Characteristics of Taras Bulba through the eyes of our contemporaries

"Taras Bulba" - a small work of Gogol, certainly one of the most vivid impressions of the school program on literature. What was it and why was it included in the program?

On the one hand, it's amazing, because it seems that this is not a child's work at all. Indeed, what is it about? It is about how two sons came to one of the Cossacks of the Don Cossacks. He collects them and carries them to acquaint them with his comrades, to the camp.

"When the army" young people are entertained by a very reprehensible method by today's standards, and then the Cossacks start a military campaign simply to "warm up". It is besieging the city for no apparent reason, and there is a meaningless bloodshed.

Here is the canvas of the work, which is recommended for reading to all schoolchildren. The question arises about what is there to read. What is the characteristic of Taras Bulba? Is it positive or negative? None of those who thoughtfully read this work, will not turn his tongue to say that this is a negative hero. But what attracts in it? After all, he is very eccentric, rude, and even killed his own son! To what extent is such a brief description of Taras Bulba true and complete?

There are probably some very attractive character traits in it, which outweigh all of the above and even force them to call it the influence of the era. Certainly, Taras Bulba is a hero. The characteristic of Taras Bulba is impossible without mention of his love for the Motherland and for God. This love is expressed very specific, but it is a whole, sincere feeling. It is devoid of any accounts and thoughts about the benefits of its or its sons.

Speaking of sons. If Taras Bulba can still be spoken with warmth, admire the integrity of his nature, similar to the first Christian martyrs, then the attitude to Andrei, I think, has changed fundamentally in recent years. Here we have two sons of Taras: the rude elder - Ostap and the more subtle younger - Andrei. From the very beginning, the heart of the modern reader is more to the younger son. Character Ostap in the story "Taras Bulba" is not too attractive. And Andrew is smarter, smarter, mentally thinner and, in addition, in love.

But during the campaign, it's Andrew who commits treason. Is it apologetic? I think that, unfortunately, opinions will be divided. The concept of betrayal was somehow leveled recently. It is understandable and even understandable, but it's not excusable.

What has changed in the minds of our contemporaries, that the characterization of Taras Bulba is ready to become negative for us, and the traitor Andrew is almost a hero? Where did the concept of honor, dignity, decency go from our consciousness? Why did the value of human life come first? And how it is correct?

I foresee the surprise of readers. "Of course, human life is the most important and most valuable thing," they will say. But then why is there something for which it is worth giving?

While "Taras Bulba" in school programs, while the description of Taras Bulba is discussed, while the children are still talking about it, not everything is lost for Russian morality.