Essay “Taras Bulba: the image of Ostap. The image and characteristics of Ostap from the story “Taras Bulba” by Gogol with quotes from Ostap from Daesh

In Nikolai Gogol's story “Taras Bulba” there are several semantic centers. Historical past, a fragment from the life of the Zaporozhye Sich and the fate of the three main characters - Taras, Andriy and Ostap. I would like to dwell in more detail on the last character. Taras Bulba embodies the image of a national hero, a fighter for faith, Motherland and independence. Andriy seems to be some kind of rebel and traitor. What is hidden in the image of Ostap, the son of Taras Bulba? The characterization of Ostap from Taras Bulba will allow us to more fully answer this question.

Appearance

First of all, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the hero. In this story by Gogol, the main characters have a textured appearance, thanks to which some character traits can also be traced. Compared to the characterization of Andriy, references to the appearance of Ostap from “Taras Bulba” are quite scarce; they appear infrequently in the text of the story. So, in “Taras Bulba” the description of Ostap is presented as follows: “His body breathed with strength, and his knightly qualities had already acquired the broad strength of a lion.”

Already from the first lines of the work, it becomes clear that Ostap has character. The eldest son responds to Bulba's banter with a fist fight. Ostap is ready to defend his interests and dignity, despite the fact that his father is his opponent. The fight ends with friendly hugs and praise: Taras is pleased that his son showed his strong-willed qualities, and therefore did not want his sons to stay with their mother for a long time, he thought that this would soften them.

Seminary studies

It is known that Taras sent his sons to get an education in Kyiv, so that experienced teachers there could provide knowledge about the sciences and discipline. At first, Ostap had problems with obedience. He ran away many times, disrupted classes, and buried books. Perhaps this would have continued further, but Bulba took the situation into his own hands, threatening to send his son to a monastery. After this, Ostap took up his studies seriously. Not to say that he had talent, but Ostap had amazing tenacity. After months of reading and mastering logical, rhetorical and grammatical subtleties, Ostap became on a par with the best students. It must be said that studying at that time was very little like learning in the modern sense. The seminarians could not apply the acquired skills and knowledge anywhere; “everyone was far from experience.”

Attitude towards love

Ostap from the story “Taras Bulba” dreamed of going to the Zaporozhye Sich and becoming a Cossack. The family was completely not for him. Ostap did not think that one day he would lose his head because of his feelings for a beautiful girl. This outcome of events simply did not fit into his worldview. “He was harsh towards motives other than war and riotous revelry; at least I never thought about anything else.”

The execution episode once again states that his wife and family are not important to him. In the last minutes, Ostap did not want to see his mother or hear the cry of his inconsolable wife.

Behavior in the Sich

Both sons of Taras Bulba quickly fell in love with the wild life. Ostap respected the laws of the Sich, however, he was still not so amazed by the cruel punishment of one Cossack for murder. Ostap was cold-blooded.

Fearing that the good fellows will be lost in partying and drinking, Taras asks the Koschevoy to break the peace agreements with Poland so that his sons can be hardened in battle. But events unfold somewhat differently, but in favor of Bulba Sr.

Ostap showed himself at his best: undaunted, daring, courageous warrior. “Ostap, it seemed, was destined for the path of battle and the difficult knowledge of carrying out military affairs.” He could accurately determine the danger, while knowing how to avoid it. His prudence and sober calculation made Ostap an excellent strategist. The twenty-two-year-old young man fought alongside experienced Cossacks. He was characterized by two most important things for a warrior: composure and an analytical mind. The makings of a future leader were visible in him; it is no coincidence that Ostap was chosen as the chieftain of the kuren.

Character

In the characterization of Ostap from the story “Taras Bulba”, a special place is given to temperament. Bulba's eldest son highly valued friendship and was considered one of the best comrades. In the seminary, being caught for some prank, he never betrayed his “accomplices.” He "was straightforward with his equals." The Cossacks highly appreciated this quality, because one of the main laws in the Sich was the law of partnership. The work does not mention any quarrels or clashes between Ostap and the Cossacks, since due to the above-mentioned personal qualities of the young man, they could not have happened.

His strong-willed character is evidenced not only by battle episodes, but also by his attitude to his studies: despite the boring and uninteresting textbooks, Ostap still became an excellent student.

Ostap was kind. Andriy's death and his mother's tears hurt him painfully, but the young man tried not to show it. He was closer to his father than to his mother. He and Taras were united by the desire to give his life for the sake of serving his native land and the Ukrainian people. He was always attracted to stories about exploits, he dreamed of showing himself in battles, swinging a saber, defending his interests. He was not attracted to the “music of bullets”; Ostap looked at things more realistically than his younger brother. Taras Bulba himself was more impressed by Ostap’s character.

Death

Ostap was not destined to live a long life, but a worthy one - yes. He is executed in Warsaw under the curious gaze of a crowd hungry for spectacle. The prisoners were led to the scaffold, Ostap goes first. He looks proudly at the Poles and does not greet them. The Cossack appeals only to the Cossacks, so that they do not disgrace the Cossack glory and do not utter a word while the executioners torture them. Bulba's eldest son will be executed first. He did exactly what he had told the other captives to do: he steadfastly withstood the torment. Ostap was silent even when the Poles broke the bones in their legs and arms.

Ostap forever remained faithful to his Fatherland, the Cossacks and the Christian faith. Literary scholars consider the image of Ostap from Taras Bulba to be collective. It deciphers not so much the human personality as the very idea of ​​freedom and the struggle for independence. Therefore, the execution turns out to be not just the death of Ostap, but the death of the values ​​​​proclaimed in the story: faith and Motherland.

A detailed description of Ostap will be useful for students in grades 6-7 when searching for materials for an essay on the topic “Characteristics of Ostap from the story “Taras Bulba””

Work test

based on the story, Taras Bulba”

Taras Bulba was one of the indigenous, old colonels: he was all about scolding anxiety and was distinguished by the brutal directness of his character. Taras did not like the fact that traditions and customs began to be adopted from Poland and luxury appeared: servants, falcons, dinners and courtyards. He loved the simple life of the Cossacks and quarreled with those of his comrades who were inclined to the Warsaw side, calling them flakes of the Polish lords. He considered himself a legitimate defender of Orthodoxy.

Bulba had two sons and a wife. He considered his youngest son a little bastard. He treated women poorly. I thought that they always interfere with real Cossacks. He thought that if he stayed at home for the rest of his life, he would become a buckwheat sower, a housekeeper, look after the sheep and pigs, and be a wife with his wife.

Bulba jumped on his Devil, who recoiled furiously, feeling a twenty-pound burden on himself, because Bulba was extremely heavy and fat.”
Taras went to bed early and woke up early. I always liked to cover myself warmly.
Bulba's wife saw her husband 2-3 times a year, and then for several years there was no word or word from him. She endured insults and sometimes even beatings.

Taras Bulba was very excited and angry, he prepared himself carefully, and was responsible. He spoke well, thereby encouraging people in need. He was proud of his son when he learned that he had been chosen as chieftain. He didn't like traitors. And even when his son turned out to be such a traitor, he killed him with the words: “I gave birth to you, I will kill you!”



After the execution of Ostap, Taras walked around Poland and robbed with his army in honor of his son. Then, because of this, everyone started looking for Bulba. When they found Taras, they ordered him to be burned at the stake in front of everyone. Burning on the pillar, Taras saw his own people, and he warned them to run away, thereby saving them. His death was not in vain; he died as a hero of that time.

Ostap is the eldest son of Taras Bulba. He was 22 years old. Proud, very cold-blooded, did not tolerate insults and could even hit his own father for this. He studied at the Kyiv Bursa. A year later, my brother and I came to see my father. Ostap took care of his brother, loved his mother, wanted to be like his father, respected and feared him; he was the main judge for him.

When Andriy was killed, he felt sorry for him and wanted to give his body to honest land so that his enemies would not mock him and birds of prey would not peck him.

It seemed to Ostap that the battle path and the difficult rank of carrying out military affairs were written in his family. Never at a loss or embarrassed by any incident, with a composure almost unnatural for a twenty-two-year-old, in an instant he could measure all the danger and the entire state of affairs, and could immediately find ways to evade it, but evade it in order to then it’s better to overcome it. Already experienced confidence now began to signify his movements, and the inclinations of the future leader could not help but be noticeable in them. Largeness was heard in his body, and his knightly qualities had already acquired the broad strength of the qualities of a lion.”

The Cossacks said about Ostap: “Here is a new ataman, but he leads the army just like the old one.”

When he was executed, he was silent, silent as he bled. And then he started calling his dad.

Andriy is the youngest son of Taras Bulba. More than twenty years old, and exactly a fathom tall. He studied with his brother in Kyiv Bursa. He loved his mother more than his father.

Andriy said: “Let only now some Tatar woman know what kind of thing a Cossack saber is!”

Andriy was completely immersed in the charming music of bullets and swords. He did not know what it meant to think about, or calculate, or measure in advance his own and others’ strengths. He saw mad bliss and rapture in battle.<…>And more than once old Taras was amazed, seeing how Andriy, compelled only by passionate passion, rushed to something that a cool-headed and reasonable person would never have dared to do, and with his one frantic onslaught he produced such miracles that the old ones in battles could not help but be amazed.”

Andriy really didn’t like the fact that they kept the city hungry. He and his father had different natures, and they look at the same thing with different eyes. He treated women differently. He sold the homeland of his comrades and his father and brother for a Polish woman. He was perplexed by the fact that because of them, people ate land and livestock out of hunger.

When he was lured angry and furious into the forest to his father, all rage disappeared from him, he felt guilty for this. And therefore he obeyed his father like a child; got off his horse, knowing that now his father would kill him. He died as a traitor.

He was beautiful dead: his courageous face, recently filled with strength and a charm invincible for wives, still expressed wonderful beauty...”

Andriy and Ostap are siblings who grew up together and were raised equally by their mother, since their father constantly took part in battles. But from receiving the same upbringing, they did not grow up the same; they have completely different traits that determine the individuality of each.

Studying in Bursa, where his father sent his sons, was difficult for Ostap. Then his father resorted to severe punishments, after which Ostap began to study much more diligently and better. Already in Bursa he showed himself to be a devoted comrade and a capable warrior. There is kindness and sincerity in him, but this does not prevent him from showing courage, firmness and seriousness. Honoring and respecting the traditions of the Zaporozhye Sich, he is sure that his duty is to protect his homeland. People are either enemies or friends for him, he clearly separates them. Always ready to help a friend. Rejects manifestations of foreignness.

Andriy found his studies quite easy; in case of any difficulties, he got out of any situation, which more than once helped him avoid punishment. Andriy is the opposite of Ostap, he has a developed sense of beauty, he is drawn to the refined, he has a delicate taste and a certain softness and complaisance. At the same time, he is also brave in battle and strives for freedom of choice.

In the first battle after graduating from the seminary at the Zaporozhye Sich, entering into battle on an equal footing with the Cossacks, Ostap shows himself to be a cold-blooded and prudent warrior. Andriy shows his fearlessness, he is completely immersed in the battle, enjoying it.

Andriy’s desire for beauty, his softness and sensitivity lead to the fact that during the siege of the city of Dubno, he abandons his family, the Cossacks, for the sake of a Polish woman who turned Andriy’s head.

Andriy becomes a traitor and a traitor in the eyes of his father. Ostap, a supporter of the Motherland, the interests of his family and comrades, becomes the chieftain and the pride of his parent. In battle with enemies, he shows courage, but is still captured.

Both brothers die a painful death. The enemies execute Ostap, his death is the death of a hero who did not utter a cry or groan, and who endured all the torment. Andriy dies at the hands of his father for the shame that he brought upon the family.

Ostap and Andriy, brought up in the same conditions, differ from each other in their views on life, and their ideas about the values ​​​​of this life differ. One is a patriot and the pride of the family, who chose the path of his father and brought it to life. The second is a traitor who turned his back on his family and homeland and died a shameful death.

Option 2

The heroes of the work “Taras Bulba” are Ostap and Andriy. They are blood brothers, grew up together, received the same upbringing, but have completely opposite characters. The mother was mainly involved in raising the boys, since the father did not have time.

Taras Bulba, being constantly at war, understood that his sons needed education. He had enough funds, so he sent them to study in Bursa.

Ostap- a wonderful warrior, a devoted comrade, strived to be like his father in everything. By nature, he is kind, sincere, but at the same time serious, firm, and courageous. Ostap observes and honors the traditions of the Zaporozhye Sich. He is convinced that his duty is to protect the Motherland. Ostap is responsible, respects the opinions of the Cossacks, but never accepts the views of foreigners. He divides people into enemies and friends. Risking his own life, Ostap is ready to help his friend. It was difficult for Ostap to study; he repeatedly ran away from the bursa. I even buried my primer. But after his father's severe punishments, he continues to study excellently.

Andriy- completely different, not like his brother. Andriy has a well-developed sense of beauty and refinement. It is softer, more flexible, sensitive, and has a delicate taste. But, despite this, he shows courage in battle and another important quality inherent in Andriy - freedom of choice. Studying was easy for Andriy. Even if something went wrong, he always got out of the situation and avoided punishment.

After graduating from the seminary, the brothers and their father went to the Zaporozhye Sich. The Cossacks accepted them as equals. In battle, Andriy showed himself to be fearless, completely immersed in the battle. He enjoyed the fight, the whistle of bullets, the smell of gunpowder. Ostap was cold-blooded, but reasonable. In battle he fought like a lion. Taras Bulba was proud of his sons.

The siege of the city of Dubno changed the lives of the heroes once and for all. Andriy went over to the enemy side. The fact is that the Pole turned the Cossack’s head. Andriy gave up everything he had: parents, brother, friends. He was soft and sensitive, so he strove for beauty.

The meaning of Ostap’s life was his parents, Motherland, and comrades. He will not exchange them for any valuables. That's why he was elected chieftain. Ostap became his father’s pride, but Andiy became a traitor. Ostap fought to the end with the foreigners, but the forces were unequal, the hero is captured.

Ostap and Andriy died a cruel death. Ostap was executed by his enemies. His death is the death of a hero. Not the slightest cry or groan escaped his lips. He endured all the trials and torments that fate had in store for him. A sense of patriotism and love for friends helped him. He made all his father's wishes and hopes come true. Andria was killed by his own father for betrayal. Taras Bulba took the death of people close to him hard, his dear sons. The death of Ostap - a true warrior, loyal to his father and people, and the death of Andriy - a traitor and traitor.

Two brothers who had identical upbringings had different worldviews, values, and outlooks on life.

Comparison 3

These characters in the work are shown as blood brothers who were raised the same, but they have completely different characters and temperaments. As for worldviews, the system of moral norms and values ​​among young men is also shifted in different directions. Due to the fact that Taras did not have time to fully raise the boys, his mother took care of them. However, the father of the family still took part in their development. He believed that they should receive a good education in order to understand the world. Then, the boys were sent to study in Bursa.

In the work, Ostap is shown as a very skilled warrior, a devoted comrade who had the desire to be like his own father in everything. He can be described as a kind, sincere, and at the same time serious and brave young man. For him, the traditions of Zaporozhye are fundamental, and he considers it his duty to defend the Motherland. For him, the views of foreigners are alien and incomprehensible. He does not want to reckon with his enemies, and that is why he fights with them as if they were some kind of evil that wants to change the foundations in his native land. For him, the concepts of friendship and enmity are clearly defined. He is not afraid to risk his own life for the sake of his comrades who find themselves in a difficult situation. At first, it was difficult for the young man to comprehend the basics of science, but after his father’s punishment, he began to study diligently and demonstratively.

The image of Andriy is revealed in a completely different way. He was not like his brother either in character or habits. The hero knew how to appreciate the beautiful and refined. He was a gentler man than his brother and tried to think freely. With all this, he is no less brave than Ostap. The young man studied extremely diligently and well, and in difficult situations for himself, he always found some solution. In one of his first battles, the young man showed himself to be an incredibly brave warrior who was not afraid to go forward against the enemy.

It is worth noting that the brothers died a terrible death. Ostap was killed by his enemies, and it is worth noting that his death was heroic, since he fought for the liberation of his people. Andriy died at the hands of his own father, because he betrayed his own people. It was very difficult for Taras to make this decision, and the death of his sons was a terrible fact for him. The work shows images of two people who were brought up in the same way, however, due to their individual characteristics, they had completely different characters and worldviews.

Comparative characteristics of Andriy Ostap in the story Taras Bulba

Cossacks are a widespread movement that includes camaraderie, support of friends, protection and loyalty to their native Ukraine. As a rule, the Cossacks did not disobey the orders of their elders and followed the path that their parents passed on to them, but there were exceptions.

So Gogol in his work “Taras Bulba” depicted two brothers who were raised the same, in equal conditions, but in the end they faced different fates. Andriy grew up affectionate and had a good relationship with his mother, and his brother Ostap took after his father - he did not tolerate a woman’s business. Already at school, the difference in character was noticeable: Ostap did not like to study, but Andriy worked hard. Ostap famously fought with his fists and could beat anyone who went against him, his parents or his homeland. So, when he met his father, he started a fight - he wasn’t afraid. Then they both are tested in battle, Ostap immediately acted clearly according to plan, and his brother completely surrendered to emotions, but was also a brave warrior.

Gogol shows in his story how Andriy falls in love with a girl who professes a completely different faith and is considered his enemy. He brings her bread while everyone is sleeping so that she does not die of hunger, and stays with her, thereby abandoning his relatives and his native country. Ostap bravely dies in captivity of enemies. Andria is killed by his father for treason.

From the very beginning it is clear that the brothers are completely different in character, and then in their actions. They have one thing in common - courage. Andriy’s courage manifests itself in hidden help to the girl he loves, while Ostap shows courage in battle and in attacking the enemy. Their differences are that they have different opinions about honor and love, therefore each has their own death. Ostap decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, adhering to old nomes and customs, Andria was led by feelings to which he succumbed.

There is no doubt that each hero had his own positive and negative qualities, like every person

Several interesting essays

The work “Poltava” was written by Pushkin in the genre of a poetic poem. Pushkin called it that, thereby indicating the feat of not just one person, but the feat of the entire Russian people

When I grow up, I will definitely become a chef. This is my biggest dream. I think cooking is a wonderful activity. All people like to eat delicious food. When they are full, they become happy. Everyone loves a good cook

The story "Taras Bulba" by Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol made a huge impression on his contemporaries. This story reflected the whole truth, the whole essence of the life of the Cossacks. Their traditions, the strength of the Christian faith for the Cossacks, their culture and rules of life were reflected. Nikolai Gogol very beautifully describes the Zaporozhye Sich, which is the birthplace of the Cossacks. The main character is, of course, Taras Bulba. An adult and formed Cossack, living by honor and justice. He had two sons: Ostap and Andriy.

Ostap, the eldest son, was a true connoisseur of the Orthodox faith, as well as Cossack ways of life. He did not have as much academic talent as his younger brother. It was more difficult for him to learn science, however, he was a very persistent student, which allowed him to lead by example. Ostap wanted to become a real fighter, a brave warrior.

In the Zaporozhye Sich he immediately became a prominent Cossack, since on the very first day he accepted the rules among other Cossacks. The Zaporozhye Sich was his dream. He trained as a brave warrior, his future will be brave, he will become a real Cossack. But again difficult times are approaching the Cossacks, again the Poles are forced to give them battle. In battles with the Poles, he was swift and clumsy, always going to the very end. One day he was surrounded by 6 people, resisting for a long time, but he still could not resist. They took him prisoner.

The prisoners had to be executed in the square, in front of a gathered crowd of people. They were beaten while they were tied until they died. Ostap happened to be the first that day, he told the strangers in the crowd and his comrades that it was impossible for a Cossack to be heard to suffer, it was impossible not to utter a cry of pain. And he didn’t let it slip, he endured it until his last breath. They broke many of his bones and hung him by the belly, but he did not utter a cry of pain.

Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol put great meaning into a person, the keeper of Cossack rules and foundations, tried to show a real Cossack who will be true to his words, to his family, to his Motherland, to the Orthodox and Cossack faith...

Option 2

One of the key characters in the work is Ostap, the eldest son of Taras Bulba.

The writer presents the hero in the image of a young man of strong physique, with an appearance reminiscent of a lion, distinguished by a persistent character, combined with stubbornness and love of freedom.

Studying at a theological seminary and at first not being distinguished by diligence and perseverance, Ostap in a short amount of time, showing perseverance and the desire for knowledge, becomes one of the best students of the educational institution and enjoys well-deserved authority and respect from his comrades, repeatedly proving his inability to betray and meanness.

Ostap is characterized by showing kindness and tenderness towards his mother, having a hard time experiencing the forced separation from his loved one.

Returning home, the father arranges a baptism of fire for the brothers, Ostap and Andriy, challenging them to a fist fight, in which Ostap, despite the battle with his father, behaves like an honest and brave fighter.

The father sends his sons to serve in the Zaporozhye Sich, where Ostap shows his inherent courage, dedication and heroism in battles with the Polish invaders, distinguished by dexterity, strength, fearlessness and masculinity. Despite his young age and lack of necessary experience, having won the honor and respect of the Cossacks for his sanity and prudence, Ostap becomes a chieftain, who was chosen at the council.

Unlike brother Andriy, who betrayed the Cossacks because of his love for a woman and died for this act, Ostap does not lose his head from love relationships, remaining ruthless and impartial, despite women’s tears. The death of his brother did not violate the life principles of Ostap, who remained true to his patriotic views.

The life of the hero of the story ends tragically on the scaffold, where the captured Cossacks are executed. But even in these last minutes of his life, Ostap shows real masculine qualities, making a final speech to the assembled crowd about the need to protect his native land, calling on his comrades to survive the moment of death with dignity and accept a painful death without uttering a single sound. In the seconds before his long-awaited death, he hears his father’s voice and his soul calmly ascends to heaven.

In the image of Ostap, the writer depicts the moral character of the Russian Cossacks, famous throughout the world for their valor, boundless love for their native land, and devotion to faith.

Essay on the image of Ostap in the story by Taras Bulba with a description of his appearance

In N.V. Gogol’s story “Taras Bulba” there are three main characters, about whom the story is actually told. In this essay I would like to examine in more detail one of them - Ostap.

Ostap is the eldest son of Taras Bulba and his old mother, he is also the brother of another main character - Andriy.

From the very beginning of the story, Ostap gets into a fight with his father. This shows his leadership qualities, strong and strong-willed character.

Even before the trip to the Zaporozhye Sich, the sons studied in Kyiv, at the seminary. The author says that Ostap did not have any special qualities for studying. But after his father’s threat, he corrected himself and began to study well. This shows his desire to become better and his tenacity. He even became one of the best students in the seminary. This is an indicator that it doesn’t matter at all what a person’s results are now, because you can try a little and achieve unimaginable results. This is what the hero of the story did.

The story also talks about Ostap’s attitude towards love and family. All this was not at all for him. Ostap was a stern man. At the end of the story, Ostap is sent to execution. At this moment he showed no desire to see his family and wife. He had a kind heart and loved his mother, but he didn’t want to see her tears.

Ostap's appearance

The appearance of the hero is just as important; with its help, we can clearly imagine the hero and learn more about him. From the very first lines, the author speaks of his sons as heroes. Ostap was a tall and strong guy, he looked from under his brows. Upon his arrival from the seminary, Ostap matured, his face became prettier, and a mustache appeared.

Character and behavior of Ostap

Ostap's character was well shown in the story. Ostap was ready for a fight, he simply dreamed of great battles. In the story, Ostap became the embodiment of masculinity and strength. He was stronger and stronger than Andriy, was not gentle and loved almost no one. His hardened character helped him in battles and battles. He didn't think about starting a family in the future or falling in love with a girl. Father Taras Bulba was proud of his son; he raised him to be a real Cossack. On the battlefield, Ostap was attentive and focused.

I love this hero for his courage, kindness and devotion to the Motherland. Ostap’s amazingly courageous actions teach the reader that one must love one’s native land and defend it at all costs. Thus, he died as a faithful son of his Motherland

Several interesting essays

    Why do I love autumn? For the gentle warmth that flows from the sky, caressing your face. Here's to the Indian summer, which gives you the opportunity to feel carefree once again

  • Comparative characteristics of Pavel Petrovich and Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov

    The Kirsanovs are one of the central characters in the famous work of Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev. In this discussion we will compare two brothers and try to identify their similarities and differences.

  • Essay How are the concepts of “dream” and “meaning of life” related? Final

    These two concepts can sometimes have the same meaning; basically, a dream guides a person through life, and at the same time is the meaning of life. If a person dreams of becoming a musician and strives to do everything for this, this is his dream and the meaning of life.

  • Essay Self-doubt 15.3 OGE grade 9 reasoning

    Everyone at least once in their life has experienced the feeling of fear that arises along with the need to make a decision. This is self-doubt. With the advent of fear of the unknown, we strive to protect ourselves

  • Hypocrisy is the basis of relationships between modern people. Society has very useful laws and norms, but in many ways they clearly fall short of the inner world of people and the development of morality.

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 eldest son Ostap did not want to study: he ran away from the bursa several times, but was returned; he buried his textbooks, but they bought him new ones. And one day Taras told Ostap that if he did not study, he would be sent to a monastery for twenty years. Only this threat forced Ostap to continue his teaching. When Ostap and his friends played all sorts of pranks, he took all the blame on himself and did not betray his friends. And Andriy loved to study and was the instigator of all the pranks. But he always managed to escape punishment. Despite their differences, Ostap and Andriy had integral characters, only in Ostap this was manifested in devotion to work and the homeland, and in Andriy in his love for the beautiful lady.
There were harsh morals in the battle. There they taught nothing except discipline, sometimes they shot at a target and rode horses, and occasionally went hunting. “The Cossack loves to sleep under the 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 than military comradeship.” “The plowman breaks his plow, the brewers and brewers threw their casks and broke barrels, the artisan and tradesman sent both their craft and their shop to hell, they broke the pots in the house. And whatever was mounted on the horse. In a word, the Russian character here received a wide, powerful scope and a dozen appearance.”
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?”