BooksTerra

Author: Mikhail Bulgakov (1891–1940) was a Russian writer, playwright, and physician known for his sharp satire and criticism of Soviet society. After previously reviewing “The Master and Margarita”, we’re now covering “Heart of a Dog”, another of his bold and thought-provoking works. His unique blend of dark humor, fantasy, and political commentary makes his novels timeless and compelling.

Summary: “Heart of a Dog” by Mikhail Bulgakov is a satirical novella set in Moscow during the early Soviet era. The story follows Professor Preobrazhensky, a brilliant and highly respected scientist specializing in rejuvenation procedures. In his ambitious pursuit of medical breakthroughs, he conducts an unconventional experiment by implanting the pituitary gland and testicles of a deceased criminal into a stray dog. The goal is to study the effects of human organs on an animal, but the results are far beyond what he anticipated.

The dog undergoes a grotesque transformation, gradually developing human-like features, speech, and behavior. He evolves into a vulgar and unruly man named Poligraph Poligraphovich Sharikov, who embodies the worst traits of both the criminal and bureaucratic Soviet systems. He becomes aggressive, crude, and disruptive, fully embracing the ideologies of the new Soviet regime. He aligns himself with Communist officials, obtains a job in the government, and begins threatening the professor’s way of life. His reckless and arrogant behavior creates chaos in the professor’s household, leading to conflict with his assistants, Dr. Bormenthal and Zina.

Despite attempts to educate and civilize him, he remains uncontrollable and increasingly dangerous. His growing influence and threats against the professor eventually force Preobrazhensky to take drastic action. Realizing the experiment has been a failure, he decides to reverse the procedure, surgically transforming him back into a dog. The novella ends with him happily returning to his previous existence as a stray under the professor’s care.

Personal opinion: ”Heart of a Dog” is a sharp and witty satire on Soviet society, scientific ambition, and social engineering. Bulgakov’s story, where a stray dog transforms into a crude and dangerous man, critiques blind ideological loyalty and the unintended consequences of forced change.

The dog, despite his human form, remains uncivilized, reflecting how unqualified individuals could gain power under the Soviet system. Professor Preobrazhensky’s experiment highlights the dangers of playing god without considering the consequences.

The novel’s dark humor and exaggerated satire make it both entertaining and thought-provoking. A must-read for fans of political satire and dystopian literature.