The composition of the novel by M.Yu. Lermontov's “Hero of Our Time” is such that in the first chapter we learn about Pechorin only from the words of Maxim Maksimych, an elderly officer who served for many years in the Caucasus. In the second chapter, which is called “Maksim Maksimych,” we see Pechorin through the eyes of the author, on whose behalf the story is told. The meeting of the heroes occurs by chance: while waiting at the hotel, Maxim Maxim learns that the owner of the dandy carriage and the spoiled lackey is none other than Pechorin. They cannot meet right away: Pechorin has already left to have dinner and spend the night with the colonel. Having asked the footman to tell Pechorin that Maxim Maksimych is here and waiting for him, the old man is sure that Pechorin will “come running now.” He has to wait until tomorrow morning. Using the technique of secret psychology, the author reveals to the reader state of mind staff captain, through external manifestations and through actions, depicting his inner experiences. Maxim Maksimych strives not to show his disappointment and resentment to a random fellow traveler, but he waits tensely, and the drama of this expectation increases: he sits outside the gate until late in the evening, refusing even a quiet tea party, he does not sleep for a long time - he coughs, tosses and turns, sighs... So as not to explaining his condition to a stranger, he gets away with the question of whether bedbugs bite him with the answer that yes, they do, but it is clear that this is not why he cannot sleep.

Pechorin appears in the morning, in the old man's absence. He might not have waited for Maxim Maksimych, but the narrator reminded him of his former colleague. Maxim Mksimych runs to Pechorin across the square, presenting a pitiful sight: sweaty, out of breath, exhausted. Pechorin is friendly, but that’s all. The old man greedily rushes to Pechorin, he is so excited that he cannot speak - Pechorin replies that he has to go. Maxim Maksimych is overwhelmed with memories - “Pechorin “turned a little pale and turned away”: it was apparently unpleasant for him to remember Bel and the past. He is on his way to Persia, and he doesn’t even need the papers left by the staff captain: Maxim Maksimych is worried about what to do with them, - Pechorin waves him off: “Whatever you want!” Such an antithesis in the behavior of the characters helps the author to reveal the author more clearly and serves as the next step to diary entries Pechorin - self-disclosure of the character of the hero.

Reading the story "" from the novel "" we do not notice anything special in it. The plot without any extreme actions, without a threat to the life of the main character - a normal narration of events. But it seems so only at first glance. In fact, it is in this story that Pechorin’s true character and his attitude to life are revealed.

The meeting of old friends did not take place as Maxim Maksimych wanted. After the old man finds out about the arrival of his old friend, he abandons all official business and runs to Pechorin. He is ready to throw himself on his neck and hug Gregory in a friendly manner. But Pechorin only extends his hand to the staff captain as a sign of greeting. This gesture of the protagonist touches the elderly man to the core. After all, he saw his friend in Gregory.

Before meeting Pechorin, he was devoted to his military cause. He didn’t know or see anything other than service. Acquaintance and friendship with Pechorin inspired him new life. Of course, Maxim Maksimych could not always understand and explain the antics of the main character due to his spiritual simplicity. But he saw something unusual and interesting in this man. That is why the staff captain became so attached to Gregory. That is why their unexpected meeting aroused so many emotions in the elderly old man and made him fly headlong towards his comrade.

Why didn't he react the same way? Yes, because for him Maxim Maksimych and all the events associated with him were only matters of the past. He treated the old man the same as the rest of those around him; he did not see friendship in their relationship.

The protagonist's conversation with Maxim Maksimych was dry and short. Pechorin did not want to touch on past memories and bring up the next tragic events in his past. Bela's fate did not interest him as much as his old friend. He behaved selfishly and proudly.

This behavior of Pechorin wounded the soul and heart of Maxim Maksimych. He was not ready for such a cold meeting, he was upset and depressed. After all, the person he considered a good friend turned out to be dry and callous. Of course, this reaction of the old man influenced Pechorin, and he was moved for a second and hugged Maxim Maksimych before leaving.

In this episode we see that main character becomes increasingly withdrawn and constrained in his emotions. He does not recognize old friends, he does not want to stir up the past, he does not want to communicate with others. For one moment it seems that Grigory Alexandrovich is losing his destiny. He has already been disappointed in his life so many times that it is of no interest to him.

It is in the episode of the story “Maksim Maksimych” that we see the real Pechorin, with a detailed description of his appearance, clothes, and gestures. It is this episode that creates a new understanding of the main character, who was created by the great author M.Yu. Lermontov.

In the novel by M.Yu. Lermontov “A Hero of Our Time,” the events are presented in violation of the chronological sequence, so the reader learns about the main character first from the memoirs of Maxim Maksimych, and later from the diary entries of Pechorin himself.

Several years passed after the hero left the fortress, where he served together with Maxim Maksimych. Pechorin has already retired and lived in St. Petersburg, but boredom forces him to hit the road again. On the way to Persia, fate unexpectedly prepared for him a meeting (in Vladikavkaz) with a former colleague, Maxim Maksimych, but not only is he in no hurry to this meeting, but he could well have left without seeing each other. And there is an explanation for this.

Life in the fortress, where Pechorin was sent after the duel with Grushnitsky, was painful for him, too secluded and monotonous. Pechorin did not want to remember this life, and especially the story with Bela, whose tragic death was his fault. For certain reasons, the difficulties of everyday life and military life did not bring the young officer closer to his senior comrade, who helped him in everything. And over the past time, Pechorin has moved away even more. Apparently, it was the character of an individualist who did not want to experience a feeling of affection at all. He lacks such qualities as sociability, friendliness, affability, the desire for mutual assistance and mutual assistance. This is a closed, selfish person who did not allow anyone to “open the secrets of his soul.” He could be cold, mocking or even cruel so as not to get close to anyone.

Maxim Maksimych does not understand how one can not consider a former colleague as a friend, with whom he lived side by side for some time and shared the difficulties of military service. The old soldier, whose interests are focused on the honest performance of military duties, lives simply and modestly. This is a kind, sincere person, his heart is open to people, he is ready to pity and love those who, by the will of fate, find themselves next to him. Maxim Maksimych becomes attached to Pechorin, takes care of him and Bela, deeply worries about the death of the young mountain girl, and he cannot forget the past, everything that connects him with Pechorin. Therefore, he does not understand the behavior of a fellow employee, who seems not to be happy about the meeting and would like to avoid it.

In fact, everything is clear here. And not only because these heroes are very different. We must not forget that Pechorin is still a “suffering egoist.” When meeting after a certain period of time, it is more pleasant to remember good deeds or any good events. And what should Pechorin remember? How did he once again commit a selfish and thoughtless act? Or how did he perform “the role of an ax in the hands of fate”?

Over the years, Pechorin learned to distance himself from people: he did not make friends with anyone, he did not feel love for anyone. He is not only a disappointed, but also an indifferent person: he yawns when Maxim Maksimych tries to call him for a conversation; he is not interested in the fate of his own diary; he doesn’t ask his former colleague about anything, he doesn’t even ask about his health.
Pechorin offended Maxim Maksimych due to his callousness and indifference, but his behavior is also explained by many subjective reasons and objective circumstances.

The question also arises: why is Pechorin completely indifferent to the fate of his diary?
Every reader, like every critic, sees the character of the hero of the times in his own way.
Pechorin's diary was introduced by Lermontov as a compositional device in order to show a person's personality from the inside, since the hero's entries are "the result of observations of a mature mind over itself... without a vain desire to arouse participation or surprise."

What does the diary reflect? First of all, a tendency to reflection, that is, to introspection and comprehension of one’s actions, sensations, desires, and feelings. Why does Pechorin need this self-analysis if he is not going to change, to follow the path of personal self-improvement? There is only one answer: there is no definite goal, as in everything and always in the life of this person. He doesn’t know why he was born, why he studied, why he lives. “But I probably had a high purpose?” But life is wasted: I didn’t find a calling in the service, I didn’t make friends, there’s no love, there’s no family, I don’t feel needed. Complete disappointment in everything. Pechorin considers even his tears over the unexpected separation from Vera to be a consequence of an empty stomach or poor sleep. Although this episode is similar to the whim of a spoiled child because of a toy that he was suddenly deprived of.

Pechorin does not show off when he talks about cooling of feelings, disappointment, loss of interest in life and its complete aimlessness. This state of mind requires thrills, and he recklessly plays with fate, emphasizing that he does not value life. This is observed in the episode with the smugglers, and in the duel with Grushnitsky, and in the fight with the drunken Cossack.
Pechorin is indifferent to his future. How can he be not indifferent to the fate of his diary?

Maxim Maksimych, who found this abandoned confession, asks his former colleague what to do with the diary. And Pechorin answers: “Whatever you want.” By this time, he feels complete indifference to everyone and everything. He no longer wants to analyze his life, and the past is not interesting to him, just like the future. Everything loses its meaning, loses its value: people and life are not dear, old thoughts and feelings are not dear.

In M. Yu. Lermontov’s novel “A Hero of Our Time,” the events are presented in violation of the chronological sequence, so the reader learns about the main character first from the memoirs of Maxim Maksimych, and later from the diary entries of Pechorin himself.

Several years passed after the hero left the fortress, where he served together with Maxim Maksimych. Pechorin has already retired and lived in St. Petersburg, but boredom forces him to hit the road again. On the way to Persia, fate unexpectedly prepared for him a meeting (in Vladikavkaz) with a former colleague,

Maxim Maksimych, but not only is he not in a hurry to this meeting, but he could well leave without seeing each other. And there is an explanation for this.

Life in the fortress, where Pechorin was sent after the duel with Grushnitsky, was painful for him, too secluded and monotonous. Pechorin did not want to remember this life, and especially the story with Bela, whose tragic death was his fault. For certain reasons, the difficulties of everyday life and military life did not bring the young officer closer to his senior comrade, who helped him in everything. And over the past time, Pechorin has moved away even more. Apparently, this was due to the character of an individualist who did not want to experience

Feeling of attachment. He lacks such qualities as sociability, friendliness, affability, the desire for mutual assistance and mutual assistance. This is a closed, selfish person who did not allow anyone to “open the secrets of his soul.” He could be cold, mocking or even cruel so as not to get close to anyone.

Maxim Maksimych does not understand how one can not consider a former colleague as a friend, with whom he lived side by side for some time and shared the difficulties of military service. The old soldier, whose interests are focused on the honest performance of military duties, lives simply and modestly. This is a kind, sincere person, his heart is open to people, he is ready to pity and love those who, by the will of fate, find themselves next to him. Maxim Maksimych becomes attached to Pechorin, takes care of him and Bela, deeply worries about the death of the young mountain girl, and he cannot forget the past, everything that connects him with Pechorin. Therefore, he does not understand the behavior of a fellow employee, who seems not to be happy about the meeting and would like to avoid it.

In fact, everything is clear here. And not only because these heroes are very different. We must not forget that Pechorin is still a “suffering egoist.” When meeting after a certain period of time, it is more pleasant to remember good deeds or any good events. And what should Pechorin remember? How did he once again commit a selfish and thoughtless act? Or how did he perform “the role of an ax in the hands of fate”?

Over the years, Pechorin learned to distance himself from people: he did not make friends with anyone, he did not feel love for anyone. He is not only a disappointed, but also an indifferent person: he yawns when Maxim Maksimych tries to call him for a conversation; he is not interested in the fate of his own diary; he doesn’t ask his former colleague about anything, he doesn’t even ask about his health.
Pechorin offended Maxim Maksimych due to his callousness and indifference, but his behavior is also explained by many subjective reasons and objective circumstances.

The question also arises: why is Pechorin completely indifferent to the fate of his diary?
Every reader, like every critic, sees the character of the hero of the times in his own way.
Pechorin’s diary was introduced by Lermontov as a compositional device in order to show a person’s personality from the inside, since the hero’s entries are “a consequence of observations of a mature mind on itself. without any vain desire to excite participation or surprise.”

What does the diary reflect? First of all, a tendency to reflection, that is, to introspection and comprehension of one’s actions, sensations, desires, and feelings. Why does Pechorin need this self-analysis if he is not going to change, to follow the path of personal self-improvement? There is only one answer: there is no definite goal, as in everything and always in the life of this person. He doesn’t know why he was born, why he studied, why he lives. “But I probably had a high purpose?” But life is wasted: he didn’t find a calling in the service, didn’t make friends, no love, no family, doesn’t feel his need. Complete disappointment in everything. Pechorin considers even his tears over the unexpected separation from Vera to be a consequence of an empty stomach or poor sleep. Although this episode is similar to the whim of a spoiled child because of a toy that he was suddenly deprived of.

Pechorin does not show off when he talks about cooling of feelings, disappointment, loss of interest in life and its complete aimlessness. This state of mind requires intense sensations, and he recklessly plays with fate, emphasizing that he does not value life. This is observed in the episode with the smugglers, and in the duel with Grushnitsky, and in the fight with the drunken Cossack.
Pechorin is indifferent to his future. How can he be not indifferent to the fate of his diary?

Maxim Maksimych, who found this abandoned confession, asks his former colleague what to do with the diary. And Pechorin answers: “Whatever you want.” By this time, he feels complete indifference to everyone and everything. He no longer wants to analyze his life, and the past is not interesting to him, just like the future. Everything loses its meaning, loses its value: people and life are not dear, old thoughts and feelings are not dear.

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The chapter “Maxim Maksimych” of M. Yu. Lermontov’s novel “Hero of Our Time” depicts the last meeting of G. A. Pechorin with staff captain Maxim Maksimych five years after they met. Despite the fact that the old man had been waiting impatiently for his long-time friend for a long time, and when he arrived, he ran towards him “as best he could,” Pechorin responded to this with a cold smile and a simple polite phrase. Stunned, “with tears in his eyes,” the old man did not know what to say. At that moment he was a pitiful sight: “barely

could breathe; sweat rolled down from his face. his knees trembled.” Having calmed down slightly, Maxim Maksimych began to remember life in the fortress, hunting, Bela. After which Pechorin “turned a little pale and turned away.”

This scene has caused and continues to cause numerous controversies among both critics and readers. Why did G. A. Pechorin do this to the poor old officer? What motivated his action? Who is in front of us at that moment: an egoist or an unhappy person, a ruthless, rude creature or a tactful aristocrat defending himself from new suffering?!

I think that Pechorin in this scene is an unhappy man who was once again reminded of his bitter experience

past. He knows Maxim Maksimych very well, imagines the questions that he will begin to ask, and the memories that he will begin to share. That's why he avoids meeting with his old colleague. Alas! It was not possible to avoid it. And what Lermontov’s hero foresaw happened happened. Maxim Maksimych, forgetting about tact and not thinking about the feelings of his friend, immediately started talking about Bela, the very girl whose death causes Pechorin not only sadness, but also deepest feeling guilt. Figuratively speaking, the best friend in terms of strength, from the first minute of the meeting, begins to “pour salt” into Pechorin’s spiritual wound. And what remains for the hero? To be rude to an old man? Cut it off abruptly? No! Leave immediately! Interrupt this unexpected and unpleasant meeting for him.

That is why G. A. Pechorin so quickly breaks up with his old friend.

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