In his work Lermontov moves the readerin the 16th century, during the time of the unlimited power of Grozny. The main heroes of the poem are the merchant Kalashnikov and the oprichnik Kiribeyevich, and not the tsar. The writer raised the topic of dignity and honor. The work makes the reader think about such important issues as freedom, human rights, the causes of violence and arbitrariness, ways to protect themselves and their relatives.
Description of the oprichnik Kiribeevich
Comparative characteristics of Kalashnikov andKiribeevich gives an idea of the main characters of the poem. Oprichnik possessed heroic strength, he was brave, he showed himself perfectly in battles, so he enjoyed the favor of the tsar. Kiribeyevich was very sensitive to the surrounding beauty, he was able to enjoy and admire it, so the beautiful wife of the merchant Kalashnikov Alena Dmitrievna could not pass by. The woman immediately won the heart of the brave oprichnik, at one sight she lost the remnants of self-control, her legs gave way, and there was a fog in her head.
Comparative characteristics of Kalashnikov andKiribeevich allows the reader to draw up the image of a people's favorite and a person endowed with power. Oprichnik felt his impunity, therefore, having crossed all the moral laws, he began to pester Alain Dmitrievna. He does not know that his daring kisses do not please a woman, that Kiribeyevich's actions disgrace the Kalashnikov family. Oprichnik was not ready to receive a refusal from Alena Dmitrievna and a challenge to a duel from her husband.
Confrontation between the merchant and the oprichnik
No one in the city, not even the king, knew the trueThe reasons why they decided to fight Kiribeyevich and Kalashnikov. Oprichnik, of course, surpassed the strength of the merchant. A simple man from the people had nothing to dream of fighting a professional warrior who constantly participates in fisticuffs. But the moral laws were on the side of Kalashnikov, and Kiribeyevich understood this perfectly. The confidence in the oprichnik's powers greatly weakened after the merchant's words that he would fight until his last breath.
Comparative characteristics of Kalashnikov andKiribeevich shows that a person who is aware of his own rightness can defeat anyone. Oprichnik lost his honest and open fight self-control, so he died at the hands of the enemy. The merchant above all places truth and honor, that is, the moral laws of the people. It's an iron nature that can stand up for the honor of your family. For him, death is better than dishonor.
Execution of Stepan Kalashnikov
The merchant did not want to admit the true reasonduel, choosing as punishment for the death of the best tsar's oprichnik penalty. Ivan the Terrible was cruel, but also in his own way just. If he knew what caused the fight, he would have pardoned Stepan. Comparative characteristics of Kalashnikov and Kiribeevich show that the preservation of dignity in the understanding of the people comes into conflict with social conditions. Lermontov always argued that the formation of the personality of a person is necessary only on the people's soil.
