(320 words) Of those who read Lermontov’s novel “A Hero of Our Time”, no one doubts that Grigory Alexandrovich is a tragic image, and his life is a dramatic story. However, not everyone understands the essence of the tragedy of Pechorin. Before us is a rich, young, beautiful and intelligent nobleman who, it would seem, has everything for happiness: the attention of women, money, an advantageous position in society and the ability to win people over. But he is not happy, and, moreover, is doomed to misfortune. Why?
The tragedy of Pechorin has reasons characterizing its essence. Firstly, it is idleness, poisoning the soul. Gregory is at the peak of business activity, but does nothing. He gets involved in dubious adventures, love affairs, table disputes, but all these are just kinds of idleness. A man with his mind and abilities must have a higher calling, otherwise he wastes his life. And the hero understands this, therefore he does not spare himself, as if playing with death. Secondly, a nobleman of his time felt incapable of expressing himself because of a reactionary state policy. In Russia, there were not enough freedoms and opportunities for large-scale activities, for example, the Decembrists who cruelly paid for their attempt at self-realization. All innovations came late, stagnation reigned in many areas, social inequality settled the discord among the people. Gregory was far from the poor by virtue of his origin; he did not know and did not sympathize with their problems. But small things like a career, personal farming, or secular amusements did not satisfy Pechorin’s ambition, he longed for more scope, but could not turn around. Thirdly, the hero was disappointed in feelings and relationships. Even Vera, his ideal, married by calculation and cheated on her husband. On such examples, he recognized people well, so he could not trust even the best of them. It is not surprising that he did not become a happy family man and an enthusiastic admirer; there is too much deception around him.
Thus, social, political and individual circumstances did not disposition Pechorin to find happiness and did not inspire Lermontov to create a successful ending. The tragedy of Grigory Aleksandrovich is that he, with his intelligence and insight, became superfluous at the “celebration of life”, where he saw neither celebration nor life.
City of masters
