Genre
Historical fiction novel
Setting and Context
The novel is set in 1910s in Russia and Switzerland.
Narrator and Point of View
First-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Optimistic, hopeful, courageous, motivational
Protagonist and Antagonist
The main protagonist is Razumov.
Major Conflict
The major conflict occurs when Victor Haldin, the main terrorist suspect, seeks refuge in Razumov’s house. Razumov gets confused by this request and remains flabbergasted, not knowing what to do. Later, Razumov hands Haldin over to the police, where he is hanged for his terrorist crimes.
Climax
Razumov confesses to Natalia that he is in love with her. In the letter, Razumov reveals the truth about him and notifies her that he is a spy and knows the circumstances surrounding her brother's death.
Foreshadowing
Razumov’s earlier association with Haldin foreshadowed his love for Natalia.
Understatement
Razmov’s secret task as a spy is understated because people often mistake him to be a bad person. On the contrary, Razmov is a good person, except he is engaged in what people consider evil and dangerous.
Allusions
The story alludes to the Russian revolution events in the early 19th century.
Imagery
The narrator describes the Russian spirit to depict sight imagery. Similarly, the slum house's description further enhances the reader's vision of the story's setting.
Paradox
The main paradox is that when Haldin turns to Razumov for help and refuge, Razumov instead hands him over to the police for hanging.
Parallelism
Razumov’s spy story parallels with the Russian revolution activities.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
The love between Razumov and Natalia is personified as having the ability to transcend boundaries of hatred to attain harmony.
