Polikushka

Today I finished reading The Death of Ivan Ilyich and other stories, a collection of novellas and short stories by Leo Tolstoy, (The other stories being, The Raid, The Woodfelling, Three Deaths, Polikushka, After the Ball and The Forged Coupon.) all of which share a common theme, Death.

I have really enjoyed reading through this collection, and would strongly recommend it. Although Death features heavily, do not be put off by assuming the texts are morbid and gloom ridden. Whilst there are obviously dark moments, some very; such as the three last days of Ivan Ilyich’s life, and the deaths of Polikey and his infant son in Polikusha, Tolstoy injects humour through the mannerisms of various characters (often children) throughout, and constantly refers to the idea that the presence of death can bring about a renewed vigour for life in those who encounter it. (Tolstoy himself was haunted by the idea of Death for most of his life).

Tolstoy also grants some characters (including Ivan Ilyich) redemption. During his final few hours Ivan Ilyich has a moment of clarity, in which he feels nothing but an unselfish love and compassion for his family and those around him, which frees him from his agonising pain, not to death “Because there was no death. Instead of death there was light” - Another was the character of Stepan (The Forged Coupon) whom, after embracing the New Testament, is freed from the demons of past atrocities that had previously driven him to attempt suicide.

Personally the subject of Death fascinates me. The folklore and myths concerning it enthral me, notably those of the Norseman and ancient China; as do the theories put forward by philosophers, and the answers given by religion – There also the undeniable the fact that death will remain an unknown until the reaper pokes you in the chest with a bony finger - telling you to get a move on as he has other collections to make.

But back to the book – Whilst I enjoyed The Death of Ivan Ilyich, skim-reading over many of the collection again – I found took more enjoyment from Polikushka and The Forged Coupon.

Polikushka is the story of a peasant and house serf by the same name (commonly referred to as Polikey throughout the story).

We are first introduced to Polikey indirectly, through the reactions of other servants and peasants of the same estate at a heated meeting. The estate has been called upon to provide three able men for military service, we learn that Polikey (who is not present) has been put forward due a history of committing various thefts – we also learn, that despite this reputation, the mistress of the estate has not given up attempting to turn Polikey into a useful member of the estate.

Tolstoy introduces us to Polikey proper, in the second chapter, and immediately provides the reader with a brief history of Polikeys life, in which the ill feelings the other servants have toward him are given context. We learn of his numerous thefts, his unhealthy taste for alcohol, and that (through showmanship and blind luck) he has convinced many in the area that he is a talented horse doctor – when in reality, his actions and horse medicine “made from anything that came to hand” tortured the poor beasts, some to death. “And the more horses he tortured to death, the more faith people had in him and the more horses they brought to him”

Despite all this, the Mistress of the estate goes against the views of the head servant and refrains from putting Polikey forward for military service, instead giving him the opportunity to redeem himself; by collecting a large sum of money in town, on her behalf.

The task instils a sense of pride in both Polikey, and his wife; for the first time we see her affection for him as she goes through great measures to make sure he is prepared and gathers what little clothing their family possess to dress her husband and make him look almost respectable for his task. Once made up, Polikey begins to picture himself as a well to do landowner and slips into a happy daydream. It is here I began to feel Polikey did have it in him to change, and perhaps it was more circumstance than disposition that lead him into a cycle of petty crime.

This is confirmed during his stay in town – He completes the task, consciously avoids the inn and collects various items for the estate. All the while taking care to keep the money safely under his hat.

But things go wrong on the way back to the estate, at some point – whilst travelling along an uneven road in a daydream, the money slips from his hat un-noticed; until he is about to pull into the estate.

At this point he has the choice of running, but he turns back and spends the evening and entire next day searching for the missing money – only to return home empty handed. Polikey is clearly distressed at his failing, and I genuinely felt sorry for him – as, given the theme of the stories in this collection I knew this would result in his death. But was surprised by the manner it occurred, and the events that unfold upon the discovery of the body.

I would say that of all the stories in this collection – Polikushka is the saddest, Polikey seemed to have genuinely tried to do something right for once, and looked as though he might be changing for the better. But a lapse in concentration, and a moment of misfortune triggers the complete mental collapse of Polikey.

It is in this fragile state of mind that Polikey makes a decision, and acts upon it – Causing his death, and in effect, the death of the most innocent character in the story.

I’ll talk about The Forged Coupon in my next entry – This one has gone on long enough!