(316 words) “An alien soul is dark,” reads the good old Russian proverb. And this is true, because to know the inner world of another person is often very difficult. World literature, exploring the nooks and crannies of the human soul, touches on personality problems by the example of specific heroes, whose ambiguous and contradictory images become archetypal. One of these types in Russian literature was the main character of the novel M.Yu. Lermontov "Hero of our time."
Grigory Pechorin is an image that is often called a "portrait", which incorporates the characteristic features characteristic of the Lermontov generation. And at the same time, under the guise of a socio-psychological novel, there are deeper, more moral, philosophical problems that draw before the reader the true tragedy of the human soul. Pechorin is a unique character! His image has incorporated many features, often opposite to each other: cruelty and coldness are combined in him with vulnerability and nobility. His painful reaction to the world and people is caused by contempt for society, rebellion against any external circumstances restricting his freedom. He is in search of simple truths that would help him determine his place in life, understand himself. Nevertheless, the character of the hero develops largely under the influence of the environment. This is his tragedy: he strives to become higher than a society that has morally crippled him, but despite everything he is looking for not only a meaning in life, but also simple human warmth, the lack of which he is keenly aware of. Therefore, he still reaches out to people, breaks into their lives with the goal of amusing himself and making fun of their weaknesses.
Pechorin strives to curb circumstances, to overcome the pressure of external forces, and thereby feel free. Therefore, he plays with the feelings of people. But his meetings with other characters always turn into a tragedy, the involuntary cause of which he becomes. There is no malicious intent in his actions, but he is not able to change the course of events. These circumstances make him internally unfree, dependent on forces unknown to him, the nature of which he is trying in vain to unravel.
Pechorin is a tragic character, an outstanding personality, capable of decisive and noble deeds, but at the same time, acutely sensing and experiencing his break with society. Denying sincere human feelings, the hero dooms himself to loneliness. The true purpose of life remains a mystery to him.
