AN Ostrovsky, "Without a Dowry": a summary of the play

AN Ostrovsky is known for his immortal plays. "Dowry" is one of the most significant works of the great master. This article contains a brief summary of the play. The action takes place in the large Volga town of Bryakhimov. This is a fictional settlement that you will not find on the map.

AN Ostrovsky, "Without a Dowry": a short summary. Action first

Location: summer outdoor area near the coffee shop. An elderly wealthy merchant Knurov and a young novice trader Vozhevatov sit at a table and discuss the news: a local beauty Larissa Ogudalova marries a poor and stupid official Karandyshev. And it happened so. In the house of her family there were always a lot of people gathered, great-name grooms who were trying to get acquainted with the girl. Larissa is poor, and her marriage should correct the financial situation of the family. Her mother dreams of finding a profitable lot for her daughter. But at the last such reception in the house of the Ogudalovs there was a scandal when the next groom was arrested right before the eyes of the failed bride. After that, Larissa promised to marry the first one who would woo her. And this despite the fact that the heart of the beauty is not free. She is in love with the "brilliant master" Paratov, who turned the girl's head and immediately left. Poor, but having immodest claims, Karandyshev in time turned on Larissa's arm and made her an offer, to which she replied with consent. All this was discussed by Vozhevatov and Knurov in the coffee house. The first of them was waiting for the arrival of Paratov, who sold his steamboat "Swallow" to him. They went to meet the "brilliant master" with the gypsies and songs. And at that time the Ogudalovs and Karandyshev appear in the coffee house. The newly-announced fiancé of Larissa is important and, wanting to impress the public, invites Knurov to dinner.

AN Ostrovsky, "Without a Dowry": a short summary. The second action

The main place of action: the house of Ogudalovs. Soon, Paratov appears in the coffee house accompanied by a certain Robinson - provincial actor, and reports that he marries a rich bride "with gold mines." In honor of this event, he organizes a men's picnic outside the Volga and invites Knurov and Vozhevatov to him. But they refuse, motivating that they have already been invited to dinner at the Ogudalovs' house. Soon Knurov arrives at the house of the beautiful Larissa. There he has a conversation with her mother, in which he reproaches the woman that she extradites her daughter to a beggar. Knurov proposes himself as the patron of Larisa. He is sure that she will soon be disappointed in her useless husband, and she will really need an "influential friend".

After this conversation, he leaves. Larissa appears in the living room. She takes the guitar, wishing to fulfill her crown romance "Do not tempt me ...". But the instrument is upset, and the beautiful woman calls from the street of the gypsy, so that he adjusts it. The latter informs the girl that a gentleman has come to the city, whom "they have been waiting for all year". This is Paratov. Soon the culprit of the city commotion appears in the house of the Ogudalovs. Larissa's mother takes him very affectionately and asks where he went so urgently. Paratov tells the woman that he was forced to leave the city in order to save the remains of his estate. He found a way out in marrying a rich bride. Larissa appears in the room. Young people have an explanation in private. Beauty admits to Paratov, which still continues to love him. Soon she introduces him to her fiance Karandyshev, who calls the master to his house for dinner. Paratov accepts the invitation only to laugh at the unfortunate bridegroom.

Ostrovsky. "Without a Dowry." (Summary). The third action

Location: Karandyshev's office. All invited guests appear in the room. The office is cleaned poorly and tasteless. The same can be said of his master. Visitors discuss cheap wine, cheesy lunch and Karandyshev's misunderstanding of his humiliating situation. Larissa remarks that the guests add wine to the groom's glass, laughing at him. He, in turn, is more important and does not notice mockery. The owner is sent for cognac, and Larissa at this time persuaded to join a men's company led by Paratov, who is preparing to go on a picnic for the Volga. The bridegroom returned does not find a bride. Now he understands that they laughed at him. Grabbing his gun, he runs away to look for her.

AN Ostrovsky, "Without a Dowry": a short summary. Step Four

The scene: again the coffee house. On the scene appears Robinson, who was not taken on a picnic. Karandyshev tries to find out from where his guests left with Larissa. Not having achieved anything from Robinson, the unsuccessful bridegroom flees farther in search of his bride. Soon Knurov and Vozhevatov come to the coffee shop, which discuss the current situation of Larisa Ogudalova. They understand that Paratov has compromised the girl, but he will not marry her. Therefore, they have a chance to make a beauty their mistress. In order to decide which of them has the right to do this, the businessmen give up a coin. The lot falls to Mr. Knurov. Vozhevatov promises to get rid of him.

And at this time between Paratov and Larissa there is a conversation where the gentleman thanks the girl for her love. Beauty wants to hear that now the beloved marries her. But he says that this is impossible, since he already has a bride. Realizing that her situation is desperate, Larissa approaches the enclosure of the ship's deck in the intention to rush into the water. At this time Karandyshev appears and says that everything will forgive the bride. But she insults him and drives him away. Enraged fiancé shoots at Larissa and kills her. She gratefully accepts this death.

Drama Ostrovsky "The Bride" was screened in 1984 by the director E. Ryazanov. This is the most popular artistic interpretation of the play. The film "Cruel romance" is called. This tape is soon thirty years old, and we still look at it with trepidation and interest.