Hadji Murád · Chapter
Hadji Murád's Surrender and First Days Among the Russians explained
Hadji Murád meets with Prince Vorontsóv to formally surrender and pledge his service to the Russian Tsar, though both men silently recognize the mutual distrust underlying their words.
What happens
Hadji Murád meets with Prince Vorontsóv to formally surrender and pledge his service to the Russian Tsar, though both men silently recognize the mutual distrust underlying their words. Hadji Murád requests help to free his family from Shamil's captivity, while Vorontsóv receives him cautiously. Later, Hadji Murád attends an Italian opera and a formal ball at the Vorontsóvs', observing Russian high society with detached indifference. He repeatedly tries to discuss his family's ransom but is put off, and eventually leaves early.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Mistrust
Both Hadji Murád and Vorontsóv exchange polite assurances while their eyes reveal mutual suspicion and hidden agendas.
Cultural Clash and Imperialism
Hadji Murád's dignified, reserved demeanor contrasts sharply with the opulent, half-naked display of Russian high society at the opera and ball.
Family and Sacrifice
Hadji Murád's primary motivation is to free his wife, mother, and children from Shamil's captivity, binding his service to their safety.
Characters to notice
- Hadji Murád
Formally surrenders to Vorontsóv, expresses desire to serve the Tsar and destroy Shamil, but silently distrusts the Russians; attends the opera and ball with stoic indifference; presses for help to free his family.
- Prince Vorontsóv
Receives Hadji Murád with calculated courtesy, aware of the mutual deception; hosts the ball and opera, but avoids discussing Hadji Murád's family ransom at the social event.
- Lóris-Mélikov
Acts as Hadji Murád's escort and aide-de-camp, accompanying him to the opera and advising him on social conduct at the ball.
- Prince Tarkhánov
Serves as interpreter, briefly speaks with Hadji Murád in the waiting room.
- Princess Vorontsóv
Hosts the ball, speaks amiably to Hadji Murád through an interpreter.
- Doctor Andréevsky
Mentioned as patron of an Armenian petitioner seeking a vodka monopoly.
Key passages
“The eyes of the two men met, and expressed to each other much that could not have been put into words, and that was not at all what the interpreter said.”
Their silent exchange revealed the true distrust between them, far beyond the formal words of loyalty and welcome.
Highlights the unspoken mutual recognition of deception beneath diplomatic courtesies.
“Hadji Murád replied to Vorontsóv as he had replied to them all, that among his people nothing of the kind was done, without expressing an opinion as to whether it was good or bad that it was so.”
He gave a neutral answer, neither praising nor condemning the Russian ball, simply noting that such customs were foreign to his own culture.
Illustrates Hadji Murád's cultural detachment and diplomatic restraint.