Article “Analysis of the list of characters based on the material of A.N. Ostrovsky’s play “The Thunderstorm””

“The Thunderstorm” by A. N. Ostrovsky made a strong and deep impression on his contemporaries. Many critics were inspired by this work. However, even in our time it has not ceased to be interesting and topical. Elevated to the category of classical drama, it still arouses interest.

The tyranny of the “older” generation lasts for many years, but some event must occur that could break the patriarchal tyranny. Such an event turns out to be the protest and death of Katerina, which awakened other representatives of the younger generation.

Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of the main characters.

• Katerina Varvara Character Sincere, sociable, kind, honest, pious, but superstitious. Tender, soft, and at the same time, decisive. Rough, cheerful, but taciturn: “... I don’t like to talk a lot.” Decisive, can fight back. Temperament Passionate, freedom-loving, courageous, impetuous and unpredictable. She says about herself, “I was born so hot!” Freedom-loving, intelligent, prudent, courageous and rebellious, she is not afraid of either parental or heavenly punishment. Upbringing, […]
• In “The Thunderstorm,” Ostrovsky shows the life of a Russian merchant family and the position of women in it. Katerina’s character was formed in a simple merchant family, where love reigned and the daughter was given complete freedom. She acquired and retained all the wonderful traits of the Russian character. This is a pure, open soul that does not know how to lie. “I don’t know how to deceive; I can’t hide anything,” she tells Varvara. In religion, Katerina found the highest truth and beauty. Her desire for the beautiful and the good was expressed in prayers. Coming out […]
• In The Thunderstorm, Ostrovsky, operating with a small number of characters, managed to reveal several problems at once. Firstly, this is, of course, a social conflict, a clash between “fathers” and “children”, their points of view (and if we resort to generalization, then two historical eras). Kabanova and Dikoy belong to the older generation, who actively express their opinions, and Katerina, Tikhon, Varvara, Kudryash and Boris to the younger generation. Kabanova is sure that order in the house, control over everything that happens in it, is the key to a healthy life. Correct […]
• “The Thunderstorm” was published in 1859 (on the eve of the revolutionary situation in Russia, in the “pre-storm” era). Its historicism lies in the conflict itself, the irreconcilable contradictions reflected in the play. It responds to the spirit of the times. "The Thunderstorm" represents the idyll of the "dark kingdom". Tyranny and silence are brought to the extreme in her. A real heroine from the people’s environment appears in the play, and it is the description of her character that receives the main attention, while the little world of the city of Kalinov and the conflict itself are described in a more general way. "Their life […]
• The play “The Thunderstorm” by Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky is historical for us, as it shows the life of the philistinism. "The Thunderstorm" was written in 1859. It is the only work of the “Nights on the Volga” series conceived but not realized by the writer. The main theme of the work is a description of the conflict that arose between two generations. The Kabanikha family is typical. The merchants cling to their old morals, not wanting to understand the younger generation. And since young people do not want to follow traditions, they are suppressed. I'm sure, […]
• Let's start with Katerina. In the play "The Thunderstorm" this lady is the main character. What is the problem with this work? The problematic is the main question that the author asks in his work. So the question here is who will win? The dark kingdom, which is represented by the bureaucrats of a provincial town, or the bright beginning, which is represented by our heroine. Katerina is pure in soul, she has a tender, sensitive, loving heart. The heroine herself is deeply hostile to this dark swamp, but is not fully aware of it. Katerina was born […]
• A conflict is a clash between two or more parties that do not coincide in their views and worldviews. There are several conflicts in Ostrovsky’s play “The Thunderstorm,” but how can you decide which one is the main one? In the era of sociology in literary criticism, it was believed that social conflict was the most important in the play. Of course, if we see in the image of Katerina a reflection of the spontaneous protest of the masses against the constraining conditions of the “dark kingdom” and perceive Katerina’s death as the result of her collision with her tyrant mother-in-law, one should […]
• Dramatic events of the play by A.N. Ostrovsky's "The Thunderstorm" takes place in the city of Kalinov. This town is located on the picturesque bank of the Volga, from the high cliff of which the vast Russian expanses and boundless distances open up to the eye. “The view is extraordinary! Beauty! The soul rejoices,” enthuses local self-taught mechanic Kuligin. Pictures of endless distances, echoed in a lyrical song. Among the flat valleys,” which he sings, are of great importance for conveying the feeling of the immense possibilities of the Russian […]
• Katerina is the main character of Ostrovsky’s drama “The Thunderstorm”, Tikhon’s wife, Kabanikha’s daughter-in-law. The main idea of ​​the work is the conflict of this girl with the “dark kingdom”, the kingdom of tyrants, despots and ignoramuses. You can find out why this conflict arose and why the end of the drama is so tragic by understanding Katerina’s ideas about life. The author showed the origins of the heroine's character. From Katerina's words we learn about her childhood and adolescence. Here is an ideal version of patriarchal relations and the patriarchal world in general: “I lived, not about [...]
• In general, the history of the creation and concept of the play “The Thunderstorm” is very interesting. For some time there was an assumption that this work was based on real events that occurred in the Russian city of Kostroma in 1859. “In the early morning of November 10, 1859, Kostroma bourgeois Alexandra Pavlovna Klykova disappeared from her home and either rushed into the Volga herself, or was strangled and thrown there. The investigation revealed the silent drama that played out in an unsociable family living narrowly with commercial interests: […]
• In the drama “The Thunderstorm,” Ostrovsky created a very psychologically complex image - the image of Katerina Kabanova. This young woman charms the viewer with her huge, pure soul, childish sincerity and kindness. But she lives in the musty atmosphere of merchant morals. Ostrovsky managed to create a bright and poetic image of a Russian woman from the people. The main storyline of the play is a tragic conflict between the living, feeling soul of Katerina and the dead way of life of the “dark kingdom”. Honest and […]
• Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky was endowed with great talent as a playwright. He is deservedly considered the founder of the Russian national theater. His plays, varied in theme, glorified Russian literature. Ostrovsky's creativity had a democratic character. He created plays that showed hatred of the autocratic serfdom regime. The writer called for the protection of the oppressed and humiliated citizens of Russia and longed for social change. Ostrovsky’s enormous merit is that he opened the enlightened [...]
• The critical history of "The Thunderstorm" begins even before its appearance. To argue about “a ray of light in a dark kingdom”, it was necessary to open the “Dark Kingdom”. An article under this title appeared in the July and September issues of Sovremennik for 1859. It was signed with the usual pseudonym of N. A. Dobrolyubov - N. - bov. The reason for this work was extremely significant. In 1859, Ostrovsky summed up the interim result of his literary activity: his two-volume collected works appeared. “We consider it the most [...]
• Whole, honest, sincere, she is incapable of lies and falsehood, which is why in a cruel world where wild and wild boars reign, her life turns out so tragically. Katerina’s protest against Kabanikha’s despotism is a struggle of the bright, pure, human against the darkness, lies and cruelty of the “dark kingdom”. It is not for nothing that Ostrovsky, who paid great attention to the selection of names and surnames of the characters, gave this name to the heroine of “The Thunderstorm”: translated from Greek “Ekaterina” means “eternally pure”. Katerina is a poetic person. IN […]
• When turning to thinking about the topics in this area, first of all, remember all our lessons in which we discussed the problem of “fathers and sons.” This problem is multifaceted. 1. Perhaps the topic will be formulated in such a way as to make you talk about family values. Then you should remember works in which fathers and sons are blood relatives. In this case, we will have to consider the psychological and moral foundations of family relationships, the role of family traditions, disagreements and […]
• The novel was written from the end of 1862 to April 1863, that is, written in 3.5 months in the 35th year of the author’s life. The novel divided readers into two opposing camps. Supporters of the book were Pisarev, Shchedrin, Plekhanov, Lenin. But such artists as Turgenev, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Leskov believed that the novel was devoid of true artistry. To answer the question “What to do?” Chernyshevsky raises and resolves the following burning problems from a revolutionary and socialist position: 1. The socio-political problem […]
• How I wash the floors In order to wash the floors clean, and not pour water and smear the dirt, I do this: I take a bucket from the pantry that my mother uses for this, as well as a mop. I pour hot water into a basin and add a tablespoon of salt to it (to kill germs). I rinse the mop in the basin and squeeze it thoroughly. I wash the floors in each room, starting from the far wall towards the door. I look into all the corners, under the beds and tables, this is where the most crumbs, dust and other evil spirits accumulate. Having washed each […]
• At the ball After the ball The hero’s feelings He is “very much” in love; admired by the girl, life, the ball, the beauty and grace of the surrounding world (including interiors); notices all the details on a wave of joy and love, is ready to be moved and cry at any trifle. Without wine - drunk - with love. He admires Varya, hopes, trembles, happy to be chosen by her. Light, does not feel his own body, “floats”. Delight and gratitude (for the feather from the fan), “cheerful and contented,” happy, “blessed,” kind, “an unearthly creature.” WITH […]
• I've never had my own dog. We live in the city, the apartment is small, the budget is limited and we are too lazy to change our habits, adapting to the dog’s “walking” regime... As a child, I dreamed of a dog. She asked me to buy a puppy or take anyone from the street. I was ready to look after, give love and time. The parents kept promising: “When you grow up...”, “When you go to fifth grade...”. I went through the 5th and 6th, then I grew up and realized that no one would ever let a dog into the house. We agreed on cats. Since then […]
• The love story of clerk Mitya and Lyuba Tortsova unfolds against the backdrop of life in a merchant's house. Ostrovsky once again delighted his fans with his remarkable knowledge of the world and amazingly vivid language. Unlike the earlier plays, this comedy contains not only the soulless manufacturer Korshunov and Gordey Tortsov, who boasts of his wealth and power. They are contrasted with simple and sincere people dear to the hearts of the Pochvenniks - the kind and loving Mitya and the squandered drunkard Lyubim Tortsov, who remained, despite his fall, […]

It was not for nothing that Ostrovsky gave the name to his work “The Thunderstorm”, because previously people were afraid of the elements and associated it with the punishment of heaven. Thunder and lightning instilled superstitious fear and primitive horror. The writer spoke in his play about the inhabitants of a provincial town, who are conditionally divided into two groups: the “dark kingdom” - rich merchants exploiting the poor, and “victims” - those who tolerate the tyranny of tyrants. The characteristics of the heroes will tell you more about people's lives. The thunderstorm reveals the true feelings of the characters in the play.

Characteristics of the Wild

Savel Prokofich Dikoy is a typical tyrant. This is a rich merchant who has no control. He tortured his relatives, because of his insults, the family fled to attics and closets. The merchant treats servants rudely, it is impossible to please him, he will definitely find something to cling to. You can’t beg a salary from Dikiy, because he is very greedy. Savel Prokofich is an ignorant person, a supporter of the patriarchal system, who does not want to understand the modern world. The merchant’s stupidity is evidenced by his conversation with Kuligin, from which it becomes clear that Dikoy does not know the thunderstorm. Unfortunately, the characterization of the heroes of the “dark kingdom” does not end there.

Detailed characteristics of the heroes of “The Thunderstorm”

Main characters:

1. Kabanikha . Marfa Ignatievna Kabanova is one of the bright central images of the work. This is a domineering, rude woman who terrorizes the entire family. Being brought up according to ancient customs, she carefully adheres to their list. According to her deep conviction, the whole world is based on fear, and any relationship is built on tyranny. Thus, the husband must certainly beat his wife and children, and the owner must beat his subordinates. This is a typical example of ossified patriarchal merchants, mired in rudeness and ignorance.
2. Tikhon Kabanov . Kabanikha’s son is a soft, kind and weak-willed man, from an early age under the complete influence of his cruel mother. Possessing a weak character, he makes no attempt to get rid of the hated shackles of his mother's power, despite the fact that they cause him mental anguish. Having found no other solution to the problem, Tikhon, with Kabanikha’s tacit approval, plunges headlong into drunkenness. In the society of these people, debauchery, gluttony and drunkenness are peculiar privileges.
3. Katerina. Tikhon's wife is a young woman with an easy-going character, brought up in strict patriarchal rules. She sincerely tries to love her weak-willed husband, but she feels nothing but pity for him. Katerina, accustomed to a completely different way of life in the family, becomes the main victim of the tyranny of her mother-in-law, who is afraid that her son will be under her influence. Trying to escape from this kingdom of lies and violence, Katerina starts an affair on the side, which she subsequently repents of and commits suicide.

Minor characters:

1. Varvara . Kabanikha's daughter and the complete opposite of her brother Tikhon. Forced to adapt to a difficult life in her own home, she still remains a brave and free person. Kabanikha is not an authority for her, and she lives according to her own convictions. Varvara does not care at all about morality, and does not worry about the stories and gossip of others.
2. Curly . Varvara's friend, with whom she is in a relationship. A typical representative of the “dark kingdom”: distinguished by insolence, swagger, and rudeness. This is an ambitious young man, all of whose aspirations are connected with wealth and power over people. The story of his simple life is not much different from most residents of a provincial town.
3. Kuligin . A self-taught mechanic, a man with an inquisitive, lively mind. This is one of the few characters in the play whose name evokes only positive emotions. A man with a noble and kind heart, he refuses to live according to established canons. He passionately dreams of the common good, honest work, and knowledge. However, many of Kuligin’s dreams were never destined to come true.
4. Savel Prokofievich Dikoy . A merchant with great influence in local society. This is the complete opposite of Kuligin: he hates and condemns people with all his heart, ignores knowledge and progress, his soul is callous, like a stone. And there is no question of Dikoy providing free assistance to anyone. His true pleasure is humiliating and intimidating people.
5. Boris . A young, decently educated man, Dikiy’s own nephew. At first he gives the impression of a fair and honest young man, but in reality he turns out to be a completely rotten, vulgar hypocrite. Having failed to live up to the hopes of Katerina, who is in love with him, and not wanting to take responsibility for the relationship, he cowardly runs away, leaving the girl alone.
6. Feklusha . Kabanikha’s hanger-on, capable of gaining the trust of any person with enviable ease. Cleverly using the flattery and ignorance of the locals, she ensures herself a fairly prosperous and quiet life. Any changes and novelty frighten the cunning, ignorant old woman, since they pose a threat to her familiar philistine world, in which there is no place for culture, education, and politeness.
7. Glasha. A girl in Kabanikha’s house, striking with her darkness and lack of education. This is an excellent partner for Feklusha, who, despite her youth, has an equally narrow outlook and primitive thinking. It is much easier for her to live in her limited world, where the car is called a “fiery serpent,” than to absorb new knowledge.

In “The Thunderstorm,” the characters are presented in such a way as to most clearly show the confrontation between patriarchal foundations and progress. The given table with a brief description of the characteristics of the characters can be used when writing essays or a detailed analysis of the work.

Description of Kabanikha

Marfa Ignatievna Kabanova is the embodiment of the patriarchal way of life. A wealthy merchant, a widow, she constantly insists on observing all the traditions of her ancestors and herself strictly follows them. Kabanikha brought everyone to despair - this is exactly what the characteristics of the heroes show. "The Thunderstorm" is a play that reveals the mores of a patriarchal society. The woman gives alms to the poor, goes to church, but does not give life to her children or daughter-in-law. The heroine wanted to preserve the old way of life, so she kept her family at bay and taught her son, daughter, and daughter-in-law.

Summary of the play “The Thunderstorm”

Act one

The author takes the reader to the beginning of the 19th century, to the city of Kalinov, built on the banks of the Volga. In a quiet and cozy garden, Kudryash, Shapkin and Kuligin discuss the hypocrisy and tyranny of the Dikiy. The landowner's nephew Boris, who recently arrived in the local area, joins the company.

Having told his interlocutors his story about childhood, studies and the death of his parents, the young man says that he came to collect the inheritance of his late grandmother. According to the terms of the will, if Boris is respectful to his uncle, then the master is obliged to give him part of the inheritance. The townspeople, having heard about the conditions, assure him that he will not see any money from the greedy landowner.

Finally, Boris complains about the unbearable life in the landowner's home. Kuligin, in response, shares the history of the city and complains about the cruel customs of the city, after which the company disperses.

Feklusha appears, delighted with the Kabanov family, who generously gifts strangers and poor people. The self-taught mechanic does not share her opinion and, in response to Boris’s curiosity, describes the widow Kabanova as a domestic tyrant.

Soon Kabanikha herself appears along with her household: her daughter and son with his wife. After much grumbling, the widow leaves the children who want to take a walk down the street. Tikhon goes to visit for a drink.

The girls discuss household chores and Katerina’s husband. Along the way, Tikhon’s wife shares her dreams, talks about prayers in church, and complains that something unusual is happening to her. Realizing that the naive narrator has fallen in love, Varvara promises to help her meet her lover after Tikhon leaves, which is why the dreamer immediately gets scared.

Suddenly, threats are heard from a mentally ill townswoman that beauty leads to depravity and hellish torment; the situation is escalated by a thunderstorm. In horror and fear, Katerina hurries home with Varvara to pray to the icons.

Act two

The action takes place inside Kabanikha's house. Feklusha tells the maid Glasha tales about the customs of distant countries, about punishments for adultery, and at the same time becomes interested in the life of a merchant family.

Tikhon is getting ready for a long journey. His sister and wife are packing his things. Varvara gives Katerina a message from Boris and asks her to spend the night in the garden after her brother’s departure. Kabanova appears with her son, demanding that he explain to his wife how she should live in the absence of her husband.

Offended Katerina, left alone with her husband, asks to take her with him on a trip, but is refused and faces her husband’s indifference. Kabanova returns, demanding that his daughter-in-law bow at his feet, and sends her son on the road.

Varvara leaves for the city, while handing over the key to the gate to the hesitant Katerina, insisting on spending the night in the garden.

Act three

The reader is presented with a scene at the gates of the Kabanovs' house. The widow talks with Feklusha about big changes in society. The wanderer complains about the coming of hard times, expresses her opinion about the railway tracks, and complains about the dissolute life in the capital cities.

The women are visited by Savel Prokofievich, full of anger and resentment towards his family members. He fails to let off steam on Kabanikha, but the merchant’s wife takes him to her home for a drink.

After a while, Boris comes to the Kabanovs in search of his uncle. Having learned everything he needs, he simultaneously becomes interested in Katerina. Varvara promises to meet him and asks him to go at night to the gate behind the estate’s garden.

The night is coming. Varvara, at the agreed meeting place, tells Boris to wait, while she herself goes on a date with Kudryash. Katerina meets her nephew Dikiy behind the gate and confesses her love to him. The girl cannot cope with her awakened feelings and cheats on Tikhon.

Act four

The author moves on to an old building with a gallery depicting the underworld. Fleeing from the rain, Kuligin and Dikoy enter the room. The mechanic asks the landowner to give money to build a sundial and lightning rod. The rich man showers the tradesman with abuse and refuses help, confident that defending himself from punishment sent from heaven is a sinful act.

Boris and Varvara enter the empty gallery. Bad news comes from the girl: Tikhon has returned, Katerina is depressed, Kabanikha suspects something is wrong. Dikiy’s nephew asks to persuade Tikhonov’s wife to keep the secret and leaves.

Kabanikha appears with her son and his wife. Katerina is tormented by thoughts of punishment for sin. A thunderstorm in the sky, cries of a crazy stranger about hellish torments and fear of her mother-in-law bring the girl to extreme despair. In tears and in front of everyone, she confesses to Tikhon and his mother of infidelity, leading to the sadness of her husband and the gloating of the merchant’s widow.

Act five

In a garden on the Volga coast, Tikhon seeks support from Kuligin, sadly reporting his wife’s confession and his mother’s curses. A friend offers to forgive his wife, since the deceived husband still loves her. Tikhon replies that his mother will not allow this to happen.

From him it becomes known that Boris, at the request of his uncle, is heading to the Siberian distance, to Kyakhta. The conversation is interrupted by Glasha with alarming news: Katerina has disappeared. All three are afraid that the girl will commit suicide and set off to look for the fugitive.

Katerina comes to the fore, beginning to lament about her difficult lot, about longing for her lover, desperately calling Boris to her. The lover visited the unfortunate woman, but sadly reports that he is leaving for Siberia and cannot take her with him.

After parting, Katerina has thoughts about death and the unbearability of life. In despair, she goes to the cliff, says goodbye to the departed Boris and rushes into the Volga.

The audience is talking animatedly about a girl who committed suicide. Tikhon runs to her, but falls to his knees under his mother’s threats of a curse. Kuligin appears with Katerina's body. Leaving her with Kabanov, he reproaches their family for cruelty and leaves.

Kabanikha loses control over her son: no threats help to regain power. Tikhon blames his mother for the death of his wife and regrets that he was left alone in this world full of hardships.

Characteristics of Katerina

In a patriarchal world, it is possible to preserve humanity and faith in goodness - this is also shown by the characteristics of the heroes. “The Thunderstorm” is a play in which there is a confrontation between the new and old world, only the characters in the work defend their point of view in different ways. Katerina remembers her childhood with joy, because she grew up in love and mutual understanding. She belongs to the patriarchal world and up to a certain point everything suited her, even the fact that her parents themselves decided her fate and got her married. But Katerina doesn’t like the role of a humiliated daughter-in-law; she doesn’t understand how one can constantly live in fear and captivity.

The main character of the play gradually changes, a strong personality awakens in her, capable of making her own choice, which is manifested in her love for Boris. Katerina was ruined by her environment, the lack of hope pushed her to commit suicide, because she would not have been able to live in Kabanikha’s home prison.

Thunderstorm (Ostrovsky A.N., 1859)

Act two

A room in the Kabanovs' house.

First appearance

Glasha (gathers her dress into knots) and Feklusha (enters).

Feklusha

. Dear girl, you are still at work! What are you doing sweetie?

Glasha

. I'm packing the owner for the trip.

Feklusha

. Al is going where is our light?

Glasha

. On his way.

Feklusha

. How long, honey, is it going?

Glasha

. No, not for a long time.

Feklusha

. Well, good riddance to him! What if the hostess will howl or not?

Glasha

. I don't know how to tell you.

Feklusha

. When does she howl at your place?

Glasha

. Don't hear something.

Feklusha

. I really love, dear girl, to listen to someone howl well!

Silence.

And you, girl, look after the poor thing, you wouldn’t steal anything.

Glasha

. Who will understand you, you are all slandering each other, that life is not going well for you? It seems strange to you that there is no life here, but you are still quarreling and bickering; You are not afraid of sin.

Feklusha

. It is impossible, mother, without sin: we live in the world. Here's what I'll tell you, dear girl: you, ordinary people, are each confused by one enemy, but for us, strange people, some have six, some have twelve; So we need to overcome them all. It's hard, dear girl!

Glasha

. Why are there so many people coming to you?

Feklusha

. This, mother, is an enemy out of hatred for us, that we lead such a righteous life. And I, dear girl, am not absurd, I have no such sin. I have one sin for sure; I myself know that there is. I love to eat sweets. Well then! Because of my weakness, the Lord sends.

Glasha

. And you, Feklusha, have you walked far?

Feklusha

. No, honey. Due to my weakness, I did not walk far; and to hear - I heard a lot. They say that there are such countries, dear girl, where there are no Orthodox kings, and the Saltans rule the earth. In one land the Turkish saltan Makhnut sits on the throne, and in another - the Persian saltan Makhnut; and they carry out judgment, dear girl, on all people, and no matter what they judge, everything is wrong. And they, my dear, cannot judge a single case righteously, such is the limit set for them. Our law is righteous, but theirs, dear, is unrighteous; that according to our law it turns out this way, but according to theirs everything is the opposite. And all their judges, in their countries, are also all unrighteous; So, dear girl, they write in their requests: “Judge me, unjust judge!” And then there is also a land where all the people have dog heads.

Glasha

. Why is this so with dogs?

Feklusha

. For infidelity. I’ll go, dear girl, and wander around the merchants to see if there’s anything for poverty. Goodbye for now!

Glasha

. Goodbye!

Feklusha leaves.

Here are some other lands! There are no miracles in the world! And we sit here, we don’t know anything. It’s also good that there are good people; no, no, and you will hear what is happening in this wide world; Otherwise they would have died like fools.

Katerina and Varvara enter.

Second phenomenon

Katerina and Varvara.

Varvara
(Glashe)
.
Drag the bundles to the wagon, the horses have arrived. (To Katerina.)
They gave you away in marriage, you didn’t have to go out with the girls; Your heart hasn't left yet.

Glasha leaves.

Katerina

. And it never leaves.

Varvara

. Why?

Katerina

. I was born so hot! I was still six years old, no more, so I did it! They offended me with something at home, and it was late in the evening, it was already dark, I ran out to the Volga, got into the boat, and pushed it away from the shore. The next morning they found it, about ten miles away!

Varvara

. Well, did the guys look at you?

Katerina

. How not to look!

Varvara

. What are you doing? Didn't you really love anyone?

Katerina

. No, I just laughed.

Varvara

. But you, Katya, don’t love Tikhon.

Katerina

. No, how can you not love! I feel sorry for him very much.

Varvara

. No, you do not love. If you feel sorry, you don’t love. And no, you have to tell the truth. And in vain you are hiding from me! I have long noticed that you love one person.

Katerina
(with fear)
. Why did you notice?

Varvara

. How funny you say! Am I little? Here's your first sign: when you see him, your whole face will change.

Katerina lowers her eyes.

You never know...

Katerina
(looking down)
. Well, who?

Varvara

. But you yourself know what to call it?

Katerina

. No, name it! Call me by name!

Varvara

. Boris Grigoryich.

Katerina

. Well, yes, him, Varenka, his! Only you, Varenka, for God’s sake...

Varvara

. Well, here's another! Just be careful not to let it slip somehow.

Katerina

. I don’t know how to deceive; I can’t hide anything.

Varvara

. Well, you can’t live without it; remember where you live! Our whole house rests on this. And I was not a liar, but I learned when it became necessary. I was walking yesterday, I saw him, I talked to him.

Katerina
(after a short silence, looking down)
. So what?

Varvara

. I ordered you to bow. It’s a pity, he says there’s nowhere to see each other.

Katerina
(looking down even more)
. Where can we meet? And why...

Varvara

. So boring...

Katerina

. Don't tell me about him, do me a favor, don't tell me! I don't even want to know him! I will love my husband. Silence, my darling, I won’t exchange you for anyone! I didn’t even want to think, but you’re embarrassing me.

Varvara

. Don't think about it, who is forcing you?

Katerina

. You don't feel sorry for me! You say: don’t think, but you remind me. Do I really want to think about him? But what should you do if it’s out of your head? No matter what I think about, he still stands before my eyes. And I want to break myself, but I just can’t. Do you know, the enemy confused me again this night. After all, I had left home.

Varvara

. You are kind of tricky, God bless you! But in my opinion: do what you want, as long as it’s safe and covered.

Katerina

. I don't want it that way. And what good! I’d rather be patient as long as I can.

Varvara

. If you can’t bear it, what will you do?

Katerina

. What will I do?

Varvara

. Yes, what will you do?

Katerina
(decisively)
. Whatever I want, I’ll do.

Varvara

. Do it, try it, they will eat you here.

Katerina

. What about me? I will leave, and I was like that.

Varvara

. Where will you go? You are a man's wife.

Katerina

. Eh, Varya, you don’t know my character! Of course, God forbid this happens! And if I get really tired of it here, they won’t hold me back by any force. I’ll throw myself out the window, throw myself into the Volga. I don’t want to live here, I won’t, even if you cut me!

Silence.

Varvara

. You know what, Katya! As soon as Tikhon leaves, let’s sleep in the garden, in the gazebo.

Katerina

. Well, why, Varya?

Varvara

. Does it really matter?

Katerina

. I'm afraid to spend the night in an unfamiliar place.

Varvara

. What to be afraid of! Glasha will be with us.

Katerina

. Everything is somehow timid! Yes, I guess.

Varvara

. I wouldn’t even call you, but my mother won’t let me in alone, but I need it.

Katerina
(looking at her)
. Why do you need it?

Varvara
(laughs)
. We'll do magic with you there.

Katerina

. You must be joking?

Varvara

. Known, just kidding; is it really possible?

Silence.

Katerina

. Where is Tikhon?

Varvara

. What do you need it for?

Katerina

. No, I am. After all, he's coming soon.

Varvara

. They are sitting with their mother, locked up. Now she sharpens it like rusting iron.

Katerina

. For what?

Varvara

. No way, it teaches wisdom. It will be two weeks on the road, it’s a big deal! Judge for yourself! Her heart is aching because he walks around of his own free will. So now she gives him orders, one more menacing than the other, and then she will lead him to the image, make him swear that he will do everything exactly as ordered.

Katerina

. And in freedom, he seems to be tied up.

Varvara

. Yes, so connected! As soon as he leaves, he’ll start drinking. Now he listens, and he himself thinks about how he can escape as quickly as possible.

Enter Kabanova and Kabanov.

The third phenomenon

The same, Kabanova and Kabanov.

Kabanova

. Well, do you remember everything I told you? Look, remember! Cut it on your nose!

Kabanov

. I remember, mom.

Kabanova

. Well, now everything is ready. The horses have come to say goodbye only to you and to God.

Kabanov

. Yes, mama, it's time.

Kabanova

. Well!

Kabanov

. What do you want, sir?

Kabanova

. Why are you standing there, don’t you know the order? Tell your wife how to live without you.

Katerina lowered her eyes to the ground.

Kabanov

. Yes, she knows it herself.

Kabanova

. Talk more! Well, well, give the order! So that I can hear what you order her! And then you’ll come and ask if you did everything right.

Kabanov
(standing up against Katerina)
. Listen to your mother, Katya!

Kabanova

. Tell your mother-in-law not to be rude.

Kabanov

. Do not be rude!

Kabanova

. So that the mother-in-law honors her as her own mother!

Kabanov

. Honor your mother, Katya, like your own mother!

Kabanova

. So that she doesn’t sit idly by like a lady!

Kabanov

. Do something without me!

Kabanova

. So that you don't stare at the windows!

Kabanov

. Yes, mummy, when will she...

Kabanova

. Oh well!

Kabanov

. Don't look out the windows!

Kabanova

. So that I don’t look at young guys without you!

Kabanov

. But what is this, Mama, by God!

Kabanova

.
(strictly)
.
There's nothing to break! Must do what mother says. (With a smile.)
It’s getting better, as ordered.

Kabanov

(
confused
) Don't look at the guys!

Katerina looks at him sternly.

Kabanova

. Well, now talk among yourselves if you need to. Let's go, Varvara!

They leave.

The fourth phenomenon

Kabanov and Katerina (stands as if in a daze).

Kabanov

. Kate!

Silence.

Katya, aren't you angry with me?

Katerina
(after a short silence, shaking her head)
. No!

Kabanov

. What are you? Well, forgive me!

Katerina
(still in the same state, shaking her head slightly)
.
God be with you! (Hovering her face with her hands.)
She offended me!

Kabanov

. If you take everything to heart, you will soon end up with consumption. Why listen to her? She needs to say something! Well, let her talk, and you ignore her. Well, goodbye, Katya!

Katerina
(throwing herself at her husband’s neck)
. Tisha, don't leave! For God's sake, don't leave! Darling, I beg you!

Kabanov

. You can't, Katya. If my mother sends me, how can I not go!

Katerina

. Well, take me with you, take me!

Kabanov
(freeing himself from her embrace)
. Yes, you can't!

Katerina

. Why, Tisha, is it not possible?

Kabanov

. What a fun place to go with you! You've really driven me too far here! I don’t know how to get out, and you’re still forcing yourself on me.

Katerina

. Have you really stopped loving me?

Kabanov

. Yes, I haven’t stopped loving; and with this kind of bondage you can run away from whatever beautiful wife you want! Just think about it: no matter what I am, I’m still a man, living like this all my life, as you see, you’ll run away from your wife. Yes, as I know now that there won’t be any thunderstorms over me for two weeks, there are no shackles on my legs, so what do I care about my wife?

Katerina

. How can I love you when you say such words?

Kabanov

. Words are like words! What other words can I say! Who knows what you are afraid of! After all, you are not alone, you are staying with your mother.

Katerina

.
Don't tell me about her, don't tyrant my heart! Oh, my misfortune, my misfortune! (Crying.)
Where can I go, poor thing? Who should I grab hold of? My fathers, I am perishing!

Kabanov

. Come on!

Katerina
(comes up to her husband and clings to him)
.
Quiet, my dear, if only you stayed or if you took me with you, how I would love you, how I would love you, my dear! (Caresses him.)
Kabanov

. I can't figure you out, Katya! Either you won’t get a word from you, let alone affection, or you’ll just get in the way.

Katerina

. Silence, who are you leaving me with! There will be trouble without you! The fat is in the fire!

Kabanov

. Well, it’s impossible, there’s nothing to do.

Katerina

. Well, that's it! Take some terrible oath from me...

Kabanov

. What oath?

Katerina

. Here's this: so that without you I dare not, under any circumstances, speak with anyone else, or see anyone, so that I do not dare think about anyone but you.

Kabanov

. What's this for?

Katerina

. Calm my soul, do such a favor for me!

Kabanov

. How can you vouch for yourself, you never know what can come to mind.

Katerina
(falling to her knees)
. So that I won’t see either my father or my mother! Should I die without repentance if I...

Kabanov
(picking her up)
. What you! What you! What a sin! I don't even want to listen!

Kabanova’s voice: “It’s time, Tikhon!”

Enter Kabanova, Varvara and Glasha.

Fifth appearance

The same ones, Kabanova, Varvara and Glasha.

Kabanova

.
Well, Tikhon, it's time! Go with God! (Sits down.)
Sit down, everyone!

Everyone sits down. Silence.

Well, goodbye! (He gets up and everyone gets up.)

Kabanov
(approaching his mother)
. Goodbye, mummy!

Kabanova
(gestures to the ground)
. To your feet, to your feet!

Kabanov bows at his feet, then kisses his mother.

Say goodbye to your wife!

Kabanov

. Goodbye Katya!

Katerina throws herself on his neck.

Kabanova

. Why are you hanging around your neck, shameless thing! You are not saying goodbye to your lover! He is your husband - the head! Don't you know the order? Bow at your feet!

Katerina bows at her feet.

Kabanov

.
Goodbye sister! (Kisses Varvara.)
Goodbye, Glasha!
(Kisses Glasha.)
Goodbye, mummy!
(Bows.)
Kabanova

. Goodbye! Long farewells mean extra tears.

Kabanov leaves, followed by Katerina, Varvara and Glasha.

Appearance Six

Kabanova
(one)
. What does youth mean? It's funny even to look at them! If it weren’t our own, I would have laughed my fill. They don’t know anything, there is no order. They don’t know how to say goodbye. It’s good that those who have elders in the house are the ones who hold the house together as long as they are alive. But they, too, are stupid, want their own will, but when they are released, they get confused to the obedience and laughter of good people. Of course, no one will regret it, but everyone laughs the most. Yes, it’s impossible not to laugh; They’ll invite guests, they don’t know how to seat them, and, lo and behold, they’ll forget one of their relatives. Laughter, and that's all! This is how the old days come out. I don’t even want to go to another house. And if you get up, you’ll just spit and get out quickly. What will happen, how the old people will die, how the light will remain, I don’t know. Well, at least it’s good that I won’t see anything.

Katerina and Varvara enter.

Seventh Appearance

Kabanova, Katerina and Varvara.

Kabanova

. You boasted that you love your husband very much; I see your love now. Another good wife, having seen her husband off, howls for an hour and a half and lies on the porch; but you, apparently, have nothing.

Katerina

. There's no point! Yes, and I can’t. Why make people laugh!

Kabanova

. The trick is not great. If I loved it, I would have learned it. If you don’t know how to do it properly, you should at least make this example; still more decent; and then, apparently, only in words. Well, I’ll go and pray to God; Do not bother me.

Varvara

. I'll leave the yard.

Kabanova
(affectionately)
. What do I care? Go! Walk until your time comes. You'll still have enough to eat!

Kabanova and Varvara leave.

The eighth phenomenon

Katerina
(alone, thoughtfully)
.
Well, now silence will reign in our house. Oh, what boredom! At least someone's children! Eco woe! I don’t have children: I would still sit with them and amuse them. I really like talking to children - they are angels. (Silence.)
If I had died as a little girl, it would have been better.
I would look from heaven to earth and rejoice at everything. Otherwise she would fly invisibly wherever she wanted. She would fly out into the field and fly from cornflower to cornflower in the wind, like a butterfly. (Thinks.)
But here’s what I’ll do: I’ll start some work as promised; I’ll go to the guest house, buy some canvas, and sew linen, and then give it to the poor. They will pray to God for me. So we’ll sit down to sew with Varvara, and we won’t see how time passes; and then Tisha will arrive.

Varvara enters.

Appearance Ninth

Katerina and Varvara.

Varvara
(covers her head with a scarf in front of the mirror)
.
I'll go for a walk now; and Glasha will make our beds in the garden, mamma allowed. In the garden, behind the raspberries, there is a gate, mummy locks it and hides the key. I took it away and put another one on her so she wouldn’t notice. Now, you might need it. (Gives the key.)
If I see you, I’ll tell you to come to the gate.

Katerina
(with fear, pushing away the key)
. For what! For what! No, no, no!

Varvara

. You don't need it, I will need it; take it, he won't bite you.

Katerina

. What are you up to, sinner! Is this possible? Have you thought? What you! What you!

Varvara

.
Well, I don’t like to talk a lot; and I have no time. It's time for me to go for a walk. (Leaves.)
Tenth Appearance

Katerina
(alone, holding the key in her hands)
.
Why is she doing this? What is she coming up with? Oh, crazy, really crazy! This is death! Here she is! Throw it away, throw it far away, throw it into the river so that it will never be found. He burns his hands like coal. (Thinking.)
This is how our sister dies.
Someone has fun in captivity! You never know what comes to mind. An opportunity arose, and another one was glad: so, headlong, he rushed. How can this be possible without thinking, without judging! How long does it take to get into trouble? And there you cry all your life, suffer; bondage will seem even more bitter. (Silence)
.
And bondage is bitter, oh, how bitter! Who doesn't cry from her! And most of all, we women. At least I am now? - I live - I suffer, I don’t see any light for myself! Yes, and I won’t see it, you know! What's next is worse. And now this sin is still on me. (Thinks.)
If only it weren’t for my mother-in-law!.. She crushed me... I’m sick of her and the house;
The walls are even disgusting. (Looks thoughtfully at the key.)
Throw it away?
Of course you have to quit. And how did he get into my hands? To temptation, to my destruction. (Listens.)
Oh, someone is coming.
So my heart sank. (Hides the key in his pocket.)
No!.. No one!
Why was I so scared! And she hid the key... Well, he should know there! Apparently, fate itself wants it! But what a sin is it if I look at it once, even from afar! Yes, even if I talk, it won’t matter! But what about my husband!.. But he himself didn’t want to. Yes, maybe such a case will never happen again in my entire life. Then cry to yourself: there was a case, but I didn’t know how to use it. What am I saying, am I deceiving myself? I could even die to see him. Who am I pretending to be!.. Throw in the key! No, not for anything in the world! He’s mine now... Whatever happens, I’ll see Boris! Oh, if only the night could come sooner!..