The Cossacks: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Cossacks: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and cultural dynamics among the inhabitants of a Cossack village and a young Russian nobleman named Dmitri Olyenin. Olyenin, who is stationed in the village, finds himself enchanted by the Cossacks, contrasting their vibrant lifestyle with the perceived emptiness of his own societal background. Central to the narrative are key figures such as Maryanka, a proud Cossack girl caught between her feelings for Olyenin and her love for Lukashka, a rugged warrior who embodies the Cossack spirit. Lukashka's character is marked by his bravado and commitment to his community, even as he navigates personal challenges, including a tumultuous lifestyle. Other notable characters include Uncle Yeroshka, a seasoned Cossack who imparts wisdom to Olyenin, and Dame Ulitka, Maryanka's mother, who initially views Olyenin with suspicion until his noble status is revealed. The interactions among these diverse characters highlight themes of identity, love, and cultural conflict, providing readers with a rich tapestry of life in the Cossack community. The overarching story invites exploration of the differing values and lifestyles of the Russian aristocracy and the Cossacks, illustrating the challenges and misunderstandings that arise from their distinct backgrounds.
The Cossacks: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Leo Tolstoy
First published: Kazaki, 1863 (English translation, 1873)
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Caucasus
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Nineteenth century
Dmitri Andreyevitch Olyenin (dih-MIHT-rihy ahnd-RAYehv-ihch ohl-YEHN-ihn), a young man of noble birth attached to a Russian military company. Stationed in a Cossack village, Olyenin feels a strong sympathy for these wild and happy people so different from the effete, useless society that he knew at home. An idealistic young man, he lives in the home of a beautiful Cossack girl who is alternately affectionate and disdainful toward him. In his somewhat confused idealism, he at first believes that “happiness consists in living for others.” He decides to renounce self and find happiness in the love of beautiful, proud Maryanka. Later, realizing the vast cultural gulf between them, he rides sadly out of the village, his going barely noticed by the young girl.
Maryanka (mah-rih-AHN-kuh), the attractive daughter of a Cossack ensign, a man of property and position in the village. The girl has no objection to a temporary connection with Olyenin, but he is unable to hold her affections for long because she loves Lukashka, a vigorous warrior. At the last, she drives Olyenin off with loathing and scorn. She is not to be won by a lover who is not a Cossack.
Lukashka (loo-KAHSH-kuh), the young Cossack who is to marry Maryanka if he can quit carousing long enough for the ceremony. During his infrequent leaves from guard duty, the brave Lukashka makes love to his mistress, pursues Maryanka intermittently, drinks vast quantities of wine in the village streets, and still manages to keep a clear head. He becomes a leader in his Cossack company when he kills the savage captain of a raiding mountaineer band. His reputation is enhanced after Olyenin generously gives him a horse, a real status symbol for the aspiring Cossack. As the novel ends, Lukashka lies badly wounded. Perhaps, unlike Uncle Yeroshka, he will not live to enjoy his fame as a bravo.
Uncle Yeroshka (yeh-ROHSH-kuh), an aged but still powerful Cossack. From Yeroshka's own lips, Olyenin learns of the hardy old man's feats as a warrior and a hunter. Like most of his countrymen, Uncle Yeroshka can drink great quantities of wine and vodka and is still able to hunt game all day after a night of drunkenness. Now about seventy, he becomes a good friend to young Olyenin and teaches him much about hunting wild game and ferocious mountaineers, who come out of the Caucasus to rob and kill.
Dame Ulitka (oo-LIHT-kuh), Maryanka's virago of a mother. At first she is rude to Olyenin, who is boarding in her home. She thinks of him as another Russian outsider until she learns that he is a wealthy nobleman.
Prince Byeletsky (bee-LEHT-skihy), “who believes in taking all the good the gods may give, and thus in a week's time becomes hail fellow well met with everyone in the stanitsa.” A merry young man, this friend of Olyenin soon enjoys great popularity in the village.
Ensign Ilya Vasilyevitch (ihl-YAH vah-SIH-leh-vihch), Maryanka's father. A man of forty, he is passionately interested in acquiring money and property, even if he must use his brother to get them.
Vanyusha (vah-NEW-shuh), Olyenin's friend and servant. He never quite approves of the drunken Cossack life.