Hadji Murád · Chapter
II explained
Russian soldiers on ambush duty at a plane tree discuss the commander's gambling debts and the tedium of service.
What happens
Russian soldiers on ambush duty at a plane tree discuss the commander's gambling debts and the tedium of service. Avdéev laments his voluntary enlistment in place of his brother. Two Chechen scouts, Bata and a companion, arrive seeking Prince Vorontsóv, and are escorted to the fort.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the narrative climax occurs as the raid ordered by Tsar Nicholas I begins, marking the irreve…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Nature of War and Violence
The soldiers' casual talk of stabbing and the routine of ambush highlight the mundane brutality of war.
- Family and Sacrifice
Avdéev's voluntary enlistment to spare his brother reveals the personal sacrifices made for family.
- Deception and Mistrust
The soldiers' suspicion of the Chechen scouts and Nikítin's distrust of the commander reflect pervasive mistrust.
Characters to notice
- Avdéev
Cheerful soldier who volunteered to replace his brother; feels homesick and regrets his decision.
- Panóv
Noncommissioned officer leading the ambush party; pragmatic and dismissive of complaints about the commander.
- Nikítin
Morose soldier who wants to demand an account from the commander for borrowing company money.
- Bondarénko
Ukrainian soldier who accompanies Avdéev in escorting the Chechen scouts.
- Bata
Friendly Chechen scout who arrives at the ambush post seeking Prince Vorontsóv.
Key passages
“I went as a soldier of my own free will, instead of my brother”
Avdéev chose to enlist in place of his brother.
Avdéev explains his motivation for joining the army.
“What the devil brings them here at night?”
Nikítin wonders why the Chechen scouts have come at night.
Nikítin expresses suspicion about the nocturnal visit.
“The community is a strong man”
The group's collective decision is powerful.
Avdéev quotes a proverb to justify deferring to the company's judgment.
