A Russian high school student knows the phrase: "Woe from wit." This is the name of the famous play by A. S. Griboyedov, included in the educational program in literature. But not all students think about why the author gave his work just such a name. Indeed, what is the meaning of this phrase, what life circumstances can it correspond to?
Why a smart person can get into trouble
At first glance, the very idea that there can be troubles from the mind (especially grief) may seem absurd. After all, an intelligent person knows a lot, can achieve a lot. His intellect and education will help him get a good education, make a career, be respected in society. It is no coincidence that in the Russian language there are proverbs, sayings that praise the mind: "Talk to the clever - why drink honey", "They meet by their clothes, they see them off by their minds."
But if a smart person is often in the company of mediocre or even downright stupid people, he will almost certainly be in the position of a "black sheep." His mind can cause hostility and envy of others, serve as the subject of ridicule. This happens at school and at work. For example, an excellent student is often teased or even bullied by less intelligent classmates, and a highly qualified specialist may be the target of attacks from less capable colleagues. It is very difficult to transfer this, especially for vulnerable, impressionable people.
An intelligent person is often distinguished by an independent, freedom-loving disposition and therefore speaks the truth, even if it is unpleasant, displeasing to others. Therefore, he is often considered a troublemaker, reputed to be quarrelsome, scandalous, although in most cases this is not at all the case. And this leads to problems, conflicts when communicating with other people.
Finally, smart people often irritate others because they do not want or simply cannot be like everyone else. Their words, behavior may not fit into the usual framework. For some, this causes instinctive dislike, rejection: "Does he need a special attitude?"
What happened to the main character of the play by Griboyedov
The main character of the play "Woe from Wit" is A. A. Chatsky is far from being an ideal person. Nevertheless, against the background of other heroes - tyrant and opportunist Famusov, stupid soldier Skalozub, worthless chatterbox Repetilov and many others, he may seem like a model of perfection. Chatsky caustically (perhaps even too much) ridicules the accepted order, denounces the vices of society and the state, says things that seem to Famusov and his entourage almost revolutionary propaganda. As a result, people believed the gossip about his mental illness, launched by Famusov's daughter Sophia, with whom Chatsky is hopelessly in love. Truly - "woe from wits"!
