Individual vs. State Power

Hadji Murád is caught between two powerful empires—Shamil's theocratic state and Tsarist Russia—both of which treat him as a tool to be used or eliminated, illustrating the struggle of the individual against impersonal, oppressive systems.

Vovílo's internal monologue contrasts his own constrained life as a serf with the relative freedom of the ordnance sergeant, reflecting the power imbalance between individuals and the state or landowner.

The quarrel between Vorontsóv and Meller-Zakomélsky over authority reflects the tension between personal initiative and bureaucratic hierarchy.

Vorontsóv's decision-making reflects the tension between individual agency (Hadji Murád's requests) and state security (the risk of escape).

Nicholas I exercises absolute authority, punishing dissent and ordering harsh measures without accountability, while courtiers and officials submit to his will to maintain their positions.