# XXII explained — Hadji Murád

> Chapter companion for Hadji Murád by Leo Tolstoy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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