Heart of a Dog
Book Review
Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov is a satirical novella that explores themes of human nature, social experimentation, and the ethical boundaries of science. Critics note that Bulgakov masterfully uses grotesque and irony to showcase the absurdity of attempts to alter human essence through external interventions. The central character, Professor Preobrazhensky, symbolizes scientific progress and its dangers when it oversteps moral boundaries. Sharikov's transformation from a dog into a human serves as a metaphor for critiquing the Soviet regime and its experiments on society. Critics also highlight the work's relevance despite its historical context and admire the depth of philosophical questions raised in the novella.
Date of publication: 2 September 2024
Updated: 14 November 2026
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Genre: Classical literature
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