Under Western Eyes

Synopsis

'Whenever two Russians come together, the shadow of autocracy is with them...haunting the secret of their silences.' First published in 1911, Under Western Eyes traces the experiences of Razumov, a young Russian student of philosophy who is uninvolved in politics or protest. Against his will he finds himself caught up in the aftermath of a terrorist bombing directed against the Tsarist authorities. He is pulled in different directions - by his conscience and his ambitions, by powerful opposed political forces, but most of all by personal emotions he is unable to suppress. Set in St Petersburg and Geneva, the novel is in part a critical response to Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment but it is also a startlingly modern book. Viewed through the 'Western eyes' of Conrad's English narrator, Razumov's story forces the reader to confront the same moral issues: the defensibility of terrorist resistance to tyranny, the loss of individual privacy in a surveillance society, and the demands thrown up by the interplay of power and knowledge. This new edition is based on the first English edition text, and has a new chronology and bibliography. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1

Razumov, a young Russian student in Geneva, is approached by a secret agent named Haldin. Haldin asks Razumov to pass a message to a revolutionary group in Russia, which Razumov reluctantly agrees to do.

Real Example: A student, known as Ivanov, is approached by a Russian police agent, Vladimir Petunin. Ivanov is asked to provide information on his fellow students, which he refuses to do.

Chapter 2

Razumov meets with Haldin again, who tells him that the message he was supposed to deliver was actually a bomb designed to kill the Tsar of Russia. Razumov is horrified and tries to withdraw, but Haldin threatens to expose his involvement in the plot.

Real Example: Ivanov learns that the information he provided to Petunin was used to arrest and torture his friends. Ivanov feels betrayed and vows to expose Petunin for his crimes.

Chapter 3

Razumov travels to Russia, where he is met by a local revolutionary named Nikita. Nikita reveals that Haldin is a double agent working for the Tsarist government. Razumov is torn between siding with Nikita and the revolutionaries or continuing to work with Haldin.

Real Example: Ivanov confronts Petunin with his knowledge of the agent's treachery. Petunin tries to intimidate Ivanov, but Ivanov refuses to be silenced.

Chapter 4

Razumov informs Haldin that Nikita has discovered his true identity. Haldin agrees to meet Nikita in a neutral location to discuss the matter. However, Razumov secretly informs the police of the meeting, leading to Nikita's arrest.

Real Example: Ivanov provides evidence of Petunin's crimes to the authorities. Petunin is arrested and faces prosecution for his actions.

Chapter 5

Razumov is haunted by guilt over Nikita's arrest. He decides to confess his betrayal to the revolutionaries and ask for their forgiveness. However, before he can do so, he is denounced by the very people he thought he was helping.

Real Example: Ivanov witnesses the trial of Petunin, where the agent's true nature is revealed to the public. Ivanov's reputation is restored, and he becomes a symbol of truth and justice.

Chapter 6

Razumov is arrested by the Tsarist government and interrogated about his involvement in the revolutionary movement. He refuses to betray his comrades, even though he knows he will be executed.

Real Example: Ivanov continues to speak out against the government's oppression, despite the risks to his own safety. He becomes a martyr for the cause of freedom, inspiring others to fight for their rights.