The Artamonov Business: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Artamonov Business: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex dynamics of the Artamonov family and their interactions within the context of a factory in the fictional town of Dromov. Central to the narrative is Ilia Artamonov, a dictatorial figure who, despite growing resentment from workers, expands his business empire. His eldest son, Peter, embodies a disconnect from the changing sentiments of the labor force, ultimately facing dire consequences during a revolutionary upheaval. Nikita, Ilia's hunch-backed son, abandoned his monastic aspirations and associates with revolutionary ideals, highlighting the range of responses within the family to societal change.
Other significant characters include Alexey, the adopted son whose indifference leads him away from the family business, and Yakov, who tragically finds himself caught in the turbulence of revolution, resulting in his untimely demise. Tikhon Vialov, a worker-philosopher, represents the revolutionary spirit and irony as he becomes a jailer to Peter. Women's roles are also explored through characters like Natalia and Uliana, whose relationships with the Artamonovs reflect the intertwined fates of personal and political lives. Overall, the analysis presents a vivid tapestry of familial and societal struggles against the backdrop of historical transformation.
The Artamonov Business: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Maxim Gorky
First published: Delo Artamonovykh, 1925 (English translation, 1927)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Russia
Plot: Family
Time: c. 1862–1918
Ilia Artamonov (ih-LYAH ahr-TAH-meh-nov), a dictatorial stranger who builds a factory in Dromov. His business and power continue to grow despite increased resentment against him.
Peter Artamonov, Ilia Artamonov's eldest son and the heir to his business. Blind to the changes time has made in the attitude of his workers, he ends his days as a prisoner of the revolutionists.
Nikita Artamonov (ni-KIH-teh), Ilia Artamonov's hunch-backed son. Failing in his efforts to become a good monk, he leaves the religious life and is seen frequently in the company of the revolutionary Vialov.
Alexey Artamonov (ah-lehk-SAY), Ilia Artamonov's adopted son and business representative.
Ilia, Peter Artamonov's elder son. Indifferent to the affairs of the factory, he leaves home to become a historian and, later, a revolutionary.
Yakov (YAH-kehf), Peter Artamonov's younger son and the heir to his father's place in the factory. Fearing for his life among the increasingly restless workers, he flees, only to be killed by robbers on the train to Moscow.
Tikhon Vialov (TIH-hehn VYAH-lehf), a worker-philosopher in the Artamonov factory. As a soldier of the revolution, he becomes Peter Artamonov's jailer.
Natalia Baimakov (nah-TAH-lih-yeh bi-MAH-kehf), Peter Artamonov's wife.
Uliana Baimakov (ew-lih-AH-neh), the wife of Evgeny Baimakov, and, as his widow, the mistress of Ilia Artamonov.
Evgeny Baimakov (ehv-GEH-nihy), the mayor of Dromov.
Elena (eh-LEH-neh), the daughter of Peter Artamonov.
Miron (MIH-rehn), Alexey Artamonov's son.
Pauline, the mistress of Yakov Artamonov.