# II explained — Hadji Murád

> Chapter companion for Hadji Murád by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Russian soldiers on ambush duty at a plane tree discuss the commander's gambling debts and the tedium of service. Avdéev laments his voluntary enlistment in place of his brother. Two Chechen scouts, Bata and a companion, arrive seeking Prince Vorontsóv, and are escorted to the fort.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Nature of War and Violence

The soldiers' casual talk of stabbing and the routine of ambush highlight the mundane brutality of war.

### Family and Sacrifice

Avdéev's voluntary enlistment to spare his brother reveals the personal sacrifices made for family.

### Deception and Mistrust

The soldiers' suspicion of the Chechen scouts and Nikítin's distrust of the commander reflect pervasive mistrust.

## Character check-ins

### Avdéev

Cheerful soldier who volunteered to replace his brother; feels homesick and regrets his decision.

### Panóv

Noncommissioned officer leading the ambush party; pragmatic and dismissive of complaints about the commander.

### Nikítin

Morose soldier who wants to demand an account from the commander for borrowing company money.

### Bondarénko

Ukrainian soldier who accompanies Avdéev in escorting the Chechen scouts.

### Bata

Friendly Chechen scout who arrives at the ambush post seeking Prince Vorontsóv.

## Key lines

> I went as a soldier of my own free will, instead of my brother

Avdéev chose to enlist in place of his brother.

_Avdéev explains his motivation for joining the army._

> What the devil brings them here at night?

Nikítin wonders why the Chechen scouts have come at night.

_Nikítin expresses suspicion about the nocturnal visit._

> The community is a strong man

The group's collective decision is powerful.

_Avdéev quotes a proverb to justify deferring to the company's judgment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadji_mur_d_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters