Hadji Murád · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide translations, historical clarifications, and contextual explanations for terms and references in the main text, including corrections to earlier biographical errors about Tolstoy's meeting with Hadji Murád.
What happens
The endnotes provide translations, historical clarifications, and contextual explanations for terms and references in the main text, including corrections to earlier biographical errors about Tolstoy's meeting with Hadji Murád.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Clash and Imperialism
Endnotes explain Caucasian terms and customs, highlighting the cultural divide between Russians and mountaineers.
The Nature of War and Violence
References to military campaigns, the battle of Krasnoe, and the phrase 'War is war' underscore the brutal reality of conflict.
Characters to notice
- Hadji Murád
Referenced in the correction of a biographical error about Tolstoy meeting him in 1871.
- Nicholas I
Mentioned in the context of the Decembrists and his reign.
- Lóris-Mélikov
Identified as Count Michael Tariélovich Lóris-Mélikov, later Minister of the Interior.
- Prince Vorontsóv
Referenced in French phrases and notes about his actions.
- Avdéev
Noted in the context of the battle of Krasnoe mentioned in War and Peace.
Key passages
“Writing my Life of Tolstoy before I knew the full story of Hadji Murád, I confused him, in the first edition, with someone else, and stated that Tolstoy met him at Karalýk in 1871.”
In an earlier edition of my biography of Tolstoy, I mistakenly identified Hadji Murád and claimed Tolstoy met him in 1871.
Author's correction of a biographical error.
“A popular expression, meaning that the sender of the message is already dead.”
A common saying indicating the messenger is deceased.
Explanation of a folk expression.
“Poland and the Caucasus are Russia’s two sores. We need about 100,000 men in each of those two countries.”
Poland and the Caucasus are Russia's two trouble spots, each requiring around 100,000 troops.
Attributed statement about Russian military strategy.