Michael Strogoff · Chapter
VII: Going Down the Volga explained
Michael Strogoff and the young Livonian board the steamer Caucasus at Nizhny Novgorod, departing amid tight police surveillance and the governor's proclamation.
What happens
Michael Strogoff and the young Livonian board the steamer Caucasus at Nizhny Novgorod, departing amid tight police surveillance and the governor's proclamation. On board, Michael overhears two rival correspondents, Alcide Jolivet and Harry Blount, who discuss their plans to cover the Siberian invasion. He also becomes suspicious that someone on the vessel knows of his secret mission, heightening his caution.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Michael Strogoff travels under the false name Nicholas Korpanoff, and the correspondents debate their roles as rivals or companions, highlighting hidden identities and motives.
Resilience and Endurance
The journey down the Volga requires patience and endurance as the steamer faces a long voyage, and Michael remains vigilant despite the threat of discovery.
Characters to notice
- Michael Strogoff
Travels under the alias Nicholas Korpanoff with the young Livonian; observes the correspondents and grows wary of being recognized.
- Nadia Fedor
The young Livonian girl who embarks with Michael; grateful for his protection but remains silent and watchful.
- Alcide Jolivet
French correspondent who openly discusses his plans with Blount; friendly but loquacious, he and Blount agree to be traveling companions until they become rivals.
- Harry Blount
English correspondent, reserved and precise; he coldly accepts Jolivet's proposal to cooperate temporarily.
Key passages
“What, are you on board this boat, too, my dear fellow; you whom I met at the imperial fête in Moscow, and just caught a glimpse of at Nizhny Novgorod?”
Jolivet expresses surprise at finding Blount on the same steamer, recalling their previous encounters.
Shows the coincidental meeting of the two correspondents and their ongoing rivalry.
“Well! then, and only then, will be the time to say, Each for himself, and God for— For me.”
Jolivet proposes they cooperate until they reach Siberia, but Blount insists on self-reliance.
Highlights the competitive nature of the journalists and their temporary truce.
“Who is it knows of my departure, and who can have any interest in knowing it?”
Michael worries that someone on board is aware of his secret mission.
Reveals Michael's growing suspicion and the danger of his covert role.