Man and society in Russian literature. The problem of man and society in Russian literature of the 19th century

How do teenagers understand the laws by which modern society lives?

Text: Anna Chainikova, teacher of Russian and literature, school No. 171
Photo: proza.ru

Next week, graduates will test their skills in analyzing literary works. Will they be able to open up the topic? Find the right arguments? Will they fit into the evaluation criteria? We'll find out very soon. In the meantime, we offer you an analysis of the fifth thematic area - “Man and Society”. You still have time to take advantage of our advice.

FIPI comment:

For topics in this direction, the view of a person as a representative of society is relevant. Society largely shapes the individual, but the individual can also influence society. Topics will allow you to consider the problem of personality and society from different sides: from the point of view of their harmonious interaction, complex confrontation or irreconcilable conflict. It is equally important to think about the conditions under which a person must obey social laws, and society must take into account the interests of each person. Literature has always shown interest in the problem of the relationship between man and society, the creative or destructive consequences of this interaction for the individual and for human civilization.

Vocabulary work

Explanatory dictionary by T. F. Efremova:
MAN - 1. A living creature, unlike an animal, possessing the gift of speech, thought and the ability to produce tools and use them. 2. The bearer of any qualities, properties (usually with a definition); personality.
SOCIETY - 1. A set of people united by historically determined social forms of joint life and activity. 2. A circle of people united by a common position, origin, interests. 3. The circle of people with whom someone is in close communication; Wednesday.

Synonyms
Human: personality, individual.
Society: society, environment, surroundings.

Man and society are closely interconnected and cannot exist without each other. Man is a social being, he was created for society and has been in it since early childhood. It is society that develops and shapes a person; in many ways, it is the environment and surroundings that determine what a person will become. If, for various reasons (conscious choice, accident, expulsion and isolation used as punishment), a person finds himself outside of society, he loses a part of himself, feels lost, experiences loneliness, and often degrades.

The problem of interaction between the individual and society worried many writers and poets. What might this relationship be like? What are they built on?

Relationships can be harmonious when a person and society are in unity; they can be built on confrontation, the struggle of the individual and society, or they can also be based on open, irreconcilable conflict.

Often heroes challenge society and oppose themselves to the world. In literature, this is especially common in works of the Romantic era.

In the story "Old Woman Izergil" Maxim Gorky, telling the story of Larra, invites the reader to think about the question of whether a person can exist outside of society. The son of a proud, free eagle and an earthly woman, Larra despises the laws of society and the people who invented them. The young man considers himself exceptional, does not recognize authorities and does not see the need for people: “...he, boldly looking at them, answered that there were no more people like him; and if everyone honors them, he doesn’t want to do that.”. Disregarding the laws of the tribe in which he finds himself, Larra continues to live as he lived before, but refusal to obey the norms of society entails expulsion. The elders of the tribe say to the daring young man: “He has no place among us! Let him go wherever he wants“- but this only makes the proud eagle’s son laugh, because he is used to freedom and does not consider loneliness a punishment. But can freedom become burdensome? Yes, turning into loneliness, it will become a punishment, says Maxim Gorky. Coming up with a punishment for killing a girl, choosing from the most severe and cruel ones, the tribe cannot choose one that will satisfy everyone. “There is punishment. This is a terrible punishment; You wouldn’t invent something like this in a thousand years! His punishment is in himself! Let him go, let him be free.", says the sage. The name Larra is symbolic: "outcast, thrown out".

Why did what at first made Larra laugh, “who remained free like his father,” turned into suffering and turned out to be a real punishment? Man is a social being, therefore he cannot live outside of society, Gorky claims, and Larra, although he was the son of an eagle, was still half a man. “There was so much melancholy in his eyes that it could have poisoned all the people of the world with it. So, from that time on he was left alone, free, awaiting death. And so he walks, walks everywhere... You see, he has already become like a shadow and will be like that forever! He doesn't understand people's speech or their actions - nothing. And he keeps searching, walking, walking... He has no life, and death does not smile at him. And there is no place for him among people... That’s how the man was struck for his pride!” Isolated from society, Larra seeks death, but does not find it. Saying “his punishment is in himself,” the sages who comprehended the social nature of man predicted a painful test of loneliness and isolation for the proud young man who challenged society. The way Larra suffers only confirms the idea that a person cannot exist outside of society.

The hero of another legend, told by the old woman Izergil, is Danko, the absolute opposite of Larra. Danko does not oppose himself to society, but merges with it. At the cost of his own life, he saves desperate people, leads them out of the impenetrable forest, illuminating the path with his burning heart, torn out of his chest. Danko accomplishes a feat not because he expects gratitude and praise, but because he loves people. His act is selfless and altruistic. He exists for the sake of people and their good, and even in those moments when the people who followed him shower him with reproaches and indignation boils in his heart, Danko does not turn away from them: “He loved people and thought that maybe they would die without him.”. “What will I do for people?!”- the hero exclaims, tearing out his flaming heart from his chest.
Danko is an example of nobility and great love for people. It is this romantic hero who becomes Gorky's ideal. A person, according to the writer, should live with people and for the sake of people, not withdraw into himself, not be a selfish individualist, and he can only be happy in society.

Aphorisms and sayings of famous people

• All roads lead to people. (A. de Saint-Exupéry)
• Man is created for society. He is unable and does not have the courage to live alone. (W. Blackstone)
• Nature creates man, but society develops and shapes him. (V. G. Belinsky)
• Society is a set of stones that would collapse if one did not support the other. (Seneca)
• Anyone who loves solitude is either a wild animal or the Lord God. (F. Bacon)
• Man is created to live in society; separate him from him, isolate him - his thoughts will become confused, his character will harden, hundreds of absurd passions will arise in his soul, extravagant ideas will sprout in his brain like wild thorns in a wasteland. (D. Diderot)
• Society is like air: it is necessary for breathing, but not enough for life. (D. Santayana)
• There is no more bitter and humiliating dependence than dependence on the human will, on the arbitrariness of one’s equals. (N. A. Berdyaev)
• You should not rely on public opinion. This is not a lighthouse, but will-o'-the-wisps. (A. Maurois)
• Every generation tends to consider itself called upon to remake the world. (A. Camus)

What questions are worth thinking about?

• What is the conflict between man and society?
• Can an individual win a fight against society?
• Can a person change society?
• Can a person exist outside of society?
• Can a person remain civilized outside of society?
• What happens to a person cut off from society?
• Can a person become an individual in isolation from society?
• Why is it important to maintain individuality?
• Is it necessary to express your opinion if it differs from the majority opinion?
• What is more important: personal interests or the interests of society?
• Is it possible to live in society and be free from it?
• What does violating social norms lead to?
• What kind of person can be called dangerous to society?
• Is a person responsible to society for his actions?
• What does society's indifference to people lead to?
• How does society treat people who are very different from it?

All arguments for the final essay in the direction of "Man and Society".

Man in a totalitarian society.

A person in a totalitarian society, as a rule, is deprived of even those freedoms that are given to everyone from birth. For example, the heroes of E. Zamyatin’s novel “We” are people devoid of individuality. In the world described by the author, there is no place for freedom, love, true art, or family. The reasons for this arrangement lie in the fact that a totalitarian state implies unquestioning submission, and for this it is necessary to deprive people of everything. Such people are easier to manage; they will not protest and question what the state tells them.

In a totalitarian world, a person is trampled by the machine of the state, grinds all his dreams and desires, and subordinates him to its plans. A person's life is worth nothing. But one of the important levers of control is ideology. All residents of the United State serve one main mission - to send the Integral spaceship to tell about their ideal structure. Mechanically verified art and free love deprive a person of genuine connections with others like him. Such a person can completely calmly betray anyone who is next to him.

The main character of the novel D-503 is horrified to discover a terrible illness: he has developed a soul. It was as if he had woken up from a long sleep, fell in love with a woman, and wanted to change something in the unjust system. After that, he became dangerous for the totalitarian state, because he undermined the usual order and disrupted the plans of the head of state, the Benefactor.

This work shows the tragic fate of an individual in a totalitarian society and warns that a person’s individuality, his soul, his family are the most important things in everyone’s life. If a person is deprived of all this, then he will turn into a soulless machine, submissive, not knowing happiness, ready to die for the sake of the unsightly goals of the state.

Social norms. Why are social norms and orders needed? What does violating social norms lead to?

Norms are rules that exist to maintain order in society. What are they for? The answer is simple: in order to regulate relations between people. There is one very famous saying, it says: the freedom of one person begins where the freedom of another begins. So social norms serve precisely to ensure that no one can encroach on the freedom of another person. If people begin to violate generally accepted rules, then a person will begin to destroy his own kind and the world around him.

Thus, the novel “Lord of the Flies” by W. Golding tells the story of a group of boys who find themselves on a desert island. Since there was not a single adult among them, they had to arrange their own lives. There were two candidates for the leadership position: Jack and Ralph. Ralph was chosen by vote and immediately proposed establishing a set of rules. For example, he wanted to divide responsibilities: half of the guys should look after the fire, half should hunt. However, not everyone was happy about the order: over time, society splits into two camps - those who personify reason, law and order (Piggy, Ralph, Simon), and those who represent the blind force of destruction (Jack, Roger and other hunters).

After some time, most of the guys find themselves in Jack's camp, where there are no norms. A pack of crazy boys shouting “cut your throat” mistake Simon for an animal in the dark and kill him. Piggy becomes the next victim of the atrocities. Children are becoming less and less like people. Even the rescue at the end of the novel looks tragic: the guys were unable to create a full-fledged society and lost two comrades. It's all due to the lack of standards of behavior. The anarchy of Jack and his “tribesmen” led to a terrible result, although everything could have turned out differently.

Is society responsible for every person? Why should society help the disadvantaged? What is equality in society?

Equality in society should concern all people. Unfortunately, in real life this is unattainable. Thus, in M. Gorky’s play “At the Lower Depths” the focus is on people who find themselves “on the sidelines” of life. The company consists of a hereditary thief, a card sharper, a prostitute, a drunken actor and many others. These people are forced to live in a shelter for various reasons. Many of them have already lost hope for a bright future. But are these people pitiable? It seems that they themselves are to blame for their troubles. However, a new hero appears in the shelter - old man Luka, who shows sympathy for them, his speeches have a strong effect on the inhabitants of the shelter. Luke gives people hope that they can choose their own path in life, that all is not lost. Life in the shelter changes: the actor stops drinking and seriously thinks about returning to the stage, Vaska Pepel discovers a desire for honest work, Nastya and Anna dream of a better life. Soon Luka leaves, leaving the unfortunate inhabitants of the shelter with their dreams. His departure is associated with the collapse of their hopes, the fire in their soul goes out again, they cease to believe in their strength. The climax of the moment is the suicide of the Actor, who has lost all faith in a life different from this one. Of course, Luke lied to people out of pity. A lie, even for salvation, cannot solve all problems, but his arrival showed us that these people dream of changing, they did not choose this path. Society should help those who need help. We are responsible for every person. Among those who find themselves on the “day of life” there are many people who want to change their lives, they just need a little help and understanding.

What is tolerance?

Tolerance is a multifaceted concept. Many people do not understand the true meaning of this word, narrowing it down. The basis of tolerance is the right to expression of thoughts and personal freedom of every person: both children and adults. To be tolerant means to be caring, but not to show aggression, but to be tolerant of people with different worldviews, customs and traditions. Conflict in an intolerant society is the basis of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The story is told on behalf of a nine-year-old girl, the daughter of a lawyer defending a black guy. Tom is accused of a brutal crime that he did not commit. Not only the court, but also local residents are against the young man and want to carry out reprisals against him. Fortunately, lawyer Atticus is able to look at the situation sensibly. He defends the accused to the last, tries to prove his innocence in court, and rejoices at every step that brings him closer to victory. Despite substantial evidence of Tom's innocence, the jury convicts him. This means only one thing: the intolerant attitude of society cannot be changed even by weighty arguments. Faith in justice is completely undermined when Tom is killed while trying to escape. The writer shows us how much the opinion of an individual is influenced by public consciousness.

By his actions, Atticus puts himself and his children in a dangerous position, but still does not give up the truth.

Harper Lee described a small town at the beginning of the 20th century, but, unfortunately, this problem does not depend on geography and time, it is deep inside a person. There will always be people who are different from others, so tolerance must be learned, only then will people be able to live in peace with each other.

What kind of person can be called dangerous to society?

A person is part of society, so he can succumb to its influence or influence it. A person dangerous to society can be called one who, by his actions or words, violates laws, including moral ones. So, in the novel by D.M. Dostoevsky has such heroes. Of course, first of all, everyone remembers Raskolnikov, whose theory led to the death of several people and made his loved ones unhappy. But Rodion paid for his actions, he was sent to Siberia, while Svidrigailov was not accused of crimes. This vicious, dishonest man knew how to pretend and appear decent. Under the mask of decency was a murderer, on whose conscience were the lives of several people. Another character dangerous for people is Luzhin, a fan of the theory of individualism. This theory says: everyone should take care only of themselves, then society will be happy. However, his theory is not as harmless as it seems at first glance. In essence, he justifies any crime in the name of personal benefit. Despite the fact that Luzhin did not kill anyone, he unfairly accused Sonya Marmeladova of theft, thereby putting himself on a par with Rakolnikov and Svidrigailov. His actions can be called dangerous for society. The described characters are a little similar in their theories, because they believe that for the sake of “good” one can commit a bad act. However, crimes cannot be justified by good intentions; evil only gives birth to evil.

Do you agree with the statement of G.K. Lichtenberg: “In every person there is something of all people.”

Of course, everyone is different. Everyone has their own temperament, character, destiny. However, in my opinion, there is something that unites us - the ability to dream. M. Gorky's play “At the Bottom” shows the life of people who have forgotten how to dream; they simply live their lives day after day, not understanding the meaning of their existence. These unfortunate inhabitants of the shelter are at the “bottom” of life, where no ray of hope breaks through. At first glance, it may seem that they have nothing in common with other people; they are all thieves and drunkards, dishonest people who are only capable of meanness. But reading page after page, you can see that everyone’s life was once different, but circumstances drove them to the Kostylevs’ shelter, who themselves were not far from the guests. With the arrival of a new tenant, Luka, everything changes. He feels sorry for them, and this warmth awakens a glimmer of hope. The residents of the shelter remember their dreams and goals: Vaska Pepel wants to move to Siberia and live an honest life, the Actor wants to return to the stage, even stops drinking, the dying Anna, tired of suffering on earth, is encouraged by the thought that after death she will find peace. Unfortunately, the heroes' dreams are crushed when Luka leaves. In reality, they did nothing to change their situation. However, the very fact that they wanted to change cannot but rejoice. The night shelters have not ceased to be people, despite the trials that befell them in life, and somewhere in the depths of their souls live ordinary people who simply want to enjoy life. Thus, the ability to throw unites such different people who, by the will of fate, find themselves in one place.

Onegin's personality was formed in the St. Petersburg secular environment. In the prehistory, Pushkin noted the social factors that influenced the character of Eugene: belonging to the highest stratum of the nobility, the usual upbringing, training for this circle, the first steps in the world, the experience of a “monotonous and motley” life, the life of a “free nobleman” not burdened with service - vain, carefree, full of entertainment and romance novels.

Conflict between man and society. How does society influence a person? What is the conflict between man and society? Is it difficult to maintain individuality in a team? Why is it important to maintain individuality?

Onegin's character and life are shown in motion. Already in the first chapter you can see how a bright, extraordinary personality suddenly emerged from a faceless crowd that demanded unconditional obedience.

Onegin's seclusion - his undeclared conflict with the world and with the society of noble landowners - only at first glance seems to be a quirk caused by “boredom”, disappointment in the “science of tender passion”. Pushkin emphasizes that Onegin’s “inimitable strangeness” is a kind of protest against social and spiritual dogmas that suppress a person’s personality, depriving him of the right to be himself.

The emptiness of the hero's soul was a consequence of the emptiness and emptiness of secular life. is looking for new spiritual values, a new path: in St. Petersburg and in the countryside, he diligently reads books, communicates with a few like-minded people (the author and Lensky). In the village, he even tries to change the order, replacing corvee with light rent.

Dependence on public opinion. Is it possible to become free from public opinion? Is it possible to live in society and be free from it? Confirm or refute Stahl’s statement: “We cannot be sure of our behavior or our well-being when we make it dependent on people’s opinions.” Why is it important to maintain individuality?

Often a person finds himself deeply dependent on public opinion. Sometimes you have to go a long way to free yourself from the shackles of society.

Onegin's search for new life truths lasted for many years and remained unfinished. frees himself from old ideas about life, but the past does not let him go. It seems that you are the master of your life, but this is only an illusion. All his life he is haunted by mental laziness and cold skepticism, as well as dependence on public opinion. However, it is difficult to call Onegin a victim of society. By changing his lifestyle, he accepted responsibility for his destiny. His further failures in life can no longer be justified by dependence on society.

What is the conflict between man and society? What happens to a person cut off from society?

Do you agree that society shapes a person?

A conflict between a person and society appears when a strong, bright personality cannot obey the rules of society. So, Gregory, the main mountain of the novel by M.Yu. Lermontov “Hero of Our Time” is an extraordinary personality who challenges moral laws. He is the “hero” of his generation, having absorbed its worst vices. The young officer, endowed with a sharp mind and attractive appearance, treats the people around him with disdain and boredom; they seem pitiful and funny to him. He feels useless. In vain attempts to find himself, he brings only suffering to people who care about him. At first glance, it may seem that Pechorin is an extremely negative character, but, consistently plunging into the thoughts and feelings of the hero, we see that it is not only he himself who is to blame, but also the society that gave birth to him. In his own way, he is drawn to people, unfortunately, society rejects his best impulses. In the chapter “Princess Mary” you can see several such episodes. The friendly relationship between Pechorin and Grushnitsky turns into rivalry and enmity. Grushnitsky, suffering from wounded pride, acts vilely: he shoots at an unarmed man and wounds him in the leg. However, even after the shot, Pechorin gives Grushnitsky a chance to act with dignity, he is ready to forgive him, he wants an apology, but the latter’s pride turns out to be stronger. Dr. Werner, who plays the role of his second, is almost the only person who understands Pechorin. But even he, having learned about the publicity of the duel, does not support the main character, only advises him to leave the city. Human pettiness and hypocrisy harden Gregory, making him incapable of love and friendship. Thus, Pechorin’s conflict with society was that the main character refused to pretend and hide his vices, like a mirror showing a portrait of the entire generation, for which society rejected him.

Can a person exist outside of society? There is safety in numbers?

A person cannot exist outside of society. Being a social creature, man needs people. Thus, the hero of the novel M.Yu. Lermontov's "Hero of Our Time" Grigory Pechorin comes into conflict with society. He does not accept the laws by which society lives, feeling falsehood and pretense. However, he cannot live without people, and, without noticing it, he instinctively reaches out to those around him. Not believing in friendship, he becomes close to Dr. Werner, and while playing with Mary’s feelings, he begins to realize with horror that he is falling in love with the girl. The main character deliberately pushes away people who care about him, justifying his behavior with his love of freedom. Pechorin does not understand that he needs people even more than they need him. Its ending is sad: a young officer dies alone on the road from Persia, having never found the meaning of his existence. In pursuit of satisfying his needs, he lost his vitality.

Man and society (how does society influence a person?) How does fashion influence a person? How do social factors influence the formation of personality?

Society has always dictated its own rules and laws of behavior. Sometimes these laws are simply wild, as we can observe in O. Henry's story "". “A savage of our day, born and raised in the wigwams of the Manhattan tribe,” Mr. Chandler tried to live according to the laws of a society where the main criterion for assessing a person was “meeting by clothes.” In such a society, everyone tried to show others that he was worthy of being in high society, poverty was considered a vice, and wealth was an achievement. It didn’t matter how this wealth was achieved, the main thing was to “show off.” Pretense, vanity and hypocrisy reigned around. The ridiculousness of such laws of society is shown by O. Henry, showing the “failure” of the main character. He missed out on the opportunity to be loved by a beautiful girl just because he tried to prove himself to be something he was not.

What is the role of personality in history?Can a personality change history? Does society need leaders?

The higher a person stands on the rungs of the social ladder, the more obvious is the predetermination and inevitability of his fate.

Tolstoy comes to the conclusion that “the tsar is a slave of history.” Tolstoy's contemporary historian Bogdanovich primarily pointed to the decisive role of Alexander the First in the victory over Napoleon, and completely discounted the role of the people and Kutuzov. Tolstoy’s goal was to debunk the role of the kings and show the role of the masses and the people’s commander Kutuzov. The writer reflects in the novel the moments of Kutuzov’s inaction. This is explained by the fact that Kutuzov cannot dispose of historical events at his own will. But he is given the opportunity to understand the actual course of events in which he participates. Kutuzov cannot understand the world-historical meaning of the war of 12, but he is aware of the significance of this event for his people, that is, he can be a conscious guide to the course of history. Kutuzov himself is close to the people, he feels the spirit of the army and can control this great force (Kutuzov’s main task during the Battle of Borodino was to raise the spirit of the army). Napoleon lacks understanding of the events taking place; he is a pawn in the hands of history. The image of Napoleon represents extreme individualism and selfishness. The selfish Napoleon acts like a blind man. He is not a great man; he cannot determine the moral meaning of an event due to his own limitations.

How does society influence the formation of goals?

From the very beginning of the story, all the thoughts of Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya and her son are directed towards one thing - organizing their material well-being. For this sake, Anna Mikhailovna does not disdain either humiliating begging, or the use of brute force (the scene with the mosaic briefcase), or intrigue, etc. At first, Boris tries to resist his mother's will, but over time he realizes that the laws of the society in which they live are subject to only one rule - the one with power and money is right. Boris begins to “make a career.” He is not interested in serving the Fatherland; he prefers serving in those places where he can quickly move up the career ladder with minimal impact. For him there are neither sincere feelings (rejection of Natasha) nor sincere friendship (coldness towards the Rostovs, who did a lot for him). He even subordinates his marriage to this goal (description of his “melancholy service” with Julie Karagina, declaration of love to her through disgust, etc.). In the war of 12, Boris sees only court and staff intrigues and is only concerned with how to turn this to his advantage. Julie and Boris are quite happy with each other: Julie is flattered by the presence of a handsome husband who has made a brilliant career; Boris needs her money.

Can a person influence society?

A person can undoubtedly influence society, especially if he is a strong, strong-willed person. The main character of the novel I.S. Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" Evgeny Bazarov is an excellent example that confirms my position. He denies social foundations, strives to “clear a place” for a future, properly organized life, and believes that the old rules are not needed in the new world. Bazarov comes into conflict with representatives of the “old” society - the Kirsanov brothers, whose main difference is that they both live in the world of feelings. Evgeny denies these feelings and ridicules them in others. Accustomed to struggling with everyday difficulties, he is unable to understand either Pavel Petrovich or Nikolai Petrovich. Bazarov does not obey social laws, he simply denies them. For Evgeniy, the possibility of unlimited personal freedom is indisputable: the “nihilist” is convinced that in his decisions aimed at remaking his life, a person is not morally bound by anything. However, he does not even try to change society, he does not have any plan of action. Despite this, his exceptional energy, strength of character and courage are infectious. His ideas become attractive to many representatives of the younger generation, both the noble class and the class of commoners. At the end of the work, we see how the ideals of the main character are crumbling, but even death is not able to stop the power that he and others like him awakened.

What does inequality in society lead to? Do you agree with the statement: “Inequality humiliates people and creates disagreement and hatred among them”? What kind of person can be called dangerous to society?

Inequality in society leads to a split in that very society. A striking example confirming my position is the novel by I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons". The main character of the work, Bazarov, is a representative of the commoner class. Unlike all nobles, he has the nature of an activist and fighter. Through tireless work he acquired fundamental knowledge in the natural sciences. Accustomed to relying only on his own mind and energy, he despises people who received everything only by birthright. The main character stands for a decisive break in the entire state and economic system of Russia. Bazarov is not alone in his thoughts; these ideas are beginning to dominate the minds of many people, even representatives of the nobility, who are beginning to realize the problems that are brewing in society. Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, Evgeniy’s opponent in the dispute between the warring parties, calls people like him ignorant “morons” who do not have popular support; he believes that their number is “four and a half people.” However, at the end of the work, Pavel Petrovich leaves Russia, thereby retreating from public life, admitting his defeat. He is unable to fight the spirit of revolutionary populism, with its hatred of the existing order. Representatives of the “traditional way” of life can no longer deny the existence of a problem, the split has already occurred, and the only question is how the warring parties will coexist in the new world.

In what situations does a person feel lonely in society? Can an individual win a fight against society? Is it difficult to defend your interests before society?

A person may feel lonelier when surrounded by people than when alone. This happens if the feelings, actions and way of thinking of such a person differ from the generally accepted norm. Some people adapt, and their loneliness is not noticeable, while others cannot come to terms with this state of affairs. Such a person is the main character of the comedy A.S. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit". smart, but he is characterized by excessive ardor and self-confidence. He excitedly defends his position, which turns everyone present against him, they even declare him crazy. It cannot be said that he is surrounded by stupid people. However, Famusov and the characters in his circle represent the ability to adapt to existing living conditions and extract maximum material benefit from them. but he feels lonely in a society of people who live by such laws and are capable of making a deal with their conscience. The caustic remarks of the main character cannot make people think that they may be wrong; on the contrary, they turn everyone against him. Thus, what makes a person lonely is his difference from others, his refusal to live according to the established rules of society.

How does society treat people who are very different from it? Can an individual win a fight against society?

Society rejects people who are different from it in one way or another. This happens to the main character of the comedy A.S. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit". Unable to put up with the norms of public life, he pours out his indignation at the “rotten society of insignificant people”, boldly expresses his position in relation to serfdom, government, service, education and upbringing. But those around him do not understand or do not want to understand him. It’s easiest to ignore people like this, which is what Famus society does, accusing him of madness. His thoughts are dangerous for their usual way of life. Having agreed with the position in life, those around you will either have to admit that they are scoundrels or change. Neither one nor the other is acceptable to them, so the easiest way is to recognize such a person as insane and continue to enjoy their usual way of life.

How do you understand the phrase “little man”? Do you agree that society shapes a person? Do you agree with the statement: “Inequality degrades people”? Can any person be called a person? Do you agree that “there is nothing more dangerous in society than a person without character?

The main character of the story A.P. Chekhov's "Death of an Official" Chervyakov exposes himself to humiliation and demonstrates a complete rejection of human dignity. Evil is presented in the story not in the form of a general who brought a person to such a state. The general is depicted in the work quite neutrally: he only reacts to the actions of another character. The problem of the little man is not with evil people, it is much deeper. Reverence and servility have become such a habit that people themselves are ready to defend their right to demonstrate respect and their insignificance at the cost of their lives. Chervyakov suffers not from humiliation, but from the fact that he fears an incorrect interpretation of his actions, from the fact that he may be suspected of disrespect for those who are higher in rank. “Do I dare laugh? If we laugh, then there will be no respect for people... there will be..."

How does society influence a person's opinion? Can any person be called a person? Do you agree that “there is nothing more dangerous in society than a person without character?

Society, or rather the structure of society, plays a decisive role in the behavior of many people. A striking example of a person who thinks and acts according to the standard is the hero of the story by A.P. Chekhov's "Chameleon".

We usually call a chameleon a person who is ready to constantly and instantly, to please circumstances, change his views to the exact opposite. For the main character in life, there is the most important rule: the interests of those in power are above all. The main character who adheres to this rule finds himself in a comical situation. Having witnessed a violation, he must take action and fine the owner of the dog that bit the person. During the proceedings, it turns out that the dog may belong to the general. Throughout the story, the answer to the question (“whose dog?”) changes five or six times, and the police officer’s reaction changes the same number of times. We don’t even see the general in the work, but his presence is felt physically, his mention plays the role of a decisive argument. The effect of power and force is more clearly revealed in the behavior of subordinate figures. They are the guardians of this system. The Chameleon has a conviction that determines all his actions, his understanding of “order”, which must be protected with all his might. Thus, we can conclude that society has a huge influence on a person’s opinion; moreover, a person who blindly believes in the rules of such a society is a building block of the system, preventing the vicious circle from breaking.

The problem of confrontation between personality and power. What kind of person can be called dangerous to society?
M.Yu. Lermontov. "A song about Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich, the young guardsman and the daring merchant Kalashnikov."

Conflict in “Song...” M.Yu. Lermontov takes place between Kalashnikov, whose image reflected the best features of a representative of the people, and the autocratic government in the person of Ivan the Terrible and Kiribeevich. Ivan the Terrible himself violates the rules of fist fighting that he himself announced: “Whoever beats someone will be rewarded by the Tsar, and whoever is beaten will be forgiven by God,” and he himself executes Kalashnikov. In the work we see the struggle of a sensible individual for his rights, impossible for the era of Ivan the Terrible, defending his interests in the name of justice. This struggle is not only between Kalashnikov and Kiribeevich. Kiribeevich violates the general human law, and Kalashnikov speaks on behalf of the entire “Christian people” “for the holy mother truth.”

Why is an individual dangerous for the state? Do the interests of society always correspond to the interests of the state? Can a person devote his life to the interests of society?

The Master's novel, which is a story about the duel between the beggar philosopher Yeshua Ha-Nozri and the powerful procurator of Judea Pontius Pilate. Ha-Notsri is the ideologist of goodness, justice, conscience, and the procurator is the idea of ​​statehood.

Ha-Nozri, with his preaching of universal human values, love for one’s neighbor, and personal freedom, in the opinion of Pontius Pilate, undermines the sole power of Caesar and thereby turns out to be more dangerous than the murderer of Barrabas. Pontius Pilate sympathizes with Yeshua, he even makes weak attempts to save him from execution, but nothing more. Pontius Pilate turns out to be pitiful and weak, afraid of the informer Caiaphas, afraid of losing the power of the governor of Judea and for this he paid with “twelve thousand moons of repentance and remorse.” calls it “Oblomovism.”

Life for Oblomovites is “silence and imperturbable calm,” which, unfortunately, are sometimes disturbed by troubles. It is especially important to emphasize that among the troubles, on a par with “illnesses, losses, quarrels,” labor is for them: “They endured labor as a punishment imposed on our forefathers, but they could not love. Thus, Oblomov’s inertia, lazy vegetation in a dressing gown on the sofa of his St. Petersburg apartment in Goncharov’s novel are fully generated and motivated by the social and everyday way of life of the patriarchal landowner.

Man is the main element of society, which constantly interacts with it. From early childhood we begin to socialize, adapt and live according to the rules established in society. In very ancient times, the philosopher Aristotle called man a “social animal.” However, society does not always have a beneficial effect on the individual; often, under the influence of society, a person loses his individuality.

I remember Kuprin’s story “Olesya”, where the heroine becomes a victim of social prejudice. The peasants consider her a witch because she lives in the forest and collects medicinal herbs. People hate the unfortunate woman only because she is different from them. She tried to get closer to the team for the sake of love for the young man, as a result, the girl leaves the secluded region and goes to church. But nothing good came of it - the crowd attacked her and almost killed her. This is how the desire to “make friends” with society almost ended in tragedy for the heroine, and such treatment often forces a person to submit to pressure and become like everyone else. Flight saved Olesya from such a fate, but not everyone can use this radical method.

The inhabitants of the shelter, the heroes of Maxim Gorky’s play “At the Depths,” have nowhere to run. Each of them is a good person in itself, but all together the people of the bottom have formed a cesspool from which it is impossible for any of them to get out. For example, Satin was a completely successful and prosperous person, but, having punished his sister’s offender, he received a prison sentence. However, even while in prison, this man retained his dignity, he served his sentence, and when he came out, he discovered that he was no longer considered a human being, and all normal people had turned their backs on him. In order not to die of hunger, he was forced to continue walking along the crooked path. So, one social group ruined him with its indifference, and the other pulled him into its vicious nets, not allowing him to cleanse himself. Satin became a victim of a society that thinks in prejudices and stereotypes.

In real life, a person often has to face the problem of social relations. Sometimes we stubbornly try to fight the point of view and behavior of the majority, but more often it turns out to be easier and more convenient to accept the public point of view. I believe that, no matter what, we should strive to change society for the better, without being afraid of reproaches and censures from it. Only then can we hope for progress.

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The final essay on the topic “Man and Society” with arguments from the literature is presented below.

“Is one person capable of standing up to society?”

Introduction

Society is a whole system with its own way of life, laws and standards of assessment. Each of us is a part of this large whole, capable of either absorbing us entirely or providing us with opportunities for successful coexistence.

Problem

Is a person able to resist society, public opinion, or is this an obviously lost battle?

Thesis No. 1

“There is no warrior alone in the field,” says the ancient proverb. It is difficult to resist the opinion of the majority; for this you need to have a special gift of persuasion and charisma.

Argumentation

In M. Gorky’s story “Old Woman Izergil” we see a hero capable of leading the people around him. On the one hand, Danko subjugated people to his will, leading them to salvation, convincing them of a better future at the cost of his own life. But on the other hand, what did he get in response? As soon as he led them out of the thicket, the crowd immediately forgot him, trampling on the last sparks reminiscent of his burning heart torn from his chest.

Conclusion

It is very difficult for one person to confront an entire society. But it is possible, and such people exist and will exist. They have a unique gift of persuasion and a special character.

Thesis No. 2

People who can change the world include many heads of state, military leaders and religious leaders. But there are such people among ordinary people.

Argumentation

“And there is only one warrior in the field, if he is Chatsky,” said I.A. Goncharov. Indeed, in his play “Woe from Wit” A.S. Griboedov portrayed a man capable of exposing the vices of an entire generation in which he himself existed. Chatsky came to people living according to already established rules and turned everything upside down. Then he left, understood by no one and needed by no one.

Conclusion

Having fearlessness and a special character, you can influence the social system, at least in your immediate environment. However, this can lead to loneliness.

Thesis No. 3

There are people who, having given up trying to change the world, continue their lonely existence, moving away from everyone. Society does not accept such people, and they do not have the strength to fight it.

Argumentation

Such people include Ilya Ilyich Oblomov, the main character of the novel by A.I. Goncharov "Oblomov". Ilya Ilyich has a number of positive qualities, he is highly spiritually developed, but cannot find application for his talents. The people around him live according to laws that are alien to him - they are deceitful, they are capable of going over their heads in order to achieve their goals. Oblomov does not accept such rules, but is not able to cope with himself and somehow adapt to the laws of life. Therefore, he withdraws from himself and lives practically as a hermit, spending his days on the sofa in a greasy robe.

Conclusion

Society is a fairly strong system. She can easily absorb an individual who is different from the rest if she is unable to resist him.

General conclusion (conclusion)

The laws of society are such that we are all, each of us, part of one big whole. We are forced to live by the same laws for everyone, even if something doesn’t suit us. There are courageous people who dare to go against the norms or lead a new direction in development. But only the strongest can swim against the current. Society breaks the rest and condemns them to loneliness.

The material was prepared by Natalya Aleksandrovna Zubova, creator of the SAMARUS online school.

Essay on the topic: “Man and society”

A person interacts with society throughout his life. That is why writers have turned, are turning, and will continue to turn to the topic “Man and Society”.

Many writers have tried to create a model of an ideal society that would be built on respect, in which the potential of every person would be revealed. This is how social utopias were created. A. Sumarokov wrote the story “The Dream of a Happy Society”, in which the sovereign and governing bodies in the country are guided by the principle of common benefit. Every person dreams of living in such a society!

Dreams of an ideal society are wonderful, but reality dispels them. Writers come to write dystopias that tell about a society in which negative development trends have prevailed. One of my favorite works is D. Orwell’s novel “1984”. It describes the life of society under a totalitarian regime. It is not surprising that in socialist countries the work has more than once become a victim of censorship. In my opinion, this is the most terrible book: power seeks to control a person’s entire life, right down to his thoughts. The government turns a living person into a robot. The fate of those who are against this system is terrible!

The contradiction between society and the individual is vividly described in the novel by F.M. Dostoevsky "Crime and Punishment". Raskolnikov is a student, and, as usual, with financial problems. He decides to kill the old pawnbroker, who for Raskolnikov is the personification of the social injustice of St. Petersburg in the 19th century. He decides to take from the rich and give to the poor. That is, he sought to make life better. But does the end justify the means?

Raskolnikov could continue his studies and find a job. If only he had tried, a normal future would have opened up before him. But he chose a different path. The confrontation between Raskolnikov's personality and society ended in defeat for the individual.

Man and society are inseparable components of existence. It is always difficult for a person who stands out from the crowd. Unfortunately, it is the crowd that determines the character of society.

Man and society is a new direction for passionate writing in 2017-2018. To understand the essence of the problem, you need to select several precise arguments and examples from the literature. The best writers of all time will help us with this. Among the main arguments, the following points can be highlighted: Harmonious connection between society and people. Why is this connection so important? Confrontation between man and society. What is it based on? What are the main problems? Conflict between man and society. Is this an eternal conflict? Can it be passed or will everything remain like this forever? In what cases is society obliged to protect a person and protect his interests? Where is a person a debtor to society? When should he serve society? It is impossible to avoid the problem of man and society, since we are each at the epicenter of events. Our main task is to understand the principles of these relationships as early as possible and move in the right direction. After all, we will not see the result of our actions soon. Years will pass, and only then will we understand whether we were right or whether we were wrong all along. There are many examples in the literature about the relationship between man and society. For example, Evgeny Onegin was so afraid of outside opinions that he was ready to participate in a duel with his friend, with a young guy who was going to get married, with a man whom he himself had set up. Also in this final essay you can show examples of when society was unhealthy and one person had to go against it. In Turgenev’s work “Mumu” ​​we observe how the serfdom completely distorted the normal relationship between man and society. Something normal and adequate could not be born there. Tolstoy’s work “After the Ball” also showed a similar picture. The first scene is a wonderful ball where everyone is nice and accommodating. And the second scene is a terrible execution and bullying that comes from the orders of “nice” people. I think that from school age we should think about the problem of man and society. This is the only way we can build something strong and powerful.

Source: http://www.kritika24.ru/page.php?id=13280

EXAMPLES OF ESSAYS ON THE THEMATIC DIRECTION "MAN AND SOCIETY"

EXAMPLES OF SCHOOL ESSAYS ON THE TOPIC "MAN AND SOCIETY"

The problem of the relationship between man and society has always occupied the best minds of humanity. Many philosophers and writers tried to find or create that ideal society in which the potential of each of its members would be revealed, where each individual would be treated with respect and understanding, in a word, to create a social utopia.

But recent centuries have shown that no matter how beautiful dreams may be, reality always dispels them. Many scientists believe that the best social system was in the city-policies of Ancient Greece and that nothing similar has been created since then.

However, I am confident that every reasonable person should try to do his part to improve relationships in society. There are several ways to do this.

One of them, the path of educational writers, consists in gradually changing the worldview of readers, in reforming the value system itself. In this way, they tried to help society: D. Defoe, who showed with his work “Robinson Crusoe” that an individual human person can really accomplish a lot, J. Swift, who with his novel “Gulliver’s Travels” clearly depicts social injustice and offers ways of salvation, and others.

But there is another method, which has been resorted to perhaps too often throughout history: radical, that is, revolutionary. Such a way out is inevitable when the contradictions between society and the individual have intensified so much that they can no longer be resolved through negotiations. Examples of such situations can be the bourgeois revolutions in England and France.

In literature, the second, radical, method was most clearly expressed, in my opinion, in the novel by F.M. Dostoevsky "Crime and Punishment". Student Raskolnikov, whose life cannot be called easy, decides to kill the old pawnbroker, who for him personifies all the social injustice of the reality of St. Petersburg in the 19th century. To take away from the rich and give to the poor is the goal of his idea. This was, by the way, the goal of the Bolsheviks, who also sought to improve the situation of people, so that the one who “was no one” would become “everyone,” without thinking, however, that it is impossible to simply endow a person with abilities and talent. In principle, the goal of making life fairer is noble. But should we forget about the means by which this is achieved?

Raskolnikov had another opportunity. He could continue his studies, start giving private lessons, the future was open to him. But this would require too much work and effort. It would be much easier to kill the old woman, rob her and start doing good deeds. Fortunately for Raskolnikov, he is too smart and begins to doubt his “rightness” (the crime led him to hard labor, but then insight comes).

The confrontation between Raskolnikov’s personality and the society of St. Petersburg in the 60s of the 19th century ended in the defeat of the individual. A person who stands out from society generally has a hard time in life. And the problem is often not so much in society itself as in the crowd, crushing the individual and turning bright colors into gray.
One of the classics once said that each person individually is wise, but the crowd is stupid. But, unfortunately, it is the crowd that determines the character of our society. Therefore, until the moment when harmony in relations comes between the individual and society, if this, of course, ever comes at all, there are still many, many years to come.

Essay-reasoning on the thematic area Man and Society

The society in which he moves is important for every person. Isn't the person himself responsible for his actions? Of course, myself, but we all, one way or another, depend on those who are nearby, just as they depend on us. Sometimes it is the environment that dictates our actions, because the law of collective decision works. How often in life we ​​observe changes in human character and behavior, how sometimes people change quickly depending on their environment. That is why parents always make sure that their child is friends with good people. Surrounded by decent, well-mannered people, everyone tries to be no worse. In a bad society, a person is ready to forgive himself not only minor shortcomings, but also unworthy actions. After all, society does not condemn this, and sometimes encourages evil. Maybe a person would never have discovered the worst traits in himself if a bad society and environment had not contributed to this.

This is exactly the situation that Panas Mirny described in his novel “Do oxen roar when the manger is full?” After all, when Chipka (the main character of the novel) made friends with dubious people - Lushnya, Motnya and the Rat, then all the good that was in him disappeared somewhere. Instead, he became cynical and angry, starting his bad deeds with thefts, and then moved on to robbery. The writer paints a vivid picture of the moral decline of man. The author shows us how his so-called comrades get drunk in Chipka’s house. And Chipka himself does not pay attention to the fact that his comrades insult his mother. He also yells at her. This was his shameful choice, which became fatal for Chipka. Soon he reached the point of murder. There was nothing human left in him, since he allowed himself to follow unworthy people.

Of course, a person’s environment influences his character and his personality as a whole. But how strong and decisive this influence will be depends only on the person himself. A person must have his own inner core, which will help him not to break when the people around him begin to put pressure on him. It may be difficult and difficult for the child to resist the influence of his environment. And in this case, adults must help the child overcome the negative influence and develop that saving core within themselves. Unlike a child, an adult always has the right to choose. He can choose his goals and his environment. What his life will be like will depend only on him. Each person has only one life, which he lives here and now. We have the right to choose the friends we deserve. And you should always choose those who appreciate you. And not those who underestimate you. Because there is no point in choosing those who do not share our successes and who need us only for the sake of their own self-affirmation.