Who did you bring, dog, horse, is this Captain Boldyrev's police horse? - briefly
The phrase "Who did you bring, dog, horse, is this Captain Boldyrev's police horse?" is a line from the famous Russian novel "The Twelve Chairs" by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov. This humorous and somewhat nonsensical question is part of a larger comedic exchange, reflecting the absurdity and chaos often depicted in the novel.
The question does not have a literal meaning but serves to illustrate the confusion and miscommunication that characters frequently encounter. It is a classic example of the authors' use of satire and humor to critique societal issues. The answer to the question is no, it is not Captain Boldyrev's police horse. It is a dog.
Who did you bring, dog, horse, is this Captain Boldyrev's police horse? - in detail
The phrase "Who did you bring, dog, horse, is this Captain Boldyrev's police horse?" is a fragment from a dialogue that appears in the novel "The Twelve Chairs" by Ilf and Petrov. This novel, published in 1928, is a classic of Soviet satire and humor, known for its sharp wit and social commentary. The dialogue in question is part of a scene that highlights the absurdity and confusion that often arise in the interactions between characters.
In "The Twelve Chairs," the dialogue serves to illustrate the chaotic and often nonsensical nature of communication. The characters frequently misinterpret each other's words, leading to humorous misunderstandings. The phrase itself is a jumble of questions and statements, reflecting the disorganized and frantic nature of the conversation. This technique is used by the authors to emphasize the absurdity of the situation and to critique the social and political environment of the time.
The mention of a "police horse" adds another layer of complexity. In the early Soviet Union, police horses were a common sight, used for patrolling and maintaining order. The reference to Captain Boldyrev's police horse could be a nod to the military and police presence that was prevalent during that era. It also underscores the theme of authority and control, which is a recurring motif in the novel.
The characters in "The Twelve Chairs" are often involved in a frenzied search for a hidden treasure, which drives much of the plot's action and humor. The dialogue in question likely occurs during one of these chaotic episodes, where characters are scrambling to make sense of their surroundings and each other's actions. The confusion and miscommunication are not just comedic devices but also serve to comment on the broader social chaos and disorientation experienced by many during the tumultuous years following the Russian Revolution.
The novel's use of language is a significant aspect of its style. Ilf and Petrov employ a variety of linguistic techniques, including puns, malapropisms, and nonsensical phrases, to create a sense of disarray and absurdity. The phrase "Who did you bring, dog, horse, is this Captain Boldyrev's police horse?" is a prime example of this approach. It is designed to be confusing and humorous, reflecting the broader themes of the novel.
In summary, the phrase "Who did you bring, dog, horse, is this Captain Boldyrev's police horse?" is a characteristic example of the satirical and humorous style found in "The Twelve Chairs." It highlights the chaos and miscommunication that are central to the novel's plot and themes. The reference to a police horse adds a layer of historical and social commentary, reflecting the environment of the early Soviet Union. The use of such phrases is a deliberate literary technique employed by Ilf and Petrov to critique and satirize the social and political conditions of their time.