Leskov N. Levsha, Folklore traditions in the work of one of the Russian writers of the 19th century
We place the report of a student of the 10th humanitarian class at the Topaler Readings in 2015.
Zhirnova Sasha. Features of the story by N.S. Leskov "Lefty" and its film adaptations
(before the start of the report, the cartoon is displayed on the screen from the beginning to 00:25 sec)
Introduction
Many of us must have known this old Soviet cartoon based on the story "Lefty" since childhood. However, even those who have carefully read Leskov's story are unlikely to think about how accurately this seemingly uncomplicated film adaptation conveys the main features of not only Leskov's work, but the entire so-called "folk epic".
Genre features
To identify the characteristic features of the story "Lefty", first of all, one should turn to the genre of the tale in which the story is written. A tale is a genre with an emphasis on the spoken word (that is, a recreation or imitation of speech), or a genre in which the narrator and the author do not match. Most likely, “Lefty” refers to the second type of tale, which explains the need to publish a preface to the story: “Certainly, the preface was an obvious literary device designed to justify the introduction of a personified narrator, a bearer of a special speech system, that is, to motivate the skaz narrative form of the story” (E .L. Beznosov, ""The Tale of the Tula left-hander ..." as a folk epic":).
In the cartoon, unlike the story, the separation of the author and the narrator is not so obvious, because, although they speak different languages, the composition of the author's speech is in no way separated from the speech of the narrator and begins almost immediately after it.
(here you need to show the cartoon from 40:50 min to the end)
However, we should not forget that the tale is not the only genre to which the story "Lefty" belongs. Leskov does not fit into the “mainstream” of Russian literature of his time at all - there are no so-called “big ideas” in his works, he is interested in an anecdote, which he writes about in his “Literary Explanation”, published after readers, having read the preface, in which said that the author heard the story of Lefty from an old Tula master, they began to reproach Leskov for his role in the narrative being purely shorthand. “As for the most Tula-savvy English flea, this is not a legend at all, but a short joke or joke, like the“ German monkey ”, which“ the German invented, but she couldn’t sit down (everything jumped), and the Moscow furrier took it tail sewn on- she sat down. In this monkey and in the flea, there is even the same idea and the same tone, in which boasting, perhaps, is much less than mild irony over one’s ability to perfect any overseas cunning, ”he writes.
So what is a joke? First of all, this is an intricate story that does not pretend to be plausible, which is clearly reflected in the story, where there is a lot of improbability: from anachronisms (Platov's arrival in St. Petersburg, mentioned in the story, could not have happened before 1826, while Platov died already in 1818, which Leskov certainly knew about) to fabulous elements, which will be discussed later.
Popular tradition
Speaking of an anecdote in the Russian literary tradition, it is impossible not to recall the lubok, or lubok pictures, which were very popular among the third estate in the period from the 18th to the 19th centuries. A distinctive feature of such pictures was the simplicity of the technique of drawing and composition, as well as, depending on the genre, the instructiveness or intricacy of the depicted plot.
(here you need to show several examples of popular prints, for example: “Mice bury a cat”, “Kulikovskaya battle”:).
The creators of the cartoon very accurately captured the spirit of the story, as if descended from one of these popular prints, and filmed "Lefty" in this style.
(here you can turn on the cartoon in one place and compare the image with popular prints)
epic
But, in my opinion, the most important thing in the cartoon is not even the reproduction of the popular tradition, but the preservation and correct presentation of the folklore-epic genre, which are noticeable here almost more than in the original story.
This applies, for example, to the character and image of the heroes, as A.A. Gorelov: “The overturning of the entire Russian historical world into the folklore sphere gave the characters of Leskov’s tale those features that allow us to see in each owner of a real-historical name not a true figure in history, but some kind of oral-folk version of his activity, to imply behind each name some well-deserved bearer in history, among the people, a reputation, an idea accepted and spread by general rumor. First of all, one should recall the image of Ataman Platov, who “as soon as he heard that there was such unrest in the palace, he now got up from the couch and appeared before the sovereign in all orders.”
(here you need to show an episode from the cartoon where Platov arrives in St. Petersburg, 13:10)
In the same article, E.L. Beznosov writes: “The same kind of [supernatural] abilities speaks for an incredibly long time from the point of view of the ordinary, Platov’s continued lying on the “annoying couch” and equally endless smoking of a pipe. This testifies to the fact that the narrator of the story about the left-hander clothes it in folklore forms, as if he thinks in clichéd folklore images. These folklore images include the extraordinary image of Platov's ride, which is also reflected in the cartoon.
(episode with a trip to Tula, 14:30)
No less important is the image of a jewel stored in several receptacles, which can be found in many folk tales and epics (for example, we all remember the tale of Koshchei the Immortal).
(episode with buying a flea, 9:57)
Outcome
All these and many other features of the story, reflected in the film adaptation, serve one goal, and this goal is not to humiliate the Russian people, as some thought, and not to flatter them, as others thought, but to explore (namely, explore) the amazing Russian character depicted not even in the nameless left-handed master, but in the epic nature of the narrative, which is created in the cartoon with the help of detail, general style and following Russian traditions.
The main thing of my work “Lefty is a People's Hero” (as well as the idea of N.S. Leskov's tale itself) is an unquenchable faith in the Russian person, his decency, loyalty to the fatherland and incomparable skill. The personification of the collective image of the folk hero in the story of Nikolai Semenovich is the simple Tula master Levsha.
The proximity of the image of Lefty with folklore heroes
The image of Lefty in Leskov's work echoes the heroes of Russian folk art, where the generalized image personified the characteristic features, originality and aspirations of the Russian people. The proximity of Lefty to folklore heroes is also evidenced by his namelessness. After all, we do not know either his name or any biographical data. The namelessness of the hero emphasizes the fact that in Rus' there were many people of the same kind devoted to the state - unsurpassed masters and true sons of their land.
Individual features in the image of the Tula master
The hero has only two traits. The main feature is the unusual talent of the master. Together with Tula craftsmen, Lefty managed to create a truly wonderful invention by shoeing a miniature English flea. In addition, in this very difficult job, Lefty got the most difficult part of it - forging microscopic carnations for horseshoes.
The second individual trait of the hero is his natural feature - he is left-handed, which became the common name of the character. This fact, which simply shocked the British, only emphasizes his uniqueness - to be able to create such a complex invention without any special devices, and even being left-handed.
The problem of power and people in the story
The people and power in the tale "Lefty" is one of the problems that the author raises. N.S. Leskov contrasts two tsars - Alexander and Nicholas, in the era of whose reign the events of the work take place, in their attitude towards the Russian people. Emperor Alexander Pavlovich loved everything foreign and spent little time in his native country, because he believed that the Russian people were not capable of something great. His brother Nicholas, who followed him to the throne, had a completely opposite point of view, he believed in the true skill and dedication of his people.
The attitude of Nikolai Pavlovich to a simple Russian person is perfectly illustrated by the case of Lefty. When Platov could not understand what the invention of the Tula craftsmen consisted of, deciding that they had deceived him, he regretfully informed the tsar about this. However, the emperor did not believe and ordered to send for Lefty, expecting something incredible: “I know that mine cannot deceive me. Something beyond the concept has been done here. ”
And the Russian people in the image of Lefty did not disappoint the sovereign.
Simplicity and modesty, indifference to wealth and fame, namelessness of the character and great love for the motherland allow us to consider Lefty as a collective image of the Russian people in the work. The folk hero Levsha is the personification of the true soul of a simple Russian person, for whom the work of serving the motherland, although it cost his life, he managed to justify the trust placed in him and prove the power of skill.
Artwork test
"Lefty" is a touching story about a master who devoted his whole life to working for the good of his homeland. Leskov creates many literary images that live and act in the atmosphere of bygone days.
In 1881, the magazine "Rus" published "The Tale of the Tula Lefty and the Steel Flea." Later, the author will include the work in the collection "The Righteous".
Fictional and real are intertwined in a single whole. The plot is based on true events that allow one to adequately perceive the characters described in the work.
So, Emperor Alexander I, accompanied by the Cossack Matvey Platov, really visited England. In accordance with his rank, he was accorded due honors.
The true story of Lefty unfolded in 1785, when two Tula gunsmiths, Surnin and Leontiev, went to England by order of the emperor to get acquainted with the weapons industry. Surnin is tireless in acquiring new knowledge, while Leontiev "plunges" into a disorderly life and "gets lost" in a foreign land. Seven years later, the first master returns home to Russia and introduces innovations to improve weapons production.
It is believed that the master Surnin is the prototype of the protagonist of the work.
Leskov widely uses the folklore layer. So, the feuilleton about the miracle master Ilya Yunitsyn, who creates tiny locks, no larger than a flea, is the basis for the image of Lefty.
Real historical material is harmoniously integrated into the narrative.
Genre, direction
There are differences in terms of genre. Some authors prefer the story, others prefer the tale. As for N. S. Leskov, he insists that the work be defined as a tale.
"Lefty" is also characterized as a "weapons" or "shop" legend that has developed among people of this profession.
According to Nikolai Semenovich, the source of the tale is the "fable" he heard in 1878 from some gunsmith in Sestroretsk. The legend became the starting point that formed the basis of the idea of the book.
The writer's love for the people, admiration for his talents, ingenuity found its embodiment in relief characters. The work is saturated with elements of a fairy tale, winged words and expressions, folklore satire.
essence
The plot of the book makes you think about whether Russia can truly appreciate its talents. The main events of the work clearly indicate that both the authorities and the mob are equally blind and indifferent towards the masters of their craft. Emperor Alexander I visits England. He is shown an amazing piece of work by the English craftsmen - a dancing metal flea. He acquires a "curiosity" and brings it to Russia. For a while, the "nymphosoria" is forgotten. Then Emperor Nicholas I became interested in the “masterpiece” of the British. He sent General Platov to the Tula gunsmiths.
In Tula, a "courageous old man" orders three craftsmen to do something more skillful than the "English" flea. The craftsmen thank him for the sovereign's trust and set to work.
Two weeks later, Platov, who arrived for the finished product, without understanding what exactly the gunsmiths did, grabs Lefty and takes him to the palace to the king. Appearing before Nikolai Pavlovich, Lefty shows what work they have done. It turned out that the gunsmiths had shod the "English" flea. The emperor is happy that the Russian fellows did not let him down.
Then follows the order of the sovereign to send the flea back to England in order to demonstrate the skill of Russian gunsmiths. The left-hander accompanies the "nymphosoria". The British welcome him warmly. Interested in his talent, they do everything possible so that the Russian craftsman remains in a foreign land. But Lefty refuses. He is homesick and asks to be sent home. The British are sorry to let him go, but you can't keep him by force.
On the ship, the master meets the half-skipper, who speaks Russian. Acquaintance ends with drinking. In St. Petersburg, a half-skipper is sent to a hospital for foreigners, and Lefty, who is sick, is imprisoned in a "cold quarter" and robbed. Later, they are brought to die in the common people's Obukhov hospital. The left-hander, living out his last hours, asks Dr. Martyn-Solsky to inform the sovereign of important information. But it does not reach Nicholas I, since Count Chernyshev does not want to hear anything about it. Here's what the piece says.
Main characters and their characteristics
- Emperor Alexander I- "the enemy of labor." Differs in curiosity, a very impressionable person. Suffering from melancholy. Bows before foreign miracles, believing that only the British can create them. Compassionate and compassionate, building a policy with the British, carefully smoothing out sharp corners.
- Emperor Nikolai Pavlovich- ambitious "soldafon". Has an excellent memory. He does not like to yield to foreigners in anything. He believes in the professionalism of his subjects, proves the failure of foreign masters. However, the common man does not interest him. He never thinks about how hard this skill is achieved.
- Platov Matvei Ivanovich- Don Cossack, Count. Heroism and sweeping prowess emanates from his figure. A truly legendary person, who is the living embodiment of courage and courage. He has great endurance, willpower. He loves his native land immensely. A family man, in a foreign land he misses his native household. Insensitive to foreign creations. He believes that the Russian people will be able to do everything, no matter what they look at. Impatient. Without understanding, he can beat a commoner. If he is wrong, then he will certainly ask for forgiveness, since a magnanimous heart is hidden behind the image of a tough and invincible chieftain.
- Tula masters is the hope of the nation. They are well-versed in the "metal business". They have a bold imagination. Excellent gunsmiths who believe in miracles. Orthodox people are full of church piety. They hope for God's help in solving difficult problems. They honor the gracious word of the sovereign. Thank you for the trust placed in them. They personify the Russian people and their good qualities, which are described in detail Here.
- oblique southpaw- Skilled gunsmith There is a birthmark on the cheek. He wears an old "ozyamchik" with hooks. In the modest appearance of a great worker, a bright mind and a kind soul are hidden. Before taking on any important business, he goes to church to receive a blessing. The characteristics and description of Lefty are detailed in this essay. He patiently endures Platov's bullying, although he did nothing wrong. Later, he forgives the old Cossack, not harboring resentment in his heart. The left-hander is sincere, speaks simply, without flattery and cunning. Immensely loves the fatherland, never agrees to exchange his homeland for well-being and comfort in England. It is difficult to endure separation from their native places.
- half-skipper- an acquaintance of Levsha, who speaks Russian. We met on a ship bound for Russia. We drank a lot together. After arriving in St. Petersburg, he takes care of the gunsmith, trying to rescue him from the terrible conditions of the Obukhov hospital and find a person who would convey an important message from the master to the sovereign.
- Dr. Martyn-Solsky- a true professional in his field. He tries to help Lefty overcome the disease, but does not have time. He becomes that confidant to whom Lefty tells a secret intended for the sovereign.
- Count Chernyshev- a narrow-minded Minister of War, with great conceit. He despises the common people. He has little interest in firearms. Because of his narrow-mindedness, narrowness of thinking, he substitutes the Russian army in battles with the enemy in the Crimean War.
- The theme of Russian talents runs like a red thread through all of Leskov's work. The left-hander, without any glass enlargers, was able to make small studs to nail horseshoes to a metal flea. His imagination has no limits. But it's not just about talent. Tula gunsmiths are hard workers who do not know how to rest. With their diligence, they create not only outlandish products, but also a unique national code that is passed down from generation to generation.
- The theme of patriotism deeply worried Leskov. Dying on the cold floor in the hospital corridor, Lefty thinks about his homeland. He asks the doctor to find an opportunity to inform the sovereign that it is impossible to clean the guns with bricks, since this will result in their unsuitability. Martyn-Solsky tries to convey this information to the Minister of War, Chernyshev, but everything turns out to be fruitless. The words of the master do not reach the sovereign, but the cleaning of guns continues until the very Crimean campaign. Outrageous is this unforgivable disregard of the tsarist officials for the people and for their fatherland!
- The tragic fate of Lefty is a reflection of the problem of social injustice in Russia. Leskov's tale is both cheerful and sad at the same time. The story of how Tula craftsmen shoe a flea, demonstrating a selfless attitude to work, is captivating. In parallel with this, serious reflections of the author about the difficult fate of brilliant people from the people sound. The problem of attitude to folk craftsmen at home and in a foreign land worries the writer. In England, Lefty is respected, they offer him excellent working conditions, and they also try to interest him in various curiosities. In Russia, he is faced with indifference and cruelty.
- The problem of love for one's native places, to native nature. The native corner of the earth is especially dear to man. Memories of him captivate the soul and give energy to create something beautiful. Many, like Lefty, are drawn to their homeland, since no foreign blessings can replace parental love, the atmosphere of their home and the sincerity of faithful comrades.
- The problem of the attitude of talented people to work. Masters are obsessed with finding new ideas. These are workers who are fanatically passionate about their work. Many of them “burn out” at work, because they give their all to the implementation of their plans without a trace.
- Issues of power. What is the true strength of a person? Representatives of the authorities allow themselves in relation to ordinary people to go beyond the “permitted”, shout at them, use their fists. Craftsmen with calm dignity endure such an attitude of the masters. The true strength of a person is in balance and steadfastness of character, and not in the manifestation of incontinence and spiritual impoverishment. Leskov cannot stay away from the problem of a heartless attitude towards people, their lack of rights and oppression. Why is so much cruelty applied to the people? Doesn't he deserve humane treatment? The poor Lefty is indifferently left to die on the cold hospital floor, without doing anything that could somehow help him get out of the strong bonds of the disease.
Topics and issues
the main idea
Lefty is a symbol of the talent of the Russian people. Another bright image from Leskov's gallery of "righteous people". No matter how hard it is, the righteous always fulfills the promise, gives himself to the fatherland to the last drop, without demanding anything in return. Love for the native land, for the sovereign works wonders and makes you believe in the impossible. The righteous rise above the line of simple morality and unselfishly do good - this is their moral idea, their main idea.
Many statesmen do not appreciate this, but in the memory of the people there always remain examples of selfless behavior and sincere, disinterested deeds of those people who lived not for themselves, but for the glory and well-being of their Fatherland. The meaning of their life is in the prosperity of the Fatherland.
Peculiarities
Having brought together bright flashes of folk humor and folk wisdom, the creator of "The Tale" wrote a work of art that reflected an entire era of Russian life.
In places in "Lefty" it is difficult to determine where good ends and evil begins. This shows the "cunning" of the writer's style. He creates characters, sometimes contradictory, carrying both positive and negative traits. So, the courageous old man Platov, being a heroic nature, could never raise his hand against a “little” person.
"Wizard of the word" - this is how Gorky called Leskov after reading the book. The folk language of the heroes of the work is their bright and accurate description. The speech of each character is figurative and original. It exists in unison with his character, helping to understand the character, his actions. The Russian person is characterized by ingenuity, so he comes up with unusual neologisms in the spirit of “folk etymology”: “trifle”, “busters”, “thump”, “valdakhin”, “melkoskop”, “nymphosoria”, etc.
What does it teach?
N. S. Leskov teaches a fair attitude towards people. All are equal before God. It is necessary to judge each person not by his social affiliation, but by Christian deeds and spiritual qualities.
Only then can one find a diamond that glows with righteous rays of warmth and sincerity.
Interesting? Save it on your wall!Composition
1. The best features of the Russian people in Lefty.
2. The originality and talent of the hero.
3. Patriotism Lefty.
4. Tragic image.
Leskov is the most original Russian writer, alien to any outside influences. Reading his books, you feel Rus' better...
M. Gorky
N. S. Leskov based his well-known tale “Lefty” on a folk joke about how “the British made a flea out of steel, and our Tula people shoed it, and sent it back to them.”
By the power of artistic imagination, the writer created the image of a talented hero-nugget. Lefty is the embodiment of natural Russian talent, diligence, patience and cheerful good nature. The image of Lefty embodied the best features of the Russian people: sharpness, modesty, originality. How many such unknown folk craftsmen were in Rus'!
The whole story is imbued with a sense of deep patriotism. Undoubtedly, an important point is the fact that "Tsar Nikolai Pavlovich was very confident in his Russian people, and did not like to yield to any foreigner." Here is what he said to the Cossack Platov, ordering him to convey to the Tula masters: “Tell them from me that my brother was surprised at this thing and praised strangers who made infusoria the most, and I hope on my own that they are no worse. They will not utter my word, they will do something.
Before big and small deeds in Rus', they always asked God's blessing. And the masters in Leskov's story pray before the icon of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of trade and military affairs. The strict secret under which they did their job suggests that the Russian people did not like to flaunt themselves. The main thing for them was to do the job, not to disgrace their worker's honor. They tried to scare them, as if the house was on fire in the neighborhood, but nothing took these cunning craftsmen. Once, only Lefty leaned out on his shoulders and shouted: "Burn yourself, but we have no time." It is bitter that many such nuggets of Russia lived in a terrible environment of trampled human dignity. And, unfortunately, many of them were dominated by the "anarchist-drunk element", which aggravated their already unhappy situation. Any petty tyrant could inadvertently, through negligence, indifference, and simply foolishly ruin a talent. The obedience of the Left-hander, who is taken away from his native land, no one knows where, without a “tugament”, sadly speaks of this. “The masters only dared to tell him for a comrade, why, they say, are you taking him away from us without a tugament? He can't be followed back!" But the answer was only Platov's fist. And this humility, combined with self-esteem, confidence in his capable hands, with genuine modesty is clearly reflected by Leskov in the character of Lefty.
His answer to Platov, when he, without understanding, beats him and ruffles his hair, arouses respect: “I already have all my hair torn out during my studies, but now I don’t know why I need such a repetition?” And confident in his work, he says further with dignity: “We are very pleased that you vouched for us, but we didn’t spoil anything: take a look at the strongest melkoscope.”
The left-hander is not ashamed to appear before the sovereign himself in his "old little fellow", whose collar is torn. There is no servility or servility in him. The natural simplicity with which he answers the sovereign without embarrassment surprises the nobles, but all their nods and hints that it is necessary with the sovereign in a courtly manner with flattery and cunning lead to nothing. The sovereign himself says: "Leave it ..., let him answer as he can." With this, Leskov once again emphasizes that the main thing in a person is not appearance and manners (anyone can be dressed and taught manners), but his talent, his ability to bring people benefit and joy. After all, it was the Left-hander who interested the British, and not the courier, although he "had a rank and was taught in different languages."
Lefty's patriotism, even in its naive simplicity, evokes sincere sympathy and respect. It is constantly emphasized by the author: “We are all committed to our homeland”, “I have parents at home”, “Our Russian faith is the most correct, and as our forefathers believed, descendants should also believe in the same way.” Even the British poured tea for him out of respect "in Russian, with a bite of sugar." And what they just didn’t offer to Lefty, appreciating his talent and inner dignity, but “the British could not bring him down with anything, so that he would be seduced by them ...”.
His longing for his homeland is so strong that no conveniences, manifestations, innovations could keep Lefty in a foreign land: “As they left the buffet for the Solid Earth Sea, so his desire for Russia became such that it was impossible to calm him down ...”. And what could be more annoying, deplorable and absurd than the behavior of Lefty on the ship when returning from England? "Anarchist-drunk element" played a tragic role in his fate.
The fate of the hero Leskov is deeply tragic. With what indifference he was greeted in his homeland! The left-hander perishes senselessly and unknown, as often happened in Russian history, amazing talents perished, neglected by contemporaries and bitterly mourned by descendants. “They drove Lefty so uncovered, but when they start transferring from one cab to another, they all drop it, and they start picking it up - they tear the ears so that they come to memory. They brought him to one hospital - they don’t accept him without a tugament, they brought him to another - and they don’t accept him there, and so to the third, and to the fourth - until the very morning they dragged him along all the remote crooked paths and transplanted everything, so that he was beaten all over. Being already at death, Lefty thinks not about his life, but about his Fatherland and asks to convey to the sovereign what struck him the most with the British: then God bless the war, they are not good for shooting.
The tale of Lefty, who shod a steel flea, soon after writing became a legend in Russia, and the hero himself became a symbol of the amazing art of folk craftsmen, a true type of Russian folk character, his amazing spiritual simplicity, inner human dignity, talent, patience and honesty. The writer himself agreed with the generalizing thought of the reviewer of Novoye Vremya that “where “left-handed” stands, one should read “Russian people”.
