Tchatsky gives rise to this diatribe by returning from his travels at this juncture, asking for Sophia's hand, and trying to woo the girl herself with equal unsuccess.

Tchatsky's arraignment of the imitation of foreign customs then everywhere prevalent, does not win favor from any one.

Worse yet, he expresses his opinion of Moltchalin; and Sophia, in revenge, drops a hint that Tchatsky is crazy.

The hint grows apace, and the cause is surmised to be a bullet-wound in the head, received during a recent campaign.

Another "authority" contradicts this; it comes from drinking champagne by the gobletful--no, by the bottle--no, by the case.