Sharikov's Rise and Fall

This character-destiny thread follows Sharikov's rapid acquisition of speech, papers, employment, and power, ending in the restoration that removes his human role.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Words Without Judgment

A Voice Takes Shape Street Language Released Sharikov's first words reproduce phrases absorbed during Sharik's life on the streets. The abrupt arrival of speech looks like intellect but initially consists of remembered sounds. A New Kind of Agency As sentences become responsive to events, the creature gains ways to act upon other people. His expanding vocabulary outruns his ethical understanding.

A Name Chosen

Poligraph Poligraphovich Sharikov Formal Identity Sharikov chooses an elaborate given name from a calendar and adopts Sharikov as his surname. The naming dispute turns the former dog's identity into a matter of administration. Social Recognition The professor dislikes the name but eventually certifies that Sharikov requires papers. The formal document gives the new identity practical consequences.

A Public Role

Employment in the Cleansing Department Official Appointment Sharikov returns with a job eliminating stray animals. He describes the work matter-of-factly and smells of the cats he has strangled. Power Without Restraint The appointment supplies status without moral development. His capacity to harm is now institutionalized, while the household remains exposed to his changing ambitions.

The Complaint

Turning Accusations Outward Political Denunciation Sharikov accuses Professor Preobrazhensky and Doctor Bormenthal of counter-revolutionary speech and other misconduct. He recruits Shvonder's support for the complaint. Escalating Defiance The denunciation follows theft, intimidation, and his insistence on the apartment. His official and political identity has become a means of attacking those who created and sheltered him.

The Human Role Ends

Restoration A Final Threat Sharikov draws a revolver when ordered to leave the apartment. Doctor Bormenthal subdues him, and the doctors perform a second operation away from public scrutiny. Return and Residue The police find Sharik alive as a dog, speaking less than before. His social career ends, but the scar and the unresolved implications of the experiment remain.

Late December 1924

After the first weeks of humanization

After Sharikov briefly leaves the apartment

The day before the final confrontation

Near the ending