The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories · Chapter
Khodinka 332 explained
On the eve of the coronation fête for Tsar Nicholas II, the aristocratic Alexandra 'Rina' Golitsin insists on joining the common people at Khodinka field rather than viewing the event from a privileged pavilion.
What happens
On the eve of the coronation fête for Tsar Nicholas II, the aristocratic Alexandra 'Rina' Golitsin insists on joining the common people at Khodinka field rather than viewing the event from a privileged pavilion. Meanwhile, the working man Emelian Tagodin prepares for the day, dreaming of lottery prizes. The chapter depicts the festive, hopeful gathering at dawn, which descends into a deadly crush as rumors of early gift distribution spark a panic. Rina is caught in the stampede, injured, and stripped of her belongings before being rescued by Emelian, who finds her unconscious. The tragedy unfolds amidst the official celebration, highlighting the stark divide between social classes and the brutal consequences of crowd chaos.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Hierarchy
The central conflict between Rina's privileged, observational perspective ('look at the people') and her desire to 'be with' them highlights deep social divides. The narrative contrasts aristocratic pavilion access with the common crowd's experience.
Fate, Injustice, and Suffering
The sudden, brutal transition from festive hope to deadly chaos illustrates capricious fate and mass suffering. Emelian's dreams of fortune are juxtaposed with the reality of being crushed; Rina's idealistic venture ends in trauma and humiliation.
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Rina's self-conception as an 'advanced' lover of 'the people' is tested by the raw, violent reality of the crowd. The chapter questions the sincerity and understanding behind such aristocratic postures.
Characters to notice
- Emelyán
A working man who attends the Khodinka fête, dreams of winning a lottery to improve his life, gets caught in the deadly crush, and later rescues the unconscious Rina.
- The Young Tsar
Tsar Nicholas II, whose coronation is being celebrated. The people's adoration for him is mentioned as a motive for Rina to join the celebration.
- Alexandra 'Rina' Golitsin
A maid of honour and aristocratic 'advanced' woman who insists on experiencing the fête with the common people. She is caught in the crush, injured, and saved by Emelian.
- Prince Paul Golitsin
Rina's father, who reluctantly allows her to go to Khodinka with the people, concerned for her safety but ultimately giving his consent.
- Alec
Rina's cousin who accompanies her to Khodinka. He is separated from her during the crush and returns home safely.
- Yakov
A bright youth and Emelian's friend, sharing lodgings and attending the fête with him.
Key passages
“"I do not want to look at the people; I want to be with them."”
Rina expresses her desire not to observe the common people from a distance but to experience the event alongside them as a participant.
Highlights the theme of class division and Rina's (perhaps naive) ideological stance.
“"What pleased him was that the crush was over, and that he could breathe and move about; but his pleasure, however, only lasted a moment, on account of the sight which met his eyes."”
Emelian's brief relief at escaping the press of the crowd is instantly shattered when he sees the body of a woman crushed to death.
Marks the pivotal moment where the festive atmosphere turns to tragedy and horror.
“"That's because people thought you were dead, they gave coppers for your burial. But I had a good look at you and thought to myself: 'No, she's alive,' and I got some water for you."”
Emelian explains to the revived Rina that the coins on her chest were alms for her burial, but he recognized she was still living and helped her.
Shows a moment of basic human compassion and connection across class lines amidst the disaster.
