Маленькие трагедии

The cycle of short plays “Little Tragedies” by A.S. Pushkin, showing vicious human passions brought to their highest point, teaches us to understand that they bring destruction to themselves and affect those around them. Therefore, the reader must conclude: we must try to find these passions in ourselves and have the will to resist them. “The Stingy Knight” Stinginess and love of money take possession of the human soul, leaving no room for other feelings, and lead the stingy knight to death from worry about his wealth. The miser's son even thought of poisoning his father. "Mozart and Salieri". Salieri is consumed with envy that Mozart, who creates easily and effortlessly, enjoys greater popularity than he does. And this envy does not subside even when Mozart is poisoned, now it moves from the man to his music and causes doubt in his own talent. "The Stone Guest".. A frivolous attitude towards love, a passion for conquering women. Being the killer of Anna’s husband, Don Guan, according to a developed plan, seduces her, forcing her to betray the memory of the deceased. He dies himself, falling into hell along with the statue of his husband, the Commander. But the souls corrupted by him, who forgave everything to the seducer, who violated moral standards, also await retribution. "Feast in Time of Plague". This play demonstrates the suppressed fear of death and different attitudes towards it. The heroes feast, although the city is dying. Some indulge in drunkenness and debauchery, others glorify death without thinking about the dead. Only the Priest helps people come to terms with the death of loved ones and their own inevitability, consoling and calming.

Wood engravings by F.D. Konstantinov