According to Bulgakov's Sharik, what breed of dog did his mongrel grandmother sin with? - briefly
In "Heart of a Dog" by Mikhail Bulgakov, the mongrel grandmother is depicted as having had an affair with a poodle.
According to Bulgakov's Sharik, what breed of dog did his mongrel grandmother sin with? - in detail
In Mikhail Bulgakov's satirical novel "Heart of a Dog" (also known as "Sharik"), the author explores themes of transformation and societal critique through the story of a stray dog named Sharik. The breed of dog that Sharik's mongrel grandmother, as described in the novel, is not explicitly stated by Bulgakov. However, it is implied that she was likely a typical street dog, common in the harsh urban environment of 1920s Moscow where the story unfolds.
Street dogs in this context were often mixed-breed mongrels, characterized by their resilience and adaptability to the challenging conditions they faced. These dogs were typically lean, with a coat that varied in color but was generally short and coarse. Their physical appearance reflected the hardships of their life on the streets, where they had to scavenge for food and endure harsh weather conditions.
The significance of Sharik's lineage lies not in any specific breed attributes but rather in his symbolic representation of the common people. Through Sharik's transformation from a street dog into a human being, Bulgakov critiques the societal structures and moral decay of post-revolutionary Russia. The lack of a specific breed for Sharik's grandmother underscores the universality of his experience, making him a relatable figure to the ordinary citizens who were also caught up in the tumultuous changes of the time.
In conclusion, while Bulgakov does not specify the exact breed of dog that Sharik's mongrel grandmother was, it is clear that she was a typical street dog, reflecting the harsh realities of urban life in early 20th-century Russia. This detail adds depth to the novel's themes and serves as a powerful narrative device for Bulgakov's social commentary.