Navalny’s murder exemplifies the corruption and retribution permeating much of Russia’s history and literature. War, suffering, death, poverty, and societal ills loom large, as do themes of unfairness and the inability to overcome “the system” and corrupt bureaucrats. Add in malevolent leaders who readily turn to torment and murder and, unless you’re a noble or oligarch, life holds very little for you. There’s really nothing left to do but inflict the misery on others.