The history of one city summary online. Saltykov-Shchedrin: History of a city: On the origin of the Foolovites. Semyon Konstantinovich during his reign

The wise Litrekon loves the prose of M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin, but considers it difficult and difficult for the younger generation. Still, the Russian language has changed a lot since then, and the ponderous style of the classic with hints and references of a hundred years ago is not clear to everyone. To help you understand the text, he compiled a brief retelling of the book, where he listed the main events from the "History of a City". In abbreviation, it is much easier to understand the ornate historical plot. Happy enlightenment!

This part of the story presents the author's appeal to his readers. He says that the material of the work was taken from the notebooks of the Foolovsky Chronicler. The writer assures that he retained all the fantastic images and phenomena, corrected only the spelling and punctuation. This chapter has already presented the character traits of the Foolovites and city governors. In any era, two things remain unchanged: the cruelty of officials and the humility of the inhabitants.

Address to the reader

In this chapter, the narration is conducted directly on behalf of the archivist Pavlushka Masloboinikov. He reveals the reason for his desire (and three other archivists) to describe events from the life of the city of Foolov - the desire to glorify the mayors. However, one can immediately highlight the nearness and lack of education of the chronicler - he ranks Nero and Caligula (emperors who became famous for cruelty) as valiant historical figures.

So, the chronicle turns into a description of the reign of the mayors in 1731 to 1826.

About the origin of the Foolovites

Foolovites used to call themselves bunglers because they always hit their heads on something. They were a clumsy but cunning tribe. The bunglers managed to subjugate different peoples, but without control over themselves, they could not establish life within their society. Then they turned to the prince, who, seeing the inhabitants, called them Foolovites. He refused to rule over them and said to find the most narrow-minded ruler.

The Foolovites found such a prince who agreed to "rule" them. However, he did not go to their territory, but sent an "innovator thief" in his place. The prince immediately established his order:

Of those of you who care nothing, I will have mercy; the rest of all - to execute.

The Foolovites humbly accepted the injustice and cruel treatment.

The innovator thief did not like being in Foolovo: there were no wars or riots that he wanted to pacify in order to receive a reward from the prince. Soon he himself began to create unrest in the city. Rumors about his "theft" reached the prince himself. The ruler sent a noose to the subordinate as punishment. However, the thief “dodged” here too: he anticipated the execution by stabbing himself with a cucumber.

The next governor was Odoevets. He also pestered the Foolovites, creating chaos inside the city. The prince found out about this and himself stopped the rebellion, "burning every single one." After the Orlovets and Kalyazins turned out to be more thieves, the prince himself came to rule in Foolov with a cry of “I’ll screw up”. This is where the history of the city begins.

Description for mayors

In this part, all the mayors of Glupov are named, and their short biographies. It should be noted that none of the rulers was educated: Klementy was famous for his skillful cooking, Ferapontov was a foreman, Lamvrokakis was a merchant, without a name, patronymic and “even without a rank”.

The most "brilliant" mayor is Borodavkin. He became famous not only for his long service, but also for the fact that he burned down many villages "for the good of the people." All the mayors died an absurd death, and their activity was insignificant, often even destructive.

organ

The reader gets acquainted in detail with the biography of one of the mayors of Glupov - Dementy Varlamovich Brudasty. The naivety and simplicity of the inhabitants is reflected in their expectation of a new ruler. The Foolovites did not yet know what kind of person was coming to them, but they already called him "handsome" and "clever". They dreamed that under the new chief the life of the city would completely change - science would flourish, art would develop.

However, during the reception, the ruler was cold with them, threw only the phrase: “I will not tolerate!”. The Foolovites, "carelessly good-natured, cheerful," were greatly upset by this appearance. They were gentle, spoiled, therefore they loved when they were affectionately treated. It did not matter to them what activities their mayor was engaged in, they even endured cruelty on his part. The most important thing for Foolovites is friendliness. The sullenness and silence of the new ruler plunged the whole city into despondency.

One day, the inhabitants revealed the essence of Brodystoy. The clerk, entering the mayor, saw a terrible scene: his head was lying on the table, separate from the body. It turned out that an organ was placed in Brodasty's head, which performed two songs: "I'll ruin it!" and "I will not stand it!". However, during the trip, an unusual part of Brodysty's body became damp. Master Baibakov was unable to repair the mechanism, so he had to wait until the head was sent from another city.

Anarchy began in the city, which lasted about a week.

The Tale of the Six Mayors. A picture of Foolov's civil strife

In the quiet town of Foolov, anarchy began: residents drowned innocent people, broke glass in the house of a Frenchwoman. Ambitious women wanted to take advantage of anarchy. Iraida Lukinishna Paleologova was the first to join the fight for the reign. She robbed the treasury, captured the accountant and treasurer. The heroine's claims to rule were based on the fact that her husband once held the position of mayor.

However, a new “candidate” soon appeared - Clementica. A real struggle began between the two women, which ended with the victory of Clementica. The confusion in the city did not end there: new “pretenders” arrived. Now the Foolovites rushed from Shtkofish to Nelka Lyadokhovskaya, from Dunka the fat-footed to Matryonka the nostrils. During the "Time of Troubles" they destroyed their inhabitants, everywhere they made a mess.

Finally, a new mayor arrived - Semyon Konstantinovich Dvoekurov. With his appearance, this “laughing worthy” era ended.

The news about Dvokurov

Semyon Konstantinovich Dvoekurov ruled from 1762 to 1770. He can be attributed to the "advanced" figures of the era (after all, he ruled in Catherine's time). He really made a lot of changes in the existence of the inhabitants.

Thanks to him, honey brewing, brewing appeared in the city, and mustard began to be consumed. However, the most important thing is that Dvoekourov strove for enlightenment. He wanted to open an academy in Foolov. Dvoekourov was a liberal ruler, so his biography is not presented in detail.

hungry city

Since 1770, peacetime begins in the town of Glupov. For the next six years, Brigadier Pyotr Petrovich Ferdyshchenko ruled quietly. It was during these years that the Foolovites felt themselves the happiest. They liked the simplicity of the mayor, his non-interference in the affairs of the inhabitants. They rejoiced with him in a quiet, philistine life.

However, in the seventh year, the mayor was "embarrassed by the demon" - Ferdyshchenko fell in love with a woman. Wanting to become stricter in order to please Alyonka, he took out his anger on the Foolovites. Moreover, the mayor began to rob citizens. By cunning, Ferdyshchenko sent Alyonka's husband to Siberia. The poor Foolovites had to pay for all the sins: a terrible drought and famine began in the city, because of which people began to die.

Residents of the city decided to take matters into their own hands. After several unsuccessful attempts to peacefully reach out to the mayor, they took extreme measures - they threw Alyonka from the bell tower. However, soldiers were soon sent to Foolov to suppress the rebellion.

thatched city

Archer Domashka became the next "frivolity" of the mayor. Ferdyshchenko wanted to test the "obstinate woman." Along with it came new disasters in the city - fires. One by one, many of Glupov's buildings burned down.

Residents grumbled at their mayor: they were dissatisfied with the fact that they were forced to endure torment because of Ferdyshchenko's excesses. The mayor returned the girl back to the archers.

fantasy traveler

Ferdyshchenko suddenly had a new crazy desire - to travel. This "mischief" was feared by both the close associates of the mayor and the inhabitants of Glupov themselves. But he did not manage to see anything supernatural in this area. The main attraction here was the dunghill.

The inhabitants themselves suffered from such a journey - he forced them to give food supplies. Ferdyshchenko's journey ended absurdly - he died of gluttony. Some time later, a new mayor arrived in Foolov.

Wars for enlightenment

The next ruler - Vasilisk Semyonovich Borodavkin - decided to seriously take on the improvement of the city of Foolov. After re-reading his entire history, he singled out only the activities of the mayor Dvoekurov, which had already been almost forgotten by the inhabitants. Wartkin tried to reintroduce mustard and add olive oil. However, the inhabitants showed their disobedience, which led to a military campaign against the Streltsy Sloboda. There was treason in the army of the mayor: in the morning he noticed that some of his soldiers were replaced with tin ones. But Wartkin decided to finish what he started. He approached the settlement, dismantled all the buildings on logs. Freedom has given up.

In the same way, Borodavkin tried to introduce innovations into the philistine life of the Foolovites. After the subjugation of the Streltsy Sloboda, he organized several more wars for spiritual development. Unfortunately, the city only became impoverished during the reign of Wartkin.

The era of dismissal from wars

Borodavkina was replaced by an even greater destroyer - Rogue. According to the chronicler, he was removed from the board because of democratic views and intentions. Moreover, Foolov was already exhausted by numerous wars for enlightenment, so he might not be able to withstand another fight.

After Negodyaev, Mikaladze ruled. He had no idea about the constitution, so he was ideally suited for the city. There were no major changes during his reign. Mikaladze was almost not interested in the affairs of his city, the character was too busy with female representatives.

Benevolensky Feofilakt Irinarkhovich took the place of Mikaladze. The new ruler was distinguished by his passion for writing laws. He had to secretly create his sayings and distribute them in the city at night. When his activities were declassified, the mayor was removed from his post. Benevolensky was even suspected of collaborating with Napoleon.

The next mayor is Pimple. Its peculiarity was a stuffed head. The Foolovites suspected something was wrong when for a long time the city was harvesting a lot of crops, everyone lived in abundance, although Pimple did nothing to ensure the prosperity of Foolov's activities. The leader of the nobility smelled the smell of truffles from the head of the mayor and attacked him. He ate the ruler's head.

Worship of mammon and repentance

Difficult times began in Foolovo. All public life"lay down at the bottom." The mayor Pimple was replaced by Ivanov. However, his stay in the city was short-lived, the reason for his departure is still unknown. Some believe that Ivanov died of fright (his small head is not capable of making serious laws), others that the ruler was simply fired due to non-fulfillment of his duties (his head came to a "rudimentary" state)

Since 1815, the French viscount du Chario ruled in Foolovo. He led a cheerful, wild life, was interested in men (subsequently, a study was conducted in which it turned out that du Chario was a woman). The mayor did not do great things, he almost did not deal with the state. The foolish people are tired of the calm and happy life, they began to create unrest, to adopt a new faith (paganism). The ruler, who approved of any actions of citizens, was sent abroad.

Erast Andreevich Sadtilov is the next mayor. By this time, the Foolovites had completely rejected God and began to lead a depraved life. Because of their unwillingness to work in the city, famine set in. At first, Sadtilov did not care about this state of affairs, he was busy with entertainment. However, the pharmacist's wife showed him the true moral values. People who occupied the lowest position in society became the most important in the city. The Foolovites repented of their sins, but did not begin to work. When it turned out that they were reading Mr. Strakhov at night, Sadtilov was removed from the board.

Confirmation of repentance. Conclusion

Ugrum-Burcheev, "the purest type of idiot", became the last ruler of Glupov. The inhabitants were afraid of him: he sought to turn the city into Nepreklonsk, in which the streets are all equally straight, buildings and people are identical.

Ugrum-Burcheev resolutely approached the execution of his plan - he demolished the entire city. The construction was hindered by the river, it destroyed all the fortifications. Then the mayor, together with the residents, found a new place, but the construction was not destined to end. The chronicler admits that the notebooks were lost, so it is impossible to find out what really happened to the Foolovites. “It” came and “the earth shook, the sun faded.” From that moment on, history "stopped its course."

supporting documents

Some mayors wrote instructions to their successors. So, Borodavkin calls on the mayors to unity, to preserve administrative harmony.

Mikaladze pays special attention appearance ruler. He establishes the "ideal" proportions of the mayor. In his opinion, everything in the ruler should be harmonious, as in nature.

Finally, Benevolensky writes about the good-heartedness of the mayor. He calls to issue laws “decent to human nature”, to always listen to those who come, not to show cruelty towards citizens.

From the publisher

The author-publisher announces his desire to publish the history of some city and about his accidental discovery of the "Glupovsky Chronicler". The author makes it clear to the reader that in his book he presents the history of Russia from ancient times, allegedly reflected in the faces of the mayors.

Appeal to the reader from the last archivist-chronicler The Chronicler addresses the reader, expressing the hope that he managed to find in the history of his native city his Nerons and Kadiguls, covered with dubious glory.

About the origin of the Foolovites

The author retells the Norman theory of the emergence of Kievan Rus. The Chronicler elevates the Foolovites to the bunglers who lived along the shores of the northern Hyperborean Sea. The bunglers could not put things in order on their lands and decided to invite an overseas prince. Two princes refused them, calling them not bunglers, but fools.

The third prince agreed to own the bunglers and put them in such harsh conditions that they became violent, built the city of Foolov and began to live there since then. The prince himself at first refused to move to Foolov.

Here he was replaced by a thief, and then an Odoevets, who “bought lean eggs for a penny,” and other swindlers. The people raised uprisings against them, and the prince kept thinking who else to put at the head of the city. Finally, he decided to rule in the city himself and opened a new period in the history of Foolov with the threat of "I'll screw it up!"

Description for mayors

A complete list of Glupov's mayors is given with a brief indication of their merits. In a compressed and caricatured form, the chronicle of the Russian Empire is displayed, in the 18th century.

Some of the mentioned mayors are not further considered by the author as unremarkable: their exhaustive description is placed in one sentence.

Such, for example, is Bogdan Bogdanovich Pfeifer, a guard sergeant, a native of Holstein. He, “having done nothing, was replaced in 1762 for ignorance” (the prototype was Peter III, who reigned for 186 days, overthrown by Catherine Shch.

organ

Describes the reign of the mayor Brudasty, nicknamed Organchik. The busty, instead of attending feasts, locked himself in his office and only "creaked with a pen." Inside the head of the mayor, as it later turned out, there was a device - an organ that performed "two simple plays": "I will ruin" and "I will not tolerate."

These were the only phrases in Brodystoy's vocabulary. When the head broke, turmoil began among the people and atamans-rebels and impostors appeared.

The Tale of the Six Mayors

The chapter paints "a picture of Foolov's internecine strife", allegorically depicting various events from the era of palace coups in Russia. In the center of the story is the struggle for power of six women: the "evil Iraidka", "the adventurers Klementinka", "the rogues of Amalka", "Nelka Lyadokhovskaya", "Dunka the fat-footed" and "Matryonka-nostrils".

The news about Dvokurov

The chapter depicts the reign of the "advanced man" Semyon Konstantinovich Dvoekurov, whose reign is allegedly full of "too obvious liberalism." It is known that he was sad all his life, about
the rest of his activities, for lack of factual information, have to speculate. In particular, the author suggests that Dvoekurov has a "secret inclination towards constitutionalism."

hungry city

The chapter tells how the six-year period of well-being ended during the reign of foreman Petr Petrovich Ferdyshchenko, who was very simple.

In the seventh year of the reign of the "simple Ferdyshchenko" "the demon was embarrassed", after which he turned to walk around the taverns in a greasy dressing gown. He became "active and persistent", namely, he took away his wife Alenka from the "thief and robber" Mitka. After that, nature itself ceased to favor the Foolovites, which caused a famine in the city.

thatched city

The chapter tells about the struggle between the Foolov archers and the gunners, in which the archer Domashka was involved.

In punishment for the fact that Ferdyshchenko took away the archer, forgetting about Alenka, a fire fell on the city. It was possible to save the city only after the foreman publicly gave "aspid" repentance.

fantasy traveler

The restless Ferdyshchenko, after all the adventures, “decided to travel”, repeating the deeds of Prince Potemkin. During this trip around the dunghills, the mayor died from excessive drinking of vodka and overeating.

Wars for enlightenment

The brigadier was replaced by Vasilisk Semyonovich Borodavkin, who struck the Foolovites with "some unheard-of administrative corrosiveness" and the fact that he "shouted unusually."

Borodavkin's policy aimed at returning "ancient Byzantium under the shadow of the Russian state" is described as a parody of Catherine the Great's Balkan project. Subsequently, Borodavkin successfully fought four wars for enlightenment, which prevented the population from riots.

The era of dismissal from wars

The wars for education turned into wars against education under the Gatchina democrat Negedyaev (in many respects the image is written off from Paul I), who was deposed and replaced as mayor by the peace-loving and liberal Mikaladva (written off from La Harpe).

The reign of Mikaladwe was marked by peaceful deeds: the abolition of enlightenment and the cessation of legislative activity. After the death of this mayor, the city was headed by Benevoleneky (Speransky), who loved to compose laws and write sermons.

After Benevolensky entered into secret relations with Napoleon, he was replaced by Pimple, who had a stuffed head.

Worship of mammon and repentance

The chapter tells about the reign of several mayors: Ivanov, the legendary progenitor of the microcephals (“short-headed”), whose brains shriveled due to disuse; du Chario, who called on the Foolovites to believe in the goddess of Reason; Sadtilov, who intended to whip the cocotte.

Confirmation of repentance. Conclusion

Sadtilov was replaced by Ugryum-Burcheev (Arakcheev), "the purest type of idiot." He destroyed the city in an effort to straighten all the streets, made all the Foolovites equal before the gauntlet, recognized reason as the enemy of mankind and intimidated all the townspeople.

supporting documents

The final chapter contains extracts from the "chronicle" and other "historical documents" that allowed Shchedrin to compose the history of the city of Foolov.

4.5 / 5. 2

busty- could only speak a few sentences.
Dvoekurov- the most harmless of the chapters, was obsessed with planting plants that had never been grown in Russia.
Wartkin- fought with the inhabitants of the city, trying to enlighten them.
Ferdyshchenko- a greedy and lustful mayor who almost destroyed the settlement.
Acne- a person who does not delve into the affairs of the city.
Gloomy-Grumbling- almost killed all the inhabitants of the city, trying to realize their crazy ideas.

Minor Heroes

Collective image of the inhabitants of the city. They obey the mayors. Foolovites are a people who are ready to endure any oppression from a higher authority. Of course, they start a riot, but only if ordinary people start dying around them.

Summary of the "History of one city" by chapter

From the publisher

At the beginning of the story, the creator of the work explains that he has long wanted to write a story about some locality of the Russian state. However, he was not able to fulfill his desire due to the lack of stories. But by chance, documents were found in which a certain person spoke about his hometown - Foolov. The publisher did not doubt the authenticity of the records, despite the description of some fantastic incidents that occurred with the mayors.

Address to the reader

Further, the chronicler turns to the reader and tells that before him three people kept records in these notebooks, and he continued their work. The chapter explains that this manuscript tells about twenty-two chiefs.

About the origin of the Foolovites

In the next chapter, readers get acquainted with the history of the founding of the settlement. There lived people who loved to “pull” with their heads all the objects that they met on their way. They called these people bunglers. They overcame the tribes that lived next to them. But the goofyapovtsy had an unlucky life. They decided to look for a ruler for themselves. But the princes to whom they turned did not want to rule the stupid people. The innovator thief helped them. He led people to the unwise prince, who agreed to manage the bunglers. The prince imposed a tribute on the inhabitants, and put a thief-innovator to rule them. Since those ancient times, the people began to be called Foolovites. Many thieves were then sent by the prince to rule over these people, but nothing good came of it. The prince himself had to become the ruler of the Foolovites.

Description for mayors

In this chapter, the publisher presented a list of all twenty-two of Glupov's mayors and their "accomplishments."

organ

The next chapter tells about the ruler of the city, Dementia Varlamovich Brudast, a silent and gloomy man. He could only speak a few words, which intrigued all the inhabitants. The Foolovites were even more surprised when they learned that the mayor could sit on a chair with his head on the table. But a local craftsman discovered the secret. He said that inside the ruler there is a small organ that can only perform two works. One day, the instrument inside the mayor's head broke. When the townspeople could not repair the organ, they ordered exactly the same head in the capital. As a result of the unorganized actions of the population of Glupov, two identical rulers appeared in the city.

The Tale of the Six Mayors (Picture of Foolovsky civil strife)

This fantastic story was put to an end by the arrival of a messenger who took the twin men with him. Without leaders, a mess broke out in Foolovo that lasted seven days. Throne tried to seize six ordinary women who did not have any rights to gain power. Without a head in the city, murders have become more frequent. And the pretenders fought for the opportunity to become the ruler, using all sorts of ways. For one woman, the struggle for power even ended in death: she was eaten by bedbugs.

The news about Dvokurov

The civil strife ended, and none of these townspeople got what they wanted. A new mayor Semyon Konstantinovich Dvoekurov arrived, whose reign the Foolovites remembered for the rest of their lives. The new head was known as an advanced person and took his duties very seriously. Semyon Konstantinovich issued an order to eat food with bay leaves and mustard, as well as to make a honey intoxicating drink.

hungry city

The next chapter tells about the mayor Petr Petrovich Ferdyshchenko - a good ruler. The townspeople finally breathed freely, no one oppressed them. But the free life of the Foolovites did not last long. The mayor fell in love with the wife of a city dweller and began to harass her. To avoid obstacles, her husband was exiled. Then the beloved went to live with Ferdyshchenko. Here, a drought suddenly began in the city, many citizens began to starve. Residents said that she was to blame for natural disasters, the mistress of the mayor was killed. Ferdyshchenko wrote a petition, and soldiers were brought into the city to pacify the dissatisfied.

thatched city

Before the Foolovites had time to recover from one misfortune, a new misfortune occurred. The mayor fell in love with the walking woman again. Without listening to anyone, Ferdyshchenko brought her into the house. Immediately, the city was on fire. Angry residents could kill this beloved, so Pyotr Petrovich had to let the woman go back to where she lived. The fire was extinguished. At the request of the mayor, troops were again brought into the city.

fantasy traveler

The next chapter introduces the reader to Ferdyshchenko's new hobby. He passionately wanted to travel and went to see the sights of Glupov. Pyotr Petrovich was disappointed, since there were no remarkable or interesting places in the city and around it. From grief, the mayor reached for alcohol. Due to heavy drinking and gluttony, the man died. The townspeople were afraid that soldiers would come to the city again to figure out what killed Ferdyshchenko. But this, fortunately, did not happen. But in the city there was a new head Borodavkin Vasilisk Semenovich.

Wars for enlightenment

The next chapter tells how the new mayor began to fight for the doctrine, which the townspeople lacked so much. Having chosen Dvoekurov as a role model, the newly arrived ruler forced people to sow mustard again. The mayor himself went on a military campaign against the inhabitants of another settlement. Since there were not enough living fighters, Vasilisk Semenovich ordered to fight with toy soldiers. Then Borodavkin waged more wars for education. He gave the order to burn and destroy several houses, but suddenly died. The actions of the mayor led to even greater impoverishment of many townspeople.

The era of dismissal from wars

The next chapter tells about the actions of several mayors. The reign of Negodyaev led to the savagery of the population, which was overgrown with wool.

Then power passed to Mikaladze, a lover of women. Foolovtsy came to their senses and cheered up. However, the mayor soon died of sexual exhaustion. After him, the place of the head was taken by Benevolensky - a great lover of writing laws. Since he did not have the right to issue real legal acts, the mayor worked secretly from everyone and scattered leaflets about Foolov. Then the news spread throughout the city that Benevolensky had entered into secret relations with Napoleon. For this, the higher authorities arrested the man.

Benevolensky was replaced by officer Pimple. He was not engaged in the service, but only arranged balls, had fun and went hunting. But despite this, surpluses of honey, wax, and leather appeared in the city. All this Foolovites sold abroad. This state of affairs aroused suspicion among the townspeople. Soon the marshal of the nobility discovered that Benevolensky's head smelled of truffles. Unable to restrain himself, the leader ate it.

Worship of mammon and repentance

The next chapter introduces readers to several mayors of Glupovsk. Under Ivanov, the Foolovites lived very well. But soon the man died, either from fright after receiving a large-scale decree from above, or from drying out of his head, due to the fact that he did not use it for its intended purpose.

Further, the cheerful and stupid Viscount Du-Chariault, who loves entertainment, became the mayor. The townspeople lived cheerfully and stupidly during his reign. Everyone began to worship pagan gods, wear strange clothes, communicate in an invented language. Nobody worked in the fields. It soon became clear that the mayor was a woman. The deceiver was expelled from Glupovsk.

Then Sadtilov became the head. Together with the Foolovites, he himself indulged in debauchery and ceased to deal with the affairs of the city. People did not cultivate the land, and soon famine times came. Sadtilov had to return the people to the old faith. But even after that, the Foolovites did not want to work. The mayor, together with the city beau monde, began to read forbidden books, for which he was demoted.

Confirmation of repentance. Conclusion

The next chapter tells about the last mayor of Glupov - Gloomy-Grumbling - a gloomy and stupid man. He wanted to destroy the settlement and create a new city called Nepreklonsk. People, like soldiers, were forced to dress in the same clothes and work according to a certain schedule. Soon the townspeople got tired of such methods of government and prepared for a riot. But then the city came under heavy rain with a tornado. Gloomy-Grumbling has disappeared.

supporting documents

The finale of the chronicle contains “Supporting documents written for the future heads of the city.

In the satirical story "The History of a City", written by Saltykov-Shchedrin, the relationship between ordinary citizens and the authorities is ridiculed.

History of one city(summary by chapter)

Chapter content: On the origin of the Foolovites

This chapter tells about prehistoric times, about how the ancient tribe of bunglers defeated the neighboring tribes of onion-eaters, thick-eaters, walrus-eaters, frogs, kosobryukhy and so on. After the victory, the bunglers began to think about how to put things in order in their new society, since things were not going well for them: either “The Volga was kneaded with oatmeal,” or “they dragged the calf to the bathhouse.” They decided they needed a ruler. To this end, the bunglers went to look for a prince who would rule them. However, all the princes to whom they addressed with this request refused, because no one wanted to rule stupid people. The princes, having “taught” with a rod, the bunglers were released in peace and with “honor”. Desperate, they turned to an innovative thief who managed to help find the prince. The prince agreed to manage them, but he did not begin to live with the bunglers - he sent an innovative thief as his deputy.

Golovotyapov renamed them “Stupid”, and the city, accordingly, became known as “Folupov”.
It was not at all difficult for the Novotor to manage the Foolovites - this people was distinguished by humility and unquestioning execution of orders from the authorities. However, this did not please their ruler, the newcomer wanted riots that could be pacified. The end of his reign was very sad: the thief-innovator stole so much that the prince could not stand it and sent him a noose. But the newcomer managed to get out of this situation - without waiting for the loop, he "killed himself with a cucumber."

Then other rulers, who were sent by the prince, began to appear in Foolov one by one. All of them - Odoevets, Orlovets, Kalyazin - turned out to be unscrupulous thieves, even worse than an innovator. The prince was tired of such events, personally appeared in the city with a cry: "I'll screw it up!". With this cry, the countdown of "historical time" began.

The history of one city (full text chapter by chapter)

About the origin of the Foolovites

“I don’t want, like Kostomarov, to roam the earth like a gray wolf, nor, like Solovyov, to spread like an eagle under the clouds, nor, like Pypin, to spread my thoughts along the tree, but I want to tickle the Foolovites, dear to me, showing the world their glorious deeds and that kind the root from which this famous tree grew and covered the whole earth with its branches.

So the chronicler begins his story, and then, having said a few words in praise of his modesty, he continues.

There was, he says, in ancient times a people called bunglers *, and they lived far to the north, where Greek and Roman historians and geographers assumed the existence of the Hyperborean Sea *. These people were nicknamed bunglers because they had the habit of "pulling" their heads on everything that they met on the way. The wall will fall - they sting against the wall; they will start praying to God - they are grabbing the floor. Many independent tribes* lived in the neighborhood of the bunglers, but only the most remarkable of them were named by the chronicler, namely: walrus-eaters, onion-eaters, thick-eaters, cranberries, kurales, swirling beans, frogs, lapotniks, black-nosed, dolbezhniks, broken heads, blind beards, lip-slaps, lop-eared , kosobryukhi, vendace, corners, crumblers and rukosui These tribes had no religion, no form of government, replacing all this with the fact that they were constantly at enmity with each other. They entered into alliances, declared wars, reconciled, swore each other in friendship and fidelity, but when they lied, they added “let me be ashamed”, and were sure in advance that “shame will not eat out the eyes”. In this way they mutually ruined their lands, mutually abused their wives and virgins, and at the same time were proud that they were cordial and hospitable. But when they got to the point that they tore the bark from the last pine tree into cakes, when there were no wives or maidens, and there was nothing to continue the “human factory”, then the bunglers were the first to take up their minds. They realized that someone had to take over, and they sent to tell the neighbors: we will wrestle with each other until then, until someone outweighs whom. “They did it cunningly,” says the chronicler, “they knew that their heads were growing strong on their shoulders, so they offered it.” And indeed, as soon as the simple-hearted neighbors agreed to the insidious proposal, the bunglers immediately, with God's help, turned them all over. The first succumbed to the blind-bearers and rukosui; more than others, the ground-eaters, vendaces and kosobryukhy held out *. To defeat the latter, they were even forced to resort to cunning. Namely: on the day of the battle, when both sides stood up against each other with a wall, the bunglers, unsure of the successful outcome of their case, resorted to witchcraft: they let the sun shine on the bellies. The sun, by itself, was so standing that it should have shone in the eyes of the slanted belly, but the bunglers, in order to give this case the appearance of witchcraft, began to wave their hats in the direction of the slanted belly: here, they say, what we are like, and the sun is at one with us. However, the kosobryukhy were not immediately frightened, but at first they also guessed: they poured oatmeal from the bags and began to catch the sun with bags. But they didn’t catch him, and only then, seeing that the truth was on the side of the bunglers, did they bring guilt*.

Gathering together Kurales, Gushcheeds and other tribes, the bunglers began to settle inside, with the obvious goal of achieving some kind of order. The chronicler does not set out the history of this device in detail, but cites only separate episodes from it. It began with the fact that the Volga was kneaded with oatmeal, then they dragged a calf to a bathhouse *, then they boiled porridge in a purse, then they drowned a goat in malted dough, then they bought a pig for a beaver, but they killed a dog for a wolf, then they lost bast shoes and looked around the yards: it was there are six bast shoes, but they found seven; then they greeted the crayfish with a bell ringing, then they drove the pike from the eggs, then they went to catch a mosquito eight miles away, and the mosquito sat on the nose of the Poshekhonets, then they exchanged the father for a dog, then they caulked the jail with pancakes, then they chained the flea to the chain, then the demon became a soldier they gave it away, then they propped up the sky with stakes, finally they got tired and began to wait what would come of it.

But nothing happened. The pike sat on the eggs again; the pancakes with which the prison was caulked were eaten by the prisoners; the purses in which the porridge was boiled burned down along with the porridge. And the strife and hubbub went even worse than before: again they began to destroy each other's lands, take their wives into captivity, swear at the virgins. There is no order, and it is full. They tried again to fight with their heads, but even then they did not finish anything. Then they decided to look for a prince.

He will provide us with everything in an instant, - said the elder Dobromysl, - he will make soldiers with us, and he will build a prison, which follows! Aida, guys!

They searched, they searched for the prince and almost got lost in three pines, but thanks to that there happened to be a blind-breed, who knew these three pines like the back of his hand. He led them to the beaten path and led them straight to the prince's courtyard.

Who you are? and why did you complain to me? - the prince asked the messengers.

We are bunglers! we are not in the light of the people wiser and braver! We even threw our hats on the bellies and those! - boasted bunglers.

What else have you done?

Why, they caught a mosquito seven miles away, - the bunglings began, and suddenly they became so funny, so funny ... They looked at each other and burst out.

But it was you, Pyotra, who went to catch a mosquito! Ivashka laughed.

No, not me! he was sitting on your nose!

Then the prince, seeing that they did not leave their strife even here, in front of him, became very inflamed and began to teach them with a rod.

You are stupid, you are stupid! - he said, - you should not be called bunglers, according to your deeds, but fools! I don't want to be stupid! but look for such a prince, which is not more stupid in the world - and he will rule you.

Having said this, he taught a little more with a rod and sent the bunglers away from him with honor.

The bunglers pondered over the words of the prince; We walked all the way and everyone was thinking.

Why did he cast us out? - said some, - we are to him with all our hearts, and he sent us to look for the stupid prince!

But at the same time, others also turned up who did not see anything offensive in the words of the prince.

What! - they objected, - the stupid prince will probably be even better for us! Now we give him a gingerbread in his hands: chew, but don’t hush us up!

And that's true, agreed the others.

The good fellows returned home, but at first they decided to try again to settle themselves. They fed the rooster on a rope so that it would not run away, they ate the god ... However, it was all to no avail. They thought and thought and went to look for the stupid prince.

They walked on level ground for three years and three days, and still could not get anywhere. Finally, however, they reached the swamp. They see a Chukhloma hand-wielding man standing on the edge of the swamp, his mittens sticking out behind his belt, and he is looking for others.

Don't you know, dear handyman, where can we find such a prince, so that he would not be more stupid in the world? - pleaded bunglers.

I know there is one, - the hand answered, - go straight through the swamp, just here.

They all rushed into the swamp at once, and more than half of them sank here (“Many were jealous for their land,” says the chronicler); finally they got out of the quagmire and they saw: on the other side of the swamp, right in front of them, the prince himself was sitting - yes, stupid, stupid! Sits and eats hand-written gingerbread. The bunglers rejoiced: that's the prince! We don't want anything better!

Who you are? and why did you complain to me? - said the prince, chewing gingerbread.

We are bunglers! We are no people wiser and braver! We are the Gushcheeds - and they won! bragheads boasted.

What else have you done?

We drove the pike from the eggs, we kneaded the Volga with oatmeal ... - they began to list the bunglers, but the prince did not want to listen to them.

I'm so stupid, - he said, - and you are even more stupid than me! Does a pike sit on eggs? or is it possible to knead a free river with oatmeal? No, you should not be called bunglers, but fools! I do not want to rule over you, but look for yourself such a prince, which is not more stupid in the world - and he will rule over you!

And, having punished with a rod, he released with honor.

The bunglers thought: the chicken's son cheated! He said, this prince is not stupider - but he is smart! However, they returned home and again began to settle by themselves. In the rain, they dried the onuchi, they climbed to look at the Moscow pine tree. And everything is not as there is no order, and it is complete. Then Peter Komar advised everyone.

I have, - he said, - a friend-friend, nicknamed a thief-innovator, so if some kind of burnout of the prince does not find, then you judge me with a merciful court, chop off my untalented head from my shoulders!

He said this with such conviction that the bunglers obeyed and called in a new thief. For a long time he bargained with them, asked for gold coins and money for the search, but the bunglers gave a penny and their stomachs in addition. Finally, however, they somehow managed to come to terms and went to look for the prince.

You look for us such that he was unwise! - the bunglings said to the new thief, - why should we be wise, well, to hell with him!

And the thief-innovator led them at first all in a spruce forest and a birch forest, then in a dense thicket, then in a copse, and led them straight to a clearing, and in the middle of that clearing the prince was sitting.

As the bunglers looked at the prince, they froze. He sits, this, in front of them is a prince and a smart, smart one; he shoots at the gun and waves his saber. Whatever fires out of a gun, the heart will shoot through, whatever it waves with a saber, then the head is off your shoulders. And the innovative thief, having done such a dirty deed, stands, strokes his belly and smiles in his beard.

What you! crazy, crazy, crazy! will this one come to us? they were a hundred times more stupid - and they did not go! - the bunglings attacked the new thief.

Nothing! we'll have it! - said the innovator thief, - give me time, I'll have a word with him eye to eye.

The bunglers see that the thief-innovator has traveled around them on a curve, but they don’t dare to back down.

This, brother, is not something to fight with "slanted" foreheads! no, here, brother, give an answer: what is a person like? what rank and rank? they chatter among themselves.

And this time the thief-innovator reached the prince himself, took off his sable cap in front of him and began to speak secret words in his ear. They whispered for a long time, but they didn’t hear about anything. Only the bunglers sensed how the innovative thief said: “To tear them, your princely grace, is always very free” *.

Finally, it was their turn to stand before the clear eyes of his princely lordship.

What kind of people are you? and why did you complain to me? the prince turned to them.

We are bunglers! there is no braver people among us,” the bunglers began, but suddenly they became embarrassed.

Heard, misters bunglers! - the prince chuckled (“and he smiled so affectionately, as if the sun shone!” - the chronicler remarks), - he heard it very much! And I know how you met cancer with a bell ringing - I know enough! I don’t know about one thing, why did you complain to me?

And we came to your princely lordship to announce this: we repaired a lot of murders among ourselves, we did a lot of ruin and insults to each other, but we don’t have all the truth. Go and Volodya us!

And who, I ask you, did you doprezh this of the princes, my brothers, with a bow?

And we were with one stupid prince, and with another stupid prince - and they didn’t want to lead us!

OK. I want to be your leader, - said the prince, - but I won’t go to live with you! That is why you live by an animal custom: you remove the foam from untried gold, spoil your daughter-in-law! But I am sending to you, instead of myself, this new thief himself: let him govern your houses, and I will push around them and you from now on!

The bunglers lowered their heads and said:

And you will pay me many tributes, - continued the prince, - whoever brings a sheep to a bright one, write a sheep on me, but leave a bright one for yourself; whoever has a penny, break it into four: give one part to me, the other to me, the third again to me, and keep the fourth for yourself. When I go to war - and you go! Other than that, you don't care!

And those of you who care about nothing, I will have mercy; the rest of all - to execute.

So! - answered the bunglers.

And since you didn’t know how to live on your own, and you yourself, stupid, wished for yourself bondage, then you will henceforth be called not bunglers, but Foolovites.

So! - answered the bunglers.

Then the prince ordered the ambassadors to be surrounded with vodka and presented with a cake, and a scarlet scarf, and, having overlaid with tributes many, he released from him with honor.

The bunglers went home and sighed. “They sighed without weakening, they cried out loudly!” - the chronicler testifies. “Here it is, what a princely truth!” they said. And they also said: “We drank, we drank, and we drank!” * One of them, taking the harp, sang:

Don't make noise, mother green dubrovushka!*
Do not interfere with the good fellow thinking,
How in the morning I, good fellow, go for interrogation
Before the formidable judge, the king himself ...

The further the song flowed, the lower the heads of the bunglers drooped. “There were among them,” says the chronicler, “the old people were gray-haired and wept bitterly that they had squandered their sweet will; there were also young ones who barely tasted that will, but they also wept. Only then did everyone know what a beautiful will is. When the final verses of the song were heard:

I'm for you, kid, I'll take pity
Among the field, high mansions,
With two pillars with a crossbar ... -
then they all fell on their faces and wept.

But the drama has already taken place irrevocably. Arriving home, the bunglers immediately chose a swamp and, having founded a city on it, they called themselves Foolov, and after that city they called themselves Foolovites. “So this ancient industry flourished,” adds the chronicler.

But the thief-innovator did not like this humility. He needed riots, because by pacifying them he hoped to win the favor of the prince for himself, and to collect swag from the rebels. And he began to pester the Foolovites with all sorts of falsehoods, and indeed, not for a long time kindled riots. First the corners rebelled, and then the rennets *. The thief-innovator went at them with a cannon shell, fired relentlessly and, having fired everyone, made peace, that is, he ate halibut at the corners, and abomasums at the rennets. And he received great praise from the prince. Soon, however, he was stealing so much that rumors about his insatiable theft even reached the prince. The prince became inflamed and sent a noose to the unfaithful slave. But the novotor, like a real thief, also dodged: he preceded the execution by not waiting for the loop, he stabbed himself with a cucumber.

After the new thief, an Odoevite came to “replace the prince”, the same one who “bought lean eggs for a penny”. But he also guessed that without riots he could not live, and he also began to pester. The kosobryukhi, Kalashnikovs, strawmen* rose up - everyone defended the old days and their rights. Odoevets went against the rebels, and also began to fire relentlessly, but he must have fired in vain, because the rebels not only did not humble themselves, but dragged along the black-skyed and lip-slaps. The prince heard the stupid shooting of the stupid odoevtsa and endured for a long time, but in the end he could not stand it: he went out against the rebels in his own person and, having burned everyone to the last, returned home.

I sent a real thief - it turned out to be a thief, - the prince was sad at the same time, - I sent an Odoyevets nicknamed "sell lean eggs for a penny" - and he turned out to be a thief. Who will I send now?

He pondered for a long time which of the two candidates should be given the advantage: whether the Orlovites - on the grounds that “Eagle and Kromy are the first thieves” - or the Shuyanin, on the grounds that he “had been in St. Petersburg, poured on the floor, and then did not fall ”, but, finally, he preferred the Orlovets, because he belonged to the ancient family of “Broken Heads”. But as soon as the Orlovets arrived at the place, the old people rose up in a riot and, instead of the governor, met the rooster with bread and salt. An Orlovet went to them, hoping to feast on sterlets in Staritsa, but found that there "only enough mud." Then he burned the Staritsa, and gave the wives and maidens of the Staritsa to himself for reproach. “The prince, having learned about it, cut his tongue.”

Then the prince once again tried to send a "simpler thief", and for these reasons he chose a Kalyazin who "bought a pig for a beaver", but this one turned out to be even more of a thief than a Novotor and an Orlovet. He rebelled against the Semendyaev and Zaozertsy and "killed them and burned them."

Then the prince bulged his eyes and exclaimed:

There is no bitterness of stupidity, like stupidity!

And I arrived in my own person to Foolov and cry out:

I'll constipate!

With this word began historical times.

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In 1869-1870, a satirical work by Saltykov-Shchedrin called "The History of a City" was published. During the period when the writer began to write the novel, Saltykov-Shchedrin was working on a cycle of texts entitled "Pompadours and Pompadours". The "History of a City" largely repeats the motives of the above cycle.

The work of Saltykov-Shchedrin was received sharply: society regarded the novel as a mockery of the writer on the way of life of the Russian population, so the "History of a City" caused a lot of negative feedback.

Novel-satire: characteristic features of satire

Satire is a type of comic work. However, unlike humor or irony, satire exposes vices more sharply. The satire got its name from the characters of ancient Greek mythology. Satire is characterized by sharp negative criticism of the subject of interest, however, a positive object of the image must be present. Against the background of comparison with this positive object, the negative features of what is described appear.

Dear lovers of the classics! We bring to your attention Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin.

What is Saltykov-Shchedrin denouncing? First of all, the writer addresses the topic of autocracy, criticizing the authorities, and also revealing the vices of the population of an autocratic society. The author uses not only satirical devices in the text, but also prefers the grotesque, irony, the so-called Aesopian language (named after the ancient fabulist Aesop) and allegory. The author composes a satire that exposes the shortcomings of historical figures, rulers and mayors of the Russian Empire. The people are depicted as absurdly submissive against the backdrop of self-will and arbitrariness of the authorities. It is surprising how relevant the work of Saltykov-Shchedrin remains today, because our society has not yet eradicated the vices depicted in the novel by the Russian writer.

The main characters of the novel "The History of a City"

The characters of the novel are the mayors, who in turn differ in certain deeds in the arrangement of the city with the eloquent name of Foolov. In fact, Saltykov-Shchedrin describes a huge number of mayors - a total of 21 individuals who ruled Glupov:

Amadeus Manuylovich Klementy

He was mayor in 1731-1734. Before, before this position, the hero lived in Italy, where he worked as a cook. The chef Amadeus Manuilovich made excellent pasta.

The Duke of Courland brought a culinary specialist to the Russian Empire. Later, the cook climbed the career ladder and began to run the Glupov. Amadeus' old habit of cooking pasta continued in his new post. Moreover, the hero carefully forced the inhabitants of Glupov to cook this dish too. In 1734, Amadeus was replaced by Berezov as mayor.

Fotiy Petrovich Ferapontov

Previously, the hero served as a simple foreman, but in 1734 he became the mayor of Glupov. Fotiy Petrovich also occupied the place of honor as the hairdresser of the Duke of Courland. Ferapontov set himself the goal of fighting citizens who do not pay taxes. The mayor also had a weakness: Photius was greedy for spectacles, he liked to look at the punishment with rods. In 1738, fate played a cruel joke on the hero: Ferapontov was torn to pieces by dogs while hunting in the forest.

Ivan Matveyevich Velikanov

He succeeded the previous mayor in 1738. The hero lasted only 2 years in office and left the post in 1740. More precisely, Velikanov was suspended because the man entered into a relationship with a certain Mrs. Lopukhina. Ivan Matveyevich became famous for drowning the director of economic affairs in the river. In general, Velikanov was characterized by cruelty. The hero often beat his subordinates, as well as police captains. In addition, Velikanov levied a tax on each person: the city governor put the 3 kopecks received from the soul in his pocket.

Manyl Samylovich Urus-Kugush-Kildibaev

He ruled the city from 1740–1745. Prior to that, the hero served as a captain-lieutenant. Manyla was distinguished by courage and courage. The governor, while serving in the Life Guards, besieged Foolov and captured the city. But Kildibaev left his post loudly, with a scandal, being dismissed.

lamvrokakis

He held his post for a long time: from 1745 to 1756. The hero is represented by a fugitive Greek who had no name or title. Before Lamvrokakis took over as mayor, the hero sold Greek soap, sponges and nuts at one of the markets in Nizhyn. Lamvrokakis revered a classical education, but in 1756 the mayor was found in the bedroom: the official died, and the bugs had already eaten his body.

Ivan Matveyevich Baklan

In 1756 he took over the post of city governor of Glupov. Cormorant previously served as a foreman and was famous for his unnaturally high growth - more than two meters. Pride for the hero was the pedigree of Ivan Matveyevich: it was believed that the Cormorant family stretches from Ivan the Great himself, whose direct descendant the hero regarded himself as. However, the fate of this mayor also ended tragically: in 1761, a hurricane that hit the city broke a tall man in half.

Bogdan Bogdanovich Pfeifer

Ruled from 1761 to 1762. Pfeiffer served as a sergeant, and then became a city governor. However, due to lack of education and ignorance, the hero did not last long on the island.

Dementy Varlamovich Brudastsky

He was extremely categorical. The reign of the hero is 1762. The character is surprised by the fact that in place of the brain in the skull of Brodystoy there was an instrument resembling an organ. For this quality, the hero received the nickname "Organ". The governor was distinguished by hard work and diligence. Brudasty's categorical and principled nature drove the entire population of Foolov into horror and awe. When Dementy Varlamovich left his post, disorder, chaos, anarchy and wars between different groups population.

Semyon Konstantinovich Dvoekurov

He served as mayor from 1762-1770. Dvokurov became famous for his activity, activity in the development of the city and innovation. The official was engaged in the arrangement of the city, laying out new roads, repairing the streets. During the reign of Dvoekurov, breweries and meaderies were opened in Glupovo. The governor forced the inhabitants of the city to grow mustard and bay leaves, as well as to eat these products. Dvoekurov was concerned about education, so the hero tried to open an academy. Meanwhile, the character of Semyon Konstantinovich was distinguished by rigidity and adherence to principles: the inhabitants of the city often received punishment with rods. In 1770, Dvoekurov died of old age.

Marquis Anton Protasyevich de Sanglot

He ruled from 1770–1772. As can be seen from the name of the hero, the marquis originated from France. The light, windy mayor was not serious, he loved entertainment, singing songs, including extremely obscene ones. The hero left the post due to dismissal.

Petr Petrovich Ferdyshchenko

The hero was led by Foolov in 1772–1779. Once a man served as a foreman, and before that - an ordinary soldier. Prince Potemkin had Ferdyshchenko as a batman. The reign of Pyotr Petrovich lasted 6 years and was distinguished by extreme calmness and regularity. Peace and quiet reigned in Foolovo when Ferdyshchenko held the reins of government. But then the mayor seemed to be struck by some strange ailment. The hero became arrogant and self-willed. Ferdyshchenko was already distinguished by his small mind and not great quick wits, but now he has become unbearable. Stupidity, frivolity, voluptuousness, spoiledness, tongue-tiedness are the characteristic features of Pyotr Petrovich at this stage of ruling the city.

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The mayor was not interested in taxes, he launched economic affairs. At the end of Ferdyshchenko's rule, chaos reigned in the famine, there was a fire in Foolovo, and then the population was seized by famine. The mayor went to inspect the surroundings of the estate, but this trip was ridiculous. Overeating during one of the trips, the mayor died.

Vasilisk Semenovich Borodavkin

His reign was the longest and lasted from 1779 to 1798. In addition to the duration, the time when Borodavkin was in power brought the best results to Glupov. The city flourished. The city governor carefully monitored the payment of taxes, passionately and fiercely fought those who did not pay taxes to the treasury. In this struggle, Borodavkin destroyed 33 villages, while collecting only two and a half rubles from the population. Vasily Semenovich liked to play lamush and introduced a fashion for this game. Borodavkin also introduced Provencal oils into wide use. One area was paved, and the second was lined with trees.

The mayor was interested in the level of education in the city, he was going to create educational institution- academy. But Borodavkin's proposal to found the academy did not receive support, so instead the city governor laid a movable house - a building for the stay of arrested people. Wartkin became famous for the fact that during the reign of the hero there were 4 wars that were fought for educational activities, and 3 wars against this activity. As the Roman emperor Nero, Vasilisk Semenovich wanted to burn down Foolov, but this idea was prevented by the death of the mayor in 1798.

Onufry Ivanovich Negodyaev

The years of Glupov's rule are 1798–1802. It was not in vain that the writer endowed Vegodyaev with such a “talking” surname. Onufry Ivanovich came from ordinary peasants, and before the city government, he stoked stoves in a town near St. Petersburg. Having come to power, the hero destroyed the streets paved by his predecessors. The stone, which used to lie in the form of paving stones, served as materials for the manufacture of monumental sculpture.

Foolov gradually fell into decay, collapsed. The population of the city has lost signs of civilization, covered with wool and run wild. Negodyaev left his post after 4 years - the negligent mayor was fired.

Xavier Georgievich Mikaladze

Ruled from 1802 to 1806. Judging by the surname, Xavier Georgievich came from Circassians. Mikladze, who was a prince before he took the post of city governor, came from the family of Princess Tamara. The princess went down in history with her voluptuous character and hot temperament. Meanwhile, Mikeladze ruled kindly and meekly. For the first time, the inhabitants of Glupov felt respectful attitude from the city governor.

Mikeladze did not like to swear, he behaved politely and calmly. In addition, the mayor spent a lot of time in the company of women, loved beautiful girls, and he himself was distinguished by outwardly attractive features. Foolov flourished, and the population almost doubled. It is ironic that Xavier Georgievich died of exhaustion. However, the exact date of the death of the mayor is unknown: either 1806 or 1814.

Theophylact Irinarkhovich Benevolensky

The time of the hero's tenure as the mayor of Glupov is 1806–1811. Before becoming a mayor, Benevolensky served as a state councilor at court. Feofilakt Irinarkhovich also had influential patrons: among them was the hero's colleague at the seminary Speransky. During the reign of Benevolensky, the population of Glupov lived well, and the inhabitants became very fat. The governor liked to write laws and various rules. Benevolensky started an affair with a certain Raspopova. The woman is a merchant who served Benevolensky delicious pies every Saturday. When the mayor had free time, he spent it on composing sermons that were delivered by local priests. A connoisseur of languages, Benevolensky translated the works of Thomas a Kempis from Latin.

The mayor again forced the inhabitants of Glupov to grow and eat mustard, Provence oils and bay leaves. Otkupy Benevolensky imposed tribute, receiving 3,000 rubles of annual profit for this. The hero's reign ended in 1811, when Benevolensky was convicted of conspiring with Napoleon Bonaparte.

Ivan Panteleich Pimple

His reign spanned several years, beginning in 1811. Previously, the hero served as an officer. The inhabitants of Glupov were given freedom, and the mayor himself devoted all his time and all his energy to managing city affairs. The population grew rapidly richer, and the number of people living in prosperity and wealth increased by 4 times. However, Pimple was found to have a small and strange flaw - a stuffed head. The life of Ivan Panteleyich ended abruptly: the mayor was killed by the marshal of the local nobility.

Nikodim Osipovich Ivanov

Prior to that, he served as a state councillor. The hero began to rule over Foolov sometime between 1811 and 1819. The mayor did not differ in mind. Short Ivanov did not write laws and did not understand legislation. Death overtook the mayor when he tried to understand the decree.

Viscount Angel Dorofeevich du Chario

He was in the power of Glupov in 1811-1821. As the name of the hero testifies, du Chario came from France. Love for women's outfits, delicious food, delicacies like frog legs, drew attention to the floor of the mayor. As expected, du Chario turned out to be a girl. In 1821 the mayor left Russia.

Erast Andreevich Sadilov

He ruled Glupov around 1815-1825. He also previously served as a state adviser, was a friend of Karamzin. It was not in vain that Melancholov received such a name: the hero was distinguished by a penchant for melancholy, but the temperament of the mayor turned out to be passionate, voluptuous and depraved. Foolov, as in the era of Hellenism, plunged into voluptuousness and depravity. The inhabitants of the city worshiped a pantheon of gods. In 1825, the mayor was overtaken by death: Melancholy died, stricken with melancholy.

Gloomy-Grumbling

He turned out to be a total idiot. The eyes of the hero betrayed an immoral, stupid, shameless nature. Old Foolov, under Ugryum-Burcheev, is destroyed to the ground, and a settlement called Nepreklonsky is being built in a new place. The governor had strange habits: for example, the hero always fell asleep on the bare floor. Under the rule of Ugryum-Burcheev, the city turned into a military settlement, the inhabitants walked in military uniform, marched and observed strict discipline. One fine day, the mayor simply disappears.

Archangel Stratilatovich Intercept-Zalikhvatsky

The military man, who became the mayor, entered Foolov solemnly. The Archangel arrived on a snow-white stallion. The academy was burned down, and the sciences were abolished.

Analysis of the work

In the satirical novel "The History of a Kind" it is not difficult to see a parody of the political structure of the Russian Empire. The inhabitants of Glupov (Russia), according to the author, are very good people. However, a huge number of vices, such as laziness and disorganization, prevent the Foolovites from living well. Mayors in this locality become either lovers of idleness and entertainment, or "tyrants" who are trying to introduce their own unnecessary innovations. Neither one nor the other is of any use. The future of Russia seems to Saltykov-Shchedrin more than bleak. Sooner or later, a ruler will come to power who wants to change the country beyond recognition, destroy the old in order to create a new one. The author believes that such an approach will not lead to anything good: nothing new will be created, and the old can be lost forever.