Arts and entertainment

Summary: " Duck hunting"(Vampilov A.V.). The play "Duck Hunt": heroes

June 26, 2015

Let's look at the play by Alexander Vampilov, written in 1968, and describe it summary. "Duck Hunt" is a work that takes place in one of the provincial cities.

Viktor Aleksandrovich Zilov wakes up from a phone call. He barely picks up the phone. However, there is only silence. Zilov slowly gets up, then opens the window. The weather outside is rainy. Viktor Aleksandrovich drinks beer and begins physical exercises with a bottle in his hands. The phone rings again and again there is silence. This is how Vampilov's play "Duck Hunt" begins. A photo of its author is presented below.

Conversation with the waiter Dima

Zilov decides to call himself. He dials the number of the waiter Dima, with whom he agreed to go hunting, and is very surprised when he asks him if he will go. Viktor Alexandrovich is interested in the details of the scandal that broke out yesterday. Dima committed it in a cafe. Zilov remembers the details very vaguely. He is especially worried about who hit him in the face yesterday.

Funeral wreath

As soon as he ends the phone conversation, there is a knock on the door. A boy enters holding a large funeral wreath. There is an inscription on it that says that this wreath is from friends and is intended for Zilov, who died untimely at work. Zilov is annoyed by such a gloomy joke. He sits down on the ottoman and begins to imagine how everything could have happened if he had died in reality. Then last days lives pass before his eyes.

Memories of a housewarming celebration

First memory. In Zilov’s favorite place, in the Forget-Me-Not cafe, he, together with Sayapin, his friend, meets with Kushak, his work boss, in order to celebrate a major event - getting a new apartment. Suddenly Vera, his mistress, comes in. Zilov asks her not to advertise their relationship, seats everyone at the table, and Dima brings kebabs and wine. Zilov reminds Kushak that the housewarming celebration is scheduled for the evening. He agrees, somewhat flirtatiously. Zilov is forced to invite Vera, who really wants to come. He introduces her to the boss, who recently escorted his wife south, as a classmate. With her relaxed behavior, Vera inspires some hopes in Kushak.

We continue to describe the summary. "Duck Hunt" is a play whose further events are as follows. Zilov's friends are going to his housewarming party in the evening. His wife, Galina, while waiting for guests, dreams that everything between them will return to the way it was in the beginning, when the spouses loved each other. Among the gifts brought were hunting equipment: a cartridge belt, a knife and several wooden birds, which are used for decoys during duck hunting. This activity is Viktor Alexandrovich’s greatest passion, except for women. However, he has not yet managed to kill a single duck. The main thing for him, as Galina says, is talking and getting ready. Zilov does not pay attention to ridicule.

"Lipa" about production modernization, meeting Irina

Second memory. Zilov and Sayapin at work urgently need to prepare information regarding the modernization of production. Zilov invites him to present the project made for the porcelain factory as already implemented. They take a long time to decide whether to do it or not. And although Sayapin is afraid of possible exposure, the “linden” is still being prepared. Zilov is here reading a letter from his old father, who lives in another city. He hasn't seen him for 4 years. He writes that he is sick and wants to see him. However, Zilov, the hero of the play “Duck Hunt,” is indifferent to this. Analyzing his reaction, we can say that he does not believe his father. Besides, he doesn’t have time for this anyway, since he’s going on vacation for duck hunting. He doesn't want and can't miss it. Irina, an unfamiliar girl, suddenly appears in the room, having confused their office with the editorial office of the newspaper. Zilov plays a prank on her, posing as a newspaper employee. This joke is finally exposed by the boss who comes in. Zilov begins an affair with Irina, which Vampilov notes.

"Duck Hunt": the content of the marital scene

Third memory. Zilov returns home in the morning. His wife is not sleeping. Zilov (“Duck Hunt”) complains that there is a lot of work, says that he was unexpectedly sent on a business trip. However, Galina says directly that she does not believe in this, since a neighbor saw him in the city last night. Zilov tries to accuse his wife of being too suspicious, but this has no effect on her. She has endured too long and can no longer bear her husband's lies. Galina says that she visited the doctor and had an abortion. The husband feigns indignation. He reproaches her for not consulting his wife. Zilov tries to soften his wife by remembering the evening when they first became close. This happened six years ago. At first, Galina protests, but then she succumbs to the charm of this memory - until her husband cannot remember some words that are very important to her. She cries, sinking into a chair.

Death of Zilov's father, meeting with his wife in Forget-Me-Not

The next memory of the main character. Kushak appears in Sayapin and Zilov’s room at the end of the working day. He is angry and demands an explanation about the brochure containing information about the reconstruction that allegedly took place at the porcelain factory. Shielding Sayapin, since he should soon get an apartment, Zilov takes full responsibility. Only Sayapin's wife, who suddenly appeared, manages to extinguish the storm. She takes the simple-minded Kushak to football. At this moment, Zilov receives a telegram telling him about his father’s death. He decides to fly immediately in order to get to the funeral. Zilov's wife wants to go with him, but he refuses. Before leaving, Zilov stops by for a drink at Forget-Me-Not. In addition, he made an appointment with Irina here. Galina accidentally witnesses their meeting. Zilov’s wife came here to bring her husband a briefcase and a raincoat for the trip. Zilov is forced to inform his mistress that he is married. He postpones his flight until tomorrow and orders dinner.

Galina goes to her relatives

We present to your attention the following memory that sees main character works "Duck Hunt". Its content is as follows.

Galina wants to go to another city to visit her relatives. As soon as his wife leaves, Zilov calls Irina and invites her to his place. Suddenly Galina returns and says that she is leaving him forever. Her husband is discouraged and tries to stop her, but Galina locks the door. Zilov, finding himself in a trap, uses his eloquence to convince his wife that she is still dear to him. He even talks about taking her hunting. However, his explanation is heard not by Galina, but by Irina, who approaches, and takes everything said personally.

Zilov's drunken speeches in Forget-Me-Not

Last memory. While waiting for friends invited on the occasion of duck hunting and vacation, Zilov drinks at Forget-Me-Not. When his comrades gather, he is already quite drunk and begins to say various nasty things to them. Zilov is getting more and more excited every minute. This leads to everyone leaving, including Irina, whom he also insults undeservedly. Zilov, left alone, calls the waiter Dima a lackey. He hits him in the face. Zilov, the hero of the work “Duck Hunt,” “passes out,” falling to the floor. The heroes of the play, Sayapin and Kuzakov, return after some time. They pick up Zilov and bring him home.

Decision to commit suicide

Let's talk about the terrible act that Zilov decided to commit. The next episode can only be described briefly, since we are compiling a summary. "Duck Hunt" is a play in which Zilov's terrible decision is the climax. The fact is that he, suddenly remembering everything, decides to commit suicide. Now this hero of the work “Duck Hunt” no longer plays. An analysis of this episode shows that he is quite serious. Zilov writes a suicide note, after which he loads the gun, takes off his shoes and feels for the trigger with his big toe.

The work "Duck Hunt" continues with the phone ringing suddenly. After this, Kuzakov and Sayapin appear unnoticed, who notice their comrade’s preparations and take away the gun, attacking him. Zilov drives them away, shouting that he doesn’t trust anyone. However, they still do not dare to leave him alone. Zilov eventually manages to expel Kuzakov and Sayapin.

Zilov decides to go duck hunting

He walks around the room with a gun. After this, Zilov throws himself on the bed and it is unclear whether he is sobbing or laughing. He gets up two minutes later and dials Dima’s number. He informs him that he is ready to go hunting.

This concludes the summary. "Duck Hunt", like all plays, is a work of small volume. You can read it in the original in about 2 hours. The summary does not reveal all the details of the story described. “Duck Hunt” will become clearer and closer to you if you decide to read the text of the work.

Year of writing:

1970

Reading time:

Description of the work:

Apartment of Viktor Zilov, one of the characters in the play. The main action takes place there. On a rainy morning, friends Sayapin and Kuzakov joke about Zilov, they joke quite daringly. Zilov feels that he urgently needs to communicate with one of his friends, and he tries to call Vera, Irina... Without getting through, Zilov begins to remember his past...

Read the summary of "Duck Hunt".

Summary of the play
Duck hunting

The action takes place in a provincial town. Viktor Aleksandrovich Zilov is awakened by a phone call. Having difficulty waking up, he picks up the phone, but there is silence. He slowly gets up, touching his jaw, opens the window, and it’s raining outside. Zilov drinks beer and begins physical exercises with a bottle in his hands. Another phone call and again silence. Now Zilov is calling himself. He talks to the waiter Dima, with whom he was going hunting together, and is extremely surprised that Dima asks him if he will go. Zilov is interested in the details of yesterday’s scandal, which he caused in a cafe, but which he himself remembers very vaguely. He is especially concerned about who hit him in the face yesterday.

He barely hangs up when there is a knock on the door. A boy enters with a large mourning wreath, on which is written: “To the unforgettable Viktor Aleksandrovich Zilov, who burned out untimely at work, from inconsolable friends.” Zilov is annoyed by such a dark joke. He sits down on the ottoman and begins to imagine how things might have been if he had actually died. Then the life of the last days passes before his eyes.

First memory. In the Forget-Me-Not cafe, Zilov’s favorite place to hang out, he and his friend Sayapin meet with their work boss Kushak during their lunch break to celebrate a big event - he has received a new apartment. Suddenly his mistress Vera appears, Zilov asks Vera not to advertise their relationship, seats everyone at the table, and the waiter Dima brings the ordered wine and kebabs. Zilov reminds Kushak that a housewarming celebration is scheduled for that evening, and he, somewhat flirtatiously, agrees. Zilov is forced to invite Vera, who really wants this. He introduces her to the boss, who has just escorted his legal wife south, as a classmate, and Vera, with her very relaxed behavior, inspires Kushak with certain hopes.

In the evening, Zilov's friends gather for a housewarming party. While waiting for guests, Galina, Zilov's wife, dreams that everything between her and her husband will be like at the very beginning, when they loved each other. Among the gifts brought were items of hunting equipment: a knife, a cartridge belt and several wooden birds used in duck hunting for decoys. Duck hunting is Zilov's greatest passion (except for women), although so far he has not yet managed to kill a single duck. As Galina says, the main thing for him is getting ready and talking. But Zilov does not pay attention to the ridicule.

Memory two. At work, Zilov and Sayapin must urgently prepare information about the modernization of production, the flow method, etc. Zilov proposes to present it as an already implemented modernization project at a porcelain factory. They toss a coin for a long time, what to do or not to do. And although Sayapin is afraid of exposure, they are nevertheless preparing this “linden”. Here Zilov reads a letter from his old father, living in another city, whom he has not seen for four years. He writes that he is sick and calls to see him, but Zilov is indifferent to this. He doesn’t believe his father, and he doesn’t have time anyway, since he’s going duck hunting on vacation. He cannot and does not want to miss her. Suddenly, an unfamiliar girl, Irina, appears in their room, confusing their office with the editorial office of a newspaper. Zilov plays a prank on her, introducing himself as a newspaper employee, until his joke is exposed by the boss who comes in. Zilov begins an affair with Irina.

Memory three. Zilov returns home in the morning. Galina is not sleeping. He complains about the abundance of work, about the fact that he was sent on a business trip so unexpectedly. But his wife directly says that she does not believe him, because last night a neighbor saw him in the city. Zilov tries to protest, accusing his wife of being excessively suspicious, but this has no effect on her. She has endured for a long time and no longer wants to endure Zilov’s lies. She tells him that she went to the doctor and had an abortion. Zilov feigns indignation: why didn’t she consult with him?! He tries to somehow soften her, remembering one of the evenings six years ago when they first became close. Galina protests at first, but then gradually succumbs to the charm of memory - until the moment when Zilov cannot remember some very important words for her. She finally sinks into a chair and cries.

The memory is the following. At the end of the working day, an angry Kushak appears in Zilov and Sayapin’s room and demands an explanation from them about a brochure with information about reconstruction at the porcelain factory. Shielding Sayapin, who is about to get an apartment, Zilov takes full responsibility upon himself. Only Sayapin’s wife, who suddenly appears, manages to extinguish the storm by taking the simple-minded Kushak to football. At this moment, Zilov receives a telegram about his father’s death. He decides to fly urgently to make it to the funeral. Galina wants to go with him, but he refuses. Before leaving, he stops at Forget-Me-Not for a drink. In addition, he has a date with Irina here. Galina accidentally witnesses their meeting and brings Zilov a cloak and briefcase for the trip. Zilov is forced to admit to Irina that he is married. He orders dinner, postponing his flight until tomorrow.

The memory is the following. Galina is going to visit relatives in another city. As soon as she leaves, he calls Irina and invites her to his place. Galina unexpectedly returns and announces that she is leaving forever. Zilov is discouraged, he tries to detain her, but Galina locks him with a key. Finding himself in a trap, Zilov uses all his eloquence, trying to convince his wife that she is still dear to him, and even promising to take her hunting. But it is not Galina who hears his explanation, but the emerging Irina, who perceives everything Zilov said as relating specifically to her.

The last memory. While waiting for friends invited on the occasion of the upcoming vacation and duck hunting, Zilov drinks at Forget-Me-Not. By the time his friends gather, he is already quite drunk and begins to say nasty things to them. Every minute he diverges more and more, he is carried away, and in the end everyone, including Irina, whom he also undeservedly insults, leaves. Left alone, Zilov calls the waiter Dima a lackey, and he hits him in the face. Zilov falls under the table and “passes out.” After some time, Kuzakov and Sayapin return, pick up Zilov and take him home.

Having remembered everything, Zilov actually suddenly gets the idea of ​​committing suicide. He doesn't play anymore. He writes a note, loads the gun, takes off his shoes and feels for the trigger with his big toe. At this moment the phone rings. Then Sayapin and Kuzakov appear unnoticed, who see Zilov’s preparations, pounce on him and take away the gun. Zilov drives them away. He screams that he doesn't trust anyone, but they refuse to leave him alone. In the end, Zilov manages to drive them out, he walks around the room with a gun, then throws himself on the bed and either laughs or sobs. Two minutes later he gets up and dials Dima’s phone number. He is ready to go hunting.

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Alexander Vampilov

Duck hunting

Play in three acts

CHARACTERS

ZILOV

KUZAKOV

SAYAPIN

SASH

GALINA

IRINA

FAITH

VALERIA

WAITER

BOY

ACT ONE

Scene one

City apartment in a new standard building. The front door, the door to the kitchen, the door to another room. One window. The furniture is ordinary. On the windowsill there is a large plush cat with a bow around its neck. Mess.

In the foreground is the ottoman on which Zilov sleeps. At the head there is a table with a telephone.

Through the window you can see the top floor and roof of a typical house opposite. There is a narrow strip of gray sky above the roof. It's a rainy day.

The phone rings. Zilov does not wake up immediately and not without difficulty. Waking up, he misses two or three calls, then frees his hand from under the blanket and reluctantly picks up the phone.

ZILOV. Yes?..

A short pause. A grimace of bewilderment appears on his face. You can understand that someone hung up on the other end of the line.

Strange… (He hangs up the phone, turns on the other side, but immediately lies down on his back, and a moment later throws off the blanket. With some surprise, he discovers that he slept in socks. He sits up in bed, puts his palm to his forehead. Very carefully touches his jaw. At the same time, he frowns painfully. He sits for a while, looking at one point, - he turns around, quickly goes to the window, and waves his hand in annoyance. You can understand that he is extremely dissatisfied with the fact that it is raining.)

Zilov is about thirty years old, he is quite tall, of strong build; There is a lot of freedom in his gait, gestures, and manner of speaking, which comes from confidence in his physical usefulness. At the same time, in his gait, in his gestures, and in his conversation, there is a certain carelessness and boredom, the origin of which cannot be determined at first glance. He goes to the kitchen and returns with a bottle and glass. Standing by the window, drinking beer. With a bottle in his hands, he begins physical exercises, makes several movements, but immediately stops this activity, which is inappropriate for his condition. The phone rings. He goes to the phone and picks it up.

ZILOV. Well?.. Will you talk?..

The same trick: someone hung up.

Jokes... (Hangs up, finishes his beer. Picks up the phone, dials the number, listens.) Idiots... (He presses the lever and dials the number again. He speaks monotonously, imitating the voice from the weather bureau.) During the day, partly cloudy weather is expected, the wind is weak to moderate, and the temperature is plus sixteen degrees. (In my own voice.) Do you understand? This is called partly cloudy - it's pouring like buckets... Hello, Dima... Congratulations, old man, you were right... But about the rain, damn it! Whole year waited and waited!.. (With bewilderment.) Who's talking?.. Zilov... Well, of course. Didn’t you recognize me?.. Died?.. Who died?.. Me?!. Yes, it seems not... It seems alive... Yes?.. (Laughs.) No, no, alive. This was just not enough - for me to die just before the hunt! What?! I won't go - me?! Where did you get this from?.. Am I crazy? Wait, maybe you don’t want to be with me?.. Then what’s the matter?.. Well, I found something to joke about... The head, yes (holds his head), naturally... But, thank God, it’s still intact... Yesterday? (With a sigh.) Yes, I remember... No, I don’t remember everything, but... (Sigh.) Scandal - yes, I remember the scandal... Why did I create it? Yes, I myself think - why? I think I can’t understand - God knows why!.. (Listen with annoyance.) Don’t say... I remember... I remember... No, I don’t remember the end. What, Dima, did something happen?.. Honestly, I don’t remember... There were no police?.. Our own? Well, thank God... Were you offended?.. Yes?.. Don’t they understand jokes?.. Well, to hell with them. They will survive, right?.. And I think so... Well, okay. What about us now? When are we leaving?.. Should we wait? When did it start?.. Yesterday? What are you saying!.. I don’t remember - no!.. (He feels his jaw.) Yes! Listen, wasn’t there a fight yesterday?.. No?.. Strange... Yes, someone hit me. Once... Yes, in the face... I think with a fist. I wonder who, haven’t you seen?.. Well, it doesn’t matter... No, it’s okay. The blow is quite cultural...

There's a knock on the door.

Dima! What if he charged it for a week?.. No, I’m not worried... Well, okay... I’m sitting at home. In full readiness. I'm waiting for a call... I'm waiting... (Hang up.)

There's a knock on the door.

A wreath appears at the door. This is a big, cheap pine wreath with large paper flowers and a long black ribbon. Following him, a boy of about twelve appears carrying him. He is seriously concerned about fulfilling the mission entrusted to him.

(Funny.) Hello!

BOY. Hello. Tell me, are you Zilov?

ZILOV. Well, I.

BOY (placed a wreath against the wall). To you.

ZILOV. Me?.. Why?

The boy is silent.

Listen, boy. You take it wrong…

BOY. Are you Zilov?

ZILOV. So what?..

BOY. So, for you.

ZILOV (not right away). Who sent you?.. Well, sit here.

BOY. I have to go.

ZILOV. Sit down.

The boy sits down.

(Looks at the wreath, picks it up, straightens the black ribbon, reads the inscription on it aloud.)“To the unforgettable Viktor Aleksandrovich Zilov, who was untimely burnt out at work, from inconsolable friends”... (He is silent. Then he laughs, but not for long and without much fun.) Do you understand what’s going on?.. Viktor Aleksandrovich Zilov - that’s me... And you see, I’m alive and well... How do you like it?

The boy is silent.

Where are they? At the bottom?

BOY. No, they're gone.

ZILOV (not right away). They joked and left...

BOY. I will go.

ZILOV. Get lost... No, wait. Tell me... Do you like such jokes?.. Is it witty or not?

The boy is silent.

No, tell me, sending such a thing to a friend for a hangover, especially in this weather, isn’t it disgusting?.. Friends don’t do that, don’t you think?

BOY. I don't know. They asked me, I brought...

A short pause.

ZILOV. You good too. You deliver wreaths to living people, but you are probably a pioneer. At your age, I wouldn’t take on such a thing.

BOY. I didn't know you were alive.

ZILOV. And if I knew, wouldn’t I bear it?

BOY. No.

ZILOV. Thanks for that too.

A short pause.

BOY. I will go.

ZILOV. Wait, what did they tell you?

BOY. They said, fifth floor, apartment twenty... They said knock, ask for Zilov and give it back. That's all.

ZILOV. See how simple it is. And how much laughter... (He hangs a wreath around his neck.) Isn't it funny? (Goes to the mirror, combs his hair beautifully.) Is it funny or not?.. Why don’t you laugh?.. You probably have no sense of humor. (Turns to the boy, raises his right hand like a winning athlete.) Vitya Zilov! ES-ES-Er. First place... And for what?.. (Lowers his hand.) Not funny?.. Something not very good, right? (Throws away the wreath, sits down on the bed so that his face is turned to the window.) Or maybe, in fact, you and I have stopped understanding jokes?

Pause.

You have to go?

BOY. Yes... we need to prepare our homework...

ZILOV. Yes... Lessons are a serious matter... What's your name?

BOY (not right away). Vitya.

ZILOV. Yes? It turns out that you are also Vitya... Don’t you think this is strange?

BOY. I don't know.

A short pause.

ZILOV. Okay, Vitka, go and study. Come in sometime... Will you come in?

BOY. Fine.

ZILOV. So go.

The boy leaves. A short pause.

So... So, we joked and went our separate ways...

Zilov is sitting on his ottoman. His gaze is directed to the middle of the room.

Mourning music sounds, its sounds gradually increasing. The light slowly goes out, and just as slowly two spotlights light up. One of them, shining half-heartedly, snatched Zilov from the darkness, sitting on the bed. Another spotlight, bright, illuminates a circle in the middle of the stage. At the same time, the furnishings of Zilov’s apartment are in the dark. On the site, illuminated by a bright spotlight, faces and conversations will now appear, evoked by Zilov’s imagination. By the time they appear, the mournful music strangely transforms into cheerful, frivolous music. This is the same melody, but performed in a different time signature and rhythm. It sounds quietly throughout the entire scene. The behavior of the persons and their conversations in this scene should look parodic, buffoonish, but not without dark irony.

Viktor Aleksandrovich Zilov is an ordinary employee who does not shy away from occasionally drinking a glass of something strong in his favorite bar. Viktor Aleksandrovich lives in the provinces, his hometown is small, but Zilov does not plan to leave anywhere, everything is going as it should, as it was once planned, in his distant youth.

The exception is, perhaps, only yesterday, or rather the evening, about which Zilov remembers almost nothing, since he wakes up late in his bed with a terrible headache and a broken face.

Wakes up Victor

Aleksandrovich receives a phone call, which he never has time to answer, but is forced to wake up and start exercising, accompanying physical exercise by actively sipping beer from a bottle. The call that woke Zilov is repeated, but when he picks up the phone, he only hears someone’s breathing.

Angry, Zilov decides to call Dima, the waiter with whom he is going to go hunting. But the upcoming trip worries Viktor Alexandrovich the least; he remembers that last evening he was the culprit of a scandal in the cafe where Dima works, in addition, he wonders who he owes his illness to.

Jaw.

Having achieved nothing from Dima, Zilov hangs up, as at this time there is a knock on the door. A boy appears on the threshold with a huge mourning wreath, on which is written the name of Zilov himself. The wreath turned out to be a gift from inconsolable friends, whose names remained a secret for Zilov himself.

In principle, bringing a wreath is not such a sad event, but it makes Zilov think. He falls into a kind of trance in which he imagines what could have happened if he had actually died. For some reason, the events of the last week of his life flash before the main character.

A series of memories begins with a meeting with Vera in the Forget-Me-Not cafe. Vera is Zilov’s mistress, who dreams of someday marrying him, or one of Zilov’s friends, at least his boss Kushak, who also appears in the cafe and cannot help but pay attention to the beautiful Vera, introduced to him as Zilov’s classmate. Kushak immediately invites Vera to come to the housewarming party in Zilova, scheduled for the weekend.

The latter’s legal wife at that time went to the south, and Vera was not at all against the signs of attention shown to her by Kushak, besides, Zilov himself was in no hurry to invite her to visit, and was forced to agree only to please the authorities, who recently issued him a warrant for new apartment.

On the evening of the holiday, Galina, Zilov’s wife, prepares the table and reflects on why her life and Zilov’s life are somehow not going well, she does not understand what is happening and still hopes for the return of her former passion.

The housewarming guests brought many valuable gifts, including many items for duck hunting, Zilov’s favorite pastime. In general, Zilov loves two things in life - ducks and women, he has never shot the first, although he considers himself an experienced hunter, and he has no end to the second.

Zilov also remembered how he met Irina, another mistress claiming to be his wife. On this day, Zilov received a letter from his dying father with a request to come, and also started, together with his workmate Sayapin, an unpleasant scam, the essence of which was to submit false information to the authorities regarding the supposed modernization carried out using new methods at the earthenware factory.

From sweet and kind memories, Zilov moves on to sad ones - the abortion performed by his wife and the death of his father. Galina had long suspected her husband’s infidelity, so she did not give birth to his child. The father died before his son arrived. The scam was also exposed, but the negative effect of it was brightened up. Deciding to go to his father’s funeral, Zilov runs in for a drink or two at a tavern. Here he has an appointment with Irina, but when she arrives, Galina enters the tavern and witnesses a love scene between her husband and his mistress. Irina is unpleasantly surprised; she did not know that her lover was married.

Another mistake of Zilov is the date he appointed for Irina, which was supposed to take place at his home. The lovers are caught by Galina, who immediately decides to file for divorce and go to her parents. Zilov tries to stop his wife, telling her pleasant words, but at this moment Irina reappears, who takes everything said personally.

Everything that happened has pretty much shaken Zilov’s nerves and he goes to Forget-Me-Not, where he plans to celebrate his vacation and the upcoming hunt with friends. While waiting for friends, he gets drunk and starts saying unpleasant and even unacceptable things to everyone, and is rude. Ultimately, his friends, saddened by his behavior, disperse, and the waiter Dima cannot stand it and hits him in the face, because Zilov called him a lackey. Kuzakov and Sayapin bring Zilov home in an unconscious state.

Sad memories make Zilov think about suicide, but at that moment his friends come to him, after a while he calls Dima, apologizes and announces his readiness to go hunting.

Written in 1968, let us describe its brief content. "Duck Hunt" is a work that takes place in one of the provincial cities.

Viktor Aleksandrovich Zilov wakes up from a phone call. He barely picks up the phone. However, there is only silence. Zilov slowly gets up, then opens the window. The weather outside is rainy. Viktor Aleksandrovich drinks beer and begins physical exercises with a bottle in his hands. The phone rings again and again there is silence. This is how Vampilov's play "Duck Hunt" begins. A photo of its author is presented below.

Conversation with the waiter Dima

Zilov decides to call himself. He dials the number of the waiter Dima, with whom he agreed to go hunting, and is very surprised when he asks him if he will go. Viktor Alexandrovich is interested in the details of the scandal that broke out yesterday. Dima committed it in a cafe. Zilov remembers the details very vaguely. He is especially worried about who hit him in the face yesterday.

Funeral wreath

As soon as he ends the phone conversation, there is a knock on the door. A boy enters holding a large funeral wreath. There is an inscription on it that says that this wreath is from friends and is intended for Zilov, who died untimely at work. Zilov is annoyed by such a gloomy joke. He sits down on the ottoman and begins to imagine how everything could have happened if he had died in reality. Then the last days of his life pass before his eyes.

Memories of a housewarming celebration

First memory. In Zilov’s favorite place, in the Forget-Me-Not cafe, he, together with Sayapin, his friend, meets with Kushak, his work boss, in order to celebrate a major event - getting a new apartment. Suddenly Vera, his mistress, comes in. Zilov asks her not to advertise their relationship, seats everyone at the table, and Dima brings kebabs and wine. Zilov reminds Kushak that the housewarming celebration is scheduled for the evening. He agrees, somewhat flirtatiously. Zilov is forced to invite Vera, who really wants to come. He introduces her to the boss, who recently escorted his wife south, as a classmate. With her relaxed behavior, Vera inspires some hopes in Kushak.

We continue to describe the summary. "Duck Hunt" is a play whose further events are as follows. Zilov's friends are going to his housewarming party in the evening. His wife, Galina, while waiting for guests, dreams that everything between them will return to the way it was in the beginning, when the spouses loved each other. Among the gifts brought were hunting equipment: a cartridge belt, a knife and several wooden birds, which are used for decoys during duck hunting. This activity is Viktor Alexandrovich’s greatest passion, except for women. However, he has not yet managed to kill a single duck. The main thing for him, as Galina says, is talking and getting ready. Zilov does not pay attention to ridicule.

"Lipa" about production modernization, meeting Irina

Second memory. Zilov and Sayapin at work urgently need to prepare information regarding the modernization of production. Zilov invites him to present the project made for the porcelain factory as already implemented. They take a long time to decide whether to do it or not. And although Sayapin is afraid of possible exposure, the “linden” is still being prepared. Zilov is here reading a letter from his old father, who lives in another city. He hasn't seen him for 4 years. He writes that he is sick and wants to see him. However, Zilov, the hero of the play “Duck Hunt,” is indifferent to this. Analyzing his reaction, we can say that he does not believe his father. Besides, he doesn’t have time for this anyway, since he’s going on vacation for duck hunting. He doesn't want and can't miss it. Irina, an unfamiliar girl, suddenly appears in the room, having confused their office with the editorial office of the newspaper. Zilov plays a prank on her, posing as a newspaper employee. This joke is finally exposed by the boss who comes in. Zilov begins an affair with Irina, which Vampilov notes.

"Duck Hunt": the content of the marital scene

Third memory. Zilov returns home in the morning. His wife is not sleeping. Zilov (“Duck Hunt”) complains that there is a lot of work, says that he was unexpectedly sent on a business trip. However, Galina says directly that she does not believe in this, since a neighbor saw him in the city last night. Zilov tries to accuse his wife of being too suspicious, but this has no effect on her. She has endured too long and can no longer bear her husband's lies. Galina says that she visited the doctor and had an abortion. The husband feigns indignation. He reproaches her for not consulting his wife. Zilov tries to soften his wife by remembering the evening when they first became close. This happened six years ago. At first, Galina protests, but then she succumbs to the charm of this memory - until her husband cannot remember some words that are very important to her. She cries, sinking into a chair.

Death of Zilov's father, meeting with his wife in Forget-Me-Not

The next memory of the main character. Kushak appears in Sayapin and Zilov’s room at the end of the working day. He is angry and demands an explanation about the brochure containing information about the reconstruction that allegedly took place at the porcelain factory. Shielding Sayapin, since he should soon get an apartment, Zilov takes full responsibility. Only Sayapin's wife, who suddenly appeared, manages to extinguish the storm. She takes the simple-minded Kushak to football. At this moment, Zilov receives a telegram telling him about his father’s death. He decides to fly immediately in order to get to the funeral. Zilov's wife wants to go with him, but he refuses. Before leaving, Zilov stops by for a drink at Forget-Me-Not. In addition, he made an appointment with Irina here. Galina accidentally witnesses their meeting. Zilov’s wife came here to bring her husband a briefcase and a raincoat for the trip. Zilov is forced to inform his mistress that he is married. He postpones his flight until tomorrow and orders dinner.

Galina goes to her relatives

We present to your attention the following memory, which is seen by the main character of the work “Duck Hunt”. Its content is as follows.

Galina wants to go to another city to visit her relatives. As soon as his wife leaves, Zilov calls Irina and invites her to his place. Suddenly Galina returns and says that she is leaving him forever. Her husband is discouraged and tries to stop her, but Galina locks the door. Zilov, finding himself in a trap, uses his eloquence to convince his wife that she is still dear to him. He even talks about taking her hunting. However, his explanation is heard not by Galina, but by Irina, who approaches, and takes everything said personally.

Zilov's drunken speeches in Forget-Me-Not

Last memory. While waiting for friends invited on the occasion of duck hunting and vacation, Zilov drinks at Forget-Me-Not. When his comrades gather, he is already quite drunk and begins to say various nasty things to them. Zilov is getting more and more excited every minute. This leads to everyone leaving, including Irina, whom he also insults undeservedly. Zilov, left alone, calls the waiter Dima a lackey. He hits him in the face. Zilov, the hero of the work “Duck Hunt,” “passes out,” falling to the floor. The heroes of the play, Sayapin and Kuzakov, return after some time. They pick up Zilov and bring him home.

Decision to commit suicide

Let's talk about the terrible act that Zilov decided to commit. The next episode can only be described briefly, since we are compiling a summary. "Duck Hunt" is a play in which Zilov's terrible decision is the climax. The fact is that he, suddenly remembering everything, decides to commit suicide. Now this hero of the work “Duck Hunt” no longer plays. An analysis of this episode shows that he is quite serious. Zilov writes a suicide note, after which he loads the gun, takes off his shoes and feels for the trigger with his big toe.

The work "Duck Hunt" continues with the phone ringing suddenly. After this, Kuzakov and Sayapin appear unnoticed, who notice their comrade’s preparations and take away the gun, attacking him. Zilov drives them away, shouting that he doesn’t trust anyone. However, they still do not dare to leave him alone. Zilov eventually manages to expel Kuzakov and Sayapin.

Zilov decides to go duck hunting

He walks around the room with a gun. After this, Zilov throws himself on the bed and it is unclear whether he is sobbing or laughing. He gets up two minutes later and dials Dima’s number. He informs him that he is ready to go hunting.

This concludes the summary. "Duck Hunt", like all plays, is a work of small volume. You can read it in the original in about 2 hours. The summary does not reveal all the details of the story described. “Duck Hunt” will become clearer and closer to you if you decide to read the text of the work.