The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories · Chapter
Sevastopol explained
The chapter follows the Kozeltsóf brothers as they travel to the besieged city of Sevastopol.
What happens
The chapter follows the Kozeltsóf brothers as they travel to the besieged city of Sevastopol. The younger brother, Volódya, is initially filled with romantic, heroic fantasies about war but is confronted by the mundane and sordid reality of military life upon meeting a corrupt commissariat officer. The narrative culminates in the harrowing, chaotic Russian retreat from the city, depicting the destruction, death, and the soldiers' profound sense of loss, shame, and bitterness as they abandon the fortress.
Themes in this chapter
War and Peace
The chapter starkly contrasts the romantic, heroic illusions of war (Volódya's fantasies) with its brutal, chaotic, and sordid reality (the corrupt officer, the horrific destruction, the panicked retreat).
Fate, Injustice, and Suffering
Vividly portrays the massive, indiscriminate suffering and death during the retreat: shattered bodies, silenced cannons, wounded men abandoned on quays. The soldiers' final feeling is one of bitter injustice and shame at abandoning the blood-soaked city.
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Embodied by the commissariat officer who lives in a crude shed but decorates it with expensive, tasteless carpets and luxuries, counting his money while the city falls—a symbol of corruption and pretense amidst war's austerity.
Characters to notice
- Volódya Kozeltsóf
The younger brother, full of naive, romantic dreams of heroism and death in battle. He is initially terrified of the danger but also feels aesthetic pleasure upon seeing Sevastopol. His illusions are challenged by the reality he encounters.
- Lieutenant-Captain Miháylof
Referred to as 'Mísha' by his brother Volódya. He is the elder, more experienced brother who corrects Volódya's idealized notions of war, having been wounded in the fortifications. He is practical and stern but fond of his brother.
- The Captain
The unnamed officer in charge of the commissariat, living in a shed lined with expensive but hideous carpets. He is depicted as corrupt, counting a large pile of banknotes amidst vodka and caviar, representing the sordid, bureaucratic side of war.
- The General
Mentioned in the context of the chaotic retreat, a figure of authority trying to restrain the impetuous soldiers as the army abandons Sevastopol.
- The Sailors
Part of the surging, anxious crowd during the retreat. One is specifically mentioned as being squeezed by the crowd, and others are seen rowing away from scuttled ships, embodying the collective panic and loss.
- The Soldiers
The collective Russian army, depicted in the final retreat. They experience oppressive bewilderment, fear, and a deep, remorseful bitterness as they cross to the North Side, looking back at the abandoned, burning city.
Key passages
“War is not carried on at all in the way you imagine, Volódya.”
Mikhailov tells his brother that the reality of combat is far removed from the romantic, dramatic scenarios Volódya has been fantasizing about.
Highlights the central theme of disillusionment and the gap between heroic ideals and grim reality.
“The next sensation was fear of pursuit. The men felt helpless as soon as they had left the places where they were accustomed to fight...”
After the initial shock of the retreat order, the soldiers were gripped by fear and a sense of vulnerability once they left their familiar defensive positions.
Captures the psychological state of the army during the chaotic withdrawal, emphasizing disorientation and primal fear.
“Almost every soldier, looking back from the North Side at the abandoned town, sighed with inexpressible bitterness in his heart, and menaced the enemy.”
As they crossed to safety, the soldiers felt a deep, wordless bitterness and anger towards the foe as they gazed upon the Sevastopol they were forced to leave behind.
Conveys the profound emotional toll of the retreat—a mix of shame, loss, and vengeful resentment.
