How and why does the author personify the dog Sharik in the story? - briefly
The author personifies the dog Sharik by attributing human-like qualities and behaviors to him, such as intelligence, curiosity, and a sense of humor. This technique is used to make Sharik a relatable and engaging character, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth and providing a unique perspective on the story's events.
The author employs several methods to achieve this personification. Sharik is often described with human emotions and thoughts, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeper level. For instance, Sharik's actions and reactions are portrayed in a way that mirrors human behavior, making him seem almost like a human character in a dog's body. This approach serves multiple purposes. It adds layers of complexity to the story, making it more engaging and thought-provoking. Additionally, it allows the author to explore themes of companionship, loyalty, and the human-animal bond through Sharik's experiences. The personification of Sharik also provides a means of conveying social commentary, as his interactions with humans often highlight their flaws and strengths. By making Sharik a personified character, the author creates a rich, multifaceted narrative that resonates with readers on various levels. The author's decision to personify Sharik is a deliberate literary choice that enhances the story's emotional impact and thematic richness.
How and why does the author personify the dog Sharik in the story? - in detail
In Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "Heart of a Dog," the author employs personification to imbue the dog Sharik with human-like qualities, thereby transforming him into a complex character that serves multiple narrative purposes. This literary device is used to explore themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Sharik's transformation from a stray dog into a human-like being named Poligraf Poligrafovich Sharikov is a central element of the story. Bulgakov achieves this through a series of surgical procedures performed by Professor Philipp Philippovich Preobrazhensky, who implants the pituitary gland of a recently deceased man into Sharik. This medical intervention is not merely a plot device but a means to delve into the philosophical and ethical implications of scientific experimentation. Sharik's subsequent behavior and characteristics are meticulously crafted to reflect human traits, making him a vehicle for Bulgakov's social commentary.
One of the most striking aspects of Sharik's personification is his adoption of human mannerisms and speech patterns. After the operation, Sharik begins to speak and act in a manner that is indistinguishable from a human. He adopts a human name, Poligraf Poligrafovich Sharikov, and takes on a human identity, complete with a job and social interactions. This transformation is not just physical but psychological, as Sharik's personality evolves to include human vices such as greed, arrogance, and a lack of empathy. These traits are not incidental but are carefully chosen to highlight the darker aspects of human nature.
Bulgakov uses Sharik's personification to critique the societal issues of his time, particularly the moral decay and corruption that can result from unregulated scientific advancement. Sharik's behavior after his transformation serves as a mirror to the flaws and failures of the human characters in the novel. His actions often lead to chaos and disruption, reflecting the potential dangers of meddling with nature and the ethical boundaries that should be respected.
The author's decision to personify Sharik is also a means to explore the theme of identity and self-discovery. Sharik's journey from a stray dog to a human-like being raises questions about what constitutes identity and whether it is purely biological or also encompasses psychological and social elements. Through Sharik's experiences, Bulgakov examines the complexities of identity and the challenges of adapting to a new existence.
Moreover, Sharik's personification allows Bulgakov to explore the theme of responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. Professor Preobrazhensky's decision to perform the surgery on Sharik has far-reaching implications, not only for Sharik himself but also for the other characters in the novel. The professor's actions lead to a series of events that highlight the importance of ethical considerations in scientific research and the potential for harm when these considerations are ignored.
In summary, Bulgakov's personification of Sharik in "Heart of a Dog" is a multifaceted literary technique that serves to enrich the narrative and explore profound themes. Through Sharik's transformation, the author delves into the complexities of identity, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the ethical responsibilities of scientific advancement. Sharik's character, with his human-like qualities and behaviors, becomes a powerful tool for social commentary and philosophical reflection, making "Heart of a Dog" a timeless exploration of the human condition.