The Power of Darkness: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Power of Darkness" is a dramatic exploration of moral decay and the consequences of betrayal, centered around a small community's struggles with love, guilt, and crime. The story primarily follows Nikíta Akímitch Tchilíkin, a laborer whose illicit affair with his employer's wife, Anísya, leads them to conspire in the murder of her husband, Peter Ignátitch. As the plot unfolds, Nikíta's ambition drives him to further heinous acts, including the tragic killing of his own child with Akoulína, Peter's daughter from his first marriage. Anísya, who initially seeks to gain freedom through murder, finds herself trapped in a cycle of guilt and manipulation, orchestrated by both Nikíta and his mother, Matryóna, who actively encourages the immoral schemes. The characters reflect a deeply intertwined web of desires, responsibilities, and the haunting repercussions of their actions. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a moment of reckoning as Nikíta confesses his crimes, highlighting themes of redemption and the inescapability of one's past. This profound character study invites readers to reflect on the nature of darkness within human relationships and the complex consequences of betrayal.
The Power of Darkness: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Leo Tolstoy
First published: Vlast tmy: Ili, “Kogotok uvyaz, vsey ptichke propast,”, 1887 (English translation, 1890)
Genre: Play
Locale: Russia
Plot: Domestic
Time: Nineteenth century
Nikíta Akímitch Tchilíkin (nih-KIH-tah ah-KIH-mihch chih-LIH-kihn), a laborer employed on the farm of Peter Igná-titch. He is engaged in an affair with his employer's wife, Anísya. Nikíta and his mistress, with the help of Nikíta's mother, Matryóna, plan Peter's murder. When their victim is dead, the guilty couple marry and Nikíta becomes master of the farm. Soon tiring of his wife, he begins an affair with Akoulína, by whom he has a child. At the urging of his wife and mother, he kills the baby. At Akoulína's wedding feast, Nikíta falls on his knees, confesses his crimes, and begs the forgiveness of all he has misused. He is then bound and led away.
Peter Ignátitch (ih-GNA-tihch), a well-to-do peasant. He is murdered for his property by his adulterous wife Anísya, at the instigation of her lover, Nikíta, and his mother, Matryóna.
Anísya (ah-NIH-syah), Peter Ignátitch's second wife. Engaged in an affair with Peter's hired man, Nikíta, she is encouraged by her lover and his mother to poison her husband. She marries Nikíta, who soon tires of her. When he has a child by Akoulína, Anísya urges him to kill the child to force him to share her guilt in the poisoning of Peter Ignátitch.
Matryóna (mah-TRYOH-nah), Nikíta's mother. She urges Anísya to poison Peter Ignátitch so that the way will be left clear for Nikíta's marriage to Anísya and his mastery of Peter's farm. Later, she encourages her son to murder his child by Akoulína.
Akoulína (ah-kew-LIH-nah), Peter Ignátitch's daughter by his first marriage. She is seduced by Nikíta. When their child is born, Nikíta, prompted by Anísya, kills it.
Marína (mah-REE-nah), an orphan girl who is seduced by Nikíta.
Akím (ah-KIHM), Nikíta's father.