Heart Of A Dog Quotes

As renowned French philosopher Albert Camus says, “Utopia is that which is in contradiction with reality” (“Albert Camus Quote.”). Camus points out the absurdity of idealist scenarios that are not in sync with human nature and inclinations. Mikhail Bulgakov’s Heart of a Dog tells the story of a stray dog, Sharik, who is adopted by a surgeon named Philip Philipovich Preobrazhensky, is transformed into a human named “Sharikov” through a radical experiment. Now a “primitive man”, Sharikov causes havoc and develops sympathies with the Bolshevik ideology. He becomes emboldened and creates trouble for the doctor and society, which all ends once Preobrazhensky transforms him back into a dog. The novella serves as a cautionary tale against the communist

In the novella, Bulgakov uses Sharik’s introduction to his new master to draw parallels to the beginning of the Russian Revolution. The doorman informs Phillip, “...they elected a new committee and kicked the old one out” (Bulgakov 10). Not only does this connect to the start of the revolution but, it signifies the immediate end of Tsarist Russia. The text illustrates the new establishment taking over the building and dividing the rooms among the tenants, causing Preobrazhensky to lose his luxuries. For the Bolsheviks, this serves as a metaphor for the elimination of private ownership. It is the start of the creation of the New Soviet Man, who is seen as someone willingly selfless and fervently devoted to their country. Bulgakov expresses his disapproval of the prospect of peasants enthusiastically accepting collectivization, which he deems unrealistic. He draws a parallel between this notion and the preposterous expectation that Phillip would be compelled to “eat in his bedroom, read in the examination room, operate in the maid’s room…” (Bulgakov 26). The notion of the New Soviet Man was flawed from its inception as it presumed that individuals would willingly relinquish the life they had become accustomed to. Sharik's transformation into Sharikov exemplifies the model of the New Soviet Man. Similarly, Phillip's operation is both gruesome and

Following Sharik’s transformation, Dr. Bormenthal remarks, “the creature has heard the oaths from somewhere before, has automatically and subconsciously recorded them” (Bulgakov 60). The new identity created is far from being a proper communist. Instead, the “new man” is akin to a hollow shell that spews propaganda. Bulgakov critiques the proletariat's shallow comprehension of Bolshevik ideology and how supporters merely mindlessly repeat the propaganda fed to them. As Sharik adapts to his human form and becomes Sharikov, he becomes increasingly problematic and starts to resemble the belligerent character and sympathies of his donor, Klim. Sharikov is hired by the city to eliminate stray animals from which he derives a subtle, cruel pleasure, “We choked and choked them yesterday…Cats” (Bulgakov 110). Now that Sharikov has been transformed into a human and has the support of the city and Shvonder, he tastes a newfound sense of power. Bulgakov uses this to illustrate how Bolshevism, which aims to empower the lower classes, can backfire when power is given to those who have never had it before. The idea of the New Soviet Man, who always acts in the interest of his country, fails to understand the brutish nature of humans who will conjure up ideology only for their own self-interest. His first taste of authority and power emboldens him, and his biases toward cats cause him