Tolstoy’s “Hadji Murat” Review

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Table of Contents

Introduction
The Russian subjugation of Caucasus
Tolstoy’s even-handed treatment
Conclusion

Introduction

Hadji Murat was written between 1896 and 1904 by Tolstoy but was published only after his death. A breath-taking portrayal of Hadji Murat, a Muslim Warlord, is provided by Tolstoy, who had served as an officer of the Russian Army in his young years in the wars of the region. In a sense, he was able to capture the mood of the Muslims and could present their attitude towards Russians in a precise and brilliant fashion. There have been sharp insights into the wars in general as usually, they are the juxtaposition between imperialism and tribalism, diverse religious and racial mores which inevitably breeds much hatred and leave a bitter taste for decades, if not centuries to come.

The Russian subjugation of Caucasus

‘The land between Christianity and Islam’ had its geographical position as a great temptation for Russia. Imam Shamil’s exploits against the Russians but eventual capitulation are heroic chapters in the annals of the Caucasus region. He was referred to as the Eagle of the Mountains and had wanted to preserve the independence and strength of the Caucasus against Russia and had the support of the Sultan of Turkey in this venture. At one stage, he wanted to gobble up Christian Georgia and restore old Islamic faith throughout the territory. Hadji Murat wants to utilize the help of Russians to free his family held by Shamil, joins them but subsequently pursued by those whom he had deserted meets with a heroic death.

Tolstoy’s even-handed treatment

Tolstoy’s comparison of the Caucasian spirit with the spirit of the wildflower as depicted in the opening paragraphs is a masterpiece by itself. The Imperialist, Tsarist Russia wanted to have full control over the gray regions between Turkey and Persia. The imperialism of Russians was as brutal and inhuman as the imperialism of other western countries in their progression towards conquest. Imperialism does not respect religion, race, or language but is interested in extending its sway over what it perceives as necessary to its expansion and survival. The soldiers of the Russian Army had not been motivated by the glory of Russia but nonetheless bore great hardships with equanimity. On the contrary, the sympathetic portrayal of the mountaineers and tribesmen, warriors, and their followers by Tolstoy is full of sympathy for their love of independence and determination against invaders. His innate aversion to the vain and cruel Russian monarch Nicholas I stands out.

He has been able to present a coherent picture of the spirit of resistance and unity against invaders though left to themselves; the entire region had nothing but tribal and clannish feuds and skirmishes for several centuries. The intense hatred felt by the Chechens to Russians is also intensely brought out.

Conclusion

The narration initially evokes great love and respect for Hadji Murat, but as the events unfold themselves, later on, he is shown in a different light –distinctly acting on selfish desires but quite understandable in the context in which he is placed. Despite deserting his people and joining the Russians, he retains a careful attitude and eventually attempts to rescue his family on his own and lays down his life in the cause. The drama is intense, and Tolstoy’s admiration expressed in the opening paragraphs of the book evokes us again. The crushed thistle is recollected when Murat’s life was extinguished when he was surrounded and put to death.

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Tolstoy’s “Hadji Murat” Review

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