The Minor

3 hrs. 2 min.

Classics

Language Russian

Author Denis Fonvizin

Narrator Vyacheslav Gerasimov

Description

This work remains relevant to this day. The action takes place in the family of landowners, where everything is ruled by a domineering woman — Mrs. Prostakova. She blindly loves her son Mitrofanushka, who is lazy, stupid, and spoiled, but his mother has quite a different opinion of her offspring. Also living in the house is a girl named Sophia, a positive heroine who not only knows how to read but is also distinguished by her kind heart. She receives an inheritance and becomes an attractive bride for Mitrofanushka. The girl does not want this marriage, but does that concern the ambitious and self-serving Prostakova? She attempts to get her way by force…
As befits classicism, the ideal heroes are ideal in every respect. The negative characters, however, are drawn vividly and allow the reader to laugh heartily at their stupidity and narrow-mindedness.
Fonvizin's comedy makes one reflect on the problems of upbringing and education, and raises questions of permissiveness and freedom. The "minor" is ridiculed and exposed without embellishment, evoking a powerful inner response…