Why did Gerasim drown his dog, Mu-Mu? - briefly
Gerasim, a character from Ivan Turgenev's short story "Mumu," drowned his beloved dog, Mu-Mu, under the orders of his mistress, a cruel and tyrannical landowner. This tragic act was a testament to Gerasim's obedience and the harsh, unjust society in which he lived.
Why did Gerasim drown his dog, Mu-Mu? - in detail
The act of Gerasim drowning his dog, Mu-Mu, is a pivotal moment in Ivan Turgenev's short story "Mumu." This event is often misunderstood without a thorough understanding of the societal and personal pressures that Gerasim faced. To comprehend Gerasim's actions, one must delve into the character's background, the societal norms of the time, and the specific circumstances leading up to the tragic event.
Gerasim is a serf, a peasant who is owned by a wealthy landowner. In 19th-century Russia, serfs had few rights and were subject to the whims of their owners. Gerasim's owner, a stern and unyielding woman, commands him to drown Mu-Mu, his beloved dog. The order is not arbitrary but stems from the landowner's belief in maintaining a strict hierarchy and control over her serfs. She sees Mu-Mu as a distraction and a symbol of Gerasim's independence, which she cannot tolerate.
Gerasim's dilemma is profound. He is deeply attached to Mu-Mu, who is not just a pet but a companion and a source of comfort in his otherwise harsh life. The dog represents a small measure of joy and freedom in Gerasim's otherwise oppressive existence. However, Gerasim is also bound by his duty as a serf. Disobeying his owner would mean severe punishment, possibly even death. His loyalty and sense of duty are deeply ingrained, making the decision to drown Mu-Mu a heart-wrenching necessity rather than a choice.
The act of drowning Mu-Mu is a poignant illustration of the conflict between personal feelings and societal obligations. Gerasim's silence and compliance highlight the stark reality of serfdom, where individual emotions and attachments are often sacrificed at the altar of obedience and survival. The landowner's command is not just about the dog but about asserting her authority and ensuring that her serfs remain subservient.
Moreover, the act underscores the theme of power and control in Turgenev's story. The landowner's demand to drown Mu-Mu is a test of Gerasim's loyalty and a means to assert her dominance. By complying, Gerasim demonstrates his understanding of the power dynamics at play, even as it tears him apart emotionally. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of serfdom and the price of resistance.
In summary, Gerasim's decision to drown Mu-Mu is not a reflection of his lack of love or attachment to the dog but a tragic consequence of the oppressive societal structure he lives in. His actions are a testament to the harsh realities of serfdom, where personal feelings and attachments are often sacrificed in the face of overwhelming societal pressures. The event is a poignant commentary on the human condition under tyranny, where individuals are forced to make unbearable choices to survive.