How to correctly determine the genre of the work "The Captain's Daughter"

The value of the contribution of AS. Pushkin in the Russian culture is difficult to overestimate. It is for this reason that many articles and monographs are devoted to the study of his work.

As you know, an outstanding Russian writer worked in different genres. He is the author of novels, fairy tales, poems.

The genre of the work "The Captain's Daughter" can not be defined unambiguously. This, as we shall see in the following, has its own reasons. Some researchers claim that this is a story, others define it as a novel. So, let's try to understand what is the genre of the work "The Captain's Daughter".

Why it is necessary to determine the genre of this work

The most popular judgments about the genre of this book contradict each other. This applies to both the definition of the main genre (novel or novel) and its features. It's easier to say, if you still characterize this work as a novel, you need to understand what it is: historical, family, and love.

So, let's try to analyze how in this book the signs of different genres are combined. Also we will try to come to a definite conclusion that will allow you to feel more aware if someone suddenly asks you: "Indicate the genre of the work" The Captain's Daughter ".

Understanding the "Captain's Daughter" as a story

So, we need to understand the genre of the work "The Captain's Daughter". Let's try to figure out whether this is a novel or a story. Researchers who hold the first opinion, proceed from the fact that this work is small in volume, covers a short period. The first adherent of this point of view is usually considered to be V.G. Belinsky, who finds Grinev and his surroundings ordinary and colorless.

The definition of "Captain's daughter" as a novel of education

"The Captain's Daughter" can be considered a kind of novel of upbringing. The main character changes very much in a relatively short period of time. Constantly facing dangers, Grinev learns to overcome them. According to literary traditions, the presence of an adventure at the beginning of the work and the motive of the road (the symbol of the life path) are characteristic of the educational novel. If you re-review the work, then make sure that most of the time the main character is on the road.

So, the genre of the work "Captain's daughter" Pushkin A.S. By right can be defined as a novel of education.

Features of a love story in "The Captain's Daughter"

It should be noted that in the novel there is a love affair. In addition, this work has a constant feature of this genre - a love triangle.

However, the theme of love in the work is not leading, although, undoubtedly, it shows the origin of the feelings of Peter and Masha, a duel for the beloved, the separation, the conjunction of Grinev and Maria at the end of the book. Nevertheless, the love story in the book, rather, comes second. It is not the main one.

So, the genre of the work "The Captain's Daughter" can not be defined as a love story, although the theme of love in the work is present.

Historical novel "The Captain's Daughter"

A significant part of literary critics define this work as a "historical novel." Indeed, it is dedicated to a specific historical event, namely the Emelian Pugachev revolt. The work contains historical characters: Catherine the Great and Emelyan Pugachev. When writing the novel Pushkin turned to documents, talked with eyewitnesses of that time. The author, of course, managed to convey the atmosphere of this historical period.

For this reason, if there is a task "Specify the genre of the work" Captain's Daughter ", it is possible to answer that this is a historical novel. However, Pushkin's creation is distinguished by a number of features from other works of this type.

As noted by B. Tomashevsky, a researcher of the writer's work, Pushkin created his novel under the influence of the events of the present time, trying to see and convey that which united the two epochs.

It is worth noting one more feature of this work. Pushkin wrote "The Captain's Daughter" in a memoir form. The main reason why he decided to lead the narrative on behalf of Grinev, most researchers consider the desire to circumvent censorship.

IN AND. Lavretzkaya notes that this form of presentation helped the author to hide his attitude towards Pugachev's uprising. There is also an opinion that Pushkin, using the memoir way of exposition, tried to show the contradictory position of Grinev. This allowed the writer to reveal the complexity of the image of Emelian Pugachev and emphasize not only his ruthlessness, but also the nobility of the soul.

The third reason why the author chooses the memorial form, as Lotman points out, is the writer's desire to show historical characters in ordinary life. For example, he portrays the Empress as a lady "in a night cap". Pugachev is also shown by the author in a relaxed atmosphere.

The genre of the work "The Captain's Daughter" can not be a story. This is a novel, because it reflects the development of the personality of Peter Grinev, the background of which are important historical events for Russia.

Thus, the product combines the characteristics of the novel of educational quality, a novel about love, a historical novel. The memorial form gives this product a domestic flavor.