalya's love was cold and slow, her feelings were deeply hidden. Only the birth of children allowed the heroine to open up. Natalya became more confident, “bloomed and looked amazingly beautiful,” her face “blushed joyfully.” Natalya learned to warm with her love. Natalya devoted herself entirely to her children and husband. “I’ve been hammering it into children all my life,” Sholokhov writes about her. Natalya carried the feeling of great love for her husband throughout her life. Despite Gregory’s dislike and his relationship with Aksinya, when she met her husband, Natalya invariably experienced “excited joy.” Although Gregory brought his wife a lot of grief. Because of his dislike, she tried to commit suicide and was left crippled. Because of his dislike, Natalya died. The heroine did not want to give birth to a child from a man who did not love her. In desperation, she decided to have an abortion and died from loss of blood.

Slide no. 13

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Ponteley Prokofievich Melekhov Ponteley Prokofievich Melekhov is the father of Grigory Melekhov. A native Cossack, he cannot imagine his life away from peasant labor and his native Don region. Ponteley Prokofievich devotedly loves his family and children. He is childishly proud of the achievements of Gregory, the rebel commander, and sincerely rejoices at the appearance of two grandchildren - the continuation of the Melekhov family. In times of unrest, Pontelei does not lose his main quality - thriftiness. He drags into the house everything that is in bad shape, that has become “orphaned.” He even takes out a machine gun from somewhere and hides it for “household needs.” Pontelei skillfully “cripples” horses so that they are not taken by passing units. Thus, the hero, like a peasant, fights for the safety of his home, his usual working life, and his family. The war took away Pontelei's children and fellow countrymen. The eldest son Peter was killed by the “red” neighbor Mishka Koshev, the youngest son Grigory is on the run, the daughter Dunyashka wants to marry her brother’s killer.

Slide no. 14

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Saving the farm, Pontelei has to go to the “retreats” with all his “goods”, waiting there for the atrocities of the warring forces. At the end of his life, unable to withstand the trials that befell him, Pontelei falls into complete indifference. He begins to scold his “goods”, lost or taken away during the war - a sad sign of the hero’s brokenness. Pontelei vaguely guesses: “Some other principles hostile to him have entered into the control of life.” As a result, the hero dies, contracting typhus, far from home, in the stream of refugees fleeing the war.

Slide no. 15

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Miron Grigorievich Korshunov Miron Grigorievich Korshunov is a rich Cossack, the father of Natalya Korshunova, friend and matchmaker of Pantelei Prokofievich. Myron is a hard worker and a strong owner. One of the richest peasants on the farm. The hero achieved his prosperity through his work, love of the land, thriftiness, and practical ingenuity. He believes that a person should be rewarded according to his work. Therefore, the hero feels deeply offended and humiliated when the Soviet government begins to equalize everyone. Myron doesn’t understand why his neighbors, who don’t want or don’t know how to work, should receive part of his “goods” acquired with sweat and blood? Why is he, who earned everything with his hump, now considered a monster and should lose everything? Unable to bear this tragedy, Miron dies as a result of decossackization.

Many works written in the twentieth century were dedicated by the authors to the theme of war. Some described the horrors of battles, others - the heroic deeds of soldiers, and still others - the inner spiritual world of people who witnessed all the difficult events of the last century.

Mikhail Sholokhov in his novel “Quiet Don” reveals to us a whole world in which the fates of the heroes are complexly and intricately intertwined. The work can be called extremely philosophical, but at the same time patriotic, which gave it the opportunity to pass censorship. There is also a deep subtext in it, although not everyone manages to understand it from the first reading. The image of the Don in the novel “Quiet Don” is of no small importance; we’ll talk about this in more detail.

History of the novel. Initial idea

Already in the 20s, Mikhail Sholokhov had an idea - to create a work that would tell about ordinary people, how their views on life changed, how the conflict flared up between “brothers-in-law”, how Soviet power was born. In 1925, the author began writing the novel “Donshchina”. This was the original title of the work. Sholokhov had no idea that events would unfold so widely and he would create a whole epic.

The author's idea is to reveal historical conditions the lives of ordinary people so that it becomes clear why they led to the revolution. The image of the Don in the novel “Quiet Don” appeared before the reader as a symbol of the power of the people, the Cossack will, and a broad soul. The change in concept led to the novel being called “Quiet Don”. The author's point of view also implies that the novel reveals the life of the Cossacks before the revolution and during the Civil War. The main task Sholokhov's works are staged to show tragic fates people who found themselves in a terrible whirlpool of events at the beginning of the 20th century.

Work in Veshenskaya

The author came up with a new idea for the novel in 1926. Sholokhov began collecting material. To do this, he settled in the village of Veshenskaya, traveled around the nearby farms, talked with local residents, participants in the revolution and war. This is how the material accumulated and the plot matured. For a more nuanced study of the Cossacks, Sholokhov carefully studied materials from the archives of Rostov and Moscow. The novel was published as parts were written. The press did not stop talking, reviews and reviews of the work were published in all publications.

Mikhail Sholokhov worked much more slowly on his fourth book; readers were very worried about the fate of the heroes and wrote many letters to the author. There was a period when the opinion arose among writers that the novel was not written by Sholokhov, but by some murdered officer. The manuscript was allegedly found in his bag. The author had to prove his case before the Rostov commission, which was specially created to refute the slander. The work has stood the test of time, the image of the Don in the novel “Quiet Don”, as well as other real heroes, revealed the whole essence of that time. So, we figured out the history of writing the epic. Now let's look at the images in more detail.

The image of the Don in Sholokhov’s novel “Quiet Don”

Sholokhov named the immortal epic “Quiet Don” in honor of the mighty, incessant, roaring Don. And it’s not in vain. Of course, it's not just a matter of geography. The meaning is much more important and deeper...

The events, indeed, take place on the banks of a mighty river, and the image of the Don in the novel “Quiet Don” plays an important role. A river flows in the south of Russia; this area has long been chosen by the Don Cossacks - freedom-loving and free. The Don is a symbol of their freedom.

Grandfather, father, and Grigory Melekhov himself, as well as other heroes of the work, were born and raised in the hot steppes, which approach the river on both sides. Two natural powers - earth and water - influenced the formation of the characters of these people. It is not surprising that Sholokhov used the word Don in the title of the novel. So why is it “quiet”? After all, the events described in the novel took place at the beginning of the 20th century, which cannot be called calm. Millions of people became victims of revolution and war, the rivers were crimson with blood.

There is a special meaning hidden in the name. Life changes, goes on as usual, but the quiet waters of the river are eternal and unchanging. The image of the Don in Sholokhov's novel Quiet Don is very important. The mighty river, which gave life to the dry steppes, raised the freedom-loving Cossacks, and itself accepted their bodies into its embrace.

Living Don

Don can be different in character. Either it calmly rolls its waters under the sun, or it rages and overflows, overflowing its banks. But no matter what events happen in people’s lives, the river invariably rushes its waters to the sea. Nothing in the world can stop this process: neither wars, nor human anger, nor revolutions. The Don in the work is a symbol of stability and hope.

The image of Grigory Melikhov in the novel “Quiet Don” is compared with a mighty river. After many years of wandering, he returns. Over these years, the Cossack lost his father, brother, daughter-in-law, and beloved woman. In the village, many houses were left only in ashes; childhood friends did not return from the war. But Gregory takes his son in his arms. He is its grain, sprout, hope for the future. The ending of the novel represents the continuation of life. The description of Don here is in complete harmony with the image of a free Cossack - strong in spirit, who went through many difficult trials in life path. The Don is still frozen in ice, but in some places black water can already be seen, the river throws off its “chains” and rushes forward to the sea.

Natalia

Considering female images in the novel “Quiet Don”, Special attention I would like to give it to Natalya. Two women fell in love with one Cossack - a classic triangle. Natalya is the legal wife. Aksinya is the neighbor's wife, she loves Grigory passionately, ardently.

Natalya's life is disfigured and tragic. This woman is deeply moral; as a bride, she looked at her betrothed with loving eyes. She eagerly counted the days until the wedding. Surprisingly, it was the shy Natalya who insisted on marriage when her parents opposed it.

But life turned out so that her marriage became unhappy. The image of Grigory Melikhov in the novel “Quiet Don” reveals to the reader a wayward Cossack who is subdued by Aksinya and is ready to go with his beloved to the ends of the world. He honestly admits to Natalya that he does not love her. The entire Melekhov family sided with their daughter-in-law. For her unselfishness, simplicity, and hard work, they all fell in love with Natalya. She takes care of everyone, but experiences her own grief within herself. In her face, Sholokhov paints us the image of a hardworking Cossack woman, a faithful wife and loving mother.

Unrequited love

Female images in the novel “Quiet Don” can be described as polar. If Aksinya is combative and hot, then Natalya is a modest and obedient wife. Having not known family happiness, she finds solace in children. After the birth of Porlyushka and Mishatka, she became prettier and blossomed unusually. And with what pride Natalya showed her children to Gregory. The image of Melikhov in the novel “Quiet Don” changes in this scene. At this moment, his heart is filled with a wave of tenderness and compassion for his wife. But even now he did not feel love for her. He pulled him towards him and kissed his white forehead.

IN last days On her deathbed, the greatness of Natalya’s soul, her selfless love, courage and moral purity are revealed. She asks her to put on the same green skirt that Grisha liked, and Mishatka orders her to kiss her father when he returns. Despite all the insults that her husband inflicted on her during her lifetime, Natalya forgives him and does not hold a grudge.

The image of Aksinya in the novel “Quiet Don”

The central image of the novel is the image of Aksinya. The woman is beautiful, strong and independent, capable of passionate feelings. The image of Aksinya in the novel “Quiet Don” personifies a true Cossack woman who is capable of sacrificing herself for the sake of love.

The heroine's life is very difficult. The whole village talked about her connection with Gregory, which became known to her husband. When asked if this was true, the Cossack woman proudly confessed her sin without hesitation. Her ability to take responsibility for her actions confirms her strong spirit. The relationship between Aksinya and Grigory was not an easy affair. They carried their love through many trials over several years. Both were confident in the strength of their feelings, although all the farmers accepted their relationship as immoral. It was Aksinya who had the idea to break with conventions and leave the farm. The woman, without hesitation, followed her beloved, without asking unnecessary questions. Her love was so strong.

Grigory Melekhov

The image of Melekhov in the novel “Quiet Don” is multifaceted. At first it seems that he - main character. But then the reader sees his primitive outlook and understands that he does not see beyond his “grandfather’s saber.” You can’t even tell right away whether this character is negative or positive. First of all, Gregory is a truth-seeker. However, from his youth he lives thoughtlessly, following established traditions. His parents married him to an unloved girl, and like everyone else, he was preparing for service. Everything happened as if without his participation. Even passionate love for Aksinya did not turn his life upside down. Everything went according to plan. This Gregory did not come into the world to shed blood. But harsh times put a Cossack saber into his weary hands.

Gregory's tragedy

The image of Gregory in the novel “Quiet Don” can be called tragic. His last test in the novel was the death of his beloved Aksinya. The woman received a bullet at the moment when she and Grigory were heading to what they thought was a new happy life. Everything in his soul died, froze in one moment.

At the end of the novel, the Cossack is left completely alone. All the people dear to him left this world. The image of Melekhov in the novel “Quiet Don” is collective. He united in himself those unfortunate destinies that died down in evil years and were reborn again, beginning life with new strength. The only thread connecting Gregory with life was his son Mishatka, motherland, a farmstead and, of course, Don Father, whose strength and power were passed on to the Cossacks from generation to generation.

Sholokhov did not create the image of an ideal Cossack in the novel. But he managed to describe the fate of an entire generation - the strong-willed, free Cossacks.

Sholokhov's epic novel "Quiet Don" rightly occupies a special place in the history of Russian literature. The author devoted a decade and a half of his life to creating a literary masterpiece. The book begins in 1912, before the outbreak of the First World War, and ends in 1922. Knowing the life and way of life of the Cossacks from the inside, Sholokhov placed the main emphasis on describing the Cossacks. The ending of the epic contains philosophical overtones. The author gives the main character the right to independent decision and passing new life tests.

Characteristics of the heroes of "Quiet Don"

The main characters of "Quiet Don"

Grigory Melekhov	In “Quiet Don” the hero Grigory Melekhov is contradictory and multifaceted. It seems that he is the main character. But his primitive outlook “gives him away”. Gregory is a lost seeker of truth. His life with early years thoughtless, but subordinate to following traditions. Passionate love for Aksinya could not stir up a thirst for life in him. He seems to live without interest, blindly following the established principles and rules of life. Gregory was not a supporter of bloody measures, but he had to take up a saber instead of a plow.
Natalia	The image of Natalia is given a special place in the novel. It is associated with a classic love triangle, where two women fell in love with one Cossack. The heroine's life is extremely tragic. She is a hardworking and hardworking woman. Even after giving birth, Natalya retained all these qualities. Her image is an example of a personality of unshakable moral principles. The strength of her character was manifested in the fact that the shy Natalya showed determination in marriage, while her parents were against it.
Aksinya	Aksinya is the central image of the work. The woman is attractive, strong and independent. The image of Aksinya personifies a true Cossack woman. But this is also a characteristic of a woman who is capable of sacrificing herself in the name of love. The heroine's life is contradictory. The whole village is gossiping about the connection with Gregory. The relationship between Aksinya and Grigory is deep and fulfilling. It was she who decided to step over conventions and move out of the farm. She followed her beloved, driven by love and passion.

Minor characters

Stepan Astakhov	Stepan Astakhov is a young Cossack, a neighbor of Grigory Melekhov. Stepan is a physically developed man. The author describes him as having iron hands and lead fists. The hero is married to Aksinya. After the wedding, they had a child, but died before he was a year old.
Panteley Prokofievich Melekhov	On his mother's side he is Turkish. Father of Grigory Melekhov. In his younger years, he beat his wife and cheated on her. In his old age he came to his senses. By nature, the man is hot-tempered and willful, but also an energetic and hardworking person. He is the undisputed head of the family.
Vasilisa Ilyinichna Melekhova	An aged Cossack woman, the mother of the Melekhov family. She is a hard-working and hospitable hostess. She had to experience many insults and betrayals from her husband. After the death of her husband and son Peter, she loses faith in life and soon dies, without waiting for Gregory from the front.
Petr Melekhov	Gregory's older brother. He treats his nephews with love and warmth. When Peter goes to war, his wife Daria cheats on him with Stepan Astakhov. He is characterized as an easy-going and likable person. Even in war, he tries to benefit for himself.
Daria Melekhova	Wife of Peter Melekhov. A brash, sharp-tongued, man-hungry woman. Having become infected with syphilis, he commits suicide by drowning himself in the Don.
Dunyasha	Younger sister of Grigory and Peter Melekhov. She married Mishka Koshevoy, despite the protests of the family.
Miron Korshunov	Father-in-law of Grigory Melekhov. Has four children and a wife. The Korshunov family is the most prosperous on the farm. Miron Korshunov is proud of his wealth. He doesn't always deliver on his promises. With coming Soviet power Myron is arrested, and he loses most of his acquired wealth at the moment civil war.
Marya Lukinichna	Miron Korshunov's wife, Natalia's mother. Affectionate and gentle mother, obedient wife. She understands that Natalya will be unhappy with Grigory, so she tries to timidly dissuade her from marriage, but Natalya claims that only Grigory is sweet to her. Marya Lukinichna understands her daughter because she understands what love is.
Grishak's grandfather	Father of Miron Korshunov, the oldest member of the Korshunov family. Grandfather – participant in the Russian-Turkish war of 1877 – 1878.
Dmitry Korshunov	Mitka is Gregory's childhood friend. He grew up in a rich family, but work is commonplace for him. By nature, the person is obstinate and cocky. Pride and rebellion characterize him in the best possible way. He is a cruel man. For his work in the punitive squad he receives the nickname “dragon”.
Evgeny Listnitsky	Nobleman, Cossack. Serves as a centurion of the Ataman regiment. Seduces Aksinya, who was looking for consolation after the death of her and Grigory’s child. In the Listnitskys' house, Aksinya and Grigory were in service when they decided to flee the farm to live together, leaving their families.
Nikolai Alekseevich Listnitsky	Evgeniy's father. The owner of the Yagodnoye estate, where Aksinya and Grigory went to work. Nikolai Alekseevich - Cossack general.
Mishka Koshevoy	The hero is the main breadwinner in the family. During the civil war he becomes a zealous Bolshevik. The bear kills Pyotr Melekhov. The Melekhov family is against his wedding with Dunyasha. But they get married no matter what. Dunyasha knows that Mishka is responsible for the death of her brother.
Chrysanthos Tokin (Christonia)	A large, clumsy Cossack who served in the Ataman Regiment. Part of Gregory's inner circle of friends. The eldest of all Cossacks.
Ivan Avdeevich Sinilin	An old Cossack nicknamed “Brech”. A passionate storyteller who loves to lie in the stories he tells for the sake of “beauty.”
Sergey Platonovich Mokhov	Rich merchant. In the Tatarskoye farm there is a stranger, a stranger from out of town. Mokhov is the owner of a shop and a steam mill on the farm.

The supporting characters are listed only by nicknames, such as the old man from the Tatarsky farm, Smorchok, a quarrelsome man, and Semak, a participant in the Veshensky indignation, essentially a robber. These characters are identified in the list only by nicknames. Sholokhov's novel is short, but Full description human destinies. All images are taken from the people. The concept acquired a deep artistic reflection in the epic: in a genuine illustration of the life of the people, their way of life and work, in brief description participation of the masses in the events of history. The list of the main characters of “Quiet Don” is a story of interaction between people in different life situations.

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