Futility · Chapter
Part II: The Revolution explained
The chapter depicts the arrival of the revolution in Petrograd and its immediate impact on the characters.
What happens
The chapter depicts the arrival of the revolution in Petrograd and its immediate impact on the characters. The narrator observes the chaos and violence in the streets, the collapse of the old order, and the rise of new political forces. The revolution disrupts personal lives and relationships, leading to uncertainty and fear. The narrator becomes involved in the political turmoil, witnessing the Bolshevik takeover and the subsequent discovery of Stanitski's embezzlement. The chapter ends with the intervention in Siberia beginning, as the characters face an uncertain future.
Themes in this chapter
Social and Political Chaos
The revolution brings widespread disorder, violence, and the collapse of established social structures, as seen in the street battles and the narrator's observations.
Futility and Meaninglessness
The characters' efforts to maintain their lives and relationships seem futile amid the overwhelming upheaval, highlighting the senselessness of the conflict.
Characters to notice
- Nikolai Vasilievich
The narrator observes the revolution firsthand, describing the chaos in Petrograd and his involvement in the political events.
- Fanny Ivanovna
Fanny knits and confides her fears about the revolution and its impact on their lives.
- Nina Bursànova
Nina departs for Moscow during the revolutionary turmoil, seeking a new life.
- Stanitski
Stanitski is discovered to have embezzled funds, adding to the chaos of the revolution.
- Admiral Kolchak
Admiral Kolchak emerges as a key figure in the anti-Bolshevik forces, leading the intervention in Siberia.
Key passages
“The revolution had come at last, and with it a strange, terrible joy.”
The revolution finally arrived, bringing both excitement and fear.
The narrator reflects on the mixed emotions of the revolutionary moment.
“The streets were full of soldiers and workers, all shouting and waving red flags.”
Soldiers and workers filled the streets, shouting and waving red flags.
Description of the revolutionary atmosphere in Petrograd.
“Fanny sat in the corner, knitting furiously, her eyes full of tears.”
Fanny sat in the corner, knitting quickly with tears in her eyes.
Fanny's anxious reaction to the unfolding events.