Crimson Thistle
The thistle is a type of nature imagery used by Tolstoy to symbolize Hadji. It appears at the opening of the novel and again at the end, and is a potent image of Hadji's intensity and resilience. The color crimson adds to the image of the thistle, evoking a sense of passion, vitality, and courage--all qualities framed by Tolstoy as aspirational. While the thistle is only mentioned twice, it bookends the story with a potent image that echoes in the mind of the reader.
Caucasus Mountain Range
The image of the craggy, snowy peaks of the Caucasus is common in scenes of war, reminding the reader of the powerful landscape around the fighting. The mountains are a central component of the story, and the image creates both a sense of the natural setting and and shapes the reader's feelings about the Caucasus and its people.
