IX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Autocracy and Oppression

  The death of Nicholas I, the 'iron despot,' and the fear of serf revolt highlight the oppressive autocratic regime.

• Serfdom and Social Inequality

  The nobles' fear of a serf uprising and the whispered talk of 'freedom' reflect the deep social inequality and serfdom.

• The Role of the Masses in History

  The peasant women's funereal songs and the solemn acceptance of war by the Russian people contrast with the levity of society.

Characters to notice

• Peter Kropotkin

  Narrator, recalls his childhood experiences during the Crimean War and the death of Nicholas I.

• Hélène

  Kropotkin's sister, sang patriotic songs and read war news aloud to the family.

• Father

  Mentioned as part of the family; the household's reaction to war news is described.

• Alexander Kropotkin

  Kropotkin's brother Nicholas (likely Alexander Kropotkin) joined the army in the Caucasus and was never seen again.

• Father

  Stepmother's sisters arrived as refugees from Sebastopol; she warned against speaking before the men.

Key passages

• “I well remember the Crimean war. At Moscow it affected people but little.”

  Kropotkin recalls that the Crimean War had little impact on Moscow society.

  Contrasts the indifference of the city with the profound effect on the countryside.

• “The Russian people look upon war as a calamity which is being sent upon them by Providence, and they accepted this war with a solemnity that contrasted strangely with the levity I saw elsewhere under similar circumstances.”

  The Russian people viewed war as a divine calamity and accepted it with a solemnity that contrasted with the frivolity Kropotkin observed elsewhere.

  Highlights the religious and fatalistic attitude of the peasantry toward war.

• “A real terror reigned in our house and in the houses of our relatives, as the information spread. It was said that the people in the market behaved in a strange way, showing no regret, but indulging in dangerous talk.”

  Fear spread through Kropotkin's household and relatives upon hearing of Nicholas I's death, as common people in the market showed no grief and spoke dangerously.

  Illustrates the nobility's fear of popular unrest following the Tsar's death.

• “The nobles expected at every moment a revolt of the serfs—a new uprising of Pugachev.”

  The nobility constantly feared a serf rebellion, reminiscent of Pugachev's uprising.

  Reflects the deep anxiety among landowners about the stability of serfdom.