Under the Yoke (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

Ivan Kralich (ih-VAHN KRAH-lihch), a Bulgarian patriot who has escaped after eight years of imprisonment by the Turks. He eludes pursuit and, having changed his name, finds a job teaching school. He is still a revolutionary, however, and after suspicion forces him to flee again, he leads a revolt that is soon crushed. Once more a fugitive, he takes refuge in a mill, where his sweetheart and an old comrade join him. All three are killed after a valiant struggle during an attack on the mill.

Rada (RAH-duh), a gentle orphan who teaches school. She and Kralich fall in love, and she goes to a nearby village to join him, but a misunderstanding and a crushed revolt force them to part. Rada, learning that Kralich is hiding in the mill, goes to aid him. There, she is killed in the Turkish attack.

Sokolov (soh-koh-LOHF), an eccentric Bulgarian. He is the village doctor, though without formal training, and a patriot. He is often a fugitive from the Turks. He dies in the attack on the mill with Rada and Kralich.

Marika (mah-RIH-kuh), the miller’s young daughter. Kralich, hiding in the mill, is able to save her from attack by two Turkish policemen. She and her father then aid the fugitive.

Marko (MAHR-koh), a Bulgarian patriot who aids Kralich and Sokolov.

Mouratliski (mew-raht-LIHS- kih), Kralich’s friend and fellow patriot, also a fugitive from the Turks. He poses as an Austrian photographer.

Ivan, called Kill-the- Bear, a giant, one of the members of Kralich’s group.

Kandov (KAHN-dof), a student who makes Rada miserable by following her about. His attentions and pursuit are the cause of a misunderstanding between Kralich and Rada.

Bibliography:

Choice. Review of Under the Yoke, by Ivan Vazov. 9 (June, 1972): 514. Hails the publication in English of this important work. Praises the work of the translators and editor in making the work accessible to the English reader.

Haffner, Susanne A. Review of Under the Yoke, by Ivan Vazov. Library Journal 97 (January, 1972): 86. Describes the importance of the novel in the context of Bulgarian history. Cites some weakness in characterization and the strength of the novel’s largely accurate account of a revolution.