Michael Strogoff · Chapter
The Passage of the Yenisey explained
Michael Strogoff, Nadia, and Nicholas Pigassof arrive at Krasnoyarsk on August 25th, only to find the town completely deserted.
What happens
Michael Strogoff, Nadia, and Nicholas Pigassof arrive at Krasnoyarsk on August 25th, only to find the town completely deserted. The governor and all inhabitants have fled to Irkutsk by order of the Czar, leaving the town empty to hinder the Tartar advance. Despite this setback, they continue their journey and face a dangerous crossing of the Yenisey River, navigating whirlpools and strong currents. Michael's strength and determination help them survive the passage, and they finally reach the right bank, realizing that the difficult crossing may delay the Tartars.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience and Endurance
Michael and his companions persist despite the deserted town and the perilous river crossing, showing remarkable endurance.
Courage and Heroism
Michael's courageous act of jumping into the whirlpool to save the horse and kibitka exemplifies heroism in the face of danger.
Characters to notice
- Michael Strogoff
Blind but determined, Michael leads the group across the Yenisey, jumping into the water to guide the horse through the whirlpool.
- Nadia Fedor
Travels with Michael, supporting him and noting his anxiety about reaching Irkutsk despite the loss of the Imperial letter.
- Nicholas Pigassof
The good-natured clerk who planned to stop at Krasnoyarsk for employment but finds the town deserted; he continues with Michael and Nadia toward Irkutsk.
- Feofar-Khan
Mentioned as the Emir commanding the Tartar army, which now numbers 250,000 men after the battle of Tomsk.
Key passages
“That which has only been difficult to us, friend, will, perhaps, be impossible to the Tartars.”
Michael reflects that the challenging river crossing they just overcame may prove insurmountable for their enemies.
Michael's strategic optimism about the Tartars' inability to cross the Yenisey.
“Alack, alack! I shall never get any employment in this desert!”
Nicholas laments that the deserted town offers no work for him.
Nicholas's humorous disappointment at finding Krasnoyarsk empty.