Composition on the topic: The meaning of life in the story of the Old Woman Izergil, Gorky. The image of the old woman Izergil as the basis of the artistic integrity of the Gorky story The meaning of human life in the story of the old woman Izergil

himself Danko? Or maybe you should strive to live a free, adventurous life?

The old woman Izergil experienced a lot of grief and joy, she met different people on her long life path. The images of those whom she loved remained forever in her memory. This is an arrogant gentry, and “a worthy pan with a chopped face”, and a young man - “a pale and fragile flower of the east, poisoned by kisses”.

The years took away Izergil's former beauty, extinguished the sparkle of her eyes, hunched her slender figure, but gave her wisdom, knowledge of life and true spirituality.

It is not by chance that Gorky puts legends into the mouth of this particular woman.

about Larry and Danko. She has something in common with both characters. Izergil had to sacrifice herself for the sake of her beloved, show selflessness, and at the same time she lived a life for herself, free from any duties and obligations. The writer does not condemn her: ideal people are really found only in fairy tales, and living, real people can combine both bad and good.

However, it is unlikely that the legend of Danko could have come from the lips of a spiritually wretched, cowardly and vile person.

In the legend of Larra, Gorky debunks the individualism of those who reject people and do not want to reckon with universal human laws. Some may object that this is precisely what true freedom consists of - to do what you want, to go anywhere, not to reckon with anyone, that is, "keep yourself whole." However, those who choose this path will face a tragic and sad fate - loneliness. Indeed, “for everything that a person takes, he pays with himself: with his mind and strength, sometimes with his life.” In other words, one cannot only consume without giving anything in return. Larra neglected this law, and a terrible punishment awaited him. It would seem that he did not lack anything: “he stole cattle, girls - everything he wanted”, and at the same time he was free as a bird. Then why did he finally begin to dream of death and “there was so much longing in his eyes that it could have poisoned all the people of the world with it?” Apparently, for someone who does not know how to give, to give warmth, who “sees nothing but himself”, it is difficult to be happy and worthy to go through life.

The romantic antipode of Larra is Danko, a brave handsome man whose heart caught fire with great love for people. In his image, Gorky embodied his idea of \u200b\u200btrue heroes, of those in whom he saw an ideal. It is no coincidence that even the landscape creates in the reader a feeling of something unusual, fantastic. He helps us move from real life (Izergil's story about himself) to the romantic world of legend: “And in the steppe distance, now black and scary, as if hiding, hiding something in itself, small blue lights flashed. Here and there they appeared for a moment and went out, as if several people, scattered across the steppe far from each other, were looking for something in it, lighting matches, which the wind immediately extinguished. They were very strange blue flames that hinted at something fabulous.” As blue sparks enliven the black steppe, as if fraught with something unkind, so people like Danko are able to bring goodness and light into life.

Danko is beautiful both externally and internally: “We looked at him and saw that he was the best of all, because a lot of strength and living fire shone in his eyes.”

The energy and strength of Danko is opposed to the lack of will and cowardice of the crowd. Tired and angry people, irritated by their impotence, lose their human appearance: “Danko looked at those for whom he had toiled, and saw that they were like animals. Many people stood around him, but they were not on the faces of their nobility, and it was impossible for him to expect mercy from them. But Danko managed to overcome the indignation that flared up in him, because pity and love for people turned out to be stronger in him. To save them, he performs a spiritual feat. “What will I do for the people?” Danko shouted louder than thunder. And suddenly he tore his chest with his hands and tore out his heart from it and raised it high above his head. It burned as brightly as the sun, and brighter than the sun, and the whole forest became silent, illuminated by this torch of great love for people…”. The flaming heart of Danko is a symbol of sacrificial service to people, and the hero himself is the embodiment of all the best in a person. And how miserable and low against his background seems a “cautious person”, who, “being afraid of something, stepped on a proud heart with his foot ...”

I think that the legend of Danko's burning heart expresses the author's position on the question of the meaning of life. In other words, the whole meaning of life, according to Gorky, is in sacrificial, selfless service to people. True, at present such a position is unlikely to be popular. It seems to me that most of us are likened to a “cautious person” stepping foot on a burning heart. Isn't that why we have to go through a painful crisis, both moral and material.

Of course, one cannot demand sacrifices from people by force, and not everyone can do great feats. But if we try to become kinder, more responsive, to help those who need it, then the world will surely change for the better. And the life of a person who gives people warmth can be called beautiful and meaningful.

Composition Comparative characteristics of Danko and Larra

The story of Maxim Gorky "Old Woman Izergil" contains two legends that tell about two young people. The first legend tells about an eagle man named Larra, and the second introduces the reader to a character named Danko. These two images cannot be compared, since the characteristics are proportionally different from each other.

First of all, the comparison should touch on the characters of young people. Larra is selfish, smug, cruel. He never thought about what people want, he was only concerned about his desires. His selfishness and cruelty once led to the death of a girl: Larra killed her because she did not want to belong to him. Danko is the complete opposite of Larra, in his character everything is exactly the opposite: dedication, love for people, kindness and other best qualities of a person. He was ready to do anything for others to find freedom and happiness. Unlike Larra, he was capable of deeds that deserve respect. Larra, on the other hand, acted to please himself, but not harmlessly, namely, to the detriment of others. Thus, comparing the characters of both heroes, one can understand that they are completely different, and their personal qualities are radically opposite.

Particularly interesting is the comparison of the fate of the characters in the legends. In both legends, they die, it would seem that a common feature was found, but even this moment in the plot is very different, but not in the nature of death or something like that, but in the perception of it by the heroes, in their condition. Larra was expelled by people, at first it seemed to him that this loneliness is exactly what he needs, because none of the ordinary people are worthy of his attention. But over time, his life away from everyone became a torment, and he died, useless to anyone. It was not his choice, although at first he perceived loneliness as a gift, he showed his pride.

Danko himself chose his fate, his life in exchange for many others. And he did not die in pain, he was happy that he could help other people. He lit the way for them in the darkness with his burning heart, Danko was not proud and sincerely loved people, even when they grumbled at him, afraid not to get out of the dense forest. Each of the characters eventually got what they wanted, but this led to different consequences, because everything depends on the origin of the desire: good or evil, selfishness or selflessness.

In conclusion, it remains only to say that the images of Larra and Danko contrast strongly, and this is quite appropriate in the story of Maxim Gorky. With the help of these two completely different heroes, everyone can see and understand the impact of our desires on us, and also what is really right.

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The early work of M. Gorky is a vivid example of new romanticism. The writer resurrects the principles that have remained in the past, in the middle of the 19th century. Again, an exceptional hero with some special qualities becomes relevant. This is exactly the image of the old woman Izergil.

The work "Old Woman Izergil" is a narrative in stories. It begins with a description of nature and the general situation. The narrator is talking to the old woman Izergil, it was she who told him two interesting legends.

Legend of Larra

This is the story of how a shadow appeared on Earth. Once from a tribe of strong people, an eagle kidnapped a girl, he lived with her as with his wife, and after his death she returned home. The young man, who first caused everyone's fear, was no different from people. But he was very proud and despised everyone. He wanted to get the elder's daughter, but she rejected him. Enraged, Larra killed her in cold blood. No one could think of a better punishment than expelling Larra. After a while, it turned out that he was immortal. Time and wandering drained his flesh, eventually turning him into a shadow. The image of the old woman Izergil clearly emerges through the story. She tells about the events with special rapture, it seems that she really believes in the authenticity of this story.

History of Izergil

There are no fictitious events in this part of the work, only the real life story of an old woman who has gone through many trials and seen a lot in life. The image of the old woman Izergil is very contradictory. There were so many men in her life that she can easily be judged. However, the author listens to her story with pleasure, because there is so much life and energy in it. She worked as a spinner in her youth, but such a life could not please an agile girl. As a result, she ran away from home with her lover, but then she left him for another. She lived with a Hutsul, a military man, Russians and Poles, with a young Turkish boy ... She loved everyone, but did not want to see anyone. , be open to her. Therefore, the life of modern youth seems wrong to her.

Legend of Danko

The most important in the story is the image of Danko. The old woman Izergil talks about him last, speaking with obvious admiration, solemnly and sonorously. Danko was from a tribe of strong people. Once they were attacked, people were forced to go to the swamp, on one side of which there were enemies, and on the other - Fearing for their covenants, people did not go to war. They had the idea of surrendering. But the brave young man Danko led the people through the forest. The hardships of the path were beyond the strength of the tribe, they began to grumble at Danko, threatened to kill him. But he loved people so much that he could not bear their reproaches. He tore open his chest and took out a burning heart (it caught fire from the desire to help). Lighting the way, Danko led the tribe out of the forest, and he himself fell dead. But no one noticed. Some "cautious" person stepped on a still burning heart, sparks from it are still visible in the steppe before a thunderstorm. This legend is a hymn to human bravery and courage. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this particular story is the central one in the work.

Appearance Izergil

It is impossible to analyze the image of the old woman Izergil without describing her appearance. She was so old that her skin was wrinkled and dry, it seemed that she could just tear into shreds, her wrinkles cut so deep. Gorky mentions more than once that her voice sounded hoarse, like a creak, even he was old. All this suggests that the old woman Izergil is an example of experience and worldly wisdom.

The meaning of the image

The image of the old woman Izergil is significant for understanding the ideological intent of the story. Gorky sought to find something special in a person, he was not satisfied with the way his contemporaries live. He was upset by a certain inertia, coupled with the desire to achieve benefits, arrange for himself a "warm" place and a quiet life. He puts his thought into the mouth of the old woman, who says that there is no longer the former heroism and, moreover, the old woman does not understand the Russians because of their gloom and seriousness. It is no coincidence that the writer does not just retell the legend, but introduces the image of the old woman Izergil. In the stories of M. Gorky of the early period, such heroes were not uncommon. Makar Chudra, the hero of the story of the same name, expresses a similar opinion about life. He is also old, has seen a lot in his lifetime and has formed his own idea of the meaning of human life.

Artistic originality of the story

The image of the old woman Izergil is significant both for the structure and for the form of the work. Indeed, thanks to this heroine, the narrative becomes heterogeneous, multi-layered. First, we hear the voice of the narrator, who communicates with Izergil. In this case, it is used. But when the heroine enters into business, everything changes. New style, different speech turns. Gorky surprisingly accurately manages to copy the manner of conversation of an old simple woman. Precisely because the legends are told by Izergil herself, they become even more interesting. Do not forget that almost all the principles of romanticism are observed in the story. The landscape that opens the work is the sea and the steppe, a place where strong nature can roam, they symbolize freedom. Night, shadows, sparks give the situation a certain mystery. And the main sign of romanticism is three unusual heroes. Izergil is the embodiment of vital energy. Larra combined in himself all human vices. And Danko is the personification of courage, kindness and philanthropy.

So, what role does the image of the old woman Izergil play in the story of the same name? The most important thing is that Gorky's idea of a correct human life, in which there is no place for narrow frames, narrow-mindedness, boredom and idleness, was put into her mouth.

In my opinion, of all the early works of Maxim Gorky, the story “Old Woman Izergil” is the most romantic and poetic. His heroes are brave, strong-willed people. On their example, the writer talks about good and evil, about the meaning and wisdom of life. Very interesting story structure. The story of the life of the old woman Izergil is framed by two legends - about Larra and Danko. Before us are several human destinies - choose! Judge for yourself the meaning of life! What is it? In Larra's individualism or in selfless service to people, to which Danko devoted himself? Or maybe you should strive to live a free, adventurous life? The old woman Izergil experienced a lot of grief and joy, she met different people on her long life path. The images of those whom she loved remained forever in her memory. This is an arrogant gentry, and “a worthy pan with a chopped face”, and a young man - “a pale and fragile flower of the east, poisoned by kisses”.
The years took away Izergil's former beauty, extinguished the sparkle of her eyes, hunched her slender figure, but gave her wisdom, knowledge of life and true spirituality.
It is no coincidence that Gorky puts the legends about Larra and Danko into the mouth of this particular woman. She has something in common with both characters. Izergil had to sacrifice herself for the sake of her beloved, show selflessness, and at the same time she lived a life for herself, free from any duties and obligations. The writer does not condemn her: ideal people are really found only in fairy tales, and living, real people can combine both bad and good.
However, it is unlikely that the legend of Danko could have come from the lips of a spiritually wretched, cowardly and vile person.
In the legend of Larra, Gorky debunks the individualism of those who reject people and do not want to reckon with universal human laws. Someone may object that this is precisely what true freedom consists in - to do what you want, to go anywhere, not to reckon with anyone, that is, "keep yourself whole." However, those who choose this path will face a tragic and sad fate - loneliness. Indeed, “for everything that a person takes, he pays with himself: with his mind and strength, sometimes with his life.” In other words, one cannot only consume without giving anything in return. Larra neglected this law, and a terrible punishment awaited him. It would seem that he did not lack anything: “he stole cattle, girls - everything he wanted”, and at the same time he was free as a bird. Then why did he finally begin to dream of death and “there was so much longing in his eyes that it could have poisoned all the people of the world with it?” Apparently, for someone who does not know how to give, to give warmth, who “sees nothing but himself”, it is difficult to be happy and worthy to go through life.
The romantic antipode of Larra is Danko, a brave handsome man whose heart caught fire with great love for people. In his image, Gorky embodied his idea of \u200b\u200btrue heroes, of those in whom he saw an ideal. It is no coincidence that even the landscape creates in the reader a feeling of something unusual, fantastic. He helps us move from real life (Izergil's story about himself) to the romantic world of legend: “And in the steppe distance, now black and scary, as if hiding, hiding something in itself, small blue lights flashed. Here and there they appeared for a moment and went out, as if several people, scattered across the steppe far from each other, were looking for something in it, lighting matches, which the wind immediately extinguished. They were very strange blue flames that hinted at something fabulous.” As blue sparks enliven the black steppe, as if fraught with something unkind, so people like Danko are able to bring goodness and light into life.
Danko is beautiful both externally and internally: “We looked at him and saw that he was the best of all, because a lot of strength and living fire shone in his eyes.”
The energy and strength of Danko is opposed to the lack of will and cowardice of the crowd. Tired and angry people, irritated by their impotence, lose their human appearance: “Danko looked at those for whom he had toiled, and saw that they were like animals. Many people stood around him, but they were not on the faces of their nobility, and it was impossible for him to expect mercy from them. But Danko managed to overcome the indignation that flared up in him, because pity and love for people turned out to be stronger in him. To save them, he performs a spiritual feat. “What will I do for the people?” Danko shouted louder than thunder. And suddenly he tore his chest with his hands and tore out his heart from it and raised it high above his head. It burned as brightly as the sun, and brighter than the sun, and the whole forest became silent, illuminated by this torch of great love for people. The flaming heart of Danko is a symbol of sacrificial service to people, and the hero himself is the embodiment of all the best in a person. And how miserable and low against his background seems a “cautious person”, who, “afraid of something, stepped on a proud heart with his foot ...”
I think that the legend of Danko's burning heart expresses the author's position on the question of the meaning of life. In other words, the whole meaning of life, according to Gorky, is in sacrificial, selfless service to people. True, at present such a position is unlikely to be popular. It seems to me that most of us are likened to a “cautious person” stepping foot on a burning heart. Isn't that why we have to go through a painful crisis, both moral and material.
Of course, one cannot demand sacrifices from people by force, and not everyone can do great feats. But if we try to become kinder, more responsive, to help those who need it, then the world will surely change for the better. And the life of a person who gives people warmth can be called beautiful and meaningful.

/> It is no coincidence that Gorky puts the legends about Larra and Danko into the mouth of this particular woman. She has something in common with both characters. Izergil had to sacrifice herself for the sake of her beloved, show selflessness, and at the same time she lived a life for herself, free from any duties and obligations. The writer does not condemn her: ideal people are really found only in fairy tales, and living, real people can combine both bad and good.
However, it is unlikely that the legend of Danko could have come from the lips of a spiritually wretched, cowardly and vile person.
In the legend of Larra, Gorky debunks the individualism of those who reject people and do not want to reckon with universal human laws. Someone may object that this is precisely what true freedom consists in - to do what you want, to go anywhere, not to reckon with anyone, that is, "keep yourself whole." However, those who choose this path will face a tragic and sad fate - loneliness. Indeed, “for everything that a person takes, he pays with himself: with his mind and strength, sometimes with his life.” In other words, one cannot only consume without giving anything in return. Larra neglected this law, and a terrible punishment awaited him. It would seem that he did not lack anything: “he stole cattle, girls - everything he wanted”, and at the same time he was free as a bird. Then why did he finally begin to dream of death and “there was so much longing in his eyes that it could have poisoned all the people of the world with it?” Apparently, for someone who does not know how to give, to give warmth, who “sees nothing but himself”, it is difficult to be happy and worthy to go through life.
The romantic antipode of Larra is Danko, a brave handsome man whose heart caught fire with great love for people. In his image, Gorky embodied his idea of \u200b\u200btrue heroes, of those in whom he saw an ideal. It is no coincidence that even the landscape creates in the reader a feeling of something unusual, fantastic. He helps us move from real life (Izergil's story about himself) to the romantic world of legend: “And in the steppe distance, now black and scary, as if hiding, hiding something in itself, small blue lights flashed. Here and there they appeared for a moment and went out, as if several people, scattered across the steppe far from each other, were looking for something in it, lighting matches, which the wind immediately extinguished. They were very strange blue flames that hinted at something fabulous.” As blue sparks enliven the black steppe, as if fraught with something unkind, so people like Danko are able to bring goodness and light into life.
Danko is beautiful both externally and internally: “We looked at him and saw that he was the best of all, because a lot of strength and living fire shone in his eyes.”
The energy and strength of Danko is opposed to the lack of will and cowardice of the crowd. Tired and angry people, irritated by their impotence, lose their human appearance: “Danko looked at those for whom he had toiled, and saw that they were like animals. Many people stood around him, but they were not on the faces of their nobility, and it was impossible for him to expect mercy from them. But Danko managed to overcome the indignation that flared up in him, because pity and love for people turned out to be stronger in him. To save them, he performs a spiritual feat. "What will I do for the people?" Danko shouted louder than thunder. And suddenly he tore his chest with his hands and tore out his heart from it and raised it high above his head. It burned as brightly as the sun, and brighter than the sun, and the whole forest became silent, illuminated by this torch of great love for people. The flaming heart of Danko is a symbol of sacrificial service to people, and the hero himself is the embodiment of all the best in a person. And how pathetic and low against his background seems a “cautious person”, who, “being afraid of something, stepped on a proud heart with his foot.”
I think that the legend of Danko's burning heart expresses the author's position on the question of the meaning of life. In other words, the whole meaning of life, according to Gorky, is in sacrificial, selfless service to people. True, at present such a position is unlikely to be popular. It seems to me that most of us are likened to a “cautious person” stepping foot on a burning heart. Isn't that why we have to go through a painful crisis, both moral and material.
Of course, one cannot demand sacrifices from people by force, and not everyone can do great feats. But if we try to become kinder, more responsive, to help those who need it, then the world will surely change for the better. And the life of a person who gives people warmth can be called beautiful and meaningful.

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