Mila Ramadhani | 17D A

1202617005
“The Servant” by S.T. Semyonov: Analysis

Plot
Introduction :
In the last two years, Gerasim had been in a merchant’s employ, but he had been summoned
back to his village for military duty. It seemed dull to him in the village, so he decided to return
to Moscow. It was the hardest time to find work, he had been going about in vain seeking a
position. He stayed with relatives and friends from his village.
Rising action :
One day Gerasim asked Yegor Danilych, a friend from his village who was a coachman to a
merchant by the name of Sharov, to get him a job. Yegor said that he will ask his master to take
Gerasim as a servant to replace the current servant who is getting old. After that, Yegor talked to
his master, Mr. Sharov, to accept Gerasim to be the servant. Mr. Sharov worried about
Polikarpych, his current servant, because he is getting old and he has a wife to support. Mr.
Sharov also has a sense of what he owes to his loyal servant and what would happen to if he
dismissed him. On the other hand, Yegor insisted that he should accept Gerasim, because
Polikarpych is a very poor servant. Mr. Sharov eventually agreed with Yegor and asked him to
bring Gerasim.
Climax :
The next evening, Gerasim came to Yegor then they betook themselves to Mr. Sharov. Sharov
told him he was prepared to engage him as man of all work, and he should come back the next
day ready to take the place. Then Gerasim took leave, crossing the yard to go out by the gate. A
broad beam of light from the window of Polikarpych’s room fell across Gerasim’s way. He was
curious to get a glimpse of his future home, but it was impossible to peep through. He could hear
what the people inside were saying; it was Polikarpych and his wife. They had received the news
that they will be replaced, and they didn’t have any plan except begging to their master. The wife
burst out sobbing, realizing that they work from early morning till late, day after day, and when
they get old, they will be dismissed.
Falling action :
Gerasim heard Polikarpych and his wife’s conversation, and it stabbed him like a dagger. He
realized what misfortune he would bringing the old people. He stood there a long while, lost in
thought, then he went back into Yegor’s room. He said to Yegor that he doesn’t want the place;
he will look for another one. Yegor flew into a rage, saying that Gerasim have disgraced him.
Conclusion :
Gerasim quietly left the coachman’s room, went out by the gate, felt happy and lighthearted.
Characters
1. Gerasim:
He never give up and has high sensitivity for others (for example; he doesn’t force his
friends because he is aware that he has been becoming a burden for them, he declines the
job that Mr. Sharov gives to him because it will cause the former worker to be out of
work after serving for years).

2. Yegor Danilych:
He is helpful to Gerasim but shrewd and heartless to Polikarpych at the same time. He
has no sympathy.

3. Mr. Sharov:
He is easily persuaded, but has compassion to his loyal servant. He knows very well that
he owes his dedication. However, he doesn’t have enough standpoint to refuse Yegor’s
persuasion.

4. Polikarpych:
He is a hard-worker and faithful servant.

Message :
Do have compassion to people, don’t let your luck bring misfortune for others.