Character history. The image and characteristics of Larra in the story of the bitter old woman Izergil composition What form of life does Larra represent

Maxim Gorky entered literature as the author of romantic stories. Among them was the work "The Old Woman Izergil", written in 1894. In it, the author tries to assess a person based on an analysis of his actions. Their measure is the benefit to other people. Thus, the concept of ideal and anti-ideal characteristic of romanticism was realized.

Three heroes are in the center of the writer's attention: Izergil, acting as the narrator, condemned to eternal immortality by Larr and who gave his life to save the Danko tribe. of all three stories (legends are successfully intertwined with the fate of the old woman herself) is the key to understanding the answer to the question that never loses its relevance: what is the meaning of human existence on earth? It is interesting in this regard to speculate about what Larra was punished for. And is he the only one to blame for everything that happened?

The backstory of the legend of Larra

The story takes place in the evening on the seashore - a typical backdrop for a romantic piece. The majestic free nature that surrounds the narrator and the old Moldovan woman lives according to its own laws and at the same time reflects the aspirations of a person, helps to understand his inner world.

The old woman Izergil does not recall the legend about who Larra is by chance. She points to her interlocutor at the shadows floating in the endless sky. One of them was "darker and thicker", and moved faster than the rest. "He lives for thousands of years ... This is what God can do to a man for pride!" - these words became the beginning of the tale of the incredible pride of the eagle-man, which became the reason for his curse and immortality.

The story of the hero's birth

Understanding what Larra was punished for begins with his origin. Once a mighty eagle stole a girl from a strong and mighty tribe. She returned only twenty years later, and next to her was a beautiful young man - a son born of an eagle. The king of birds, who began to weaken, rose up and, folding his wings, rushed to the sharp rocks.

Now his descendant stood before the people - outwardly seemed like them, but still distinguished by proud and cold eyes. And all his actions emphasized that he felt superiority over the others - even with the elders, the young man spoke as an equal to them. The reason is simple. The young man from birth was distinguished by a different psychology, which makes him unlike people, therefore he has no place among them. This is the first characteristic of Larra - the son of a powerful and freedom-loving eagle and an earthly woman.

Killing a girl

Immediately opposing herself to the entire tribe, Larra calmly deals with the daughter of one of the elders. She first lured him with a glance, and then pushed him away, frightened by her father. Everybody around was chained by fear - for the first time before their eyes a woman was so brutally killed. And the eagle's son proudly stood over his victim, not lowering his head and feeling his superiority over the rest, for which he was punished.

Larra confused the elders with his behavior. For a long time they tried to understand the young man's deed. Not finding the answer to their questions, they turned to him. And for Larra everything was simple: "I killed her because ... because she pushed me away." So the reason for the opposition of one person to the crowd, characteristic of a romantic work, was the excessive pride and individualism inherited from the royal bird.

Alienation from people

The elders thought for a long time what punishment Larra deserves. The old woman Izergil said that they went over many options until the young man himself, with his speeches, prompted them the answer. He considered himself the first on earth, and therefore, as one of the elders noted, freedom would be the most terrible punishment for him. Suddenly, at that moment, "thunder from heaven" convinced them of the correct decision. Larra was released, and since then he has become "an outcast" - such is the meaning of his name.

More than a thousand years have passed, and his shadow still wanders the earth lonely. At first he lived freely, like a bird, did whatever he wanted. Nobody paid any attention to him. But one day the proud son of an eagle himself came to the people: he stood for a long time and did not move. Someone guessed that he was looking for death. However, everyone remembered what Larra was punished for, and therefore only laughed, looking at him. Then Larra grabbed a knife and hit himself in the chest with it. But he bounced off his body like a stone.

His flesh had long since dried up, and he, having turned into a shadow, is looking for death, which he will never find.

Larra's image: assessment and significance

The author condemns his hero for his extreme individualism, for daring to oppose himself to the entire tribe. According to M. Gorky, the main goal of human existence is serving people. This is exactly how Danko's story is presented. Larra, on the other hand, is an anti-ideal, whose behavior and deed has no justification.

However, do not forget that Larra is not an ordinary person. He is the son of an eagle, who grew up far from people and is not accustomed to human laws. But his trouble is that he is not a bird like his father. Therefore, Larra deserves not only condemnation, but also sympathy. His tragedy was predetermined at birth.

Maxim Gorky entered literature as the author of romantic stories. Among them was the work "The Old Woman Izergil", written in 1894. In it, the author tries to assess a person based on an analysis of his actions. Their measure is the benefit to other people. Thus, the concept of ideal and anti-ideal characteristic of romanticism was realized.

Three heroes are in the center of the writer's attention: Izergil, acting as the narrator, condemned to eternal immortality by Larr and who gave his life to save the Danko tribe. of all three stories (legends are successfully intertwined with the fate of the old woman herself) is the key to understanding the answer to the question that never loses its relevance: what is the meaning of human existence on earth? It is interesting in this regard to speculate about what Larra was punished for. And is he the only one to blame for everything that happened?

The backstory of the legend of Larra

The story takes place in the evening on the seashore - a typical backdrop for a romantic piece. The majestic free nature that surrounds the narrator and the old Moldovan woman lives according to its own laws and at the same time reflects the aspirations of a person, helps to understand his inner world.

The old woman Izergil does not recall the legend about who Larra is by chance. She points to her interlocutor at the shadows floating in the endless sky. One of them was "darker and thicker", and moved faster than the rest. "He lives for thousands of years ... This is what God can do to a man for pride!" - these words became the beginning of the tale of the incredible pride of the eagle-man, which became the reason for his curse and immortality.

The story of the hero's birth

Understanding what Larra was punished for begins with his origin. Once a mighty eagle stole a girl from a strong and mighty tribe. She returned only twenty years later, and next to her was a beautiful young man - a son born of an eagle. The king of birds, who began to weaken, rose up and, folding his wings, rushed to the sharp rocks.

Now his descendant stood before the people - outwardly seemed like them, but still distinguished by proud and cold eyes. And all his actions emphasized that he felt superiority over the others - even with the elders, the young man spoke as an equal to them. The reason is simple. The young man from birth was distinguished by a different psychology, which makes him unlike people, therefore he has no place among them. This is the first characteristic of Larra - the son of a powerful and freedom-loving eagle and an earthly woman.

Killing a girl

Immediately opposing herself to the entire tribe, Larra calmly deals with the daughter of one of the elders. She first lured him with a glance, and then pushed him away, frightened by her father. Everybody around was chained by fear - for the first time before their eyes a woman was so brutally killed. And the eagle's son proudly stood over his victim, not lowering his head and feeling his superiority over the rest, for which he was punished.

Larra confused the elders with his behavior. For a long time they tried to understand the young man's deed. Not finding the answer to their questions, they turned to him. And for Larra everything was simple: "I killed her because ... because she pushed me away." So the reason for the opposition of one person to the crowd, characteristic of a romantic work, was the excessive pride and individualism inherited from the royal bird.

Alienation from people

The elders thought for a long time what punishment Larra deserves. The old woman Izergil said that they went over many options until the young man himself, with his speeches, prompted them the answer. He considered himself the first on earth, and therefore, as one of the elders noted, freedom would be the most terrible punishment for him. Suddenly, at that moment, "thunder from heaven" convinced them of the correct decision. Larra was released, and since then he has become "an outcast" - such is the meaning of his name.

More than a thousand years have passed, and his shadow still wanders the earth lonely. At first he lived freely, like a bird, did whatever he wanted. Nobody paid any attention to him. But one day the proud son of an eagle himself came to the people: he stood for a long time and did not move. Someone guessed that he was looking for death. However, everyone remembered what Larra was punished for, and therefore only laughed, looking at him. Then Larra grabbed a knife and hit himself in the chest with it. But he bounced off his body like a stone.

His flesh had long since dried up, and he, having turned into a shadow, is looking for death, which he will never find.

Larra's image: assessment and significance

The author condemns his hero for his extreme individualism, for daring to oppose himself to the entire tribe. According to M. Gorky, the main goal of human existence is serving people. This is exactly how Danko's story is presented. Larra, on the other hand, is an anti-ideal, whose behavior and deed has no justification.

However, do not forget that Larra is not an ordinary person. He is the son of an eagle, who grew up far from people and is not accustomed to human laws. But his trouble is that he is not a bird like his father. Therefore, Larra deserves not only condemnation, but also sympathy. His tragedy was predetermined at birth.

An instructive story makes the reader reconsider his life position, relations with the people around him.

Description

Larra is an unusual character. His father is a free eagle, his mother is a mortal woman. A stately handsome young man stands out among the young people of the tribe. A repulsive impression is created by the look of cold contemptuous eyes. The reader understands: Larra is a negative character in the legend.

Twenty years ago, a proud eagle stole a young girl, making him a wife. They had a son, Larra, a half-bird, half-human. The eagle crashed against the rocks - the woman decided to return home. The twenty-year-old boy followed.

Becoming a member of the tribe, he was obliged to abide by existing laws: respect women, respectfully treat the elders. However, the young man acts differently.

The first meeting of the eagle's son and his fellow tribesmen ended in tragedy. At first, he shows a disrespectful attitude towards the elders. Then he brutally kills the girl he liked who refused to become the property of a handsome narcissist. The young man believes that he is free to do as he wants. He is indifferent to the opinion of the elders. He is deprived of the ability to sympathize, compassion. Larra loves no one, considering herself the center of the universe. The reason for this is exorbitant pride, selfishness, narcissism. The qualities that the royal father endowed him with is an eagle.

Horrified people tried to understand the reason for the terrible murder, but Larra did not feel remorse. He thought he was right.

For a long time they could not think of a punishment commensurate with the crime. A quick death seemed too easy a payback.

Finally, they decided to leave the young man free. The punishment of loneliness is the worst test.

Larra, proud, independent, unconquered, retired away. A few years later I realized how hard it is to exist alone. Death was the only escape. Trying to provoke people to aggressive actions, Larra was looking for death. But no one wanted to kill him. The elders drove him away again.

Becoming a shadow, losing his mind, Larra wanders everywhere. His image reminds us of how important it is to observe the laws of human existence. Thinking only about his own well-being, a person condemns himself to loneliness.

Eternal lonely life, immortality, which is more terrible than death, is the payment for proud contempt.

In the story "Old Woman Izergil" the author - Maxim Gorky, tells about strong-willed, different from other people. The story is told on behalf of an old woman named Izergil. One of the legends that sounded in this story is the legend of Larra. The story began with the fact that Izergil saw a shadow in the distance. She noted that this is Larra, restlessly wandering through the deserts as punishment for boundless pride.

Larra was the son of an eagle and a woman. Once a proud bird stole a girl from her native village and took it with her. After 20 years, the eagle died, and the girl returned, taking her son with her.

The boy grew up very arrogant, did not take into account other people's opinions and put himself above others. This cannot be called an adequate perception of reality. After all, the young man was not something better than others, but looked down on everyone. He did not take into account either the advice of the elders or the opinion of other people.

The people of the village were indignant at such behavior of Larra. But the last straw was the terrible act of the young man, when he killed the girl in front of everyone, who rejected Larra's selfish desire to take possession of her heart at all costs.

The people could not think of a punishment for the young man for a long time. They could not understand why he committed such a cruel act, and tried to talk to him to find out the motives for such behavior. But Larra was adamant and did not want to talk to the people. Then the wisest elder realized that the worst punishment for him would be eternal loneliness, and the inhabitants expelled the young man from the village.

Since then, Larra wandered in splendid isolation and over time began to be tormented by him. He realized that the worst thing that may be is to be aware of the events of what is happening around, but not to take any part in this process. Alone with thoughts for an eternity - a terrible torment.

He was immortal and could only die, so he returned to the village, begging to kill him. But the wise elders understood what was the matter and did not do it, once again expelling him.

Since then, he wanders around the world as a shadow, in eternal torment dreaming only of finding peace.

Can Larra be called a negative character? Of course. But is this behavior explicable? On the one hand, the youth was the son of an eagle. And the eagles are distinguished by their proud disposition, because Larra, in general, is not to blame for inheriting such a character. On the other hand, he was at the same time the son of man, which means that he must have self-awareness and understand that cynicism must be justified and supported by experience, as well as reflection.

Essay about Larra

In the work of Gorky "The Old Woman Izergil" Larra appears as the main character. We learn about Larra from the story of the old woman Izergil herself. Larra is a rude, cruel and devoid of any feeling of a person. His name is a symbol, means "rejected". At the beginning of the story, the old woman points to the shadow, calling her Larra, or rather what is left of him. Such was the punishment for a young man who dared to show his pride.

Larra was born from an eagle who stole a girl. It took about twenty years after the incident, then the girl returned with her child to her homeland. The eagle died, she was left alone.

In the new environment, Larra showed himself not from the best side. He did not honor other people, did not show respect for the main people in the community, did not equal with the common people, considering them unworthy. Larra did not want to make contact with other people, he answered only at his own request, completely ignoring others.

The worst thing was not his antics, but the murder of an innocent girl, which was committed by the main character. Larra was not used to getting rejections, he always achieved what he wanted by any means. When the girl rebuffed the hero - pushed him away from herself, such a proud Larra could not endure and killed her.

The community members did not tolerate such an ignorant and barbaric attitude, it was decided to punish the main character. Of course, before that they tried to understand the meaning of his actions, but all to no avail. Then the wisest old man said that the best punishment for such a person is exile from people.

And, true, Larra tortured himself, being alone. He returned back to the people, but they drove him away in silence. He wanted death, but could not get it, while other people did not touch him - they knew his motives.

Larra was forced to wander alone forever, such was his punishment for excessive pride.

The main character wanted freedom, did not want to obey the rules of society, which led to his eternal wanderings, during which he became a shadow that gradually disappears.

Larra is a negative character, on his example the writer shows what selfishness, excessive selfishness and disrespect for other people can lead to. Only at the very end Larra realized what mistake he made, but it was already impossible to fix something.

Larra's characteristic

In the story "Old Woman Izergil", the author tells about strong, proud people who are different from others. Such is his heroine herself - old Izergil. She talks about her life, often saying that now there are fewer and fewer strong and strong-willed people and that today they do not know how to live at all. From her lips the author heard two legends.

One of them is the legend of the proud man. His name was Larra. This name means a rejected person. An old woman begins her story about him, drawing the attention of her listener to a shadow in the distance. She says that this is he - the man who was punished for his inordinate pride.

Larra was the son of an eagle and an ordinary earthly woman. Once a strong bird carried her away from her native village while still young. But, 20 years later, the woman returned with her child. She told that his father, an eagle, had died.

The young man was very arrogant and proud. Pride helps a person to be stronger, makes him independent from others and from general laws. Everything would be fine, but in moderation. And this young man did not know her. He considered himself better than others and placed himself above everyone else.

He showed no respect for the elders, speaking to them as if they were his peers. When asked about something, he answered only if he wished. And when people began to explain to him that it was necessary to respect the elders, the young man replied that he did not want to do this. And since he does not want to do something, it means that he will not.

This behavior of the young man angered and insulted everyone. But, most of all, the people were amazed by such an act of him, which even none of them could even imagine. In front of everyone, he kills the girl who pushed him away. He did it because he wanted to.

After that, people tied him up. Then they began to invent a punishment for him. They thought for a long time, many executions came to their minds. But, they could not find it. They also tried to talk to him, to understand him. But, it was all in vain.

And so, someone suggested punishing him with loneliness and eternal exile. A better one could not have been imagined. Larra was so exhausted by his own pride that a few years later he himself appeared to those people. He was thirsty for death, wanted them to kill him. But, he could not die.

He was doomed to immortality. However, it became a curse for him, since his exile remained eternal. The words that there is no place for him among people doomed the unfortunate proud man to endless torment and wanderings.

The image of Larra in the legend shows this defect in its highest development. The proud man was pleased with himself, he was free, independent and happy. But, it did not last long. He destroyed himself. After all, living among people, one cannot but be a part of society, disrespect its laws and do everything the way you want only, without thinking about anyone else.

The proud man understands this only when, satiated with his freedom, he realizes that it is his curse and he has long been spiritually dead. He is just a shadow.

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In M. Gorky's story "The Old Woman Izergil", indifference and responsiveness are contrasted. Indifference to people is expressed in the image of the eagle's son Larra - a proud, egocentric young man who wants to remain completely free from people and responsibilities to them. Responsiveness is expressed in the image of Danko - this is a courageous, strong, responsible hero who decided to lead people out of forests and swamps and show them the way. Therefore, this work is ideal for becoming a literary material for arguments to the final essay.

1. Indifference never leads a person to happiness. For example, Larra, the son of an eagle, despises human laws and is indifferent to human feelings, which he does not experience. He does not respect anyone, kills a girl in front of people from her tribe, not fully realizing that he is acting cruelly: he hears only himself and his desires. But for this he is doomed to eternal suffering from loneliness. He was expelled from the tribe, and God "rewarded" the hero with eternal life, so that he would know the abyss of despair for his pride. So, the unfortunate character became a wanderer, in whose eyes a longing settled forever that neither time nor space could satisfy.
2. Unfortunately, people do not always understand and appreciate responsiveness. For example, the noble Danko sacrifices himself to the interests of the tribe, and his people remain indifferent to the feat and do not realize its role in their salvation. Without the brave youth, they would never have gotten out. Even on the way to the goal, the tribesmen began to condemn and reproach the leader for not knowing himself where he was leading them. Then, in a fit of philanthropy, he tore the flaming heart out of his chest and, illuminating the way for them, led the crowd into freedom, and he himself died. And someone even trampled on his heart - in this act, Gorky exposed the black ingratitude of society for a responsive attitude towards himself.
3. In the legend of Larra, people are more responsive than in the legend of Danko. They try to talk to the killer, understand him, explain to him the rules of life in human society. But the hero is their antagonist, he is callous, indifferent and does not want to delve into the essence of people. He considers them weak and limited: where is their freedom before his permissiveness? However, it is precisely this "limitation" that elevates the tribe over the son of an eagle. The characters do not dare to take the life of the criminal, they did not dare to encroach on this sacred right, although Larra gave a reason for cruel punishment. The community simply sent him into exile, and in this case, there is no wiser solution. If people are ruled by responsiveness, harmony and wisdom come to them, but indifference promises only destruction and cruelty.
4. The ability of an individual to be responsive is not influenced by society. For example, in the image of Larra and Danko, two opposite sides of human nature are expressed: indifference and responsiveness. In the first legend, in the images of people, to a certain extent, there are features of a sympathetic Danko, and in the third legend, features of an indifferent Larra. The minor characters contrast with the protagonists of both legends. So the author shows the reader that in each person the qualities of Larra and Danko are simultaneously present, and they will manifest themselves regardless of how the environment will relate to the person.
5. Indifference leads a person to loneliness. For example, the old woman Izergil from the story of the same name by Gorky indulged in frivolous hobbies all her life, sparing the feelings of her gentlemen. She often broke hearts and only amused herself with this process. But her beauty and strength were wasted, because they were not enough for true love. The person whom she saved from captivity, at the risk of perishing, could love her only in gratitude, and she, out of pride, did not accept the handout. As a result, the "fatal beauty" dragged out a lonely old age, because youth and success and men left her. This is what her indifference to other people's feelings led to. Now no one gave a damn about her.
6. Real responsiveness is philanthropy. For example, Danko sacrifices himself for the sake of the people, and only an all-consuming love for people could allow him to forgive the reproaches and laughter of a near-by tribe. He, in spite of the ungrateful behavior of his fellow tribesmen and the lack of support, went to the goal and led the crowd behind him. Anyone in his place would have given up on seeing such treatment. However, the hero had an unshakable support for his responsiveness - the love that once made Christ ascend to Calvary.

Interesting? Keep it on your wall!

The work "The Old Woman Izergil" is a romantic story that tells the story of three legends. From the mouth of an elderly woman, the author learns about two mythical characters: and Larra. Poetic images convey edification and morality, which the author broadcasts to the public with the help of a composition.

History of creation

"The Old Woman Izergil" is part of a cycle of romantic stories written by Gorky. This work was created in 1891 during a trip to Bessarabia. Literary scholars consider him an example of the early work of the author. The main motives and distinctive features of Gorky are visible in this work. It includes three novels, united by a common concept. Through three legends, the author describes the value of human life. The images of the heroes - Danko and Larra - help to understand the attitude of the writer to human freedom.

The tale of Larra presents the reader with the characteristics of an egoist with a mass of negative qualities. To achieve the goal, the young man goes to any action, demonstrating what permissiveness leads to. In this respect, he is opposed by Danko, who chooses self-sacrifice as the only correct decision in life. Old woman Izergil personifies reality, which Gorky allows readers to judge. The meaning of human life is the main theme of the work, on which the author argues, introducing the audience to the heroes.

"Old Isergil"

Larra and Danko

The story has a beginning typical of romantic fiction. The action takes place in nature. The story is led by an elderly Moldovan woman whose life is built according to her own laws. The legend of Larra reminds an old woman of a passing cloud.

The hero's biography is extraordinary. He was the son of an eagle and a common woman. His father kidnapped the girl at a young age and made him a wife. Larra's mother returned to the family twenty years later, when the betrothed died, crashing on the rocks. The son of a courageous eagle was with her. Loneliness and life outside of society are prepared for the hero, who is ruled by pride. He put himself above those around him. The psychology of the hero was different from the psychology of his fellow tribesmen, which made him superfluous among them.

Breaking out of the crowd, Larra allowed himself to commit a crime, the punishment for which was inevitable. He was carried away by the elder's daughter, and when she refused the young man, he killed the girl in full view. The eagle's son did not lose his composure at this moment. The act remained unsolved by people. Proud and selfish Larra could not forgive refusal. The hero's decisions dictated his origin. The eagle's genes cried out for self-exaltation. The elders have long sought to punish the young man. One of the judges decided that freedom would be his full measure.

First among all, he could not be alone. "Outcast" - this has been the meaning of the name Larr since then. He wandered the earth alone. At first, such an existence was to the liking of the hero. But one day the young man reappeared in the tribe, and it became clear that he longs for death. No one dared to give Larra such an atonement. The young man tried to kill himself with a knife, but the weapon did not yield to him, as his body turned into a shadow. To this day, he walks through the earthly expanses, finding no rest.

Gorky elevated service to people above all else, so Larra in his view is an antihero who cannot find an excuse. The son of an eagle cannot live according to human laws. But he is not a bird, but a man. This is the tragedy of the hero, predicted by his birth.

Illustration for the book "Old woman Izergil"

Larra personifies lack of spirituality, presenting herself as an ideal and violating the laws of human society. In the absence of human destiny, he finds no rest and is doomed to eternal wanderings. Larra's eyes, which the old woman Izergil described in detail, symbolize his character. Cold and full of pride, they distinguish the young man from everyone else. Boundless pride permeates the image of Larra and is seen in his actions.

Quotes

“Everyone even got scared when they realized what loneliness he had doomed himself to. He had no tribe, no mother, no cattle, no wife, and he did not want any of this. "

“And so he walks, walks everywhere ... You see, he has already become like a shadow and will be like that forever! He does not understand any speech of people, or their actions - nothing. And everything seeks, walks, walks ... 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 amazed for his pride! "

In the story of Maxim Gorky "The Old Woman Izergil" is mentioned the most beautiful legend about the son of an eagle and a simple woman. This story has a deep meaning about a person's life in society, about pride and loneliness. Larra is arrogant and cruel, he does not want to live according to the laws of people, does not accept age-old human foundations and traditions.

Characteristics of the hero

The author says that the son of the Eagle is amazingly handsome, just like his mother 20 years ago. They lived for many years high in the mountains, the Eagle grew old and threw himself down on the stones, realizing his weakness and old age. The half-man who people called Larra was proud and unbending in his desire to live the way he wanted. The hero does not respect the elders, does not obey the laws of the tribe, does not want to realize the value of human life. Larra does not reckon with anyone: his excessive pride suggests only one way - to follow his desires.

The character created by the author is not capable of experiencing warm feelings: he believes in his superiority over others, does not seek friendship and love. Larra's pride resembles savagery, he is hot and narcissistic. Gorky sharpens all the features of this image to the extreme: irreconcilable, stubborn and cold. People perceived him as an ordinary person: "nothing better than them, only his eyes were cold and proud, like the king of birds."

What does Larra's image symbolize?

The Romanian legend, heard by Gorky from local residents, teaches wisdom and allows one to understand the meaning and value of human life. After the murder of the girl who pushed Larra away, the hero is judged by the wise people, led by the elders. People come to understand that the most terrible punishment for a proud man is to remain alone, alone with himself. Gorky, understanding the nature of man as a social being, emphasizes that loneliness is the most terrible punishment for a serious crime.

Larra is a hermit, an outcast, he symbolizes excessive pride, arrogance, qualities that are incompatible with normal existence among people. M. Gorky says that every person is obliged to pay for everything: "for everything that a person takes, he pays with himself: with his mind and strength, sometimes with his life." Larra did not want to pay such a price: "he answered that he wants to keep himself whole."

Punishment from above

Larra's cruelty, his boundless pride (Larra's name means “outcast”) are punished with complete loneliness. Years later, Larra came to people himself, seeking death, but they did not kill the proud man. He, sincerely wishing death, tried to kill himself with a dagger, but could not. Death turned away from Larra, his existence became an unbearable torture.

Our article reveals a detailed description of Larra - the main character of the legend from the story of M. Gorky "The Old Woman Izergil".

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An instructive story makes the reader reconsider his life position, relations with the people around him.

Description

Larra is an unusual character. His father is a free eagle, his mother is a mortal woman. A stately handsome young man stands out among the young people of the tribe. A repulsive impression is created by the look of cold contemptuous eyes. The reader understands: Larra is a negative character in the legend.

Twenty years ago, a proud eagle stole a young girl, making him a wife. They had a son, Larra, a half-bird, half-human. The eagle crashed against the rocks - the woman decided to return home. The twenty-year-old boy followed.

Becoming a member of the tribe, he was obliged to abide by existing laws: respect women, respectfully treat the elders. However, the young man acts differently.

The first meeting of the eagle's son and his fellow tribesmen ended in tragedy. At first, he shows a disrespectful attitude towards the elders. Then he brutally kills the girl he liked who refused to become the property of a handsome narcissist. The young man believes that he is free to do as he wants. He is indifferent to the opinion of the elders. He is deprived of the ability to sympathize, compassion. Larra loves no one, considering herself the center of the universe. The reason for this is exorbitant pride, selfishness, narcissism. The qualities that the royal father endowed him with is an eagle.

Horrified people tried to understand the reason for the terrible murder, but Larra did not feel remorse. He thought he was right.

For a long time they could not think of a punishment commensurate with the crime. A quick death seemed too easy a payback.

Finally, they decided to leave the young man free. The punishment of loneliness is the worst test.

Larra, proud, independent, unconquered, retired away. A few years later I realized how hard it is to exist alone. Death was the only escape. Trying to provoke people to aggressive actions, Larra was looking for death. But no one wanted to kill him. The elders drove him away again.

Becoming a shadow, losing his mind, Larra wanders everywhere. His image reminds us of how important it is to observe the laws of human existence. Thinking only about his own well-being, a person condemns himself to loneliness.

Eternal lonely life, immortality, which is more terrible than death, is the payment for proud contempt.

The protagonist of the first chapter of Gorky's story "The Old Woman Izergil" is the son of an eagle and a woman he kidnapped from the tribe. This young man, outwardly no different from other people, is shown by the author as a symbol opposing life itself. The qualities originally inherent in the hero: beauty and pride are completely depreciated in his soulless adherence to instinct, the desire to achieve his goal by any means, in his very existence, which is devoid of both past and future.

The hero of the legend Larra is a vivid embodiment of human lack of spirituality. He fancies himself absolutely perfect, even trying to kill all the people he dislikes, by these actions he violates all the laws of human existence. Larra, devoid of human destiny, cannot even die. All he can do is to simply exist, rejected by all the people of his tribe, who determined his such fate.

By nature, this young man is very selfish and this trait goes beyond all conceivable boundaries, it passes into individualism and extreme egoism. His sense of whim is blown up to enormous proportions. In creating the image of this young man, the author did not use a direct author's characteristic or his psychological portrait. For this, he used a description of the characteristics of his hero through the actions he committed.

In the work there is a symbol-detail, they are the eyes of a young man, they are very sharp and cold, in them we can see the look of this person filled with a sense of our own human dignity. Gorky in his legend uses a characteristic technique, the so-called improperly direct. It is provided as a narrator and juxtaposition with another character -