How did the gentleman from San Francisco die? Characteristics of the hero of the story of Ivan Bunin
Everyone knows the content of Bunin's story, in which speech goes about the rich gentleman, who suddenly died on the deck of a luxurious yacht. This work is included in the school curriculum. Today we will recall some details of the story of the novel of the last Russian classic, and also answer the question "from what the lord of San Francisco died. "
Characteristics of the main character
Little is said about the life of the hero. And the work itself is small. However, Bunin made it clear that the life of his character is faceless, monotonous, one might even say, soulless. The biography of a wealthy American is described in the first paragraph. He was 58 years old. For many years he worked, saved and multiplied his state. Much has reached and now, in the declining years, I decided to take from life something that previously was not enough time. Namely, to go on a trip.
From what Mr. San Francisco died at the age of 58? After all, only now he began to really live. I planned a trip to Monte Carlo, Venice, Paris, Seville and other wonderful cities. On the way back, I dreamed of visiting Japan. But not destiny. Many people's lives pass in works. Not everyone has the opportunity to relax, have fun, visit distant countries. But Bunin's work is not about a workaholic who has devoted his life to a favorite work. This is the story of a man whose existence was aimed at achieving financial well-being and imaginary respect for others.
Once the gentleman from San Francisco was younga man without a penny to his soul. Once, apparently, I set out to become a millionaire. He succeeded. At his enterprise thousands of Chinese worked tirelessly. He became rich. However, he did not live, he existed. Is it possible to call life a constant overcoming of barriers?
Steamboat
Deck, cabins, service roomThe writer's staff compares with the circles of Dante's hell. A rich American, his wife and daughter know nothing about what is happening downstairs. They have a rest, spend time as it is necessary to people of their circle: they have breakfast, drink coffee in a restaurant, then they have dinner, slowly walk along the deck. The gentleman from San Francisco has long dreamed of rest. However, it turned out that he does not know how to rest at all. He spends his time like approved timetable. However, he himself of this did not notice, being in anticipation of the selling love of the young Neapolitan, carnival in Monte Carlo, bullfight in Seville.
And somewhere far away, in the lower cabins, dozens of workers work. A lot of people serve the hero Bunin and his like masters. "Owners of life" have the right to a luxurious vacation. They deserve it.
The gentleman from San Francisco is quite generous. He believes in the care of all those who feed him, feed him, serve him at breakfast. Although, perhaps, he never thought about the degree of sincerity of the staff. This is a person who does not see anything, as they say, beyond his nose.
From what did the lord of San Francisco die? The surrounding warn his every desire, guard his purity and peace, drag his suitcases. He is in a state that can be called happiness. At least, he did not experience anything like this before.
In Palermo
Before answering the question about why he diedgentleman from San Francisco, it is worth talking about his last days. They passed in the picturesque Palermo. Here, helpful guides were scampering about local attractions.
A successful businessman knew how to pay. True, there are things in this world that you can not buy with money. As luck would have it, weather deteriorated. From midday the sun was gray, it began to drizzle. The city seemed dirty, close, museums monotonous. American with family decided to leave Palermo. Where did the gentleman from San Francisco die? A successful businessman died before he could complete his travel, on the island Capri.
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Island Capri met the American family more hospitable. At first it was damp and dark, but soon the nature came to life. And here the gentleman from San Francisco was surrounded by a caring crowd. He was served, catered, brought up - met in accordance with his social and financial situation. Arrived took apartment, which was recently occupied by another no less high person. Pheasant, asparagus, roast beef were served for dinner.
What was the main character of the story thinking about in the last moments? About wine, tarantella, the forthcoming walk through the Capri. Philosophical thoughts did not attend him. However, as in the previous 58 years.
Death
The gentleman from San Francisco was going to have a nice evening. I spent a lot of time on the toilet. When I was ready for the next stage of luxury, but clearly planned leisure, decided to go to the reading room. There he took a cozy leather armchair, unfolded the newspaper, looked over a note on the never-ending Balkan war. In this unremarkable moment he died.
After death
From what did the lord of San Francisco die? Most likely, from a heart attack. Bunin did not say anything about the diagnosis of his hero. But it does not matter what the cause of the death of a rich American. The important thing is how he lived his life and what happened after his death.
And after the death of the rich gentleman account nothing happened. Unless other guests have spoiled their mood a little. In order not to upset the impressionable gentlemen, the corridor and the lackey quickly classified dead American in the cramped, the worst number.
Why did the lord of San Francisco die? His death irreparably ruined such a beautiful evening. The guests returned to the dining room, had lunch, but their faces were disgruntled, offended. The innkeeper approached one or the other, apologized for such an unpleasant situation, in which, of course, he was not to blame. Meanwhile, the hero of the story lay in the cheap room, on a cheap bed, under a cheap blanket. He no longer smiled, did not serve. He was not interested in anyone else.