Why did Gerasim drown the dog instead of taking it with him when he left the mistress? - briefly
In Leo Tolstoy's short story "The Crocodile," Gerasim's decision to drown the dog instead of taking it with him when leaving his mistress is driven by practical considerations. He likely realized that the dog would be a burden during his escape, potentially slowing him down or attracting unwanted attention.
Why did Gerasim drown the dog instead of taking it with him when he left the mistress? - in detail
Gerasim's actions in Ivan Turgenev's short story "Mumya" (also known as "The Living Relic") are steeped in the societal norms and cultural expectations of 19th-century Russia. To understand why Gerasim drowns the dog instead of taking it with him, one must delve into the character's background, the societal pressures he faces, and the symbolic significance of his actions.
Gerasim is a serf, a peasant who is bound to the land and to the will of his mistress. His life is one of servitude and obedience, with little room for personal agency. The dog in question is a gift from his mistress, symbolizing her ownership and control over him. By accepting the dog, Gerasim acknowledges this dynamic, but his decision to drown the animal upon leaving reveals deeper layers of his character and the societal constraints he operates within.
In the 19th-century Russian society, serfs were considered property, much like the dog in the story. Gerasim's act of drowning the dog can be seen as a silent protest against his own enslaved status. By taking the life of the animal that represents his mistress's authority, he asserts a form of control over his own circumstances, albeit in a tragic and desperate manner. This act is not one of cruelty but of defiance, reflecting the limited options available to a serf seeking to break free from bondage.
Moreover, Gerasim's decision to drown the dog rather than take it with him underscores the harsh realities of his situation. As a serf, he has few possessions and even fewer opportunities for a better life. Taking the dog with him would mean adding another mouth to feed and another responsibility to bear in an already precarious existence. The dog, in this sense, becomes a symbol of the burdens and attachments that Gerasim must shed to pursue his freedom.
The act of drowning the dog is also laden with symbolic meaning. Water is often associated with cleansing and rebirth in literature. By drowning the dog, Gerasim metaphorically cleanses himself of the ties that bind him to his mistress and the life of servitude. This act of purification allows him to embark on his journey towards freedom with a clearer conscience and a renewed sense of purpose.
In addition, Gerasim's actions reflect the broader themes of the story, which explore the struggle for personal autonomy and the moral complexities of servitude. The dog's fate serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities faced by serfs, who often had to make profound sacrifices in their quest for freedom. Gerasim's decision to drown the dog is a poignant example of the lengths to which individuals will go to assert their humanity in the face of oppression.
Furthermore, the story highlights the emotional and psychological toll of servitude. Gerasim's act of drowning the dog can be seen as a coping mechanism, a way to deal with the trauma and stress of his circumstances. By taking the life of the animal, he symbolically breaks the chains of his own servitude, even if only in his mind. This act of defiance, however tragic, allows him to maintain a sense of dignity and self-worth in a world that seeks to strip him of both.
In conclusion, Gerasim's decision to drown the dog instead of taking it with him is a multifaceted act that reflects the societal pressures, symbolic significance, and emotional complexities of his situation. It is a silent protest against his enslaved status, a shedding of burdens, a symbolic cleansing, and a means of coping with the trauma of servitude. Through this act, Gerasim asserts his humanity and his desire for freedom, even as he navigates the harsh realities of 19th-century Russian society.