Mumu

Ivan Turgenev, a master of language and psychological analysis, through his works influenced not only the development of Russian and world literature, but also the formation of the personalities of many, many people. Doubtful and searching, he was a fierce opponent of serfdom, finely sensing nature and trying to convey it through poetry.

The cruel and truthful story “Mumu” was written by Turgenev in 1852. It is valuable not only for its unquestionable artistic qualities, but also because Turgenev shows us the life of a serf peasant, a feeling person—unlike his master, who often possessed high moral values but was despised by him.

According to Varvara Zhitova, Turgenev’s stepdaughter, the story “about these two unfortunate creatures is not fiction.” In her words, under the name Gerasim in the work Turgenev depicts a mute janitor named Andrey who belonged to V.P. Turgeneva. One may also assume that in the role of the lady, Turgenev portrayed his mother, who was distinguished by extreme despotism and cruelty of character.

The plot of “Mumu” is simple and sad: an elderly lady takes a mighty-shouldered, deaf-mute man named Gerasim from the village as a yardman. Honest and hardworking, Gerasim falls in love with the kind laundress Tatyana, but the lady, by her will, marries her off to a drunkard named Kapiton.

He pours out his affection and unshared feelings onto a small dog, Mumu, rescued by him, and the dog answers him with everlasting love and devotion. However, the lady dislikes Mumu, and in a fit of self-will orders that she be drowned. Gerasim obeys the order and forever returns to the village.