Analysis of the story "Taras Bulba" The story of Ostap and Andriy from Taras Bulba
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In the story “Taras Bulba” N.V. Gogol glorifies the heroism of the Russian people. Russian critic V.G. Belinsky wrote: “Taras Bulba is an excerpt, an episode from the great epic of the life of an entire people.” And N.V. himself Gogol wrote about his work like this: “Then there was that poetic time when everything was obtained with a saber, when everyone, in turn, strived to be an actor, and not a spectator.”
Using the example of Taras’s family, Gogol showed the morals and customs of the Zaporozhye Cossacks of those years. Taras Bulba was a rich Cossack and could afford to send his children to study at Bursa. He wanted his children to grow up not only strong and brave, but also educated people. Taras believed that if children grow up at home, close to their mother, then they will not make good Cossacks, because every Cossack must “feel the battle.”
The Zaporozhye Cossacks arose in the lower reaches of the Dnieper on the islands beyond the rapids. Many people gathered there. In the 16th century, the future Ukraine and Belarus became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Religious persecution caused resistance and uprisings against the Polish state. It was during this harsh time that Gogol’s heroes had to live.
Ostap was destined for “the path of battle and the difficult knowledge of carrying out military affairs.” The inclinations of the future leader were noticeable in him. “His body breathed with strength, and his knightly qualities had already acquired the broad strength of a lion.” But fate was not destined for Ostap to become a great commander and leader. In the battle of Dubno, he was captured and, having undergone terrible torture, was executed on Warsaw Square. Ostap is the embodiment of devotion to faith, duty and comrades.
Andriy is the complete opposite of his older brother. He was completely immersed in the “charming music of bullets and swords.” He didn’t know what it meant to calculate one’s own or someone else’s strength in advance. Under the influence of his feelings, he was capable of not only fighting heroically, but also betraying his comrades. Love for the beautiful lady destroyed the youngest son Taras. Succumbing to his feelings, he forgot his love for the Motherland and his duty to his comrades, and a bullet fired by the hand of his own father with the words: “I gave birth to you, I will kill you,” ended Andriy’s young life.
Gogol describes Ostap, Andriy, and Taras with great love. His story sounds like a hymn to the fatherland and the heroism of his compatriots. Andriy, for the sake of his feelings, was not afraid to renounce his faith, family and went against his homeland. Ostap inspires respect with his dedication to the common cause, unshakable faith and perseverance.
Gogol's story "Taras Bulba" can be compared with the poems of Homer. His heroes are perceived as epic heroes: “Can there really be such fires, torments and such strength in the world that would overpower the Russian force?”

Ostap and Andriy are one of the main characters in the story “Taras Bulba”. Gogol filled their images with memorable features. These characters are important not only for the movement of the plot, but also for revealing the character of their father, and for embodying the main idea of ​​the story. Ostap and Andriy mean a lot to Taras Bulba. In order to instill a fighting spirit in his sons and strengthen their character, Bulba decides to go to the Zaporozhye Sich, tries to agitate the Koshevoy to break the peace treaty and eventually organizes early elections in the Sich.

In the first chapter it is given general description Ostapa and Andria from Taras Bulba:

“These were two strapping young men, still looking from under their brows, like recently graduated seminarians. Their strong, healthy faces were covered with the first fluff of hair that had not yet been touched by a razor. They were very embarrassed by their father’s reception and stood motionless, with their eyes down on the ground.”

From these lines it becomes clear that they are still teenagers (“the first fluff of hair”), their behavior indicates constraint and unequal position. Both Ostap and Andriy still feel the pressure of their father. The eldest son was offended by Bulba’s words about the ridiculous uniform of the seminarians, so he comes at Taras with his fists to defend his honor and point of view. He intends to prove to his father that he has become a grown man. Bulba liked this turn of events:

“- Yes, he fights nicely! - Bulba said, stopping. - By God, it’s good! - he continued, recovering a little, - so, at least not even try. He will be a good Cossack!”

Ostap and Andriy, the sons of Taras Bulba, had enormous potential. The father himself noticed this, so he decides to involve them in his life’s work - Cossacks. Taras Bulba Ostap and Andrey had the idea to send them to the Zaporozhye Sich. The talents of both young men were useful to them in the Sich. “Soon both young Cossacks became in good standing with the Cossacks.” At the seminary, Ostap initially showed himself not to be the best side. He ran away and harassed teachers many times. But later he came to his senses, studied hard and became one of the best students in the class. Analytical thinking also came in handy on the battlefield. Ostap could quickly find a way out of this situation or make the right tactical move. Moreover, he was also a good friend.

In one of the battles, the eldest son was captured. Ostap spent a long time in a Polish prison until the death penalty was announced. He dies like a hero, a strong and unbroken Cossack, without allowing himself a single cry of pain.

Andriy differed from his older brother in his special sensitivity to subtle matters. He is attracted by the beauty of nature, the quiet rustle of steppe grass, and the ancient streets of Kyiv. Andriy early discovered the need to love, but could not admit it even to close people. Exactly this distinguishing feature ultimately turned fatal. Andriy betrays his father, devoting himself entirely to serving the Polish lady. Taras kills him, not wanting to understand how it happened that Andriy valued love above duty.

However, with such a character, it was Andriy who was the instigator and organizer of all sorts of tricks and adventures. And he managed to avoid punishment with the help of his resourceful mind. It was this ability to find a non-standard solution, combined with the makings of a leader, that made Andriy a special Cossack. “He didn’t know what it was to think or calculate... He saw frenzied bliss and rapture in battle: he saw something feasting in those moments when... heads fly, horses fall to the ground with a roar.”

It cannot be said that in “Taras Bulba” the images of Ostap and Andriy are opposite. These are two different heroes, but nevertheless they have something in common. They are both brave, courageous warriors who are ready to fight and die for what is dear to them. Ostap and Andriy, the sons of Taras Bulba, were worthy people.

The given description of the images of Taras Bulba’s sons Ostap and Andriy will help grades 6-7 when preparing an essay on the topic “Ostap and Andriy in N.V. Gogol’s story “Taras Bulba””

Work test

The main characters of N.V. Gogol’s story “Taras Bulba” are the sons of Taras - Ostap and Andriy.

The hero brothers are very different from each other: Ostap had a stern character, he did not forgive insults, but Andriy studied easily, appreciated beauty, was not indifferent to the opposite sex, which is why he suffered.

Nikolai Vasilyevich described the brothers this way: “Two stalwart young men, still looking from under their brows, like recently graduated seminarians. Strong, healthy faces were covered with the first fluff of hair that had not yet been touched by a razor.”

Andriy willingly studied at the seminary and was an obedient student. Ostap was the complete opposite of his brother: he ran away from the seminary, buried his primer several times, for which he was flogged. Later he began to behave more exemplary, but did not get rid of punishments.

Ostap is considered a loyal comrade, he is simple and at the same time fair towards others. “He was harsh towards motives other than war and riotous revelry; at least I never thought about anything else.” From this it becomes clear that Ostap is in many ways similar to his father - he is also little attached to peaceful life, so he is easily ready to leave it for the sake of battles. The only thing that upset and touched him were his mother's tears.

Andriy loved his mother and was strongly attached to a quiet life. He was devoted to love, because of which he commits a crime - he goes over to the side of the enemy.

“What is my father, comrades and homeland to me? - said Andriy, quickly shaking his head and straightening his entire body, straight, like a riverine sedge. “So if that’s the case, then this is it: I don’t have anyone!”

There were harsh morals in the Sich. They taught nothing there except discipline, sometimes they shot at a target and rode horses, and occasionally went hunting. “The Cossack loves to sleep under a free sky, so that not the low ceiling of the hut, but the starry canopy is above his head, and there is no greater honor for a Cossack than to stand up for his will, there is no other law other than military comradeship.”

And in the Sich the brothers were completely different. The Cossacks accepted them as equals. In battle, Ostap was calm, prudent, cold-blooded, prudent, able to calculate the danger that threatened him; Andriy rushed headlong into the fight, forgetting about everything. He enjoyed the battle and rushed into the thick of it without fear. Taras Bulba was proud of his sons as never before. About Ostap, he said that he would turn out “Good. Good colonel,” and from Andriy, “Also good, not Ostap, but good warrior.”

Their fate was significantly changed by their arrival home, when their father immediately sent them to Zaporozhye. They became not only trained in knowledge, but also good warriors with their own fighting style.

But we can assume that Taras’s hopes for his sons were not justified. The father dreamed that the eldest son Ostap would be a “good colonel”, and the youngest, Andriy, would be a “good warrior”. However, these words were not destined to come true. Ostap did not manage to become a colonel, although he showed himself to be a courageous Cossack. He was captured by the Poles and executed in Warsaw. Son Andriy became a good warrior, but on the side of the enemy. Taras himself killed him, uttering great and terrible words: “I gave birth to you, I will kill you!”

Gogol describes Ostap, Andriy, and Taras with great love. His story sounds like a hymn to the fatherland and the heroism of his compatriots. Andriy, for the sake of his feelings, was not afraid to renounce his faith, family and went against his homeland. Ostap inspires respect with his dedication to the common cause, unshakable faith and perseverance.

The heroes of “Taras Bulba” are perceived as epic heroes: “Can there really be such fires, torments and such strength in the world that would overpower the Russian force.”

Taras Bulba is a wonderful work by a brilliant author. This work came from the pen of the author, who introduces us to young people on the pages of the story. Their images accompany us throughout the entire work. Important events take place around them and with their help the theme of love for the Motherland is revealed and human values ​​are revealed. These are the sons of Taras Bulba Ostap and Andriy, whose comparison we will make.

Andriy and Ostap are two brothers who were raised the same. They played the same games, received the same knowledge. But, as they say, there are no identical children, and here the brothers Ostap and Andriy were completely different.

Already in the theological seminary, where the boys received their education and where spiritual values ​​were instilled in them, one could see the differences in their characters.

Ostap and Andriy brief description of the heroes

So, giving a brief description of the brothers, we can say that the elder Ostap was a kind, straightforward, loyal comrade who never took the lead, but also did not reveal the pranks of his friends. This is a man with a strong character, for whom the rod was not terrible. Ostap accepts all punishments with dignity. He studies reluctantly, and even runs away several times, until his father threatens him with deprivation of the opportunity to get to the Zaporozhye Sich. After that, the guy came to his senses and completed the course no worse than others.

The younger Andriy, on the contrary, gnaws at science with pleasure, and the study itself comes easily to him. He is a dreamer and a romantic. He loves to walk the streets, admiring the beauty around him, he is open to love. Unlike his brother, he often becomes the leader of any undertakings, while always trying to evade punishment.

The difference in the characters of the two brothers manifested itself when, according to the plot, the boys and their father end up with the Cossacks in the Zaporozhye Sich. Two strong, healthy young men, of good physique. They were in good standing, were excellent shooters, and physically developed warriors. And soon they had the opportunity to prove themselves in battle.

Comparing the two heroes, we see Ostap in the battle with the Poles, who calmly calculates the possible threat. All of Ostap’s actions are reasonable, and his behavior is calm. He manages to find a way out of any situation. The younger brother rushes headlong into battle, forgetting about everything. For him, battle is a pleasure, for him the whistling of a saber or a bullet is like music that intoxicates. The father was proud of his sons, and despite the fact that they were different, he saw brave Cossacks in them. But in the besieged city, Andriy meets a Polish girl whom he had seen earlier. Feelings for her have awakened, and for the sake of love, he betrays his homeland, becomes a traitor, abandons his comrades and goes over to the side of the enemy. Such actions were not forgiven. Having killed his son, the unfortunate father did not forgive him either. Ostap remains faithful to his duty, and dies at the hands of the enemy in battle, like a hero.

My attitude towards Ostap and Andriy

Having become acquainted with the characteristics of Ostap and Andriy, I cannot say who is closer to me, and whose side I was on. Both brothers are positive heroes with different fates. It’s just that the younger brother was unable to go against the feeling that arose and for his sake he decided to betray. But for this I do not undertake to judge him. Who knows what we would have done and what we would have chosen if we were in Andriy’s place. But I feel very sorry for the eldest son, because a cruel death awaited him, which he met with his head held high.

Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andria

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The work of N.V. Gogol “Taras Bulba” reflects not only the historical past, but also shows the personal drama of the Cossack Taras Bulba and his sons - Ostap and Andriy. On the one hand, the two brothers are different, but on the other, they are very similar. Therefore, it is quite interesting to compare them.

Review of the story “Taras Bulba”

A review of the story will allow you to understand how it happened that, having grown up in the same family and brought up in the same way, Taras’s children - Ostap and Andriy - are brothers and enemies. Taras Bulba loved his native Ukraine with all his soul. A lively, restless Cossack, it was as if he was created for a violent battle. A clean field and a good horse are all that his soul asks for.

Merciless towards the enemy, gentle towards his comrades, Taras protects the oppressed and disadvantaged. His whole life is connected with the Zaporozhye Sich. Service native land he gave himself completely. The main thing for him is the freedom and independence of his people. An experienced and wise leader of the Cossack army, Taras led simple life and was no different from his comrades.

Stern and unyielding, devoted to his homeland, he sent his sons to the Sich as soon as they returned home from Kyiv, where they studied military science. Taras Bulba proudly told all his friends that Ostap and Andriy would become real Cossacks. The brothers and their father go to the Sich.

On the way, they were more silent, worried about the imminent separation from their mother and home. The Sich greeted them with real revelry. Bulba is making efforts to raise an army on a campaign against Poland. Soon the Cossacks attacked the city of Dubno, where, as they believed, there were many rich inhabitants and gold. The Cossacks won the first battle, but were unable to enter the city.

Decisive battle

They set up camp near the walls of Dubno and prepare for the second battle. Taras Bulba is proud of his sons. Ostap and Andriy fight with dignity. The eldest son is elected ataman of the Uman kuren. A born Cossack, in battle Ostap shows bravery and courage, acts calmly and boldly. The younger Andriy fights enthusiastically and bravely. With his characteristic ardor, he commits actions that a reasonable Ostap would not dare to undertake.

At night, the maid of his beloved makes her way to Andriy. Andriy abandons his army and goes over to the enemy’s side. In the second battle, Bulba saw his son Andriy leaving the city gates with the Polish knights. The father cannot stand Andriy's betrayal. Having lured him into a trap, Taras kills his son.

In this battle, the Cossack army suffered heavy losses. Ostap was captured, where he died under torture. The father tried to save his son, but could not. Bulba lost both sons, but bravely continued to fight. The battle lasted four days. Taras fell behind his army and was overtaken by the Haiduks. They tied him to an oak tree and lit a fire under him. And in his last minutes he thinks about his comrades, about his native land.

Two brothers - two destinies

Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andriy will help to put together a complete image of the heroes and understand their actions and behavior. But first, let’s look at how their childhood went and the peculiarities of their upbringing.

Ostap and Andriy grew up next to each other, playing the same games. Their favorite place was the meadow behind the house. The father was often not at home; the mother was involved in raising the sons. The youngest son was his mother's joy. From an early age, Ostap strove to be like his father in everything. The brothers received the same education. Taras understood that they had to study and sent them to the Kyiv Bursa. Already there the brothers showed themselves differently.

They both dreamed of exploits and battles. When, upon their return, the father said that his sons would go with him to the Zaporozhye Sich, both were delighted. Sich is the place where they will become real Cossacks. On the way, each of them thought about his own. Ostap - about military exploits, about the fact that he is in no way inferior to his illustrious father. Andriy - about his beloved Polish beauty.

The author describes the appearance of Ostap and Andriy in general terms. Apparently, in order to note how close they are to each other. Two strong young men. The faces are covered with the first fuzz of hair, which is still unknown to the razor. Both have long forelocks, for which any Cossack could tear them out. A little later, the author describes their faces, barely tanned. This is why their young black mustaches set off the healthy color of youth even more brightly.

After the brothers arrived in Sich, they matured within a month. The barely fledged chicks became Cossacks. The youthful softness in his facial features gave way to confidence and determination.

Older brother Ostap

Ostap's strong-willed character manifested itself in childhood. He didn’t like studying and buried his primer four times. He ran away from the bursa and stayed to study only under the threat of his father. When he was punished, he endured everything in silence. He lay down under the rod himself and never asked for mercy, never betrayed anyone. Ostap was a faithful comrade, and his friends responded in kind. After his father's order, Ostap made every effort and became the best in his studies.

Ostap is a reliable comrade and an impeccable fighter. He is calm, silent and reasonable. Ostap honors the traditions of his grandfathers and fathers. He does not face the problem of choosing between his feelings and duty. Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andriy will help to better and deeper understand both brothers.

Despite the fact that Ostap is a man of duty, the death of his brother hurts him painfully. Good by nature, it is very difficult for him to look at his mother’s tears. But he tries not to show it. He loved his parents with all his heart, but he and his father were united by the desire to serve the Ukrainian people and their native land.

An integral nature, Ostap unconditionally accepts the life, ideals and principles of the Cossacks from the Sich. At twenty-two years old, he is cool-headed and looks at many things soberly. He lived his short life with dignity. Always respectful, but knows boundaries - Ostap's respect does not turn into servility.

He respects the opinion of the Cossacks, but he is categorically not interested in the opinion of foreigners. Ostap was never at a loss in battle or embarrassed. The Cossacks appreciated his strength and dexterity, courage and bravery in battle. Father Taras proudly said that he would make a good colonel.

The author notes that his body breathed strength and the knightly qualities of the young man acquired the strength of a lion. For a young Cossack, the world is harsh, but everything in it is simple: there are enemies - there are friends, there are friends - there are strangers. Ostap is not interested in politics, he is just a warrior - a brave, stern, loyal and straightforward Cossack. He remains faithful to his duty and his homeland to the end. In captivity he was subjected to terrible torture, Ostap did not say a word.

When the captured Cossacks are led to the scaffold, Ostap goes ahead of everyone. He looks proudly at the Poles and turns only to the Cossacks, so that they do not say a word to the Poles and do not disgrace the Cossack glory. Not a scream, not a single groan escaped from his chest. He died as a proud and loyal son of his land.

Taras's youngest son - Andriy

Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andriy will answer many questions. It is noticeable that the author devotes more space to Andria in the story. His appearance is described in more detail. And, besides, this is the only hero of the story with whom the lyrical line is connected - the story of his love for the lady. But first things first.

While studying at the bursa, Bulba's youngest son showed himself to be a lively, developed, intelligent and inventive person. He liked to study, and knowledge came easily to him. Andriy was the ringleader in “dangerous enterprises,” but skillfully got away with it. Easy-going and decisive, he could find a way out of any situation. And he managed to avoid punishment. His father was sure that in the future Andriy would become a glorious Cossack.

The need to love arose in him early. What he was ashamed to admit to his brother and comrades. Sensitive by nature, he loved to walk the streets of Kyiv and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. When he saw the beautiful lady, his heart was filled with warmth, and he could not forget it.

A few years later he meets this girl again. She has matured, changed and seems even more beautiful to Andriy. He tells her everything he feels, hugs her reverently and understands that he does not want to part with her. Not only comparative characteristics Ostap and Andria, but also the description of the brothers’ appearance makes it clear that they are completely different.

In describing the appearance of his older brother, the author focuses only on his strength. Unlike Ostap, more attention is paid to the description of Andriy: a handsome young man, a velvet eyebrow is arched, his eyes sparkle with clear firmness, his cheeks glow with a bright fire and his black mustache shines like silk.

Andriy loves nature and misses his mother a lot. But he cannot be called weak-willed. He understands that he has committed a terrible crime - he betrayed his father and comrades in arms. And he knew what the consequences of his action would be. But he tries to remain himself to the end, fights for his own happiness.

Two extremes coexist in him - a subtle, sensitive nature and a brave warrior who is not afraid to look death in the face. He throws bread to a hungry man, but in battle his hand does not waver. The feelings of the young Cossack, which have not faded over several years, confirm how strong his love for the lady was. And the girl answered him the same.

To meet with the lady, Andriy enters a strange city. But first he enters Catholic Church. It doesn’t bother him that this is a temple of a faith alien to him. He looks in amazement at the play of light and listens to the organ. This episode perfectly shows that he has access to the beauty of an alien religion, the suffering and sadness of a warring people. But Andriy’s spiritual beauty fades when he stands “against his own people,” fiercely and decisively, like a young greyhound dog.

Ostap and Andriy - brothers and enemies

The author introduces the reader to the brothers when they return home from school. The father made fun of their ridiculous outfit. Ostap was offended by these words, and he wanted to resolve the dispute with his fists. The father plays along with his son to see if he really will stop at anything. Andriy is indifferent and does not show himself in any way in this episode.

At dinner the conversation turns to studying, the father starts talking about punishment with rods. The eldest son does not want to talk about this topic, but the youngest is determined to strike back. From this scene it becomes clear that Ostap is reasonable and calm, Andriy is a hot young man who longs for exploits.

Ostap, who studied at the seminary without much pleasure, ran away from there several times. On his fifth escape, his father warned that he would send Ostap to a monastery. His father's words influenced the young man, and thanks to his willpower and perseverance, he becomes one of the best students. He took part in many pranks, but did not betray his comrades. He steadfastly endured punishment with rods.

Andriy studied with pleasure. Just like his brother, he participated in various adventures. But thanks to his resourcefulness, he successfully avoided punishment. Like all his comrades, Andriy dreamed of glory and exploits, but the feeling of love occupied a special place in his thoughts. Already in the Sich, when the lady’s maid finds him, under pain of death, he pulls out a bag of food from under his sleeping brother in order to save his beloved from hunger in the besieged city.

In battle, Andriy, without hesitation, rushed into the center of the battle, doing what other Cossacks could not do. Ostap, on the contrary, acted judiciously: he assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy before taking action. Both brothers were highly respected by the Cossacks.

Two brothers - Ostap and Andriy - two destinies, two characters, two deaths. One brother dies heroically, like a glorious son of his people. Taras takes revenge for the execution of Ostap by burning cities and war. The second brother shamefully dies for apostasy and betrayal of his people at the hands of his father. Taras does not bury his son according to Cossack customs, he says that they will bury him without him.

Taras taught both of his sons to love his people, land and freedom. And he wanted them to become worthy defenders of their native land and sincerely serve their people. That is why the betrayal of Andriy’s youngest son outgrew the scale of the family drama and became a conflict between two worlds. For Taras, his whole life was in the struggle for justice. The younger son chose love for a girl over his father’s values. The eldest remains faithful to everything his father taught him to the end.