Darkness at Noon: Analysis of Major Characters
"Darkness at Noon" is a poignant exploration of political betrayal and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals within totalitarian regimes, depicted through its major characters. The protagonist, Nikolai Rubashov, is a former political commissar who grapples with his past actions and beliefs after becoming a political prisoner accused of crimes he did not commit. His character represents the tragic fate of old Bolsheviks, akin to historical figures like Leon Trotsky, who fell victim to the very system they helped establish.
Ivanov, a prison official and Rubashov's former friend, embodies the conflict between loyalty and ideology, ultimately facing execution for his leniency. In contrast, Gletkin represents the ruthless enforcement of state power, illustrating the shift towards fear and control within the Party. Other characters, such as Mikhail Bogrov and Hare-Lip, further emphasize the personal toll of political oppression, showcasing the despair and betrayal that permeate the narrative. Additionally, figures like Number 1 and Arlova highlight the dangers of loyalty in a system where survival often necessitates betrayal. Overall, the characters in "Darkness at Noon" serve as powerful representations of the broader implications of political ideology and the human cost of absolute power.
Darkness at Noon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Arthur Koestler
First published: 1940
Genre: Novel
Locale: Russia
Plot: Social realism
Time: The 1930's
Nikolai Rubashov (nih-koh-LI rew-BAH-shof), a political prisoner, a former commissar once politically powerful but now in disfavor and accused of crimes he did not commit. He broods over his actual deeds for the Party and attempts to rationalize them. After publicly denouncing his supposed errors, he is executed. He resembles such old Bolsheviks as Leon Trotsky and Nikolay Bukharin, who wielded ruthless power for supposedly good ends in the early years of the Soviet Union and who were then liquidated by an even more ruthless dictator, Joseph Stalin.
Ivanov (ih-VAH-nof), a prison official, Rubashov's old college friend and former battalion commander. After interrogating Rubashov on two occasions and persuading him to renounce his opposition to Party policies and to acknowledge his errors, Ivanov is executed for negligence in conducting Rubashov's case. Like Rubashov, Ivanov resembles the old Bolsheviks whom Stalin regarded as dangerous enemies. Ivanov may also be compared to Fyodor Dostoevski's Stepan Verhovensky.
Gletkin (GLEHT-kihn), another official who represents the new Party policy of practical application of theoretical principles. He believes in the power of brute force and the instilling of fear to maintain control and order in the state. He is reminiscent of Stalin's police-state aides, of Dostoevski's Pyotr Verhovensky, and of George Orwell's O'Brien.
Mikhail Bogrov (mih-ha-IHL bohg-ROHF), another prisoner, long a close friend of Rubashov. Frightened, beaten, and whimpering, Bogrov is dragged past Rubashov's cell and shot.
Kieffer, called Hare-Lip, an informer, the son of a former friend and associate of Rubashov. After being tortured in a steam bath and later used to testify that Rubashov plotted to have him poison Number 1, Hare-Lip is executed.
Number 402, an anonymous prisoner with whom Rubashov exchanges many tapped-out conversations through the wall that separates their cells.
Number 1, the Party dictator who resembles Joseph Stalin and George Orwell's Big Brother.
Richard, a young man arrested in Germany while Rubashov headed the Party Intelligence and Control Department.
Arlova (ahr-LOH-vuh), Rubashov's former secretary and mistress, who was executed after Rubashov shifted a charge of treasonable activities from himself to her.
Little Loewy, a Party worker who hanged himself after being denounced as an agent provocateur.
Rip Van Winkle, a little old man, the inmate of cell 406 and a veteran of twenty years' imprisonment.