Loyalty and betrayal
Twice in this novel, Razumov betrays his loyalty. But, the first time, it was almost accidental—Haldin never intended for Razumov to have to help him, but when Ziemianitch fails to execute Haldin's escape plan, Haldin is scared he will not escape Russia. In other words, he imposed his situation on Razumov and made his problems Razumov's problems. The first betrayal was just Razumov shaking off the dead weight of a person he thought was simply crazy and violent. But the second betrayal has thematic resonance, because he loves his community and that establishes a sense of loyalty that makes him betray not only the Russian government, but also his own interests; they brutally injure him for his honesty.
Personal and political life
Although Razumov is not really political, he does work for the government. That's because at the beginning of the novel, he is unattached. He has no family, no active political opinions, no community to speak of. That's why when the Russians send him to spy on the Haldin family and the revolutionary movement which is brewing in Switzerland, he initially agrees, but after he becomes involved in a community, where he has a role, and where he falls in love with Natalia, everything changes for him, and he betrays the Russians.
Love and sacrifice
In order to truly make good on his love for Natalia, Razumov spontaneously decides that he must confess his love for her, but not just that—he feels he must tell her the real truth about his life, about his involvement in the Russian government as a spy, about the betrayal of Hardin, and about his betrayal of the revolution. They attack him and break his eardrums, leaving him as an invalid who requires constant care and attention. His love for Natalia costed him everything, in a way, which seems like a picture of love—love requires honesty at whatever cost.
