Tolstoy and the Portrayal of Political Leaders, Reaction Paper Example

In the age when Tolstoy wrote “Hadji Murad”, a political short novel, at the turn of the 20^th century, Russians were starting to realize that power was in the hands of those who did not necessarily deserve it.

Tolstoy’s portrayal of Tzar Nicholas is a clear criticism of despotic monarchy. The Tzar is a despotic tyrant, who does not want to listen to anybody who does not agree with him. He is not a leader who lives for his country, but one who is constantly aiming for more power, wealth, and control. He doesn’t believe in any ideology, and is not leading through principles. As the author portrays the character, he believes in his importance, and thinks that he is entitled to power, but does not have to do anything to deserve it: “Yes, what would Russia be without me?” said he, feeling his former     dissatisfaction returning. “What would — not Russia alone but Europe be, without me?” and calling to mind the weakness and stupidity of his brother-in-law the King of Prussia, he shook his head.” (Tolstoy, Chapter 15.)

The Tzar also takes pleasure in being relentlessly cruel. He is not a born leader, but a leader through blood.

In contrast, the character of Shamil is described as a spiritual leader who has strong beliefs. He believes that he serves his people, has a strong sense of vision and mission, and is passionate about fighting. Shamil is a character who is charismatic and can make people follow him without using power. He has a strong belief in the values of Islam, and fights on  an ideological ground. His faith is strong, and he does not only  pray at night as a custom, like the Tzar. Shamil is also a smart military and political leader, who calculates his actions, and does not act from pride. He does not make emotional decisions, either. He realizes that he needs to kill Hadji Murad, for the benefit of the cause, even if he has strong friendly feelings for his former ally. He constructs a plan to get him killed, and believes that the Prophet helps him make a decision. When he discusses the issue with his council, he is described to make a decision on a spiritual level:

“Shamil was now listening to the voice of the Prophet telling him what should be done. After five minutes’ solemn silence Shamil opened his eyes, screwing them more tightly than before and said:

‘Fetch me the son of Hadji Murad.’” (Tolstoy, Chapter 17.)

Overall, it is clear that Tolstoy is contrasting the two leaders: the self-serving tyrant, Nicholas, with the spiritual leader with a mission: Shamil. From the short novel, it is clear that the author values the spiritual leader more than the Tzar.

Works Cited

Tolstoy, Leo. Hadji Murad. Modern Library, 1912; 2010. Web.