# VII explained — Hadji Murád

> Chapter companion for Hadji Murád by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Avdéev, wounded in a skirmish, is taken to the hospital where the doctor fails to extract the bullet. As he lies dying, he asks his comrades to write a letter home expressing his contentment and forgiveness. He dies shortly after, and the official report sanitizes the event, claiming one killed and two slightly wounded.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Nature of War and Violence

Avdéev's mundane death contrasts with the official report's sanitized account, highlighting the gap between lived experience and bureaucratic narrative.

### Family and Sacrifice

Avdéev's final words express forgiveness and gladness for his brother, emphasizing familial bonds and personal sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Avdéev

Wounded in the stomach, dies in the hospital after dictating a farewell message.

### Panóv

Visits Avdéev in the hospital and asks about messages for home.

### Serógin

Present in the hospital; Avdéev asks him to write a letter.

### Poltorátsky

Visits Avdéev in the hospital to inquire about his condition.

## Key lines

> Sometimes they fire as if it were peas they were spilling over you, and nothing happens … and this time only about five shots were fired

One of the bearers remarks on the randomness of battle: often heavy fire causes no harm, yet a brief exchange can prove fatal.

_Illustrates the theme of fate and the arbitrary nature of death in war._

> Your son,' say, 'Peter, has given orders that you should live long. He envied his brother … and now he is himself glad. Don't worry him. … Let him live. God grant it him. I am glad!'

Avdéev dictates a letter home, expressing that he is at peace and wants his brother to live without guilt.

_Shows Avdéev's acceptance of death and his concern for family._

## Links

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