Question

Otchumelov's character in the story "Chameleon"?

Answer 1

Otchumyelov is made into a caricature, as he constantly changes his mind based on who he believes the dog belongs to. ‘Whose dog is it? I won’t let this pass! I’ll teach them to let their dogs run all over the place! It’s time these gentry were looked after, if they won’t obey the regulations! When he’s fined, the blackguard, I’ll teach him what it means to keep dogs and such stray cattle! I’ll give him a lesson! ... find out whose dog it is and draw up a report! And the dog must be strangled. Without delay! It’s sure to be mad.’

When it is suggested that General Zhigalov owns the dog, Otchumyelov’s response changes considerably, and he shifts the blame from the dog to Hryukin. ‘You take it to the General’s, and inquire there. Say I found it and sent it. And tell them not to let it out into the street... It may be valuable dog, and if every swine goes sticking a cigar in its mouth, it will soon be ruined.’

This indecisiveness is enhanced by Otchumyelov being first warm, and taking his coat off, ‘help me off with my coat, Yeldrin... it’s frightfully hot!, then changing his mind, deciding it is cold. ‘help me on with my overcoat, Yeldrin my lad... the wind’s getting up... I am cold.’

This portrayal causes the reader to see Otchumyelov as an indecisive and foolish creature, bordering on stupid.