A Dog’s Heart by Mikhail Bulgakov

A Dog’s Heart is a satirical novella by Mikhail Bulgakov. It mixes science fiction with social criticism and dark humor. The story raises questions about science, power, and what it means to be human.

The story follows Sharik, a stray dog living on the streets of Moscow. Life is hard for him, and he struggles to survive. Everything changes when Professor Preobrazhensky, a skilled surgeon, takes him in. The professor decides to use Sharik in a bold experiment.

He performs a surgery that gives Sharik human organs. After the operation, Sharik slowly changes into a human-like being. At first, the professor feels curious and even proud of the result. However, the experiment quickly goes wrong.

Sharik becomes Poligraph Poligraphovich Sharikov, a crude and chaotic man. He behaves badly and causes trouble in society. The professor soon realizes that science cannot easily control human nature. The results of his experiment become dangerous and unpredictable.

Bulgakov uses this story to criticize social and political ideas in his time. He shows how forced change can lead to disorder instead of progress. The novella also explores deep questions about identity and morality.

The writing is simple but powerful. The story is short, but it carries strong meaning. Readers can enjoy it as a darkly funny tale, but they can also reflect on its deeper message.

A Dog’s Heart remains an important work in Russian literature. It is still read today because its ideas feel modern and relevant. The novel warns about the limits of science and the risks of trying to reshape society too quickly.

About This Book

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