Analyze the significance of the Tolstoy’s reflection on “Tartar thistle” in terms of the conflict the Caucasus depicted in “Hadji Murat”

(Consider the significance of the thistle in Vambery’s Sketches, p.340-341 )

Compare and contrast Tolstoy’s depictions of Hadji Murat, Shamil and Tsar Nikolas I

Discuss Hadji Murat as a “man of action” and transgressor of traditional social and cultural norms and values.