Colonel Skalozub: Historical Realities in A. S. Griboyedov’s Comedy “Woe from Wit”

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Nazarenko, K. B. “Colonel Skalozub: Historical Realities in A. S. Griboyedov’s Comedy ‘Woe from Wit’.” Dva veka russkoi klassiki, vol. 8, no. 2, 2026, pp. 94–117. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22455/2686-7494-2026-8-2-94-117
Abstract:
This article analyzes A. S. Griboyedov’s description of the hero of the comedy, Colonel Skalozub, in “Woe from Wit.” To properly understand these descriptions, they must be placed in their historical context. The article examines the colonel’s surname, first name, and financial status, as well as the key milestones of his career, including his combat experience, awards, and behavior. Drawing on research into comedy and the everyday history of the 1820s, the author concludes that Colonel Skalozub is not a romanticized image of a military man, performing endless feats, showered with awards, brilliant, and witty. He is a real-life army officer of Griboyedov’s era, devoid of education and lacking any desire for it, toiling away at the burden of military service in the provinces. He was fortunate to survive the battles of 1809–1814, advance in the ranks, and continue a successful career in peacetime.
Keywords: A. S. Griboyedov, “Woe from Wit,” Colonel Skalozub, historical realities, officer, army, everyday life
Author: Kirill B. Nazarenko
Information about the author:
Kirill B. Nazarenko, DSc in History, Associate Professor, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb. 7/9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia.

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5135-6782

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Received: November 23, 2025
Approved after reviewing: February 03, 2026
Published: June 25, 2026
Issue: 2026 Volume 8 No. 2
Department: Russian Literature of the 18th–19th Centuries
Pages: 94-117
DOI: Visit Website
EDN:
https://elibrary.ru/UKQBVI
UDK: 821.161.1.09"19"
Publication Type: Research Article

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