Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in M. Bulgakov's "The Heart of a Dog", the theme of deification leads into 'the crux of the professor's tragedy', which is found in the Bulgakovian principle that creation always has undertones of its anti-thesis, anti-creation. The author describes Preobrazhenskii as a victim because, by the end of the book, he is visibly older (quotation in Russian) and he speaks in a voice that is (quotation in Russian) clearly deranged. The paper relates that the language used in the book is akin to that of the murderous act taking place - 'shouts', 'swoops', 'pierces' and 'plunges'; the professor 'growls', 'roars' and 'hisses' as he clenches his teeth. Written in English with many quotes in Russian throughout the paper and in the footnotes, most without translation.

From the Paper:

"Sharik, at the beginning of this novel, is a trustworthy character. He displays a broad range of qualities, which endear him to the reader - an infectious humour, a sense of moral awareness and a sense of wisdom uncannily advanced for a dog . He cuts across boundaries that are commonly assumed to separate the human world from the animal world. Consequently, the reader sympathizes with Sharik and feels trust and affection for him. Preobrazhenskii is described by Sharik as if he had a halo cast over him. In sharp contrast to this description of Preobrazhenskii is the portrayal of the act of the operation."

Visitors who viewed this Essay also liked these:

• Essay # 27975 : "Heart of a Dog"
• Book Review # 139463 : "Interpretation of Chinese History"
• Analytical Essay # 52520 : "The Lady with the Pet Dog" and Profound Revelation"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: