Philip’s Songs Symbol Analysis

Throughout Heart of a Dog, Prof. Philip Philippovich Preobrazhensky constantly sings two songs to himself, which represent his refined cultural taste and corresponding attitude towards his work. The first, Tchaikovsky’s popular song “Don Juan’s Serenade,” starts, “From Seville and to Granada…” The other, an aria by the pharaoh character from Verdi’s opera Aida, begins, “Toward the sacred banks of the Nile…” “Don Juan’s Serenade” is about the famous seducer by that name, while in the aria, the pharaoh sings about his plans to conquer an invading army.

Whether Philip is working alone in his office, dealing with patients, or plotting Sharikov’s demise with Dr. Bormenthal, these songs frequently pop up in his thoughts or dialogue. In fact, in the novel’s final line, he hums, “Toward the sacred banks of the Nile…” while he cuts into preserved brains. The classical songs that play in his head point to his aristocratic upbringing and sensibilities. They sharply contrast with Sharikov’s balalaika music, which marks him as an unrefined commoner. Philip also carries his sensibilities into his work. He views himself as an artist, creating beauty by rejuvenating his patients and conquering the unknown through his scientific experiments. The songs highlight both of these attributes. Philip hums “Don Juan’s Serenade” while seeing his rejuvenation patients (who will use the treatments to deceive new love interests about their true age). Similarly, he hums the Aida aria while planning to return Sharikov to canine form (and thereby conquer his enemy).