Where it is thin, there it breaks

Where it is thin, it breaks there - you don’t need to let anything take its course, rely on chance, luck, rely on chance. Where reliability is possible, it should be sought. Prefer stability to chaos, order to disorder, power to anarchy. Otherwise, sooner or later, but at the most inopportune moment, weakness, inferiority of the plan, ill-conceived actions, irresponsibility in decision-making will manifest itself and ruin the business, mix plans, nullify calculations, that is, the thin thread that connected hopes and accomplishments will break

An English synonym for the expression "where it is thin, there it breaks" - and chain is only as strong as its weakest link A chain is only as strong as its weakest link

Analogues of the proverb "where it is thin, it breaks there"

• Where it's bad, here it will be flogged
• On poor Makar and bumps fall
• Where there is no share, there is little happiness
• Whom on the head, and me by the temple
• If I knew where to fall, I would spread straws
• From the rain and under the drops
• Whose sin is the answer
• Left the wolf - attacked the bear
• Out of the frying pan into the fire
• There is a bear in the forest, and a stepmother in the house
• That cow falls that gives milk

Use of the expression in literature

— “However, such a sophisticated scenario would inevitably fail, according to the saying: where it is thin, it breaks there”(A. D. Sakharov "Memories")
— “That’s all, mother Stepanovna, grief, grief is one, because where it’s thin, it breaks there”(Vasily Belov "The usual business")
— “Women’s voices sing, they sing subtly, with all their desire and all their weakness, it’s hard to listen - so subtly, where it’s thin, it breaks there, quite by a thread - they sing, just like that professor: “I have one hair on my head, but - thick"(M.I. Tsvetaeva "The Tale of Sonechka")
— “And where it is thin, it breaks there. The barmaid felt sorry for the beautiful “polka”, but, seeing that the “polka” was pregnant, she was virtuously embarrassed that she let “such”(A. V. Amfiteatrov Marya Lusyeva)

I. S. Turgenev “Where it is thin, there it breaks”

A play by Turgenev

Comedy in one act, written in 1847 in a special genre of dramatic works - proverb plays (proverbes), popular in Russia in the 1830s. The origins of the genre go back to the salon or secular comedy of the French playwright of the 18th century P. Marivaux. The main thing in the proof was “a verbal duel of characters (Turgenev has only eight of them), demonstrating their sharpness of mind, intellectual ingenuity and graceful lightness of speech passages. At the end of the proverb play, an aphoristic remark was to sound, designed to sum up the instructive outcome of what was happening and to reveal the instructive meaning of the events. At the end of Turgenev's play, this remark is uttered by one of the characters - Mukhin, with which he reproaches his friend for the excessive subtlety of the psychological game with the charming girl Vera Nikolaevna Libanova: “Mukhin (standing in place with m-lle Bienaimé, in Gorsky's ear). It’s good, brother, it’s good: you’re not shy ... but confess, ")

Comedy in one act

CHARACTERS

Anna Vasilievna Libanova, landowner, 40 years old.

Vera Nikolaevna, her daughter, 19 years old.

M-11e Bienaime, companion and governess, 42 years old.

Varvara Ivanovna Morozova, relative of Libanova, 45 years old.

Vladimir Petrovich Stanitsyn, neighbor, 28 years old.

Evgeny Andreevich Gorsky, neighbor, 26 years old.

Ivan Pavlych Mukhin, neighbor, 30 years old.

Captain Chukhanov, 50 years old,

Butler.

The action takes place in the village of Ms. Libanova.

The theater represents the hall of a rich landowner's house; straight ahead - the door to the dining room, to the right - to the living room, to the left - the glass door to the garden. Portraits hang on the walls; in the foreground a table covered with magazines; piano, several armchairs; a little behind the Chinese billiards; in the corner is a large wall clock.

Gorsky (enters). Nobody here? so much the better ... What time is it? .. Half past ten. (Thinking a little.) Today is a decisive day... Yes... yes... (Goes to the table, takes a magazine and sits down.) "Le Journal des Debats" of the third of April of the new style, and we are in July... hm... Let's see what news... (Starts to read. Mukhin comes out of the dining room. Gorsky looks around hurriedly.) Bah, ba, ba... Mukhin! what fates? when did you arrive?

Mukhin. Tonight, and left the city yesterday at six o'clock in the evening. My coachman lost his way.

Gorsky. I didn't know you knew Madame de Libanoff.

Mukhin. I am here for the first time. I was introduced to Madame de Libanoff, as you say, at the governor's ball; I danced with her daughter and received an invitation. (Looks around.) And her house is good!

Gorsky. Still would! the first house in the province. (Shows him the Journal des Debats.) Look, we're getting the Telegraph. Joking aside, life is good here... Such a pleasant mixture of Russian village life with the French vie de chateau... 1) You'll see. The mistress ... well, a widow, and a rich one ... and a daughter ...

1) The life of a country castle (French).

Mukhin (interrupting Gorsky). Pretty daughter...

Gorsky. BUT! (After a pause.) Yes.

Mukhin. What is her name?

Gorsky (with solemnity). Her name is Vera Nikolaevna... She has an excellent dowry behind her.

Mukhin. Well, that's all the same to me. You know I'm not a fiancé.

Gorsky. You are not a groom, but (looking at him from head to toe) dressed as a groom.

Mukhin. Are you not jealous?

Gorsky. Here's to you! Let's sit down and chat better until the ladies come downstairs for tea.

Mukhin. I’m ready to sit down (sits down), and I’ll chat later ... Tell me in a few words what kind of house this is, what kind of people ... You’re an old tenant here.

Gorsky. Yes, my dead mother could not stand Mrs. Libanova for twenty years in a row ... We have known each other for a long time. I visited her in St. Petersburg and ran into her abroad. So you want to know what kind of people they are, if you please. Madame de Libanoff (it says so on her business cards, with the addition of -exe Salotopine 2) ... Madame de Libanoff is a kind woman, she lives herself and gives life to others. She does not belong to high society; but in Petersburg they don't know her at all; General Monplaisir stops by her. Her husband died early; and then she would go out into the people. She keeps herself well; a little sentimental, spoiled; he receives guests either casually or affectionately; you know, there is no real chic ... But at least thank you for not worrying, not talking through your nose and not gossiping. The house keeps in order and manages the estate itself ... The administrative head! A relative lives with her - Morozova, Varvara Ivanovna, a decent lady, also a widow, only a poor one. I suspect that she is evil, like a pug, and I know for sure that she cannot stand her benefactor ... But you never know what is missing! A French governess hangs around the house, pours out tea, sighs over Paris and loves le petit mot pour rire 3), rolls her eyes languidly... land surveyors and architects drag after her; but since she doesn’t play cards, and preference is only good for three, then a ruined retired captain, a certain Chukhanov, who looks like a mustache and a grunt, but in reality is a crook and a flatterer, keeps on grazing for this. All these persons do not leave the house anyway; but Madame Libanovy has many other friends... you can't count them all... Yes! I forgot to name one of the most regular visitors, Dr. Gutman, Karl Karlych. He is a young, handsome man, with silky sideburns, he does not understand his business at all, but he kisses Anna Vasilyevna's hands with tenderness ... Anna Vasilyevna is not unpleasant, and her hands are not bad; a little greasy, but white, and the tips of the fingers are bent up ...

2) Born Salotopina (French).

3) A witty word (French).

Mykhin (impatiently). Why don't you say anything about your daughter?

Gorsky. But wait. I saved it for the end. However, what can I tell you about Vera Nikolaevna? Right, I don't know. Who can tell a girl at eighteen? She still wanders all over herself, like new wine. But a good woman can come out of her. She is thin, smart, with character; and her heart is tender, and she wants to live, and she is a big egoist. She will get married soon.

Mukhin. For whom?

Gorsky. I don’t know ... But only she won’t stay too long in the girls.

Mukhin. Well, of course, the rich bride...

Gorsky. No, that's not why.

Mukhin. From what?

Gorsky. Because she realized that a woman's life begins only from the day of her wedding; but she wants to live. Listen... what time is it?

Mukhin (looking at his watch). Ten...

Gorsky. Ten... Well, I still have time. Listen. Between me and Vera Nikolaevna the struggle is terrible. Do you know why I rode here headlong yesterday morning?

Mukhin. What for? no, I do not know.

Gorsky. And then, that today a young man you know intends to ask for her hand,

Mukhin. Who is it?

Gorsky. Stanitsyn..

Mukhin. Vladimir Stanitsyn?

Gorsky. Vladimir Petrovich Stanitsyn, a retired lieutenant of the Guards, is a great friend of mine, however, a very kind fellow. And consider this: I myself brought him into the local house. Yes, I entered! It was precisely then that I brought him in so that he would marry Vera Nikolaevna. He is a kind, modest, narrow-minded, lazy, homebody person: you can’t even demand a better husband. And she understands it. And I, as an old friend, wish her well.

Mukhin. So you rode here to be a witness to the happiness of your protege? (Protégé - French)

Gorsky. On the contrary, I came here in order to upset this marriage.

Mukhin. I don't understand you.

Gorsky. H'm... well, it seems the matter is clear.

Mukhin. Do you want to marry her yourself?

Gorsky. No I do not want to; And I don't want her to get married either.

Mukhin. You are in love with her.

Gorsky. I don't think.

Mukhin. You are in love with her, my friend, and you are afraid to speak out.

Gorsky. What nonsense! Yes, I'm ready to tell you everything ...

Mukhin. Well, that's how you get married...

Gorsky. No! In any case, I do not intend to marry her.

Mukhin. You're humble, nothing to say.

Gorsky. No, listen; I speak to you now frankly. The point is this. I know, I know for sure, that if I had asked for her hand in marriage, she would have preferred me to our common friend, Vladimir Petrovich. As for my mother, Stanitsynsh and I are both decent suitors in her eyes ... She will not contradict. Vera thinks that I am in love with her, and knows that I am more afraid of marriage than fire ... she wants to overcome this timidity in me ... so she is waiting ... But she will not wait long. And not because she was afraid to lose Stanitsyn: this poor young man burns and melts like a candle ... but there is another reason why she will not wait any longer! She's starting to sniff me out, the robber! I'm starting to get suspicious! She, to tell the truth, is too afraid to press me against the wall, yes, on the other hand, she wants to finally find out what I am ... what my intentions are. That's why there is a fight between us. But I feel that today is a decisive day. This snake will slip out of my hands or strangle me myself. However, I still do not lose hope ... Maybe I won’t get into Scylla and I’ll pass Charybdis! One misfortune: Stanitsyn is so in love that he is not capable of being jealous and angry. So he walks with a gaping mouth and sweet eyes. He is terribly funny, but now you can’t take it with ridicule alone ... You have to be gentle. I already started yesterday. And I didn’t force myself, that’s what’s amazing. I cease to understand myself, by God.

Current page: 1 (total book has 5 pages)

Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev

Where it is thin, there it breaks

Comedy in one act

Characters

Anna Vasilievna Libanova, landowner, 40 years old.

Vera Nikolaevna, her daughter, 19 years old.

M lle Bienaime, companion and governess, 42 years old.

Varvara Ivanovna Morozova, a relative of Libanova, 45 years old.

Vladimir Petrovich Stanitsyn, neighbor, 28 years old.

Evgeny Andreevich Gorsky, neighbor, 26 years old.

Ivan Pavlych Mukhin, neighbor, 30 years old.

Captain Chukhanov, 50 years,

Butler.

Servant.

The action takes place in the village of Ms. Libanova.

The theater represents the hall of a rich landowner's house; straight ahead - the door to the dining room, to the right - to the living room, to the left - a glass door to the garden. Portraits hang on the walls; in the foreground a table covered with magazines; piano, several armchairs; a little behind the Chinese billiards; in the corner is a large wall clock.

Gorsky (included). Nobody here? so much the better ... What time is it? .. Half past ten. ( After thinking a little.) Today is a decisive day ... Yes ... yes ... ( He walks over to the table, picks up a magazine and sits down.) "Le Journal des Débats" of the third of April of the new style, and we are in July ... um ... Let's see what news ... ( Starts to read. Mukhin comes out of the dining room. Gorsky looks around hastily.) Ba, ba, ba ... Mukhin! what fates? when did you arrive?

Mukhin. Tonight, and left the city yesterday at six o'clock in the evening. My coachman lost his way.

Gorsky. I didn't know you knew Madame de Libanoff.

Mukhin. I am here for the first time. I was introduced to Madame de Libanoff, as you say, at the governor's ball; I danced with her daughter and received an invitation. ( Looks back.) And her house is good!

Gorsky. Still would! the first house in the province. ( Shows him the Journal des Débats.(1)) Look, we're getting the "Telegraph" (2) . Joking aside, life is good here... Such a pleasant mixture of Russian village life with the French vie de château. You'll see. The mistress ... well, a widow, and a rich one ... and a daughter ...

Mukhin (interrupting Gorsky). Pretty daughter...

Gorsky. BUT! ( After a little silence.) Yes.

Mukhin. What is her name?

Gorsky (solemnly). Her name is Vera Nikolaevna... She has an excellent dowry behind her.

Mukhin. Well, that's all the same to me. You know I'm not a fiancé.

Gorsky. You are not a groom, but ( looking him up and down) is dressed by the groom.

Mukhin. Are you not jealous?

Gorsky. Here's to you! Let's sit down and chat better until the ladies come downstairs for tea.

Mukhin. I'm ready to sit down sits down), and I’ll chat later ... Tell me in a few words what kind of house this is, what kind of people ... You’re an old tenant here.

Gorsky. Yes, my dead mother could not stand Mrs. Libanova for twenty years in a row ... We have known each other for a long time. I visited her in St. Petersburg and ran into her abroad. So you want to know what kind of people they are, if you please. Madame de Libanoff it says so on business cards, with the addition - née Salotopine… Madame de Libanoff is a kind woman, she lives herself and gives life to others. (3) She does not belong to high society; but in Petersburg they don't know her at all; General Monplaisir stops by her. Her husband died early; and then she would go out into the people. She keeps herself well; a little sentimental, spoiled; he receives guests either casually or affectionately; you know, there is no real chic ... But at least thank you for not worrying, not talking through your nose and not gossiping. The house keeps in order and manages the estate itself ... The administrative head! A relative lives with her - Morozova, Varvara Ivanovna, a decent lady, also a widow, only a poor one. I suspect that she is evil, like a pug, and I know for sure that she cannot stand her benefactor ... But you never know what is missing! A French governess is found in the house, pours tea, sighs over Paris and loves le petit mot pour rire, rolls her eyes languidly ... surveyors and architects drag after her; but since she doesn’t play cards, and preference is only good for three, then a ruined retired captain, (4) a certain Chukhanov, who looks like a mustache and a grunt, but in reality is a low-flyer and flatterer, keeps on grazing for this. All these persons do not leave the house anyway; but Madame Libanovy has many other friends... you can't count them all... Yes! I forgot to name one of the most regular visitors, Dr. Gutman, Karl Karlych. He is a young, handsome man, with silky sideburns, he does not understand his business at all, but he kisses Anna Vasilyevna's hands with tenderness ... Anna Vasilyevna is not unpleasant, and her hands are not bad; a little greasy, but white, and the tips of the fingers are bent up ...

Mukhin (impatiently). Why don't you say anything about your daughter?

Gorsky. But wait. I saved it for the end. However, what can I tell you about Vera Nikolaevna? Right, I don't know. Who can tell a girl at eighteen? She still wanders all over herself, like new wine. But a good woman can come out of her. She is thin, smart, with character; and her heart is tender, and she wants to live, and she is a big egoist. She will get married soon.

Mukhin. For whom?

Gorsky. I don’t know ... But only she won’t stay too long in the girls.

Mukhin. Well, of course, the rich bride ...

Gorsky. No, that's not why.

Mukhin. From what?

Gorsky. Because she realized that a woman's life begins only from the day of her wedding; but she wants to live. Listen... what time is it now?

Mukhin (looking at the clock). Ten…

Gorsky. Ten ... Well, I still have time. Listen. Between me and Vera Nikolaevna the struggle is terrible. Do you know why I rode here headlong yesterday morning?

Mukhin. What for? no, I do not know.

Gorsky. And then, that today a young man you know intends to ask for her hand,

Mukhin. Who is it?

Gorsky. Stanitsyn.

Mukhin. Vladimir Stanitsyn?

Gorsky. Vladimir Petrovich Stanitsyn, a retired lieutenant of the Guards, is a great friend of mine, however, a very kind fellow. And consider this: I myself brought him into the local house. Yes, I entered! It was precisely then that I brought him in so that he would marry Vera Nikolaevna. He is a kind, modest, narrow-minded, lazy, homebody person: you can’t even demand a better husband. And she understands it. And I, as an old friend, wish her well.

Mukhin. So you came here to witness the happiness of your protégé?

Gorsky. On the contrary, I came here in order to upset this marriage.

Mukhin. I don't understand you.

Gorsky. Hm ... but it seems that the matter is clear.

Mukhin. Do you want to marry her yourself?

Gorsky. No I do not want to; And I don't want her to get married either.

Mukhin. You are in love with her.

Gorsky. I don't think.

Mukhin. You are in love with her, my friend, and you are afraid to speak out.

Gorsky. What nonsense! Yes, I'm ready to tell you everything ...

Mukhin. Well, that's how you get married...

Gorsky. No! In any case, I do not intend to marry her.

Mukhin. You are modest - nothing to say.

Gorsky. No, listen; I speak to you now frankly. The point is this. I know, I know for sure, that if I had asked for her hand in marriage, she would have preferred me to our common friend, Vladimir Petrovich. As for my mother, Stanitsyn and I are both decent suitors in her eyes ... She will not contradict. Vera thinks that I am in love with her, and knows that I am more afraid of marriage than fire ... she wants to overcome this timidity in me ... so she is waiting ... But she will not wait long. And not because she was afraid to lose Stanitsyn: this poor young man burns and melts like a candle ... but there is another reason why she will not wait any longer! She's starting to sniff me out, the robber! I'm starting to get suspicious! She, to tell the truth, is too afraid to press me against the wall, yes, on the other hand, she wants to finally find out what I am ... what my intentions are. That's why there is a fight between us. But I feel that today is a decisive day. This snake will slip out of my hands or strangle me myself. However, I still do not lose hope ... Maybe I won’t get into Scylla and I’ll pass Charybdis! (5) One misfortune: Stanitsyn is so in love that he is not capable of being jealous and angry. So he walks with a gaping mouth and sweet eyes. He is terribly funny, but now you can’t take it with ridicule alone ... You have to be gentle. I already started yesterday. And I didn’t force myself, that’s what’s amazing. I cease to understand myself, by God.

Mukhin. How did you start it?

Gorsky. That's how. I already told you that I arrived quite early yesterday. On the evening of the third day, I found out about Stanitsyn's intention... How, there is nothing to spread about it... Stanitsyn is trusting and talkative. I don't know if Vera Nikolaevna has a presentiment of her admirer's proposal - it will come from her - only yesterday she somehow especially watched me. You cannot imagine how difficult it is, even for an ordinary person, to endure the penetrating gaze of those young but intelligent eyes, especially when she squints them a little. She must have also been struck by the change in my treatment of her. I have a reputation for being mocking and cold, and I am very glad about it: it is easy to live with such a reputation ... but yesterday I had to pretend to be preoccupied and gentle. Why lie? I did feel a little excitement, and my heart softened willingly. You know me, my friend Mukhin: you know that in the most magnificent moments of human life I am not able to stop observing ... and Vera presented yesterday a spectacle captivating for our brother observer. She gave herself up to enthusiasm, if not love—I am not worthy of such an honor—at least curiosity, and she was afraid, and did not trust herself, and did not understand herself... All this reflected so sweetly on her fresh face. I did not leave her all day long, and by evening I felt that I was beginning to lose power over myself ... O Mukhin! Mukhin, the prolonged proximity of young shoulders, young breathing is a dangerous thing! In the evening we went to the garden. The weather was amazing… the silence in the air was indescribable… Mademoiselle Bienaimé went out onto the balcony with a candle: and the flame did not stir. We walked for a long time together, in sight of the house, along the soft sand of the path, along the pond. And in the water and in the sky, the stars twinkled softly ... The indulgent, nude, cautious Mademoiselle Bienaimé followed us with her eyes from the height of the balcony ... I invited Vera Nikolaevna to get into the boat. She agreed. I started rowing and swam quietly to the middle of a narrow pond ... "Ou allez vous donc?" came the voice of a French woman. "Nulle part", I answered loudly and put down the oar. “Nulle part,” I added in an undertone ... “Nous sommes trop bien ici.” Vera looked down, smiled, and began to draw on the water with the tip of her umbrella... A sweet, thoughtful smile rounded her baby cheeks... She was about to speak, and only sighed, but so merrily, that's how children sigh. Well, what else can I tell you? I sent all my precautions, intentions and observations to hell, was happy and stupid, recited poems to her ... by golly ... don't you believe? well, by God, I read it, and still in a trembling voice... At supper I sat beside her... Yes... that's all right... My affairs are in an excellent position, and if I wanted to marry... But that's the trouble. You can't fool her... no. Others say women fight well with swords. And you can't knock the sword out of her hands. However, let's see today ... In any case, I spent an amazing evening ... Have you thought of something, Ivan Pavlich?

Mukhin. I? I think that if you are not in love with Vera Nikolaevna, then you are either a big eccentric or an unbearable egoist.

Gorsky. May be; and who ... those! go... Aux armes! I hope for your modesty.

Mukhin. O! Of course.

Gorsky (looking at the living room door). A! Mademoiselle Bienaimé… Always the first… involuntarily… Her tea is waiting. ( Enter Mademoiselle Bienaime. Mukhin gets up and bows. Gorsky approaches her.) Mademoiselle, j "ai l" honneur de vous saluer.

M lle Bienaime (making his way into the dining room and glancing sullenly at Gorsky). Bien le bonjour, monsieur.

Gorsky. Toujours fraîche comme une rose. .

M lle Bienaime (with a grimace). Et vous toujours galant. Venez, j'ai quelque chose à vous dire. . ( He leaves with Gorsky to the dining room.)

Mukhin (one). What an eccentric this Gorsky is! And who asked him to choose me as an attorney? ( Walking around.) Well, I came for business ... If it were possible ...

The glass door to the garden quickly dissolves. Vera enters in a white dress. She has a fresh rose in her hands. Mukhin looks around and bows in confusion. Faith stops in bewilderment.

Mukhin. You... you don't recognize me... I...

Faith. Oh! Monsieur… Monsieur… Mukhin; I never expected... when did you arrive?

Mukhin. Tonight... Imagine, my coachman...

Faith (interrupting him). Mommy will be very happy. Hope you stay with us... Looks back.)

Mukhin. Perhaps you are looking for Gorsky... He has just left.

Faith. Why do you think I'm looking for Mr. Gorsky?

Mukhin (not without confusion). I... I thought...

Faith. Are you familiar with him?

Mukhin. For a long time; we served together.

Faith (goes to the window). What beautiful weather today!

Mukhin. Have you already walked in the garden?

Faith. Yes… I got up early… ( He looks at the hem of his dress and at his boots.) Such dew ...

Mukhin (with smile). And your rose, look, all in dew ...

Faith (looks at her). Yes…

Mukhin. Let me ask... who did you pick it for?

Faith. How for whom? for yourself.

Mukhin (much). BUT!

Gorsky (leaving the dining room). Would you like some tea, Mukhin? ( Seeing Vera.) Hello, Vera Nikolaevna!

Faith. Hello.

Mukhin (hastily and with feigned indifference to Gorsky). Is the tea ready? Well, then I'll go. ( Goes to the dining room)

Gorsky. Vera Nikolaevna, give me your hand ... ( She silently gives him her hand.) What's wrong with you?

Faith. Tell me, Evgeny Andreevich, is your new friend, monsieur Mukhin, stupid?

Gorsky (with bewilderment). I don't know... they say it's not stupid. But what's the question...

Faith. Are you great friends with him?

Gorsky. I know him... but well... did he tell you anything?

Faith (hastily). Nothing... Nothing... I'm so... What a wonderful morning!

Gorsky (pointing to a rose). I see you have already walked today.

Faith. Yes… Monsieur… Mukhin has already asked me who I plucked this rose for.

Gorsky. What did you answer him?

Faith. I answered him that for myself.

Gorsky. And in fact, you plucked it for yourself?

Faith. No, for you. You see, I am frank.

Gorsky. So give it to me.

Faith. Now I cannot: I am compelled to tuck it into my belt or give it to Mademoiselle Bienaimé. How fun it is! And rightly so. Why are you not the first to go down.

Gorsky. Yes, I've been here before everyone else.

Faith. So why didn't I meet you first.

Gorsky. This insufferable Mukhin ...

Faith (looking at him from the side). Gorsky! you are cheating with me.

Gorsky. How…

Faith. Well, I'll prove it to you later ... And now let's go drink tea.

Gorsky (holding her). Vera Nikolaevna! listen, you know me. I am a distrustful, strange person; on the surface I am mocking and cheeky, but in reality I am just timid.

Faith. You?

Gorsky. I. Moreover, everything that happens to me is so new to me ... You say, I'm cunning ... Be indulgent with me ... enter into my position. ( Vera silently raises her eyes and stares at him intently.) I assure you, I have never had a chance to speak to anyone before ... the way I talk to you ... that’s why it’s difficult for me ... Well, yes, I’m used to pretending ... But don’t look at me like that ... By God, I deserve encouragement.

Faith. Gorsky! I am easily deceived... I grew up in the countryside and saw little people... I am easily deceived; yes to what? You won't get much glory from this... But to play with me... No, I don't want to believe it... I don't deserve it, and you won't want to either.

Gorsky. To play with you... Yes, look at yourself... Yes, these eyes see through everything. ( Vera slowly turns away.) Do you know that when I am with you, I cannot ... well, I absolutely cannot help expressing everything that I think ... In your quiet smile, in your calm look, in your silence there is even something before imperative...

Faith (interrupting him). Don't you want to speak up? Do you all want to lie?

Gorsky. No... But listen, to tell the truth, which one of us speaks out all? even if you...

Faith (again interrupting him and looking at him with a grin). Namely: who speaks out all?

Gorsky. No, I'm talking about you now. For example, tell me frankly, are you waiting for someone today?

Faith (calmly). Yes. Stanitsyn will probably come to us today.

Gorsky. You are a terrible person. You have a gift, not hiding anything, not saying anything ... La franchise est la meilleure des diplomaties, probably because one does not interfere with the other.

Faith. So you knew that he should come.

Gorsky (with slight embarrassment). Knew.

Faith (smelling a rose). And your monsieur ... Mukhin also ... knows?

Gorsky. What are you all asking me about Mukhina? Why are you...

Faith (interrupting him). Well, come on, don't be angry... Would you like us to go to the garden after tea? We'll chat... I'll ask you...

Gorsky (hastily). What?

Faith. You are curious ... We will talk with you ... about an important matter. ( From the dining room comes the voice of m-lle Bienaimé: "C" est vous, Vera? ) (In an undertone.) As if she had never heard that I was here before. ( Loud.) Oui, c "est moi, bonjour, je viens. ( Leaving, he throws a rose on the table and speaks to Gorsky at the door.) Come on. ( He leaves for the dining room.)

Gorsky (slowly takes the rose and remains motionless for some time). Yevgeny Andreevich, my friend, I must tell you frankly that, as far as I think, this devil is beyond your strength. You turn this way and that, but she doesn’t move a finger, and meanwhile you blurt out something. And yet, what? Either I win - so much the better, or I lose the battle - such a woman is not ashamed to marry. It's creepy, for sure... yes, on the other hand, why save freedom? It's time for us to stop being childish. But wait, Yevgeny Andreevich, wait, you are about to give up. ( Looks at a rose.) What do you mean, my poor flower? ( Turns around quickly.) BUT! mother with her friend ... ( He puts the rose carefully in his pocket. Madame Libanova enters from the drawing-room with Varvara Ivanovna. Gorsky goes to meet them.) Bonjour, mesdames! how did you rest?

Ms. Libanova (gives him fingertips). Bonjour, Eugène... My head hurts a little today.

Varvara Ivanovna. You go to bed late, Anna Vasilievna!

Ms Libanova. Maybe... Where is Vera? Have you seen her?

Gorsky. She is in the dining room for tea with Mademoiselle Bienaimé and Mukhin.

Ms Libanova. Oh yes, Monsieur Mukhin, they say, he arrived last night. You know him? ( Sits down.)

Gorsky. I have known him for a long time. Are you going to drink tea?

Ms Libanova. No, tea makes me nervous... Gutman forbade me. But I'm not holding you back... Go, go, Varvara Ivanovna! ( Varvara Ivanovna leaves.) And you, Gorsky, are you staying?

Gorsky. I already drank.

Ms Libanova. What a beautiful day! Le capitaine - have you seen him?

Gorsky. No, I didn't; he, as usual, must be walking in the garden ... looking for mushrooms.

Ms Libanova. Imagine what a game he won yesterday ... Yes, sit down ... why are you standing there? ( Gorsky sits down.) I have seven in diamonds and a king with an ace of hearts - hearts, mind you. I say: I play; Varvara Ivanovna passed, of course; this villain also says: I'm playing; i seven; and he is seven; I am in tambourines; he is in worms. I invite; but Varvara Ivanovna, as always, has nothing. And what do you think she is? take it and go into a small spade ... And my king is a friend himself. Well, of course, he won ... Oh, by the way, I need to send to the city ... ( Calling.)

Gorsky. What for?

Butler (leaving the dining room). What do you order?

Ms Libanova. Let's go to the city of Gavrila for crayons ... you know what kind I like.

Butler. I'm listening, sir.

Ms Libanova. Yes, tell them to take more of them ... And what about mowing?

Butler. I'm listening, sir. Mowing continues.

Ms Libanova. OK then. Where is Ilya Ilyich?

Butler. Walking in the garden, sir.

Ms Libanova. In the garden... Well, call him.

Butler. I'm listening, sir.

Ms. Libanova. Well, go ahead.

Butler. I'm listening, sir. ( He leaves through the glass door.)

Ms. Libanova (looking at your hands). What are we going to do today, Eugène? You know, I rely on you for everything. Come up with something fun... I'm in a good mood today. What, this monsier Mukhin is a good young man?

Gorsky. Beautiful.

Ms Libanova. Il n "est pas gênant?

Gorsky. Oh, not at all.

Ms Libanova. And plays preference?

Gorsky. How…

Ms Libanova. Ah! mais c "est très bien ... Eugène, give me a stool under my feet. ( Gorsky brings a stool.) Merci… Here comes the captain.

Chukhanov (enters from the garden; he has mushrooms in his cap). Hello, you are my mother! please, a pen.

Ms. Libanova (languidly holding out his hand). Hello villain!

Chukhanov (kisses her hand twice in a row and laughs). The villain, the villain... And I lose everything. Yevgeny Andreevich, my humblest ... ( Gorsky bows; Chukhanov looks at him and shakes his head.) Eka well done! Well, what about in the military? BUT? Well, how are you, my mother, how do you feel? Here I got you mushrooms.

Ms. Libanova. Why don't you take baskets, captain? How can you put mushrooms in a cap?

Chukhanov. Listen, mother, listen. For our brother, an old soldier, it is, of course, nothing. Well, for you, for sure ... I'm listening. I'm going to put them on a plate right now. And what, our little bird, Vera Nikolaevna, deigned to wake up?

Ms. Libanova (without answering Chukhanov, to Gorsky). Dites-moi, is this monsieur Mukhin rich?

Gorsky. He has two hundred souls.

Ms. Libanova (indifferently). BUT! Why do they drink tea for so long?

Chukhanov. Will you order to storm them, mother? Order! we’ll overcome in an instant... We didn’t go under such fortifications... We only wish we had such colonels as Yevgeny Andreevich...

Gorsky. What kind of colonel am I, Ilya Ilyich? Have mercy!

Chukhanov. Well, not by rank, but by figure ... I'm talking about a figure, I'm talking about a figure ...

Ms Libanova. Yes, captain... come on... look what they have, drank tea?

Chukhanov. Listen, mother ... ( Goes.) BUT! yes, here they are. ( Enter Vera, Mukhin, Mademoiselle Bienaimé, Varvara Ivanovna.) My compliments to the whole company.

Faith (in passing). Hello… ( Runs to Anna Vasilievna.) Bonjour, maman.

Ms. Libanova (kissing her on the forehead). Bonjour, petite… ( Mukhin bows.) Monsieur Mukhin, you are welcome... I am very glad that you have not forgotten us...

Mukhin. Have mercy ... I ... so much honor ...

Ms. Libanova (Faith). And you, I see, were already running around the garden, minx ... ( Mukhin.) Have you seen our garden yet? Il est grand. Multicolor. I'm terribly fond of flowers. However, with us everyone is free to do what he wants: liberté entière ...

Mukhin (smiling). C'est charmant.

Ms Libanova. This is my rule ... I can not stand selfishness. It's hard for others, and it's not easy for yourself. Just ask them... Pointing at everyone. Varvara Ivanovna smiles sweetly.)

Mukhin (smiling too). My friend Gorsky already told me. ( After a little silence.) What a beautiful house you have!

Ms Libanova. Yes, good. C "est Rastrelli, (6) vous sa-vez, qui en a donné le plan, to my grandfather, Count Lubin.

Mukhin (approvingly and respectfully). BUT!

Throughout this conversation, Vera deliberately turned away from Gorsky and went up now to Mademoiselle Bienaimé, now to Morozova. Gorsky immediately noticed this and furtively glances at Mukhin.

Ms. Libanova (speaking to the whole society). Why don't you go for a walk?

Gorsky. Yes, let's go to the garden.

Faith (all without looking at him). Now it's hot... It's almost twelve o'clock... Now it's hot.

Ms. Libanova. As you wish… ( Mukhin.) We have billiards ... However, liberté entière, you know ... And you know what, captain, we will sit down in the cards ... It's a little early ... But Vera says that you can’t go for a walk ...

Chukhanov (who doesn't want to play). Let's go, mother, let's ... How early? You need to win back.

Ms Libanova. How… how… ( With indecision towards Mukhin.) Monsieur Mukhin... they say you like preference... Don't you want to? Mademoiselle Bienaimé can't play with me, and I haven't played in four for a long time.

Mukhin (never expected such an invitation). I... I would love to...

Ms Libanova. Vous êtes fort aimable… However, don't stand on ceremony, please.

Mukhin. No, sir… I am very glad.

Ms Libanova. Well, let's go... let's go into the living room... The table is already ready... Monsieur Mukhin! donnez-moi votre bras… ( Rises.) And you, Gorsky, come up with something for us today ... do you hear? Faith will help you ... ( He goes to the living room.)

Chukhanov (approaching Varvara Ivanovna). Let me offer you my services...

Varvara Ivanovna (shoves his hand in annoyance). Well, are you...

Both couples quietly go into the living room. At the door, Anna Vasilievna turns around and says to m-lle Bienaimé: "Ne termez pas la porte ..." Mademoiselle Bienaimé returns with a smile, sits down in the foreground to the left, and with a preoccupied look takes up the canvas. Faith, which for some time hesitated whether to stay or follow her mother. Suddenly he goes to the piano, sits down and begins to play. Gorsky quietly approaches her.

Gorsky (after a short silence). What are you playing. Vera Nikolaevna?

Faith (without looking at him). Sonata Clementi. (7)

Gorsky. My God! what an oldie!

Faith. Yes, it's old and boring stuff.

Gorsky. Why did you choose her? And what a fantasy to suddenly sit down at the piano! Have you forgotten that you promised me to go with me to the garden?

Faith. That's exactly why I sat down at the piano, so as not to go for a walk with you.

Gorsky. Why all of a sudden such disgrace! What a whim?

M lle Bienaime. Ce n'est pas joli ce que vous jouez la, Vera.

Faith (loud). Je crois bien… ( To Gorsky, continuing to play.) Listen, Gorsky, I can't and don't like to flirt and be capricious. I'm too proud for that. You yourselves know that I am not capricious now... But I am angry with you.

Gorsky. For what?

Faith. I am offended by you.

Gorsky. Did I offend you?

Faith (continuing to disassemble the sonata). You would at least choose a better trusted one. Before I had time to enter the dining room, how could this monsieur ... monsieur ... what do you mean? .. monsieur Mukhin noticed to me that my rose had probably finally reached its destination ... Then, seeing that I did not return his courtesies, he suddenly he started to praise you, but so awkwardly ... Why is it that friends always praise you so awkwardly?

Gorsky. What do you conclude from this?

Faith. I conclude that monsieur Mukhin ... a l "honneur de recevoir vos confidences. ( Hits the keys hard.)

Gorsky. Why do you think? .. And what could I say to him ...

Faith. I don't know what you could have said to him... That you are following me, that you are laughing at me, that you are going to turn my head, that I amuse you very much. ( Mademoiselle Bienaimé coughs dryly.) Qu'est ce que vous avez, bonne amie? Pourquoi toussez vous?

M lle Bienaime. Rien, rien… je ne sais pas… cette sonate doit être bien difficile.

Gorsky. I? why am I silent? I ask myself: Am I guilty before you? Exactly, I confess: it's my fault. My tongue is my enemy. But listen. Vera Nikolaevna ... Remember, I read Lermontov to you yesterday, remember where he talks about that heart in which love fought so madly with enmity ... (8) ( Vera quietly raises her eyes.) Well, well, so I can’t continue when you look at me like that ...

Faith (shrugs). Fullness…

Gorsky. Listen ... I confess to you frankly: I don’t want to, I’m afraid to succumb to that involuntary charm, which I finally cannot but admit ... I try in every possible way to get rid of him, with words, ridicule, stories ... I chatter like an old girl, like a child ...

Faith. Why is this? Why can't we remain good friends?.. Can't relations between us be simple and natural?

Gorsky. Simple and natural ... Easy to say ... ( Decisively.) Well, yes, I am guilty before you and I ask your forgiveness: I was cunning and cunning ... but I can assure you. Vera Nikolaevna, no matter what my assumptions and decisions are in your absence, from your first words all these intentions fly apart like smoke, and I feel ... you will laugh ... I feel that I am in your power ...

Faith (gradually stop playing). You told me the same thing last night...

Gorsky. Because I felt the same way yesterday. I resolutely refuse to dissemble with you.

Faith (with smile). BUT! see!

Gorsky. I refer to you yourself: you must finally know that I am not deceiving you when I tell you ...

Faith (interrupting him). That you like me ... still!

Gorsky (with annoyance). Today you are inaccessible and distrustful, like a seventy-year-old usurer! ( He turns away; both are silent for a while.)

Faith (barely continuing to play). Do you want me to play your favorite mazurka for you?

Gorsky. Vera Nikolaevna! don't torture me... I swear to you...

Faith (funny). Well, come on, let's have a hand. You are forgiven. ( Gorsky hastily shakes her hand.) Nous faisons la paix, bonne amiel.

M lle Bienaime (with mock surprise). Ah! Est-ce que vous vous etiez querelles?

Gorsky. Not; this mazurka is too melancholy... One can hear in it some kind of bitter longing into the distance; and I assure you, I'm fine here too. Play me something cheerful, bright, alive, that would play and sparkle in the sun, like a fish in a stream ... ( Vera thinks for a moment and begins to play a brilliant waltz.) My God! how cute you are! You yourself look like such a fish.

Faith (keep playing). I can see Monsieur Mukhin from here. How fun he must be! I'm sure he's going to remit every now and then.

Gorsky. Nothing for him.

Faith (after a short silence and all continuing to play). Tell me, why does Stanitsyn never finish his thoughts?

Gorsky. Apparently he has a lot of them.

Faith. You are evil. He is not stupid; he is a kind person. I love him.

Gorsky. He is an excellent solid man.

Faith. Yes... But why does the dress always fit so badly on him? like new, just from the tailor? ( Gorsky does not answer and silently looks at her.) What are you thinking about?

Gorsky. I thought ... I imagined a small room, only not in our snows, but somewhere in the south, in a beautiful far country ...

Faith. And you just said that you don't want to go far.

Gorsky. One does not want to… Not a single person is around, the sounds of a foreign language are occasionally heard in the street, the freshness of the near sea blows from the open window… the white curtain quietly rounds like a sail, the door is open to the garden, and on the threshold, under the light shade of ivy…

Faith (with confusion). Oh yes you are a poet...

Gorsky. Save me god. I only remember.

Faith. Do you remember?

Gorsky. Nature - yes; the rest ... everything that you did not let me finish is a dream.

Faith. Dreams don't come true...really.

Gorsky. Who told you this? Mademoiselle Bienaime? Leave, for God's sake, all such sayings of feminine wisdom to forty-five-year-old girls and lymphatic youths. Reality ... but what is the most ardent, most creative imagination that can keep up with reality, behind nature? Pardon me... some sea crawfish is a hundred thousand times more fantastic than all the stories of Hoffmann; (9) and what poetic work of a genius can be compared ... well, at least with this oak that grows in your garden on the mountain?

Faith. I'm ready to believe you, Gorsky!

Gorsky. Believe me, the most exaggerated, most enthusiastic happiness, invented by the whimsical imagination of an idle person, cannot be compared with the bliss that is really available to him ... if he only remains healthy, if fate does not hate him, if his estates are not sold at auction and if, finally, he himself thoroughly knows what he wants.

The relationship between a man and a woman is an attractive material for poets and writers, psychologists and philosophers. The art of subtle emotional relationships has been studied throughout the life of mankind. Love is simple in its essence, but often unattainable due to selfishness and selfishness of a person. One of the attempts to penetrate the secret of the relationship between lovers was the one-act play by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev “Where it is thin, it breaks there”.

The action takes place on the estate of Madame Libanova, who has a 19-year-old daughter, Vera. The hospitality of a wealthy landowner allowed a large number of people to live in her house and be guests. a rich heiress and marriageable girl, possessed natural beauty and intelligence. The young man Vladimir Petrovich Stanitsyn, a neighbor of Madame Libanova, courted the enviable bride. But his simplicity, timidity and clumsiness hindered the establishment of mutual affection between the girl and the boy.

Vera Nikolaevna was in no hurry to respond to the feelings of Stanitsa for another reason. Her mother had another neighbor - Gorsky Evgeny Andreevich, a prominent man of 26 years old, who was more attractive to Vera as a spouse than his friend and rival Stanitsyn. By the way, the latter, in his naivety, did not even suspect about the tender feelings between Vera and Gorsky. However, Gorsky was in no hurry to make a marriage proposal, and Vera Nikolaevna needed clarity in their relationship.

One evening, Eugene, full of lyrical feelings, reads Lermontov's poems to her in a boat in the middle of the pond, so much so that the girl understands his feelings. But the next day he is mocking and sarcastic, hiding his timidity, he behaves awkwardly towards Vera. The girl is offended by such a dual nature of Gorsky, and in the end she agrees to the marriage proposal made by Stanitsy.

folk wisdom

The proverb “Where it is thin, it breaks there” means that things in which there is no clarity and clarity, left to chance, at the most inopportune moment can bring trouble or lead to disaster.

The allegory with the thread is very revealing. A good housewife will not use thread with thin sections in sewing, which will obviously break. She will either take another thread or remove the damaged section. A negligent hostess, relying on a chance (and suddenly she will blow through), using a low-quality thread, risks wasting time and getting a bad result.

In life, we often encounter such a phenomenon, especially when it comes to human relationships, when a person, because of his complexes, does not solve psychological problems, but leaves them to chance - maybe everything will be resolved by itself. Yes, it can resolve itself, but the result, as a rule, is the opposite of the expectations of such a person. Turgenev subtly described this feature of human relationships in his play.

The connection between the play and the proverb

“Where it is thin, it breaks there” - the writer gave such a name to the work in order to focus readers' attention on the internal psychological problem of the protagonist. Avoiding an honest dialogue with Vera, and above all with himself, he lost his relationship with the girl he liked. Fear of the changes in life that should follow the marriage did not allow Gorsky to make a final decision. The weakness of the character of the hero allowed him to agree and somewhere even rejoice at Vera's decision to marry Stanitsyn.

Yevgeny Gorsky's tossing between "I want" and "I'm afraid" shows his inability to take responsibility, which cultivates the behavior of avoiding failure. The relationship was vague and incomprehensible for Vera: whether Eugene loves her or not, she never got a definite answer. Therefore, such a sad outcome - where it is thin, it breaks there.

Reasons for the gap

The main character of the play - a young girl Vera Nikolaevna - is only 19 years old. But she demonstrates worldly wisdom and the ability to make decisions with a cool head. When the evening before, on a walk in the garden, Yevgeny gave vent to his emotions, succumbing to the innocent charm of the youth of the main character, it seemed to Vera that Gorsky was in love with her, and she was glad of this, since she herself was attracted to him.

However, the next day, Evgeny seemed to have been replaced - he was timid, mumbled, made excuses, avoided direct answers to direct questions. He, perhaps, over time, would have decided to marry, but Stanitsyn, with his proposal, forced Gorsky to make a choice immediately, for which the hero was not ready. Faith was embarrassed by this behavior, because this proves that Eugene doubts his feelings. And she made a hasty decision at first glance: let it tear where it is thin.

Young but smart

The behavior of the heroine from the outside may seem spontaneous and frivolous. “In spite of that, I will marry the first one who calls,” such behavior of young ladies has become a classic. In a state of resentment, they are ready to punish the negligent groom, and as a result, they themselves and their unfortunate chosen ones suffer.

But Vera Nikolaevna approached the issue of marriage seriously. She agreed to Stanitsyn's proposal not out of resentment at Gorsky's indecisiveness, but in spite of him. She understood that if she waited for Eugene, where was the guarantee that in married life he would not let her down. And Stanitsyn is reliable, caring and madly in love with her. So it's an arranged marriage. Is it bad or good?

Choice between bad and very bad

Life is a series of choices, somewhere successful, but somewhere not. And the expression “let it tear better where it is thin” indicates particularly unsuccessful decisions. Vera Nikolaevna had to make a choice that would decide her future fate.

In the play “Where it is thin, it breaks there” in the content, the author does not describe Vera Nikolaevna as a romantic girl whose heart stops at the mere sight of her lover. On the contrary, Gorsky does not always feel comfortable under Vera's gaze. The relationship of young people had a subjunctive character. Vera experienced sluggish feelings for Eugene, the same as he did for her.

A person who is truly in love, like the same Stanitsyn, is not afraid of the future, does not predict failures - on the contrary, he is happy and thinks that this will always be the case. Indecision and fear of making a mistake show that, in fact, neither Vera nor Gorsky had love. Therefore, a girl between two bad options chooses a more acceptable one - if she herself cannot love, then at least they love her. She has yet to go through her bitter lessons, to be punished for her selfish approach to relationships with the opposite sex. But that, as they say, is another story.

Where it is thin, there it breaks

Analyzing Turgenev and his work, one can understand that other works of the classic, such as “A Month in the Country”, “Evening in Sorrenta”, etc., were also devoted to the theme of the relationship between a man and a woman. This indicates the writer’s keen interest in the eternal theme of love. This is significant, given that great works are always born from real experiences and experiences. In other words, the author in each work describes himself to some extent.

The play "Where it is thin, there it breaks" is no exception. If you look impartially at the life of Turgenev, then in Gorsky you can guess the personality traits of the author. Let's not be unfounded, but remember the biographical facts.

The writer writes about himself

Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev was born into a wealthy noble family. From childhood, I watched how folk wisdom was embodied in life, in particular the saying "Where it is thin, it breaks there." The relationship between the parents was initially flawed: the writer's father, a retired ruined officer, married the money of a powerful landowner. All that young Ivan could observe was a marriage in which not only adults, but also children suffer.

Relationships, in which initially there was no love, no respect, no understanding, but only selfish desires to control each other, led to the fear of the institution of the family, of real responsible relationships, born in the weak soul of the boy.

Turgenev girls

The whole personal life of the brilliant writer seemed to pass under the slogan "Remember: it breaks where it's thin." Proof of this are the actions of Turgenev, committed by him both in his youth and in his mature years.

As expected, the young Ivan Turgenev falls in love with the same young and charming young ladies. But the morality of that time did not allow to have a close relationship with the object of sighing from the nobility. Like many, the young Mr. Turgenev had to resort to the help of servants.

The seamstress Dunyasha became the mother of the writer's only child. Ivan Sergeevich wanted to marry his beloved when he found out about the pregnancy. But the mother did not allow an unequal marriage to take place, threw a scandal and exiled her negligent son to St. Petersburg, and immediately married Dunyasha.

Life went on, there were some hobbies and even thoughts of marriage, but things did not go beyond dreams. But there was one big, one might even say fatal attraction in the life of the great writer.

Pauline Viardot

The writer, as is typical of the ardent disposition of youth, was so fascinated by the actress that neither the harsh educational measures of his mother (she deprived Turgenev of money for three years), nor ridicule, nor insults stopped him. He followed the Viardot family everywhere. As the writer himself later wrote: "I lived on the edge of someone else's nest."

Having met Polina and her husband at the age of 25, the writer will remain with the Viardot family until the end of his life, bequeathing to the actress all his rich inheritance. This woman played a decisive role in Turgenev's life and in his final loneliness, as if summing up: "Let it tear where it is thin!"

We all come from childhood

The psychological trauma received by Turgenev in childhood dealt a blow to the most delicate place. They did not allow Ivan Sergeevich in his adult life to create a harmonious happy relationship with the women he loved. He expresses his fear of married life through the lips of Gorsky in the play “Where it is thin, there it breaks”:

And what? Less than five years after the marriage, the already captivating, living Maria turned into a plump and noisy Marya Bogdanovna ...

The imperious and despotic mother also influenced the formation of Turgenev's character. He was a gentle person, somewhere even soft-bodied, for the most part he was afraid to make responsible decisions and tried to avoid conflicts, which was later reflected in literary work and civic positions. Turgenev will often be criticized for his weakness of character and called the "tourist of life."

Opinion of critics

But let's get back to the play "Where it's thin, it breaks there." She received acclaim from fellow writers and critics.

P. V. Annenkov noted the simplicity of the characters and Turgenev's skill to interest, in essence, a banal story, without passion and tragedies.

Druzhinin A.V. spoke about the comedy “Where it is thin, it breaks there”: “Let the play be small, but the author of the Hunter’s Notes proved that Russian comedy can be entertaining.”

Despite the positive reviews of the play, theatrical productions of the comedy were a failure, which was immediately reflected in the negative reviews of theater critics. Dejected by the failure, Turgenev banned theatrical performances of the play. The ban was in effect until the writer's death.

At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, theatrical performances of the comedy "Where it is thin, there it breaks" are resumed. The significance of the play in the cultural heritage of Turgenev is being reviewed, and critics and the public give a positive assessment to the work.

"Good fellows lesson"

Almost 200 years have passed since the play was written, and the world has changed beyond recognition. Feminism has achieved equal freedoms for women. As another wise proverb says: “For what they fought, they ran into that.” As a result, a woman has turned from a weak woman into a strong one, in other words, she has to carry the entire burden of everyday problems on herself. The availability of bodily pleasures leads to more and more irresponsibility on the part of both men and women.

But, despite such radical external changes, the psychology of people does not change. Internal problems have no time limits. And today, very often we are faced with a situation so elegantly described by Turgenev in the comedy "Where it is thin, it breaks there." Let the scenery of the 21st century be different, and young people can be together for a long time and even have children together, but when it comes to formalizing relations in the registry office, many modern Gorsky behave in exactly the same way as Turgenev's prototype. A brilliant story retains its freshness and relevance even through time.