Composition based on Ostrovsky’s play "The Thunderstorm"

In 1895 Ostrovsky wrote the play The Thunderstorm. Prior to that, the writer arranged for himself travels along the Volga in order to feel the way of life and customs of the inhabitants of local cities. It is noteworthy that serfdom was abolished only in 1861. This means that Ostrovsky could observe the life of the peasants even before that momentous event, and the conflict between the landowner and them was described to convey the confrontation between an established society and a new generation that advocated freedom.

Katerina, who is different from the rest of society, has become a strong character to reflect the ideas of the younger generation. She tries to bring light in her own way, opposes the conservative rules that oblige to worship elders, and supports her thinking. The heroine is shown to be very pious: this can be clearly seen from her speeches, where beautiful domes of churches and angels are described.

Katerina’s mother-in-law, Kabanikha, is afraid that her daughter-in-law will influence Tikhon: she will make him rebellious and relieve him of the need to obey his mother. Therefore, the mother-in-law harasses Katerina in every possible way, manipulates her husband and criticizes any act.

For example, Kabanikha requires her daughter-in-law to kneel down and bow to her husband when he leaves, scolding her for crying at parting.

But, contrary to expectations, Ostrovsky’s heroine does not submit to this way of life. She tries in every possible way to point out to her husband that it is impossible to obey the mother in everything slavishly. Katerina turns it around as gently as possible, which shows her as a strong person. But even such a strong person cannot withstand the general oppression.

The action takes place in Kalinov, a fictional city on the banks of the Volga. In this way, Ostrovsky wants to say that this story is possible in every city.

The play reflects the conflict of two different generations, adhering to different concepts of order.

Kalinina Sophia