And Quiet Flows the Don: Analysis of Major Characters
"And Quiet Flows the Don" is a multifaceted exploration of life in the Don basin during a tumultuous period in Russian history, primarily focusing on the lives of its major characters against the backdrop of civil war and societal change. The protagonist, Gregor Melekhov, is a complex figure who grapples with personal and political conflicts; he is torn between his duty to his family and the ideals he encounters as a soldier. His tumultuous relationships include his wife, Natalia, who faces despair when she feels unloved, and his mistress Aksinia, whose own suffering and infidelity add layers of tragedy to the narrative. Gregor's brother, Piotra, embodies a commitment to the revolutionary cause, taking on leadership roles amidst the chaos. The character of Ilia Bunchuk represents the revolutionary fervor, showcasing the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by those involved in the political upheaval. Each character's journey reflects broader themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for identity, making the novel a poignant commentary on the human experience during times of conflict. This rich character study invites readers to delve deeper into the complexities of relationships and societal shifts in early 20th century Russia.
And Quiet Flows the Don: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mikhail Sholokhov
First published: Tikhii Don, 1928–1940 (partial English translations, 1934 as And Quiet Flows the Don; 1940 as The Don Flows Home to the Sea; complete English translations, 1942 as The Silent Don; 1967 as And Quiet Flows the Don)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Tatarsk, Russia
Plot: Historical realism
Time: 1913–1918
Gregor Melekhov (GREH-gohr MEH-leh-khov), a native of the Don basin in Russia. He is married to one woman but openly goes about with another. His father whips him, and he leaves home. He joins the army and distinguishes himself in action. When the Soviet Socialist Republic is established and civil war breaks out, Gregor joins the Red Army and is made an officer. When the Red Army is beaten, Gregor, after denouncing the cruelty of Podtielkov, his old revolutionary leader who is about to be executed, returns to his village.
Piotra Melekhov (PYOH-trah), Gregor's elder brother, who is in the army with him. When the revolutionary troops advance on Tatarsk, their home village, Piotra is named commander of the villagers, who are organized by a counterrevolutionary officer.
Natalia Melekhova (nah-TAH-lyah MEH-leh-khoh-vah), Gregor's wife. When she realizes that Gregor does not love her, she tries to commit suicide. After Gregor discovers that his mistress has been unfaithful to him, Natalia and Gregor are reconciled, and she bears him twins.
Aksinia Astakhova (ak-SEE-nya as-TA-khoh-vah), Gregor's mistress, married to Stepan Astakhov, who mistreats her. Her affair with Gregor becomes a village scandal. She goes away with him, and they become servants to a wealthy land-owning family. When Gregor goes away to join the army, she is unfaithful to him with Eugene Listnitsky, the son of the family. The affair is broken off by Gregor, who whips her and goes home to his wife.
Ilia Bunchuk (eel-YA boon-CHOOK), a revolutionary leader and the chief agitator in his company. He deserts the company before he can be handed over to the authorities. He joins the revolutionary troops as a machine gunner and is prominent in the administration of the local revolutionary government. He falls in love with Anna Poodko, a woman machine gunner who is killed.