Hadji Murád · Chapter
Chapter XV explained
At a state dinner, Nicholas I discusses Hadji Murád's surrender and his own strategic plans for the Caucasus, while receiving flattery from his courtiers.
What happens
At a state dinner, Nicholas I discusses Hadji Murád's surrender and his own strategic plans for the Caucasus, while receiving flattery from his courtiers. The chapter then delves into Nicholas's daily routine, including his handling of reports on embezzlement, troop movements, and the suppression of dissent, all marked by his autocratic and self-aggrandizing demeanor. He orders harsher measures against the Chechens and approves cruel punishments for peasants and journalists, reinforcing his absolute authority.
Themes in this chapter
Individual vs. State Power
Nicholas I exercises absolute authority, punishing dissent and ordering harsh measures without accountability, while courtiers and officials submit to his will to maintain their positions.
Deception and Mistrust
The courtiers flatter Nicholas insincerely, and Nicholas himself is convinced that everyone steals, reflecting a pervasive atmosphere of deceit and mutual suspicion.
The Nature of War and Violence
The chapter discusses the brutal tactics of forest felling and food destruction in the Caucasus, and Nicholas orders court-martial and gauntlet punishments for peasants, highlighting the violence inherent in imperial rule.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas I
The Emperor, portrayed as autocratic and self-deluded, discusses Hadji Murád's surrender and his military strategies while receiving flattery from his court.
- Prince Chernyshóv
The minister who reports to Nicholas on various state matters, including Hadji Murád's surrender, and flatters the Emperor's strategic acumen.
- Prince Dolgorúky
Present during the audience with Nicholas, he speaks only briefly about army movements.
- Bíbikov
General-Governor of the Western Provinces, who receives orders from Nicholas to suppress Uniate peasants and punish a newspaper editor.
- Nelídova
Noticed by Nicholas at the church service for her fine shoulders, he compares her favorably to a girl from the previous night.
- Hadji Murád
His surrender is discussed by Nicholas and his court as a sign of the impending end of the Caucasus war.
Key passages
““It seems there is only one honest man in Russia!” said he. Chernyshóv at once understood that this one honest man was Nicholas himself, and smiled approvingly.”
Nicholas declares that he is the only honest person in Russia, and Chernyshóv flatters him by agreeing.
Illustrates Nicholas's self-righteousness and the sycophancy of his court.
““I do this because I consider it necessary,” said Nicholas, “and I will not allow it to be discussed.””
Nicholas justifies his harsh orders by claiming necessity and forbids any debate.
Demonstrates his autocratic refusal to tolerate dissent.
““La Pologne et le Caucases, ce sont les deux cautères de la Russie,” said Lieven. “Il nous faut dent mille hommes à peu près, dans chaqu’un de ces deux pays.””
Lieven remarks that Poland and the Caucasus are Russia's two festering sores, requiring about a hundred thousand men in each region.
Highlights the imperial perspective on the costly and ongoing conflicts.