Moscow, 1920s

The novel is set in Moscow in the 1920s. Moscow is the capital of Russia, as well as its most populous city. Beginning in the early 1920s, Moscow and Russia were controlled by the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union

The Soviet Union was a government that controlled the operations of several countries, the largest of which was Russia. The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. The government's principles were derived from communist and Marxist ideas, although the government itself operated generally like an authoritarian dictatorship. The novel functions to critique and satirize the Soviet Union.

The Streets of Moscow

The opening scene of the novel takes place on the streets of Moscow. Sharik is internally bemoaning his predicament, as he is cold and hungry and may be in danger of dying in the near future. However, Philip notices teh dog, gives him food, and invites him to come...