"Poverty is no vice" by Alexander Ostrovsky, summary Automatic translate

This play is a classic Russian comedy of manners, written in 1853, depicting the triumph of sincere feelings over cold calculation and arrogance. The most intriguing detail of this text is the character of Lyubim Tortsov, a fallen but dignified man who acts as the voice of conscience, boldly exposing the falsehoods of wealthy provincial society. Ostrovsky masterfully depicts the merchant class, its customs, and the conflicts that arise between patriarchal values and the whims of modern fashion.

This play has been the subject of numerous famous theatrical productions, and in 1969 the Maly Theatre released a successful television adaptation as a film-performance, forever capturing the classic interpretation of this work.

Act One

The events begin in the clerk’s room of the wealthy merchant Gordey Tortsov. The young clerk, Mitya, sits at his desk, pining for his beloved. Soon, Tortsov’s nephew, Yasha Guslin, arrives. Pelageya Yegorovna, the merchant’s wife, invites Yasha to join them that evening to sing songs with the girls. She laments her husband, Gordey Karpych: he has become infatuated with the latest fashions, has become too strict, scolds his household, and is ashamed of old Russian customs. Pelageya Yegorovna also tells of Lyubim Karpych, her husband’s brother. Lyubim squandered his share of the inheritance, fell into disrepute, and now wanders the city. The day before, he came to see his brother, but Gordey Karpych rudely chased him out of the yard.

Mitya complains to Yasha Guslin about his bitter fate. He serves Tortsov faithfully, earning a meager salary, and the employer constantly reproaches him with his daily bread. Mitya admits that he would have left long ago if not for his deep love for the merchant’s daughter, Lyubov Gordeyevna. Soon, Mitya is left alone, trying to work, but thoughts of his beloved hinder him.

Gordey’s brother, Lyubim Karpych, arrives. He tells Mitya the story of his downfall: how he took a share of his father’s fortune, went to Moscow, lived lavishly, caroused, and ultimately squandered it all. Gordey Karpych refused to help his brother in his time of need, and Lyubim was forced to beg on the church porch. Mitya takes pity on Lyubim Karpych, gives him some money, and allows him to warm himself in his little room.

That evening, guests gather at the Tortsovs’ house — Lyubov Gordeyevna’s friends. The girls begin singing Christmas songs and having fun. Mitya, taking advantage of the opportunity, reads Lyubov Gordeyevna his poems, hinting at passionate feelings. Lyubov Gordeyevna, embarrassed, gives Mitya a note and asks him to read it later. When Mitya unfolds the message, he realizes that Lyubov Gordeyevna reciprocates his feelings.

Act II

The action shifts to the Tortsovs’ spacious living room. Mitya and Lyubov Gordeyevna meet alone. Mitya can’t believe his good fortune and asks the girl to confirm that her note isn’t a foolish joke. Lyubov Gordeyevna sincerely confesses her feelings to him. They swear fidelity to each other, but understand that the stern father will never give his daughter to a poor clerk.

The Christmas festivities continue in the living room. Girls sing songs, and mummers arrive, including a dancing bear. Pelageya Yegorovna rejoices in the festivities, enjoying the old Russian amusements. However, the merriment is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of the host, Gordey Karpych, and his friend, the wealthy old merchant Afrikan Savich Korshunov.

Gordey Karpych is furious at what’s happening. He scolds his wife for throwing a "peasant" party in the house, which, in his opinion, is completely unworthy of their high status. He orders the mummers to be driven away, candles to be lit in the living room, and champagne to be served to the guests. Korshunov, an old, cynical businessman, laughs at his friend’s anger and condescendingly watches the commotion.

Gordey Karpych complains to Afrikan Savich about his life in the provincial town. He dreams of moving to Moscow, where, he believes, everything is organized according to the rules of good manners. Afrikan Savich supports his vain impulses. During the conversation, the main purpose of Korshunov’s visit is revealed: he, a widower, has decided to marry the young Lyubov Gordeyevna. Gordey Karpych readily agrees to marry his daughter to the rich man, without even asking her consent.

Lyubov Gordeyevna learns of her father’s decision and falls into despair. Korshunov gives her an expensive diamond ring, trying to buy her affections. The girl cries and begs her father not to marry her off to an old and unloved man, but Gordey Karpych remains adamant. He orders his daughter to prepare for the wedding. At that moment, a drunken Lyubim Karpych enters the living room and begins to denounce his brother and Korshunov, calling them heartless. Gordey Karpych orders his brother thrown out.

Act Three

That same evening. A room in the Tortsov house, filled with wardrobes and chests. Lyubov Gordeyevna sits in tears with her mother. Pelageya Yegorovna tries to console her daughter, but she knows she cannot go against her husband’s wishes. Mitya enters. He has learned of Korshunov’s impending match and has come to bid Lyubov Gordeyevna farewell. Mitya proposes that they elope and marry secretly, but the girl flatly refuses. She was raised to be obedient to her parents and cannot disobey her father’s blessing, even for love.

Gordey Karpych and Korshunov reappear in the house. Afrikan Savich acts like the rightful owner, confident that buying a young wife is a done deal. Korshunov boasts of his wealth and mocks those around him. Gordey Karpych grovels before his wealthy suitor, completely forgetting his pride.

Suddenly, Lyubim Karpych bursts into the room again. This time, he’s determined. Lyubim exposes Korshunov in front of everyone, reminding him of the dark deeds of his past. He recounts how Korshunov acquired his fortune dishonestly, deceiving people, and how he drove his first wife to death. Lyubim shouts that poverty isn’t a vice, but the real crime is Korshunov’s heartlessness and greed.

Korshunov is furious. He demands that Gordey Karpych immediately expel his brother and threatens to break off the engagement unless Tortsov apologizes. Gordey Karpych, hurt, suddenly remembers his own pride. He refuses to apologize to Korshunov. A quarrel breaks out between the two rich men. Gordey Karpych declares that he doesn’t need Korshunov’s favors and will not give him his daughter.

Korshunov leaves the house in disgrace. Gordey Karpych, still seething with anger, decides to prove his independence. He shouts that he’ll marry his daughter to the first man he meets, just not Korshunov. At that moment, Mitya catches his eye. Tortsov grabs Mitya’s hand and announces that Lyubov Gordeyevna will marry the poor clerk.

Mitya and Lyubov Gordeyevna fall at their father’s feet. Gordey Karpych, coming to his senses, realizes what he’s done, but Lyubim Karpych addresses his brother with a passionate speech. He urges Gordey to come to his senses, to remember God and the happiness of his own daughter. Lyubim asks him to forgive him, his wayward brother, and to bless the newlyweds. Gordey Karpych’s heart softens. He realizes his mistake, embraces his brother, and blesses Mitya and Lyubov Gordeyevna’s marriage, acknowledging that true happiness lies in sincere love and a kind heart.