“The Death of Ivan the Terrible” by Tolstoy in a brief summary

The action takes place in Moscow in 1584 and begins with a quarrel in the Boyar Duma: Mikhail Nagoy, brother of Queen Maria Feodorovna, argues for a place with Saltykov and draws other boyars into the match. Zakharin-Yuryev, the brother of the first tsarev wife, interrupts the debate by talking about the importance of the case that gathered them: John, tormented by repentance after the murder of his son, decided to adopt a monastic order and asked the Duma to elect a successor. Meanwhile, “enemies on all sides are fighting Russia,” in it is the sea and famine. Prince Mstislavsky speaks of the King’s intransigence in his decision. Naga offers a young Dimitri Tsarevich with the queen and, if necessary, a “ruler”, who is ready to be himself; Sitsky – Zakharina, who did not stain himself with anything. Zakharin also speaks for Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, now sitting in besieged Pskov.

However, the king is needed immediately. Zakharin asks for advice

from Godunov, who did not repent of the places and modestly sat down all below. He, in detail depicting the unenviable position of the state, speaks about the inability to change the king at such a time and calls the boyars to ask John to remain on the throne. Sitsky, reminding the evil deeds of the tsar, vainly tries to stop the boyars. They go to the king, deciding on the way who will speak, and shy of the sovereign’s anger. Godunov takes the risk. John, already clothed in a black cassock, taking off Monomakh’s hat, waits for the boyars’ decision in the bedchamber and is lamented by the remembrance of the last villainy. A messenger arrives from Pskov, whom the king initially refers to the “new lord”, but then, hearing that the news is joyful, he listens to the story about the reflection of assaults and the retreat of Batura from Pskov. He is given a letter from Kurbsky, in which he reproaches the king with an incoherent syllable, threatens the imminent capture of Pskov, many of the villainy of John calls the cause of his present defeats and sarcastically remembers his removal from deeds. John falls into a rage, for, after destroying all the relatives of Kurbsky, he is powerless to put his annoyance on someone. The boyars come, whom the king encounters in great irritation. After listening to Godunov’s short speech, he puts on Monomakh’s hat, reproaching the boyars for it, and kisses Godunov, who led bold and defiant speeches “for the welfare of the state.” The absence of Sitsky does not go unnoticed, and the tsar, not wanting to listen to the defenders, orders the execution. killing all the relatives of Kurbsky, powerless to put someone on their own annoyance. The boyars come, whom the king encounters in great irritation. After listening to Godunov’s short speech, he puts on Monomakh’s hat, reproaching the boyars for it, and kisses Godunov, who led bold and defiant speeches “for the welfare of the state.” The absence of Sitsky does not go unnoticed, and the tsar, not wanting to listen to the defenders, orders the execution. killing all the relatives of Kurbsky, powerless to put someone on their own annoyance. The boyars come, whom the king encounters in great irritation. After listening to Godunov’s short speech, he puts on Monomakh’s hat, reproaching the boyars for it, and kisses Godunov, who led bold and defiant speeches “for the welfare of the state.” The absence of Sitsky does not go unnoticed, and the tsar, not wanting to listen to the defenders, orders the execution.

In the royal chambers, Godunov and Zakharin are expected by John, and Godunov says that the tsar, wishing to divorce the queen, wins the niece of the English queen. Outraged Zakharin asks how John Godunov was dissuading him, and receives the answer that it is possible to influence John only in a roundabout way. John enters and reports of a riot in the Polish troops near Pskov and about the expectation of an ambassador from Warsaw, sent, in his opinion, to ask for peace. He punishes Zakharin to inform this message to the people. Godunov, he orders us to discuss with the British ambassador the terms of the upcoming marriage. He tries to intercede, for the queen and gets an angry rebuff full of threats. Left alone, Godunov reproaches himself for the manifest kindness and refuses to prefer conscience to the good of the cause. In the house of Vasily Ivanovich Shuisky, the boyars Mstislavsky, Belsky and the brothers Nagi conspire to destroy Godunov. They decide, using the irritation of the people, to dump all the woes on Godunov, and Shuisky proposes Mikhail Bityagovsky for the fulfillment of the plan. He undertakes to rebel the people and beat him to murder. Belski proposes for the same to send Prokofiya Kikin. Comes Godunov. The guests hastily disperse. Godunov complains to Shuisky that he is not liked in the Duma, Shuisky assures him of his position and support and leaves, suddenly called by the tsar. Godunov, left alone with Bityagovsky, discovers his perfect acquaintance with his intentions and, threatening him with unprecedented executions, sends to the same squares to convince the people against Shuisky and Belsky, who want “a poisonous lime king.” He undertakes to rebel the people and beat him to murder. Belski proposes for the same to send Prokofiya Kikin. Comes Godunov. The guests hastily disperse. Godunov complains to Shuisky that he is not liked in the Duma, Shuisky assures him of his position and support and leaves, suddenly called by the tsar. Godunov, left alone with Bityagovsky, discovers his perfect acquaintance with his intentions and, threatening him with unprecedented executions, sends to the same squares to convince the people against Shuisky and Belsky, who want “a poisonous lime king.” He undertakes to rebel the people and beat him to murder. Belski proposes for the same to send Prokofiya Kikin. Comes Godunov. The guests hastily disperse. Godunov complains to Shuisky that he is not liked in the Duma, Shuisky assures him of his position and support and leaves, suddenly called by the tsar. Godunov, left alone with Bityagovsky, discovers his perfect acquaintance with his intentions and, threatening him with unprecedented executions, sends to the same squares to convince the people against Shuisky and Belsky, who want “a poisonous lime king.”

Meanwhile, the queen does not order the prince of the prince to admit anyone to him, and especially Godunov. She alone trusts Nikita Romanovich Zakharina alone. Zakharin comes. The queen tells him about the rumors in the palace and asks if her suspicion is wrong, that the king wants to leave her with Dimitry. Zakharin asks her to be ready for anything, the tsar can not contradict and trust Godunov. John comes with Godunov and, waiting for the queen to dress up, listens to the conditions of the British ambassador and inquires about the arriving Polish after Garaburda, wondering what lands Poland promises for peace, and not wanting to listen to fears about the purpose of this embassy. Entered the queen, John announces the impending divorce and tonsuring, Dimitri promises to the lot of UGLICH and, after listening to Zakharin’s intercession, threatens him with execution. In the patronage chamber, John receives the Polish ambassador, Garaburdu. The demands of Batura are so humiliating that, with a general murmuring, the king becomes furious and, having listened to the invitation of the Polish king to combat, is going to harass his ambassador with dogs and toss them into him with an ax. Garaburda notices that John is not aware of the news of the crushing of the Russian regiments on the border, of the capture of the Swedes by Narov and of their joint campaign with Batur for Novgorod, and, promising John to meet with the king in Moscow, leaves. Rushing Godunov confirms all the reports of Garaburda, but the king orders to hang the false messengers and serve in all churches victorious prayer services. about the capture of the Swedes by Narova and about their joint campaign with Batur for Novgorod, and, promising John to meet with the king in Moscow, leaves. Rushing Godunov confirms all the reports of Garaburda, but the king orders to hang the false messengers and serve in all churches victorious prayer services. about the capture of the Swedes by Narova and about their joint campaign with Batur for Novgorod, and, promising John to meet with the king in Moscow, leaves. Rushing Godunov confirms all the reports of Garaburda, but the king orders to hang the false messengers and serve in all churches victorious prayer services.

On the square in Zamoskvorechye, the crowd worries before the camp, outraged at the price of bread, bailiffs taking bribes, and the fact that the tsar does not punish the abusers. Appears Kikin, dressed as a stranger, blames Godunov and refers to God’s flag, a “bloody, tailed star.” He says that he saw a miracle in Kiev: the Sofia cross in fire and the voice calling for rebellion on Godunov Voices in defense of Godunov, voices calling for beating defenders, and, finally, the voice of Bityagovsky, who is in the caftan open-ended with a sweet song on his lips. He says that Shuisky and Belsky were going to poison the king, but Godunov threw the poisoned cake to the dog. When Bitiagovsky is confused at the bewildered stranger who has seen a miracle, he calls him by name and says that he was sent on purpose. Appears Gregory Godunov, declaring, that Boris Godunov buys all the stocks from his own treasury and tomorrow he will distribute them without money. The people rush to Kikin. In the royal chambers, the queen, Godunov’s sister Irina and his wife Maria look at the comet. The king looks at her from the porch. The sorcerers and sorcerers were brought in to find out what the comet was for. John appears and declares that he understood the sign: the comet announces his death. He asks forgiveness from the queen and, wishing to know exactly the time of death, so as not to die without repentance, calls the wise men. They call the Cyrillin day. At the request of the tsar, Godunov reads the synodic, where his victims are listed, John complements the list. A butler from Sloboda arrives with a message that on a winter day a palace burnt down from a lightning strike. Shocked John asks everyone to forgive, fervently prays and asks Fedor how he is going to reign, But Fyodor asks to place someone else on the kingdom. They bring two letters: the approach of the Khan to Moscow and the revolt around Kazan. Bring the hermit, who has been living in seclusion for thirty years. John, having remained alone with him, speaks of the calamities that have befallen Russia and asks for advice. The convict calls many people capable of resisting the enemy, all of them ruined by the king. He talks about the prince, but the prince is dead too. After spending the convinent, John forces the boyars of Mstislavsky, Belsky, Zakharin and Godunov to kiss the cross in the fact that they will serve Fedor, and the fifth appoints Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, if he survives near Pskov. He sends ambassadors to Lithuania to conclude peace with Batur on the most humiliating conditions, believing that after his death, Batur will require even more, and desiring with his unheard-of humiliation to atone for sins. The Khan’s approach to Moscow and the revolt around Kazan. Bring the hermit, who has been living in seclusion for thirty years. John, having remained alone with him, speaks of the calamities that have befallen Russia and asks for advice. The convict calls many people capable of resisting the enemy, all of them ruined by the king. He talks about the prince, but the prince is dead too. After spending the convinent, John forces the boyars of Mstislavsky, Belsky, Zakharin and Godunov to kiss the cross in the fact that they will serve Fedor, and the fifth appoints Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, if he survives near Pskov. He sends ambassadors to Lithuania to conclude peace with Batur on the most humiliating conditions, believing that after his death, Batur will require even more, and desiring with his unheard-of humiliation to atone for sins. The Khan’s approach to Moscow and the revolt around Kazan. Bring the hermit, who has been living in seclusion for thirty years. John, having remained alone with him, speaks of the calamities that have befallen Russia and asks for advice. The convict calls many people capable of resisting the enemy, all of them ruined by the king. He talks about the prince, but the prince is dead too. After spending the convinent, John forces the boyars of Mstislavsky, Belsky, Zakharin and Godunov to kiss the cross in the fact that they will serve Fedor, and the fifth appoints Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, if he survives near Pskov. He sends ambassadors to Lithuania to conclude peace with Batur on the most humiliating conditions, believing that after his death, Batur will require even more, and desiring with his unheard-of humiliation to atone for sins. having remained alone with him, speaks of the calamities that have befallen Russia and asks for advice. The convict calls many people capable of resisting the enemy, all of them ruined by the king. He talks about the prince, but the prince is dead too. After spending the convinent, John forces the boyars of Mstislavsky, Belsky, Zakharin and Godunov to kiss the cross in the fact that they will serve Fedor, and the fifth appoints Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, if he survives near Pskov. He sends ambassadors to Lithuania to conclude peace with Batur on the most humiliating conditions, believing that after his death, Batur will require even more, and desiring with his unheard-of humiliation to atone for sins. having remained alone with him, speaks of the calamities that have befallen Russia and asks for advice. The convict calls many people capable of resisting the enemy, all of them ruined by the king. He talks about the prince, but the prince is dead too. After spending the convinent, John forces the boyars of Mstislavsky, Belsky, Zakharin and Godunov to kiss the cross in the fact that they will serve Fedor, and the fifth appoints Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, if he survives near Pskov. He sends ambassadors to Lithuania to conclude peace with Batur on the most humiliating conditions, believing that after his death, Batur will require even more, and desiring with his unheard-of humiliation to atone for sins. John forces the boyars of Mstislavsky, Belsky, Zakharin and Godunov to kiss the cross in the fact that they will serve Fedor, and the fifth appoints Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, if he survives near Pskov. He sends ambassadors to Lithuania to conclude peace with Batur on the most humiliating conditions, believing that after his death, Batur will require even more, and desiring with his unheard-of humiliation to atone for sins. John forces the boyars of Mstislavsky, Belsky, Zakharin and Godunov to kiss the cross in the fact that they will serve Fedor, and the fifth appoints Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, if he survives near Pskov. He sends ambassadors to Lithuania to conclude peace with Batur on the most humiliating conditions, believing that after his death, Batur will require even more, and desiring with his unheard-of humiliation to atone for sins.

In Kirillin, the day is better for the tsar. Godunov secretly summons a witch, and they say that the day has not yet ended. Godunov is predicted by the throne of the throne, three stars that separate him from the greatness and his main mysterious enemy. Dr. Jacobi arrives, responding to Godunov, that the tsar must be protected from irritation, and for that Belsky summoned buffoons. Godunov accepts Bityagovsky and learns that the people are embittered against Shuisky and Belsky. Meanwhile, John examines the treasure, seeking gifts to the Queen of England and the bride, a fool is spinning near the king, in the neighboring chambers the buffoons are waiting for a sign. The king appoints the execution to the magicians tomorrow and sends Boris to announce to them about it. He triumphs, but is suspicious and inclined to irritation; sitting down to play chess with Belsky, drops the king. Returns Godunov and, bringing the king to frenzy with meaningful silence, announces the answer of the Magi, that their science is reliable and that Kirillin has not yet passed the day. In anger, John calls Godunov a traitor, accuses him of an attempt on his life, calls the executioners and falls. The general confusion. The tsar calls the confessor, boyars – doctors, by mistake the buffoons enter. John is dying. The people in the square shouted that the tsar had been poisoned by Shuisky with Belsky, and the confused Fedor instructed Godunov to explain. Godunov sends the boyars into exile, Mstislavsky, whom along with Nasty Bityagovsky accuses of trouble, in the monastery, Nagy – in UGLICH along with the queen and Dimitri. Fedor, sobbing, embraces Godunov. The people on the square glorify both. accuses him of an attempt on his life, calls the executioners and falls. The general confusion. The tsar calls the confessor, boyars – doctors, by mistake the buffoons enter. John is dying. The people in the square shouted that the tsar had been poisoned by Shuisky with Belsky, and the confused Fedor instructed Godunov to explain. Godunov sends the boyars into exile, Mstislavsky, whom along with Nasty Bityagovsky accuses of trouble, in the monastery, Nagy – in UGLICH along with the queen and Dimitri. Fedor, sobbing, embraces Godunov. The people on the square glorify both. accuses him of an attempt on his life, calls the executioners and falls. The general confusion. The tsar calls the confessor, boyars – doctors, by mistake the buffoons enter. John is dying. The people in the square shouted that the tsar had been poisoned by Shuisky with Belsky, and the confused Fedor instructed Godunov to explain. Godunov sends the boyars into exile, Mstislavsky, whom along with Nasty Bityagovsky accuses of trouble, in the monastery, Nagy – in UGLICH along with the queen and Dimitri. Fedor, sobbing, embraces Godunov. The people on the square glorify both. which, along with Naked, Bityagovsky accuses of trouble, of a monastery, of Nagy – in the UGLICH along with the Tsarina and Dimitri. Fedor, sobbing, embraces Godunov. The people on the square glorify both. which, along with Naked, Bityagovsky accuses of trouble, of a monastery, of Nagy – in the UGLICH along with the Tsarina and Dimitri. Fedor, sobbing, embraces Godunov. The people on the square glorify both.