Hadji Murád · Chapter
XXII explained
Hadji Murád, frustrated by Vorontsóv's delays in securing his family's release, moves to Nukhá to negotiate with his adherents.
What happens
Hadji Murád, frustrated by Vorontsóv's delays in securing his family's release, moves to Nukhá to negotiate with his adherents. He receives a visit from Councillor Kiríllov, whom he treats contemptuously, and later learns that his friends have refused to rescue his family for fear of Shamil's reprisals. He contemplates his impossible choices: return to Shamil and be killed, or stay with the Russians and risk his family's destruction.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Sacrifice
Hadji Murád's primary motivation is the rescue of his family, and he is willing to risk everything—including his own life—to save them.
Deception and Mistrust
Hadji Murád distrusts both Shamil (whom he calls a 'red liar') and the Russians, who delay their promises; the fable of the falcon illustrates his fear of betrayal.
Resilience and Defiance
Despite repeated setbacks, Hadji Murád continues to resist Shamil and refuses to submit, even as his options narrow.
Characters to notice
- Hadji Murád
Frustrated and desperate, he moves to Nukhá to negotiate his family's release, treats the Russian official with contempt, and spends the night agonizing over his impossible situation.
- Prince Vorontsóv
Vaguely promises to help Hadji Murád but delays action, sending an official to summon him to Tiflis.
- Councillor Kiríllov
A fat, civilian official sent by Vorontsóv; he is slapped on the head by Hadji Murád after attempting small talk.
- Shamil
Holds Hadji Murád's family captive and threatens severe punishment for anyone who helps Hadji Murád.
Key passages
“Tell him that I cannot talk with him! Let him give me the money!”
Hadji Murád refuses to engage in conversation with the Russian official, demanding only the payment he is owed.
Demonstrates Hadji Murád's contempt for the Russian bureaucracy and his single-minded focus on his family.
“The answer will be as God pleases. … Go!”
Hadji Murád dismisses the messengers without a clear plan, leaving his decision to divine will.
Reflects his fatalism and the weight of his impossible choice.