Lefty is a folk hero. "The true type of Russian folk character in" Lefty What folklore images are in the tale of a lefty

The theme of patriotism was often raised in the works of Russian literature at the end of the 19th century. But only in the story "Lefty" is it connected with the idea of ​​the need for a careful attitude to the talents that ennoble the face of Russia in the eyes of other countries.

History of creation

The story "Levsha" first began to be published in the magazine "Rus" Nos. 49, 50 and 51 from October 1881 under the title "The Tale of the Tula Lefty and the Steel Flea (Tsehovaya Legend)". The idea for the creation of the work by Leskov was a popular joke that the British made a flea, and the Russians "shod it, but sent it back." According to the writer's son, his father spent the summer of 1878 in Sestroretsk, visiting a gunsmith. There, in a conversation with Colonel N. Ye. Bolonin, one of the employees of the local arms factory, he found out the origin of the joke.

In the preface, the author wrote that he was only retelling a legend known among gunsmiths. This well-known technique, once used by Gogol and Pushkin to give special credibility to the narrative, in this case did Leskov a disservice. Critics and the reading public literally took the words of the writer, and later he had to especially explain that he was still the author, and not the retelling of the work.

Description of the work

Leskov's story in genre would be most accurately called a story: it presents a large temporal layer of narration, there is a development of the plot, its beginning and end. The writer called his work a story, apparently in order to emphasize a special "fabulous" form of narration used in it.

(The Emperor examines the shod flea with difficulty and interest)

The story begins in 1815 with the trip of Emperor Alexander I with General Platov to England. There, the Russian tsar is presented with a gift from local craftsmen - a miniature steel flea that can "drive" with its antennae and "touch" with its legs. The gift was intended to show the superiority of the English masters over the Russians. After the death of Alexander I, his successor Nicholas I became interested in the gift and demanded to find masters who would be "no worse". So Platov called three masters in Tula, among them Lefty, who managed to shoe a flea and put the name of the master on each horseshoe. The left-hander did not leave his name, because he forged carnations, and "there is no small scope to take."

(But the guns at the court were cleaned in the old fashioned way.)

The left-hander was sent to England with a "savvy nymphosoria" so that they would understand that "this is not surprising to us." The British were amazed at the jewelry work and invited the master to stay, showed him everything they had taught him. Lefty himself knew how to do everything. He was amazed only by the condition of the rifle barrels - they were not cleaned with crushed bricks, so the accuracy of firing from such rifles was high. The left-hander began to get ready to go home, he had to urgently tell the Emperor about the guns, otherwise "God save the war, they are not good for shooting." Out of anguish, Lefty drank all the way with an English friend, the "half-keeper", fell ill and on his arrival in Russia found himself dying. But until the last minute of his life he tried to convey to the generals the secret of cleaning guns. And if they brought the words of Lefty to the Tsar, then, as he writes

main characters

Among the heroes of the story there are fictitious and there are personalities who really existed in history, including: two Russian emperors, Alexander I and Nicholas I, ataman of the Don Army MI Platov, prince, agent of Russian intelligence A.I. Chernyshev, M.D. Solsky, Doctor of Medicine (in the story - Martyn-Solsky), Count K.V. Nesselrode (in the story - Kiselvrode).

(Left-handed "nameless" master at work)

The main character is a left-handed weapons-maker. He has no name, only an artisan peculiarity - he worked with his left hand. Leskovsky Lefty had a prototype - Alexei Mikhailovich Surnin, who worked as a gunsmith, who was studying in England and passed on the secrets of the case to Russian craftsmen after his return. It is no coincidence that the author did not give the hero his own name, leaving the common noun - Lefty is one of the types of righteous depicted in various works, with their self-denial and sacrifice. The personality of the hero has pronounced national features, but the type is deduced to be universal, international.

It is not for nothing that the only friend of the hero, about whom I have been told, is a representative of a different nationality. This is a sailor from the English ship Polskiper, who has served his "comrade" Lefty a disservice. To dispel the longing of his Russian friend for his homeland, Polshipper made a bet with him that he would drink Lefty. A large amount of vodka drunk and became the cause of the illness, and then the death of the yearning hero.

Lefty's patriotism is contrasted with the false adherence to the interests of the Fatherland of the other heroes of the story. Emperor Alexander I is embarrassed before the British when Platov points out to him that Russian craftsmen can do things just as well. In Nicholas I, a sense of patriotism is based on personal vanity. And the brightest "patriot" in Platov's story is such only abroad, and having arrived at home, he becomes a cruel and rude serf-owner. He does not trust Russian craftsmen and is afraid that they would spoil the English work and replace the diamond.

Analysis of the work

(Left-handed flea)

The work is distinguished by its genre and narrative originality. It resembles the genre of a Russian tale based on a legend. There is a lot of fantasy and fabulousness in it. There are also direct references to the plots of Russian fairy tales. So, the emperor hides the gift first in a nut, which he then puts in a golden snuffbox, and the latter, in turn, hides it in a travel box, in much the same way as the fabulous Kashchei igloo hides. In Russian fairy tales, tsars are traditionally described with irony, as in Leskov's story both emperors are presented.

The idea of ​​the story is the fate and place in the state of a talented master. The entire work is permeated with the idea that talent in Russia is defenseless and not in demand. It is in the interests of the state to support it, but it grossly destroys talent, as if it is an unnecessary, ubiquitous weed.

Another ideological theme of the work was the opposition of the true patriotism of the national hero to the vanity of characters from the upper strata of society and the rulers of the country themselves. Lefty loves his country selflessly and ardently. Representatives of the nobility are looking for a reason to be proud, but they do not take the trouble to make the life of the country better. This consumer attitude leads to the fact that at the end of the work the state loses one more talent, which was sacrificed to the vanity of first the general, then the emperor.

The story "Levsha" gave literature the image of yet another righteous man, now on the martyr's path of serving the Russian state. The originality of the language of the work, its aphorism, brightness and accuracy of the wording made it possible to disassemble the story into quotes that were widely spread among the people.

The image of the Russian people in the tale "Lefty" by N. S. Leskov

In most of the works of Nikolai Semyonovich Leskov, a special folk type of hero is depicted - a person, a bearer of high moral qualities, a righteous man. Such are the characters in the works "The Enchanted Wanderer", "The Man on the Clock" and others. Levit - the main character of "The Tale of the Tula oblique left-hander and the steel flea" - is one of such images.

Outwardly, the left-hander is modest and unattractive. He is oblique, "there is a birthmark on his cheek, and the hairs on his temples were torn out during training." He is poorly dressed, "one leg is in a boot, the other is wobbling, and the little hole is old, the hooks are not fastened, they are lost, and the collar is torn." Platov is even ashamed to show the left-handed tsar. He is uneducated and inexperienced in dealing with noble people.

But this person turns out to be the only positive hero of the work. He does not see a big trouble in his own ignorance, but not because he is stupid. For the common man, there is something more important than his own person. “We haven’t got into the sciences, but only loyal to our fatherland,” - this is how the left-handed man replies to the surprised Englishmen who noticed his ignorance.

Lefty is a true patriot of his homeland. He does not speak loud words about love for the homeland. However, he does not agree to stay in England for nothing, although he is promised all sorts of benefits. "We<…>committed to their homeland, ”this is his answer.

Lefty, being a skilled craftsman, does not boast of his talent. Examining the factories and workshops of the British, he sincerely praised the guns, recognizing their superiority: “This<…>against ours is not and an example is the most excellent. " Once in Europe, the left-hander is not lost. He behaves confidently, with dignity, but without impudence. The innate culture of human idleness commands respect.

The life of a left-hander is full of difficulties. But he does not despair, does not complain about fate, but tries to live as he knows how, resignedly tolerates Plato's lawlessness when he takes him to Petersburg without a passport. This speaks of such folk traits as life wisdom and patience.

Leskov draws to readers one of the best representatives of the people, a simple Russian man with excellent moral qualities. But at the same time, the left-hander is subject to the main Russian vice - drunkenness. He could not refuse the many British invitations for a drink. Illness, drunkenness, a difficult return home by sea, the lack of medical assistance, the indifference of others - all this ruined the left-hander.

Leskov admires the left-handed man, admires his talent and spiritual beauty, sympathizes with his difficult fate. The image drawn by the writer is a symbol of the Russian people, strong, talented, but unnecessary for their own government.

Searched here:

• as depicted by the people of Leskov in the tale of the left-hander
• the image of a left-handed person in Leskov's tale
• what are the best qualities of the Russian people depicted in the tale of Levsha

The main part of my essay "Lefty - a national hero" (as well as the idea of ​​NS Leskov's tale itself) is an inextinguishable faith in a Russian person, his decency, loyalty to the motherland and incomparable skill. The personification of the collective image of the national hero in the story of Nikolai Semenovich is the simple Tula master Lefty.

The closeness of the Lefty's image with folk 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. Lefty's closeness to folk 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 Russia there were many people of the same loyal to the state - unsurpassed masters and real sons of their land.

Individual traits in the image of the Tula master

The hero is distinguished by only two features. The main feature is the extraordinary talent of the master. Together with the Tula craftsmen, Levsha 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 its 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 "Levsha" is one of the problems that the author raises. NS. Leskov contrasts the two tsars - Alexander and Nicholas, in the era of whose rule the events of the work take place, in their relation to the Russian people. Emperor Alexander Pavlovich loved everything foreign and spent little time in his native country, as he believed that the Russian people were not capable of something great. His brother Nikolai, who ascended to the throne after him, adhered to a completely opposite point of view, he believed in the true skill and dedication of his people.

Nikolai Pavlovich's attitude to the common Russian person is perfectly illustrated by the case of Lefty. When Platov could not understand what the invention of the Tula craftsmen was, deciding that they had deceived him, he sadly reported this to the tsar. However, the emperor did not believe and ordered to send for Lefty, expecting something incredible: “I know that mine cannot deceive me. Something over and above the concept has been done. "

And the Russian people in the form of Lefty did not disappoint the sovereign.

Simplicity and modesty, indifference to wealth and fame, the nameless character 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, but he managed to justify the trust placed in him and prove the power of skill.

Product test

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 adaptation

(before the start of the report, a cartoon is displayed on the screen from the beginning to 00:25 sec)

Introduction

Probably, many of us are familiar with this old Soviet cartoon based on the story "Lefty" from childhood. However, even those who carefully read Leskov's story hardly think about how accurately this seemingly uncomplicated film adaptation conveys the main features not only of Leskov's work, but of the entire so-called “folk epic”.

Features of the genre

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 story is a genre with an attitude towards the spoken word (that is, recreation or imitation of speech), or a genre in which the narrator and author do not coincide. Most likely, “Lefty” refers to the second type of tale, which explains the need to publish a preface to the story: “Of course, the preface was an obvious literary device designed to justify the introduction of a personified storyteller, a carrier of a special speech system, that is, to motivate the narrative narrative form of the story” (E .L. Beznosov, "" The Tale of the Tula Lefty ... "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 in different languages, compositionally the author's speech is in no way separated from the narrator's speech and begins almost immediately after it.

(here you need to show the cartoon from 40:50 min to the end)

However, one should not forget that skaz is not the only genre to which the story "Lefty" belongs. Leskov does not at all fit into the "mainstream" of Russian literature of his time - there are no so-called "big ideas" in his works, he is interested in anecdote, which he writes about in his "Literary Explanation", published after readers, after reading the preface, in which said that the author had heard the story of Lefty from an old Tula master, they began to reproach Leskov for the fact that his role in the narration was purely stenographic. “As for the most Tula-savvy English flea, this is not a legend at all, but a short joke or a joke, like a“ German monkey ”that“ a German invented, but she could not sit down (she jumped everything), but the Moscow furrier took her tail sewn- 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 his ability to improve any overseas cunning, ”he writes.

So what is anecdote? 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 implausible: 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 undoubtedly knew) to the fabulous elements, which will be discussed below.

Lubok tradition

Speaking about the anecdote in the Russian literary tradition, it is impossible not to recall the popular prints, or prints, 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 instructive or intricate nature of the plot depicted.

(here you need to show several examples of popular prints, for example: "Mice bury a cat", "Battle of Kulikovo" :).

The creators of the cartoon very accurately captured the spirit of the story, as if it had descended from one of these popular prints, and filmed Lefty in exactly this style.

(here you can include a cartoon in one place and compare the image with popular prints)

Epos

But, in my opinion, the most important thing in the cartoon is not even the reproduction of the popular print tradition, but the preservation and correct presentation will take on the folk-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, about which A.A. Gorelov: “The overturning of the entire Russian historical world into the folklore sphere has given 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 a kind of oral-folk version of his activities, to mean behind each name a certain deserved bearer in history, among the people a reputation, a concept accepted and spread by universal rumor ”. First of all, one should recall the image of Ataman Platov, who “as he heard that there was such anxiety in the palace, now he got up from the uchette and appeared to 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: “About the same kind of [supernatural] abilities, he speaks for an incredibly long time from the point of view of the ordinary, the continuing lying of Platov on the“ annoying bite ”and equally endless pipe smoking. This testifies to the fact that the narrator of the story about the left-handed person dresses it precisely in folklore forms, as if he thinks in clichéd folklore images ”. These folklore images include the extraordinary image of Platov's riding, 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 containers, which can be found in many folk tales and epics (for example, we all remember the tale of Koschey the immortal).

(flea buying episode, 9:57)

Outcome

All these and many other features of the story, which are reflected in the film adaptation, serve one purpose, and this goal is not to humiliate the Russian people, as some thought, and not to flatter them, as others thought, but to investigate (precisely explore) the amazing Russian character depicted not even in the nameless left-handed master, but in the epic character of the narrative, which is created in the cartoon with the help of detail, general style and adherence to Russian traditions.

"Levsha" is a touching story about a master who devoted his whole life to work for the benefit 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.

The fictional and the real are intertwined in a single whole. The plot is based on truthful events that allow one to adequately perceive the characters described in the work.

Thus, Emperor Alexander I, accompanied by the Cossack Matvey Platov, did indeed visit England. In accordance with his dignity, he was given the proper honors.

The true story of Lefty took place in 1785, when two Tula gunsmiths, Surnin and Leontyev, were sent to England by order of the emperor to familiarize themselves with arms production. Surnin is tireless in acquiring new knowledge, while Leontiev “plunges” into a chaotic life and “gets lost” in a foreign land. Seven years later, the first master returns home to Russia, and introduces innovations in order to improve weapons production.

It is believed that the master Surnin is the prototype of the main character of the work.

Leskov makes extensive use of the folklore layer. So, the feuilleton about the miracle-master Ilya Yunitsyn, who creates tiny locks that do not exceed fleas in size, is the basis for the image of Lefty.

Real historical material is harmoniously embedded in the narrative.

Genre, direction

There are discrepancies about the genre. Some authors prefer a story, others prefer a story. As for NS Leskov, he insists that the work be defined as a skaz.

"Lefty" is also characterized as a "weapon" or "guild" legend, which has developed among the people of this profession.

According to Nikolai Semenovich, the source of the tale is a "fable" he heard in 1878 from some gunsmith in Sestroretsk. The legend became the starting point that formed the basis for 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.

The essence

The plot of the book makes one wonder whether Russia can 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. Tsar Alexander I visits England. He is shown the amazing work of the "English" masters - 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 an "English" flea. The craftsmen thank him for the sovereign's trust and get to work.

Two weeks later, Platov, who came for the finished product, did not understand what exactly the gunsmiths had done, grabs Lefty and takes him to the palace to the king. Appearing before Nikolai Pavlovich, Lefty shows what kind of work they have done. It turned out that the gunsmiths shod an "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. Lefty accompanies "nymphosoria". The British welcome him. Having become interested in his talent, they do everything possible to keep the Russian craftsman in a foreign land. But Lefty refuses. He longs for his homeland and asks to be sent home. The British feel sorry for letting him go, but you can't hold him back by force.

On the ship, the master meets a half-skipper who speaks Russian. The acquaintance ends with a binge. In St. Petersburg, half a skipper is sent to a hospital for foreigners, and Lefty, a patient, is confined in a "cold quarter" and robbed. Later they bring him to die in the common Obukhov hospital. The left-hander, living out his last hours, asks Dr. Martyn-Solsky to inform the sovereign of important information. But she does not reach Nicholas I, since Count Chernyshev does not want to hear anything about it. This is what the work says.

The main characters and their characteristics

1. Emperor Alexander I- "the enemy of labor." Differs in curiosity, very impressionable person. Suffers from melancholy. Admires foreign miracles, believing that only the British can create them. Pitying and compassionate, he builds a policy with the British, carefully smoothing out the rough edges.
2. Emperor Nikolai Pavlovich- an ambitious "soldier". Has an excellent memory. He does not like to yield to foreigners in anything. He believes in the professionalism of his subjects, proves the bankruptcy of foreign craftsmen. However, the common man is not interested in him. He never ponders how hard this mastery is achieved.
3. Platov Matvey Ivanovich- Don Cossack, Count. His figure exudes heroism and sweeping prowess. A truly legendary personality who is the living embodiment of courage and courage. Possesses great endurance, willpower. He loves his native country immensely. A family man, in a foreign land he misses his native household. Feels insensitive to foreign creatures. Believes that the Russian people can do everything, no matter what they look at. Impatient. Without understanding, he can beat a commoner. If he is not right, then he certainly asks for forgiveness, since a generous heart is hidden behind the image of the tough and invincible chieftain.
4. Tula masters- the hope of the nation. They are well versed in the "metal business". Possess bold imaginations. Wonderful riflemen who believe in miracles. Orthodox people, 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 your trust. They personify the Russian people and their good qualities, which are described in detail here.
5. Oblique lefty- a skilled gunsmith. There is a birthmark on the cheek. He wears an old "little ozamchik" with hooks. A bright mind and a kind soul are hidden in the modest appearance of a great worker. Before taking on any important task, he goes to the church to receive a blessing. The characteristics and description of Lefty are detailed in this essay. Patiently endures Platov's bullying, although he did nothing wrong. Later he forgives the old Cossack, without concealing resentment in his heart. Lefty is sincere, speaks simply, without flattery and cunning. He loves his fatherland immensely, never agrees to trade his country for well-being and comfort in England. It is hard to bear separation from native places.
6. Half-skipper- Lefty's acquaintance, 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.
7. Doctor Martyn-Solsky- a true professional in his field. He tries to help Lefty overcome his illness, but does not have time. Becomes the confidant to whom the Lefty tells the secret intended for the sovereign.
8. 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, narrow-mindedness, he substitutes the Russian army in battles with the enemy in the Crimean War.

Topics and problems

1. Russian talents theme runs like a red thread through all of Leskov's work. The left-hander, without any glass magnifiers, was able to make small nails that he could use to nail down the horseshoes of a metal flea. There is no limit to his imagination. But it's not just talent. Tula gunsmiths are workers who cannot rest. With their diligence, they create not only outlandish products, but also a unique national code that is passed down from generation to generation.
2. Patriotism theme Leskov was deeply worried. Dying on the cold floor in the hospital corridor, Lefty thinks about his homeland. He asks the doctor to find a way to inform the sovereign that it is impossible to clean the guns with bricks, as 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 ineffectual. The words of the master do not reach the sovereign, but the cleaning of the guns continues until the Crimean campaign itself. Outrageous is this unforgivable contempt of the tsarist officials for the people and for their fatherland!
3. The tragic fate of Lefty is a reflection of the problem of social injustice in Russia. Leskov's tale is both funny and sad at the same time. I am fascinated by the story of how Tula masters shoe a flea, demonstrating a selfless attitude to work. In parallel with this, the author's serious reflections on the difficult fates of the genius immigrants from the people are heard. The problem of attitudes towards folk craftsmen at home and abroad 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, however, he is faced with indifference and cruelty.
4. The problem of love for native places, to the 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 benefits can replace parental love, the atmosphere of the father's home and the sincerity of loyal comrades.
5. The problem of the attitude of talented people to work... Craftsmen are obsessed with finding new ideas. They are hard workers, fanatically passionate about their work. Many of them “burn out” at work, as they devote all of themselves to the implementation of their plans.
6. Power issues... Where is the true strength of a person manifested? Representatives of the authorities allow themselves in relation to ordinary people to go beyond the "permissible", to shout at them, to use their fists. Craftsmen with calm dignity withstand this attitude of the masters. The true strength of a person lies in poise and steadfastness of character, and not in the manifestation of incontinence and mental impoverishment. Leskov cannot stay away from the problem of a callous attitude towards people, their lack of rights and oppression. Why is so much cruelty applied to the people? Doesn't he deserve humane treatment? Poor Lefty is indifferently left to die on the cold hospital floor, without doing anything that could somehow help him to get out of the strong bonds of the disease.

the main idea

Lefty is a symbol of the talent of the Russian people. Another striking image from the gallery of the "righteous" Leskov. No matter how difficult it may be, the righteous always fulfills what he has promised, giving himself to the fatherland to the last drop, demanding nothing 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 selflessly do good - this is their moral idea, their main thought.

Many statesmen do not appreciate this, but in the memory of the people there are always examples of selfless behavior and sincere, selfless 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

Gathering together bright flashes of folk humor and folk wisdom, the creator of "Skaz" wrote a work of fiction that reflected an entire era of Russian life.

In some places in "Lefty" it is difficult to determine where good ends and evil begins. This shows the "insidiousness" of the writer's style. He creates characters, sometimes contradictory, with positive and negative traits. So, the courageous old man Platov, being a heroic nature, could never raise his hand against a "little" person.

"The magician of the word" - this is what Gorky called Leskov after reading the book. The folk language of the heroes of the work is their vivid and accurate characteristic. The speech of each character is figurative and distinctive. It exists in unison with his character, helping to understand the character, his actions. Ingenuity is inherent in the Russian man, therefore he comes up with unusual neologisms in the spirit of "folk etymology": "trifle", "busts", "poke", "valdakhin", "small scope", "nymphozoria", etc.

What does it teach?

NS Leskov teaches fair treatment of people. All are equal before God. It is necessary to judge each person not by his social belonging, but by his Christian deeds and spiritual qualities.

Only then can you find a diamond that shines with righteous rays of warmth and sincerity.

Interesting? Keep it on your wall!