The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories · Chapter
Two Hussars explained
The chapter introduces Count Fyódor Toúrbin, a young hussar officer, as he arrives in a provincial town during the nobility elections.
What happens
The chapter introduces Count Fyódor Toúrbin, a young hussar officer, as he arrives in a provincial town during the nobility elections. He is charismatic, impulsive, and lives with a carefree, spendthrift hussar spirit. He quarters himself in a hotel and later at the house of Anna Fyódorovna, whose family had connections to his late father, Count Fyódor Ivánitch Toúrbin. The narrative contrasts the romanticized past era of the father with the present generation, as seen through the eyes of Anna Fyódorovna and her brother, an old cavalryman.
Themes in this chapter
Generational Change & Nostalgia
Central theme. The chapter explicitly contrasts the romantic, chivalrous era of the father (the late Count Toúrbin) with the practical, perhaps less gallant, present of the son. Anna Fyódorovna's fond memories clash with her brother's praise for the new officers.
Social Class and Hierarchy
Evident in the dynamics between the aristocratic officers, the local nobility, and the servants/peasants. The Count's status commands immediate service and deference from the quartermaster, boots, and the old cavalryman.
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
The old cavalryman's bashful pleasure in dressing up and his exaggerated account of his friendship with the late Count hint at social pretension and a desire to associate with importance.
Characters to notice
- Count Fyódor Toúrbin
The young, charismatic, and somewhat spoiled hussar officer. He arrives in town, displays generosity with his last money, and is the central figure of the new generation.
- Anna Fyódorovna Záytsef
The proprietress. She nostalgically remembers the old Count Toúrbin (the father) and is initially resistant to praising the new generation of officers.
- The Old Devil
Mentioned in the Count's exclamation ('devil take them') about the lack of rooms, reflecting his frustrated mood.
- Sáshka
The Count's orderly. He is reluctant to give the sledge-driver a large tip, showing a more practical, less generous nature than his master.
- Pólozof
A young cornet traveling with Count Toúrbin. He is mentioned briefly as the Count's companion.
- The Cavalryman
Anna Fyódorovna's brother, an old retired cavalryman. He is excited by the officers' visit, changes into fine clothes, and enthusiastically praises the new generation of hussars.
Key passages
“In those naive days... when our fathers were still young, and proved it not only by the absence of wrinkles and grey hair, but by fighting duels for the sake of a woman...”
The narrator describes a bygone, more romantic and chivalrous era, contrasting it with the present day.
Sets up the thematic contrast between generations.
“The one who has last stroked you, brother, is always the best... Of course people are cleverer nowadays, but Count Fyódor Ivánitch danced the ecossaise in such a way...”
Anna Fyódorovna argues that her contemporary, the old Count, was superior to the new officers, dismissing her brother's fawning over the newcomer as mere flattery.
Highlights the theme of nostalgia and generational disagreement.
“I’ve run it pretty close!... These are my last five roubles.”
Count Toúrbin remarks that he is nearly out of money after giving a generous tip.
Illustrates his impulsive, spendthrift, and carefree hussar character.
