(350 words) In his early story “Old Woman Izergil”, the Russian writer Maxim Gorky tries to understand the meaning of human life, to deduce the formula by which one must live. In each part of the story, the author depicts one image in front of us. Larra, the old woman Isergil and, finally, Danko symbolize the paths that a person can take. But the favorite of the writer and role model is precisely Danko. I would like to consider it closer.
The story of this hero tells us about a tribe of people expelled by enemies into the darkness of a black forest. Fallen in spirit, exhausted exiles plunged into heavy thoughts and, in the end, resigned themselves to their fate. However, among them there was one who did not want to silently let all of them die, and decided to save his people. This man was Danko. This act already categorically distinguishes him from Larra, who strove only for the fulfillment of her desires, and from Isergil, who was ready to make sacrifices only for the sake of great, sincere love, but, in general, also despising society. According to Gorky, a real person should not turn away from the suffering of others, but must by all means help others. Inspiring his fellow tribesmen, Danko led them through the darkness to salvation. But this path was difficult, people were tired and embittered by the hero who led them to death. However, faced with such ingratitude, he was not disappointed in the world, was not embittered by humanity, but only more willing to help him. Tearing out his burning heart from his chest, the man dispersed the surrounding darkness and eventually led his fellow tribesmen out of the forest, giving his life for it. However, society was not able to appreciate the sacrifice of its savior. Forgetting about Danko, the travelers rushed out of the thicket, and the hero’s burning heart was crushed by their feet. At first glance, it seems that the liberator sacrificed himself in vain for the sake of ungrateful and lowly people. But precisely in this lies the greatness of this character, and it is in this that Gorky sees the true meaning of existence. Unlike Larra and Isergil, Danko managed to find his happiness in the service of humanity, which means that he lived and died not in vain.
The real Gorky man does not live for himself, but for others, devoting himself to this service without a trace. And often people are unworthy of this, but that’s why it is impossible to become like the majority, and continue, despite all doubts and hardships, to strive to build a better world.
twelfth Night
