Alexei Tolstoy, "Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich": summary and analysis

"Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich" is a play created in 1868. This is part of the dramatic trilogy, which tells about the Time of Troubles, the conflict of power and good. This play is the second in the trilogy. For 30 years the work created by A. Tolstoy ("King Fyodor Ioannovich") was under the ban of censorship. The Moscow Art Theater opened this drama in 1898.

The theme of the trilogy and its disclosure in each of the parts

The main theme of the trilogy is how the monarchy leads the state to distemper. Ivan the Terrible - despotic king, uniting the country. He mercilessly punishes and kills. This topic is central to the first part of the trilogy of interest to us. Fedor is his son. The surname of Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich is Ryurikovich (his portrait is presented above). He is the last ruler of this dynasty. After Fyodor enters the throne, he decides to rule in accordance with Christian institutions, and not like his father. This is said just in the play "Tsar Feodor Ioannovich". And the third tells how Boris Godunov ruled the "bereft". After his ascension to the throne, the dynasty of the Rurikovichs was cut short, as Tsarevich Dimitri was killed. Godunov (pictured below) enters the throne in order to rule wisely. All this is said in the third part.

The idea that rulers are held hostage to power goes through the whole trilogy. Regardless of whether they are reasonable, kind or cruel, sovereigns can not rule virtuously. The personality of Fedor is especially tragic. At the beginning of the reign, he wants to "all smooth out," "all agree." And as a result of the government it becomes clear that he could not distinguish "truth from untruth". We suggest you get to know this ruler more closely.

"Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich": a summary

In the house of Shuisky Ivan Petrovich in the presence of some boyars and many clergymen there is talk about the divorce of Fyodor Ioannovich with his wife, Boris Godunov's sister. In the opinion of all, it is thanks to her that Boris is kept. In the paper indicate the young Demetrius and barrenness of the queen, they ask Fedor Ioannovich to make a new marriage.

A stern rebuff gets Golovin's suggestion, which hints at the tsar's ability to put in place of Fedor Dimitri. Princess Mstislavskaya takes care of guests. Everyone drinks for Feodor's health. To the groom of Mstislavskaya, Shakhovskoi, matchmaker Volokhova indicates the place of a secret meeting.

Petition to the Metropolitan, information from Uglich

Further, it is told that Ivan Petrovich sends a petition to the metropolitan, while lamenting that he is compelled to ruin the queen. His butler Fedyuk Starkov informs Godunov about what he saw. He, having received information from Uglich, that Golovin is in a conspiracy with the Nagy, and seeing that his power is in danger, declares his supporters, Prince Touraine and Lup-Kleshnin, of the intention to reconcile with Shuisky.

The intention of Godunov to make peace with Shuisky

Irina appears, to whom Tsar Feodor Ioannovich says that he saw Mstislavskaya in the church. He assures the queen that for him she is still more beautiful than anyone else. Godunov announces his intention to reconcile with Shuisky. For this matter, the king takes pleasure in it.

Fedor asks for help in reconciliation with Metropolitan Dionysius, as well as some other priests. Dionysius says that Godunov is indulgent towards heretics and oppresses the church. He also resumed taxes, from which the clergy were released. Godunov hands Dionysius protective letters and says that the heretics were subject to persecution. Tsar Feodor Ioannovich asks the boyars and Irina to support him.

The conversation between Goudnov and Shuisky

Shuisky Ivan Petrovich comes, accompanied by the enthusiasm of the people. Fedor reproaches him for not visiting the Duma. Ivan Petrovich is dissuaded by the fact that he could not agree to Godunov. Remembering the Scriptures, Fyodor summons clergymen as witnesses. He says that reconciliation is good. Godunov, obedient to him, offers consent to Shuisky. The latter reproaches him for not wanting to share the government of the country. But John bequeathed the state to five boyars: forcibly tonsured Mstislavsky, who died Zakharin, exiled Belsky, Shuisky and Godunov. Justifying himself, Godunov said that Shuisky was arrogant that he had become the sole ruler to benefit Russia. Godunov adds that only the Shuiskys do not want to tidy up the frustrated country. The Metropolitan notes that Godunov did much for the church, and inclines Shuisky to reconciliation.

The people are informed of reconciliation, the scene with the merchants

Showing the cover for the shrine, embroidered by it, Irina admits that this is her vow for the salvation of Ivan Petrovich, who was once besieged in Pskov by the Lithuanians. Shuisky is ready to forget enmity, but he demands security guarantees for his companions from Godunov. He swears. Invite elective from the crowd, quoted by Ivan Petrovich. Shuisky tells the people about reconciliation with Boris Godunov. Merchants are unhappy that they put up their heads. Distrust of a man who has just sworn, irritates Shuisky. The merchants asked the tsar to protect them from Godunov, but he sends them to Boris. Godunov asked to write down their names.

Meeting Mstislavskaya with Shakhovsky

Princess Mstislavskaya, together with Vasilisa Volokhova, wait in the garden for Shakhovsky. He comes, tells of his love and about how impatient he is waiting for the wedding. Comes Krasilnikov. Shakhovskoy, after letting him in, disappears. He is accepted to call Ivan Petrovich and says that everyone who was with the tsar was seized by the order of Godunov. Shuisky is shocked. He orders us to pick Moscow up on Godunov.

Discussion of the petition

Boyars discuss the petition, thinking about who will be the new queen. V. Shuisky proposes the candidacy of Mstislavskaya. Golovin inscribes her name in the petition. Shakhovskoy enters. He says he will not give the bride. Appears and Volokhova with the princess. Shakhovskoy with mutual reproaches and threats snatches the letter and leaves.

Godunov gives the king papers. He does not go into their content, but agrees with what Boris decided. Irina says that the widowed tsarina wrote a letter from Uglich, asking him to return to Moscow with Dimitri. Fyodor wanted to entrust this matter to Boris, but Irina wants him to do it himself.

Godunov reports that he is leaving the Tsar

Enter Shuisky, he begins to complain about Godunov. Boris does not open it. He says that the merchants are taken for trying to destroy the world between him and Shuisky, and not for the past. Tsar Fedor Ioannovich agrees to forgive Boris, believing that they did not understand each other. However, the sovereign angry indefatigable requirement of Godunov to leave the prince in Uglich. Boris says that he is leaving, giving way to Shuisky. The king begs not to leave him. Affected by the behavior of Fedor, Shuisky leaves.

Kleshnin brings a letter from Golovin, transferred from Uglich. Boris shows it to Fedor, demanding that Shuisky be imprisoned. He is even ready to execute him. In case of failure to comply with the order, Boris threatens to retire. Fedor is shocked. After long hesitation, he decides to abandon Godunov's advice and services.

The plan of Shuisky

Shuisky Ivan Petrovich comforts Mstislavskaya. He tells her that she will not allow her to marry the king. Ivan Petrovich expresses the hope that Shakhovskoy will not give their intent. After sending Mstislavskaya, Shuisky takes the boyars, as well as the fleeing Dove and Krasilnikov. He thinks that soon the feeble Fedor will be displaced, and Demetrius will be elevated to the throne. Ivan Petrovich gives each task.

Godunov instructs Volokhova to protect Tsarevich

Sitting at home, the detached Boris learns from Kleshnin about the life of Volokhova and says that she "beats the Tsarevich." Kleshnin sends Volokhov to Uglich to become a new mother. He orders to protect the prince and hints that if he kills himself (the prince suffers a fallow), they will ask her.

Shuisky confesses to the insurgency

Fedor, meanwhile, can not understand the papers given to him. Kleshnin enters and says that Boris has fallen ill from the disorder. It is required to immediately seize and imprison Shuisky for the fact that he intended to make Dimitry the prince. Fedor does not believe this. Appears Shuisky. The king informs him of the denunciation and demands excuses. He refuses to provide them. Fedor insists, and Shuisky decides to confess to the insurgency.

Frightened that Boris will punish Ivan Petrovich for treason, the prince declares that he himself decided to put the Tsarevich on the throne, and then he ousted Shuisky from the room.

Fedor signs the decree of Godunov

Shakhovskaya breaks into the chambers of the sovereign. He asks to return the bride to him. Seeing Shuisky's signature, Fedor cries and does not heed Irina's arguments that the paper is ridiculous. Protecting Irina from offenses, Fedor signs the decree of Godunov, plunging the horrified arrivals.

Agitation for Shuisky

The old man raises the people, agitating for Shuisky. Guslar adds songs about the valor of Ivan Petrovich. A messenger arrives and reports that the Tatars are advancing. Prince Tourainein, along with the archers, takes Ivan Petrovich to prison. The people, pummeled by the old man, want to free him. However, Shuisky says that he is guilty before the king and that he deserved his punishment.

Kleshnin tells Godunov that the Shuiskys, as well as those who supported them, are in prison. Then he introduces Vasily Ivanovich Shuisky. He says that he started a petition for the sake of Boris Godunov. Boris, realizing that he is in his hands, lets him go. The queen Irina comes in to intercede for Shuisky Ivan Petrovich. Realizing that he will continue to contradict him, Godunov remains adamant.

Death of Shuisky and Shakhovsky

Beggars gathered in the square near the cathedral say that the metropolitan disliked Godunov, and the merchants who spoke for Shuisky were executed. Mstislavskaya comes along with Irina in order to ask for Ivan Petrovich. Fedor leaves the cathedral. He served a requiem for Ivan. Seeing him, the princess rushes to Feodor's feet. He sends Touraine for Shuisky. However, Touraineen says that Ivan Petrovich struck at night. He asks for forgiveness for what he did not notice, because he beat off the crowd that Shakhovskoy had brought to the prison. And he repulsed her, shooting only Shakhovskoy. Fedor accuses Turenin of the murder of Ivan Petrovich. He threatens his execution.

The death of the Tsarevich, Fyodor hands over to Boris the management of the state

A messenger arrives with the news of the death of the Tsarevich. The king is shocked. He wants to find out for himself what happened. The news comes that the Khan is approaching, and Moscow is besieged by a siege. Godunov suggests that Fyodor send Vasily Shuisky and Kleshnin. He is convinced that Boris is innocent. Mstislavskaya says she wants a haircut. On the advice of his wife, Fyodor is going to give Boris all the weight of government. He mourns his royal debt and his fate, remembering his own desire to "all smooth out" and "all agree."

This concludes the play "Tsar Feodor Ioannovich". We tried to convey the summary of it without missing anything important.

Scenic fate of the work

The plot of this tragedy is full of events, therefore it is not easy to present it in one article. To better understand the work, it is better to watch the play "Tsar Feodor Ioannovich". Reviews about the productions of this drama in the Moscow theaters (Artistic, Maly, Komissarzhevskaya, etc.) have always been enthusiastic. Many of them have been preserved.

In May 1973, in one of the best theaters of the capital, the sensational premiere of the tragedy Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich took place. The Maly Theater attracted a whole constellation of coryphaeans to participate in its production. Boris Godunov played Viktor Korshunov, Fedor - Innokenty Smoktunovsky, Ivan Shuisky was played by Eugene Samoilov, Kleshnin as Viktor Khokhryakov and others. The play was greeted enthusiastically.

An interesting work was created by Alexei Tolstoy. "Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich" and today is included in the repertoire of many theaters.