The opinions of critics and readers about whether Pushkin loves this heroine of his differed. And what does psychotherapist Irina Mlodik think about this image and modern “captain’s daughters” (reliable, but not particularly bright girls)?
Some are convinced that Pushkin offers us an ideal female image, others that Masha Mironova is loved by everyone except the author himself. And this polarity of opinions is extremely curious.
Shvabrin, a jealous and vengeful anti-hero, speaks unflatteringly about her, exposing her to her rival as narrow-minded. Her appearance, judging by the author’s descriptions, is not striking. However, at the same time, two men claim her in the novel, and in the films Masha is played by convincingly beautiful women.
Her speeches are correct, her deeds are noble, in her gestures there is neither affectation nor coquetry. She was brought up by her father — the commandant of the fortress, ready to die, but not to obey the robber, and her mother — a faithful wife and companion of her husband.
Pushkin sees in Masha the daughter of her noble father, who is not ready to give up his principles.
Masha has clear ideas about boundaries, order, traditions, good and evil. At the beginning of the story, these beliefs seem naive, especially against the backdrop of the Pugachev uprising, which is blowing up the foundations. But in the end… Masha either matured, steadfastly enduring all the trials, or her bold step, intercession for her beloved before the Empress, is a continuation of her childish faith in supreme justice.
In any case, it can be assumed that, regardless of moral qualities, men (whether vile Shvabrin or noble Grinev) need a kind, modest woman, but capable of an act, to protect the one she loves. Therefore, I am rather on the side of those who believe that Pushkin sees in Masha the daughter of her noble father, who is not ready to sacrifice his principles.
Perhaps her ideas about the world were idealistic, but they were tested by the harsh reality of betrayal and the dangers of rebellion and resisted. Pushkin generously rewards the heroes with a happy ending, helping Masha and the readers to make sure that justice can be restored.
Masha among us
More than once I heard from beautiful women, still busy looking for a chosen one, indignant, “What did he find in her?”. They looked with amazement at the married «gray mice» next to interesting husbands, trying in vain to unravel their secret.
But with people like Masha, it’s reliable. With her, you can not go crazy with jealousy, she will not require her partner to become what she needs, she does not have a double bottom. She is always on the side of her husband, her family and clear ideas about what is right and what is not. There will be no surprises with her, and it doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad for maintaining libido.