Question

Compare and contrast the main characters, Aksionov and Makar Semyonich, in the story

Answer 1

Aksionov, a handsome man, full of life, enjoyed the music. He loved his family and did honest business. He is innocent to the core. The very sight of the blood-stained knife found in his bag sends a chill down his spine. He is deeply sensitive. When he realizes that his wife too suspected him, he gives up petitioning the Tsar for mercy. He recognized Makar Semyonich the person who had murdered the merchant and had him framed in murder charges and unjustly punished for twenty-six long years. When an opportunity presents to wreak vengeance on him, he keeps quiet. He does not show any interest in his belated freedom and restoration of justice. He seeks refuge in God.

Makar Semyonich is a cold-blooded murderer and scoundrel. Knowingly, he hides the blood-stained knife in Aksionov’s bag and tips of the police. He doesn’t confess his guilt on the day he meets Aksionov. It is only when he realizes that Aksionov is a noble soul and does not want to expose his plan to escape from the prison that he changes his attitude to Aksionov. He is haunted by guilt that he had wronged a noble soul. He confesses but it is in vain. The pardon arrives but Aksionov passes away in prison before release.