"The Bear in the Voivodeship": an analysis of the tales of Saltykov-Shchedrin

We suggest that you consider one of the tales of Saltykov-Shchedrin - "The Bear in the Voivodeship." Analysis of it, presented in this article, will help you understand the meaning of this work. We will tell you about the ideas of Saltykov-Shchedrin reflected in him. In addition, you will get acquainted with the main characters of the fairy tale "The Bear in the Voivodeship". Our analysis begins with a brief account of the general features of the tales of Saltykov-Shchedrin. This is necessary to better understand the work of interest to us.

General characteristics of the tales of Saltykov-Shchedrin

First of all, it should be noted that these works are written for adults rather than for children. The writer in the subheading pointed out to them that these are "fairy tales for adults". But what made Mikhail Evgrafovich turn to this genre? Probably Aesopian language used in fairy tales is the most suitable form for expressing his harsh statements and thoughts, represented in the form of satire.

In these works Saltykov-Shchedrin continues to develop his favorite themes, embodied in full in his work "The History of a City". What are these topics? On the one hand, this is a sharp criticism of the Russian authorities, a satire on it, and on the other - a satire for the entire Russian people.

"Introduction" to the tale

"The Bear in the Voivodeship" is a fairy tale, created in 1884. It includes 3 short stories, which are an imitation of the historical chronicle, a parody of it. A small "introduction" precedes the description of service 3 voivod Toptygin. In it the theme which connects in a single whole these stories from a fairy tale "the Bear on voivodeship" is designated. An analysis of the governance of each of the voivodes is presented below.

Saltykov-Shchedrin believed that history consists of a series of large and bloody atrocities that the rulers committed over their people. The writer, ironically, notes that minor atrocities are not worthy of the attention of history and, therefore, of the chronicler.

Toptygin First

The first story tells about the "servant-beast", directed "to the distant forest" to the voivodship. The bear, having appeared in the fiefdom, immediately organized bloodshed. It is not known what prompted the ruler to take this decision. After all, it could not be called evil. He was "so, cattle." The author speaks in this way about the inner essence of all power-holding. They are not villains, but cattle are decent.

But the plans of the ruler of Toptygin the First were not to be realized. He destroyed his reputation and career in the most determined manner. From a dream, he accidentally ate Chizhik, whom he mistook for an "inner foe". Chizhik was a "little bird", although smart. And Toptygin was killed by this "atrocity". Everyone began to tell the voivode about this act.

Why the demotion of Toptygyn

Toptygin was not reproached for the innocent soul he had ruined. The most terrible thing in this whole story was the nature of the charge. It turns out that he "did not live up to the hopes" of his people. After all, "good people" expected great bloodshed from him, and he only ate the Chizhik! That's how people treat power. People are so used to the atrocities of the authorities that they expect them. If the ruler does not get any brutality, the people are even disappointed in him.

This was how Toptygin's career was finally ruined. Even the bloodshed committed to him after this incident, in order to make amends for "guilt", did not help. The authorities, the Donkey and the Lion, have not forgotten the "sin" of Toptygin. That was such a bear in the voivodship. The analysis of the fairy tale according to the plan continues with the description of the activity of the next ruler.

Toptygin the Second

Toptygin the Second - that was the name of the new ruler. It should be noted that the second bear was more intelligent than the first in the voivodeship. An analysis of his activities is very curious. This governor in advance came up with a "campaign" plan, which he decided to implement. However, being on the spot, Toptygin II realized that everything had already been crushed before him. Neither the universities nor the printing house was in its patrimony. What was the poor ruler to do? How could he become famous, manifest himself? And Toptygin decided to take up the physical destruction of their wards. However, the peasants did not like his idea. They punished Toptygin by taking off his skin. Analysis of the fairy tale "The Bear in the Voivodeship" shows that people's patience has limits. This is indicated by the history of the second bear.

"Activity" Toptygin the Third

The writer then asks what the voivods should do. How can they prove themselves? The most reliable way to find Toptygin The third of the tale "The Bear in the Voivodeship." He decided that the "natural" bloodshed is the best of all. This Toptygin slept in his lair all his age, letting the life of the people take their course. In his patrimony for this time there were "natural" incidents and sacrifices, but this only strengthened the authority of the voivode. Lying in a lair, Toptygin the Third received encouragement from his superiors. In addition, the people, according to custom, carried their "master" taxes, hoping to appease him.

The fate of Toptygin the Third

And everything would go on in its own way quietly and peacefully. Life in the fiefdom for many years would have been equally unchanged and hopeless. However, the author is finishing his third novel of the work "The Bear in the Voivodeship" by the fact that the Lukashi peasants came to the slum, and Toptygin left the den in the field. The ruler shared the fate of "all the fur-bearing animals." Most likely, in this phrase are concluded rather than reality and truth, but the writer's hopes. This is the author's aspirations, and a call to action.

What the author calls for

Saltykov-Shchedrin ("The Bear in the Voivodeship") calls on the common people to stand up for their lives and their rights. Of course, in the fairy tale is used allegory, and under the masks of Toptygin people are depicted. The work describes those problems and issues that Russian society had to face in the late 19th century. They worried the author, who with the help of allegory, irony, satire tries to open people's eyes to actual problems. The writer also offers a way out of this situation. It must be assumed that Saltykov-Shchedrin is calling for the revolution. "The Bear in the Voivodeship" is an excellent example of the satire of Mikhail Evgrafovich, who could not close his eyes to public problems.