Let's set the scene: rural Russia in the late 18th century. We meet Herr von Görz, a wealthy but painfully ignorant landowner. He's decided his niece, Sophie, is his ticket to higher social standing. If he can just marry her off to someone 'suitable'—meaning rich and with a title—he'll look like a real gentleman. To polish her up, he hires a tutor named Starodum, a man who values honesty and integrity above all else.

The Story

The plot kicks into gear when two very different suitors arrive for Sophie's hand. One is a shallow, foppish army officer who cares only about fashion. The other is a greedy, boorish relative who sees Sophie as a paycheck. Herr von Görz is thrilled with both options—they check his boxes for wealth and status. But Sophie, educated by Starodum to think for herself, isn't having it. She wants to marry for love and principle, not her uncle's ambition. The play becomes a funny and tense battle of wills. Can Sophie and Starodum outsmart the parade of ridiculous men trying to control her future?

Why You Should Read It

What blew me away was how fresh this feels. Fonvizin isn't just making jokes; he's slicing through the hypocrisy of his time with a very sharp knife. The character of Starodum is fantastic—he's the voice of reason in a house full of fools, and his lessons to Sophie about true virtue versus social climbing are the heart of the story. You'll find yourself cheering for Sophie and groaning (in a good way) at the sheer audacity of her awful suitors. The dialogue is snappy, the situations are absurd, and the critique of empty education and blind greed is, sadly, still very relevant.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves classic comedies of manners, like the works of Molière or Oscar Wilde, but wants to try something from a different tradition. It's also great for readers curious about Russian literature but not ready to dive into the giant novels. If you enjoy smart satire, strong female characters (especially for the 1780s!), and plays that make you laugh while making a point, Der Landjunker is a hidden gem waiting for you.