# Two Wayfarers explained — The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories

> Chapter companion for The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Serge Vasilievich Borzin, a young intellectual, decides to traverse Russia on foot to understand the destiny of the Russian people. As he prepares to depart, he is joined by Nicholas Petrovich Serpov, an eccentric former monk and soldier, who becomes his unexpected companion for the journey.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rural Life and the Landowner

Borzin's attempt to 'plunge into the current of peasant life' and his comical ignorance of estate management (selling seed oats) highlight the disconnect between the educated landowner and rural reality.

### Hypocrisy and Social Pretense

Borzin's studied preparation of a peasant costume, including checking himself in the mirror, contrasts with his intellectual mission, revealing a performative aspect to his journey.

### Generational Change and Nostalgia

The pairing of the young, theoretical Borzin with the older, experienced, and erratic Serpov represents a clash of generations and approaches to understanding Russia.

## Character check-ins

### The Master

Referred to as Borzin's 'literary friend' and the editor of a journal to whom Borzin writes about his plans.

### Stepan Pelageushkine

Borzin's father's old valet, Stephen, who announces the arrival of Serpov.

### Nikíta Sierpukhovskoï

The name 'Serpov' is phonetically similar to 'Sierpukhovskoï'. The character is a former sublieutenant turned monk, now a self-proclaimed wayfarer who joins Borzin.

## Key lines

> "It is not for us to predict—indeed we cannot—the ultimate solution of those problems which are solving themselves in the secrecy of the village life of the Russian people."

Borzin writes that the future of Russia is being determined mysteriously within peasant villages, and intellectuals cannot foresee the outcome.

_Shows Borzin's romanticized, yet humble, view of the peasantry as the key to Russia's destiny._

> "The bailiff recognising that Borzin knew as little about farming as a babe, and Borzin realising that the rye had been sown already..."

The estate manager sees Borzin is utterly ignorant of practical agriculture, while Borzin learns basic facts about the farming cycle.

_Highlights the impracticality and detachment of the intellectual landowner class._

> "Serpov—a wayfarer."

Serpov introduces himself with this title, stamping his foot.

_Establishes Serpov's identity as a perpetual traveler and his eccentric, performative demeanor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leo_tolstoy_short_fiction_se/chapters/two-wayfarers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leo_tolstoy_short_fiction_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leo_tolstoy_short_fiction_se/chapters