Hadji Murád · Chapter
XX explained
Hadji Murád has spent a week at the Major's fort, forming bonds with Márya Dmítrievna and Butler.
What happens
Hadji Murád has spent a week at the Major's fort, forming bonds with Márya Dmítrievna and Butler. On the day of his departure, he gives gifts and exchanges farewells, but a blood feud erupts when Arslán Khan attempts to assassinate him. Hadji Murád narrowly escapes, and the incident underscores the cultural tensions and personal loyalties at play.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Clash and Imperialism
The chapter contrasts Russian and Chechen customs, as seen in Hadji Murád's critique of the ball and the proverb about mutual misunderstanding.
Honor and Betrayal
The blood feud between Arslán Khan and Hadji Murád exemplifies the honor code that demands vengeance, even in the presence of Russian authority.
Resilience and Defiance
Hadji Murád's quick reaction to the assassination attempt and his calm demeanor afterward highlight his resilience and defiance in the face of danger.
Characters to notice
- Hadji Murád
Departs after a week at the fort, narrowly survives an assassination attempt by Arslán Khan, and exchanges gifts with Márya Dmítrievna and the Major.
- Butler
Has become close friends with Hadji Murád, adopts mountain dress, and witnesses the attack by Arslán Khan.
- Márya Dmítrievna
Shows particular respect and sympathy for Hadji Murád, defends him against criticism, and receives a burka as a farewell gift.
- Arslán
Attempts to assassinate Hadji Murád in a blood feud but misses; is rebuked by the Major.
- Khanéfi
Hadji Murád's sworn brother and murid, sings mountain songs and nearly kills Márya Dmítrievna after being turned out of the kitchen.
- Eldár
Hadji Murád's murid, assists with serving and accompanies the departure.
- Major Petróv
Hosts Hadji Murád, intervenes after the assassination attempt, and receives a sword as a gift.
Key passages
“The dog gave meat to the ass, and the ass gave hay to the dog, and both went hungry.”
Each nation's customs seem good to itself, but trying to exchange them leads to mutual dissatisfaction.
Hadji Murád uses this proverb to explain why he did not enjoy the Russian ball, highlighting cultural incompatibility.
“To the foe in the field you need not yield!—but to start this kind of slaughter in my place—!”
It is acceptable to fight an enemy in battle, but not to start a blood feud on my property.
The Major rebukes Arslán Khan for attempting to kill Hadji Murád on his premises, reflecting Russian military norms against local customs.