A summary of Alexander Ostrovsky’s "A Profitable Post"

This play is a caustic social comedy, written in 1856. Immediately after its publication, the work faced fierce censorship and was banned for six long years. The text overtly exposed the corruption of the bureaucracy, depicting bribery as an ingrained norm among civil servants. Alexander Ostrovsky masterfully contrasted the old system of respect for rank with the moral convictions of the younger generation.

The comedy’s plot has been adapted for screen several times. In 1981, director Margarita Mikaelyan made a television film, "Vacancy," starring famous Soviet actors. Later, in 2008, Igor Maslennikov’s film, "Bribes Are Smooth," was released, preserving the original spirit of the work.

Act One - Vyshnevsky’s House

A wealthy and influential official, Aristarkh Vladimirovich Vyshnevsky, is trying to win the favor of his young wife, Anna Pavlovna. He lists his favors — purchasing diamonds, building a dacha, acquiring an estate near Moscow. To satisfy her needs, the official commits serious official crimes and risks his career. Anna Pavlovna rejects his advances. She bluntly states that she despises her husband, has never asked for expensive gifts, and does not wish to be held responsible for his machinations. An angry Vyshnevsky leaves. She disgustedly reads a vulgar love letter she received that morning from another elderly suitor.

Soon, Vyshnevsky’s subordinates appear at the house: the old, experienced clerk Akim Akimych Yusov and the young official Onisim Panfilich Belogubov. Belogubov ingratiates himself with his superiors, boasting of his calligraphic handwriting and clean clothes. He begs Yusov to secure him a position as a clerk, citing his desire to marry an educated young woman. Yusov accepts the flattery graciously and promises to put in a good word with the general.

Then Vasily Nikolayevich Zhadov, Vyshnevsky’s nephew, arrives. A young man with a university education, he openly disdains the officialdom, earning Yusov’s hatred. Zhadov informs Anna Pavlovna of his intention to marry the poor girl Polina. He wants to live an honest life, categorically refusing to follow his uncle’s advice about getting rich by any means necessary. Vyshnevskaya sympathizes with the young man, but warns him of the burden of poverty.

A bitter conflict erupts between Vyshnevsky and Zhadov. The nephew condemns his fellow officers’ bribery. He asks for a vacant position to support his future family. Vyshnevsky calls his views foolish and childish. His uncle refuses a salary increase, demands an end to his impertinent talk, and effectively throws his relative out of the house.

Act II - The Choice of Brides

The widow of collegiate assessor Felisata Gerasimovna Kukushkina strictly disciplines her daughters Yulinka and Polina. She demands cunning and prudence from the girls, eager to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Yulinka boasts of Belogubov’s prospects, promising to bring her silk fabrics from merchant acquaintances. Polina doubts Zhadov will be able to provide her with such benefits.

Yusov brings Belogubov to Kukushkina’s house for the official matchmaking. The widow joyfully welcomes her guests. In conversation, she expounds her philosophy on life: single men are useless, they drink away their money in taverns, while married officials take bribes and bring income to the family. Yusov promises Belogubov a quick promotion. At the same time, the clerk criticizes Zhadov for his freethinking and insubordination to Vyshnevsky.

Soon, Zhadov himself appears. Left alone with Polina, he overhears her frank confession. She reveals that their home is a complete sham, and that she herself is completely uneducated. Zhadov is deeply touched by her childlike spontaneity. He vows to take charge of his bride’s upbringing and promises her happiness based on hard work and a clear conscience. The young couple asks for his blessing. Kukushkina reluctantly agrees, planning to harshly rehabilitate her rebellious son-in-law after the wedding.

Act Three - Tavern Festivities

About a year passes. At a tavern, Zhadov meets his old friend, the teacher Mykin. Zhadov confesses that family life has proven unbearably difficult. He works from morning until night, translating and transcribing, but barely makes enough money. Polina is dissatisfied with her poverty, constantly crying and refusing to develop. Mykin sympathizes with his friend, declaring that poor people are better off remaining single.

After Mykin’s departure, Zhadov meets the lawyer Dosuzhev. This man writes convoluted, tearful petitions for ignorant merchants, charges them large sums of money, and promptly drinks away the fees.

At the same time, Yusov, Belogubov, and two minor officials noisily enter the tavern. They are boisterously celebrating Belogubov’s appointment as head of the clerk’s office. Belogubov is throwing money around, buying expensive sweets for his wife, and ordering champagne. He insistently invites Zhadov to have a drink with them and even tries to lend him money. Zhadov refuses the handouts in disgust.

Yusov, intoxicated by wine and a sense of impunity, orders the musical machine to be started and breaks into a dance to the song "Along the Pavement Street." He declares that his conscience is absolutely clear, his life is perfectly arranged, and all educated, proud people will inevitably end their days in poverty. Zhadov cannot bear the spectacle of triumphant vice. Utterly distraught, he drinks a glass of vodka with Dosuzhev and runs home in terror.

Act IV - Family Discord

Polina sings sad songs and tells fortunes with cards in her shabby apartment. A luxuriously dressed Yulinka comes to visit. Her sister boasts of lavish dinners in the park and her husband’s regular gifts, declaring that a woman is created solely for social glamor. She gives Polina a new hat and strongly advises her to scare Zhadov by telling him to go to her mother.

Kukushkina appears next. The widow is outraged by the squalor of the surroundings from the very beginning. She encourages her daughter to constantly nag her husband, demanding money for clothes. An exhausted Zhadov, returning from work, asks the guests to leave. Kukushkina throws a tantrum, calling her son-in-law an insensitive tyrant who is ruining his wife’s youth, and storms out.

A major quarrel erupts between the spouses. Polina declares that she is tired of their ordeals, wants to live in luxury, and flatly refuses to listen to her husband’s moralizing. She puts on the hat her sister gave her and prepares to leave for her mother forever. Zhadov falls into deep despair. Left alone, he realizes he is completely unable to bear losing the woman he loves.

When Polina returns to test his reaction, Zhadov breaks down. Sobbing, he bids farewell to his youthful ideals, his honest future, and his university dreams. In a fit of hysteria, he sings a cynical song about bribes and agrees to go to his uncle to beg for a lucrative position.

Act Five - The Denouement in Vyshnevsky’s House

Anna Pavlovna rereads the love letter, reflecting on her ruined destiny. Vyshnevsky had once bought her from relatives as if she were a precious treasure. Then he methodically destroyed the young, pure-hearted official Lyubimov, for whom she harbored sincere feelings. Anna Pavlovna is ready for a stern explanation with her husband.

Yusov rushes in, extremely agitated. He shares terrible news: huge shortfalls and abuses have suddenly been discovered within the department. Vyshnevsky faces criminal prosecution and complete confiscation of his property. Vyshnevsky himself appears, crushed by the news. He furiously blames envious people for everything, and then lashes out at his wife, throwing intercepted love letters at her and accusing her of debauchery.

Anna Pavlovna holds herself with unusual pride. She refuses to make excuses. She directly accuses her husband of ruining her life with his selfishness and cynicism. At this extremely tense moment, Zhadov and Polina enter the room.

A broken Zhadov begs his uncle’s forgiveness for his past youthful insolence. He humbly begs for a lucrative position so he can support his wife and buy her clothes. Vyshnevsky responds with an evil, hysterical laugh. He cruelly mocks his nephew, genuinely delighted that all the honesty of the new generation has been instantly shattered by the first need of the hour.

Vyshnevsky’s mocking laughter sobers Zhadov. The young man feels a searing shame for his momentary weakness. He takes back his request and declares that this harsh lesson has restored his inner strength. Zhadov is ready to eat nothing but black bread, but retain the sacred right to look people in the eye without remorse. He vows to wait for the time when a bribe-taker will fear public justice more than criminal justice.

His nephew’s speech finally finishes Vyshnevsky off. The old official collapses with a gasp — he’s paralyzed. Panicked, Yusov drags his boss into his office and cries for help. Anna Pavlovna sinks into a chair with a groan. Polina, terrified, clings to her husband. Zhadov hugs his wife tightly, determined never to betray his ideals in life again.