What happened to the dog in A Dog's Heart? - briefly
"The dog in "A Dog's Heart," named Sharik, undergoes a dramatic transformation after undergoing an experimental surgery. The procedure, conducted by Professor Preobrazhensky, results in Sharik transforming into a human named Poligraf Poligrafovich Sharikov, leading to significant social and ethical implications.
What happened to the dog in A Dog's Heart? - in detail
"A Dog's Heart" is a novella written by Mikhail Bulgakov, first published in 1925. The story revolves around a stray dog named Sharik, who becomes the subject of a bizarre scientific experiment conducted by Professor Philipp Philippovich Preobrazhensky. The events that unfold for Sharik are both extraordinary and tragic, reflecting the themes of transformation, identity, and the consequences of unethical scientific experimentation.
Sharik is initially a homeless dog, scavenging for food on the streets of Moscow. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is taken in by Professor Preobrazhensky, who is renowned for his surgical skills. The professor, along with his assistant Dr. Bormenthal, decides to perform a series of surgeries on Sharik. The goal is to transplant the pituitary gland and testes of a recently deceased man named Kliment Ivanovitch into Sharik. This experimental procedure is intended to transform Sharik into a human-like being.
The surgeries are successful, and Sharik undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis. Physically, he begins to resemble a human, growing in size and developing human-like features. His behavior also changes significantly; he starts to walk upright, wears clothes, and even learns to read and write. This transformation is not just physical but also psychological, as Sharik adopts the mannerisms and personality traits of the deceased Kliment Ivanovitch.
However, the transformation is far from perfect. Sharik, now renamed Poligradov, struggles with his new identity. He exhibits aggressive and antisocial behavior, often engaging in criminal activities and causing disruption in the household. His human-like appearance and behavior are accompanied by a deep-seated cruelty and lack of empathy, reflecting the darker aspects of Kliment Ivanovitch's personality.
The story takes a dark turn when Poligradov's behavior becomes increasingly uncontrollable. He engages in theft, assault, and other illegal activities, leading to his eventual arrest. The police, unaware of the true nature of Poligradov's origins, treat him as a regular criminal. This leads to a series of legal and ethical dilemmas for Professor Preobrazhensky, who must confront the consequences of his experimental procedures.
In the end, the professor decides that the only humane solution is to reverse the transformation. He performs another surgery on Poligradov, restoring him to his original state as Sharik the dog. This reversal is both a relief and a tragedy. Sharik, now freed from his human-like existence, returns to his life as a stray dog, but the experience has left an indelible mark on him. The once-friendly and innocent dog is now wary and distrustful, a stark reminder of the horrors he endured.
The tale of Sharik in "A Dog's Heart" serves as a cautionary narrative about the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation and the ethical responsibilities of scientists. It explores the complexities of identity and the consequences of tampering with nature, highlighting the potential for both progress and destruction in the pursuit of knowledge. Bulgakov's work remains a poignant commentary on the ethical boundaries of science and the human condition.