"In a Busy Place" by Alexander Ostrovsky, summary

This book is a classic Russian drama with elements of comedy, written in 1865 after the author’s long journey along the Volga. The playwright personally observed the harsh customs of innkeepers and faithfully captured this unique reality in his work. The text depicts the clash of sincere human feelings with the cynical thirst for profit and greed.

The play proved highly sought after for both stage and film adaptations. Audiences saw a filmed performance of the same name in 1955, and a television version was later released in 1986. Director Alexei Sakharov made a musical feature film based on the play in 1998.

Exposition and introduction to the characters

The events unfold at the inn of Vukol Yermolaevich Bessudny. This establishment is located in the wilderness, far from any major settlements. The place has a bad reputation among travelers. The innkeeper is involved in shady dealings. Bessudny robs wealthy merchants who stay overnight with him. He is actively assisted by his young wife, Yevgenia Mironovna.

Evgenia Mironovna deliberately charms wealthy guests. She keeps them at the inn with her affection and attention. The merchants lose their guard, get drunk, and then lose their money and valuables. The woman acts calculatingly and cold-bloodedly. She has long been accustomed to her husband’s criminal activities.

Annushka lives with the couple. She is Vukol Bessudny’s sister. Annushka is very different from her relatives. Annushka has a kind heart and a pure soul. She is deeply affected by the events in the house and is ashamed of her brother’s crimes. She is sincerely in love with the local landowner, Pavlin Ippolitovich Milovidov.

Development of the conflict

Milovidov is a retired cavalryman and a wealthy nobleman. He often visits Bessudny’s inn. The landowner reciprocates Annushka’s feelings. He appreciates her honesty and gentle nature. Milovidov plans to take the girl from the criminal underworld and marry her.

Evgenia Mironovna secretly suffers from a passion for Milovidov. She is angered by his attachment to Annushka. The innkeeper decides to ruin their relationship. She begins to weave intrigues and deceive those around her. Evgenia uses all her cunning to achieve her desired goal.

The merchants Razorennyi and Neputevy arrive at the inn. Bessudny immediately spots them as potential victims. The innkeeper orders his wife to get the guests drunk. Yevgenia Mironovna begins flirting with Neputevy. The merchant quickly succumbs to her charms and orders expensive wine.

Intrigue and deceit

The ruined man tries to reason with his comrade. The experienced merchant senses danger and asks Neputevy to continue on. Neputevy refuses to listen to advice, completely dazzled by the attentions of the beautiful landlady. Meanwhile, Bessudny is preparing a robbery plan. He is assisted by the worker Zhuk, a grim and obedient accomplice.

Evgenia Mironovna finds time to implement her devious plan. She arranges the situation so that Milovidov doubts Annushka’s fidelity. The landlady spreads dirty rumors about her sister-in-law. Evgenia convinces the landowner that Annushka is secretly seeing other men.

Milovidov has a hot-tempered and jealous nature. The retired cavalryman believes Yevgenia Mironovna’s slander. The man throws a cruel jealous scene at Annushka. The girl cries and swears her innocence. Milovidov refuses to listen to excuses and leaves the inn in a rage.

The culmination of events

Annushka is left in utter despair. She realizes she has become the victim of her daughter-in-law’s machinations. The girl resolves to fight for her love and good name. She asks Zhuk for protection. The worker has long been attracted to the kind girl. Zhuk agrees to help Annushka and reveal the truth to Milovidov.

That night, Bessudny and Zhuk rob Neputyov. The drunken merchant is fast asleep. The criminals easily take his wallet containing a large sum of money. The ruined merchant raises a fuss and demands the return of the stolen goods. Bessudny brazenly denies his guilt and threatens the merchants with reprisals.

Zhuk secretly meets with Milovidov. The servant tells the landowner the whole truth about Yevgenia Mironovna’s behavior. Zhuk confesses to the landowner’s crimes and describes the methods by which he deceives his guests. Milovidov realizes how cruelly mistaken he was. The landowner feels profound shame for his mistrust of Annushka.

The denouement of the drama

Milovidov returns to the inn determined to restore justice. He exposes Yevgenia Mironovna’s lies in front of all witnesses. The innkeeper tries to justify herself, but her words are unconvincing. Milovidov openly expresses his contempt for the treacherous woman.

The landowner asks Annushka for forgiveness. The girl, with tears of joy, forgives her lover. Milovidov declares his intention to immediately take Annushka to his estate. He promises to protect her from any misfortune. The couple prepares for a quick departure from this terrible place.

The merchants Razorennyi and Neputevyi hurriedly leave the inn. Neputevyi bitterly regrets his trust. Bessudnyi remains unpunished by the law, but loses his sister and his reputation. Zhuk decides to leave his criminal master. Yevgenia Mironovna is left alone with her anger and dashed hopes. Vice is punished by loneliness, and true love triumphs over deception.