Michael Strogoff · Chapter
Between Two Banks explained
The fugitives navigate the Angara River on a raft under cover of darkness, facing attacks from wolves and the threat of Tartar detection.
What happens
The fugitives navigate the Angara River on a raft under cover of darkness, facing attacks from wolves and the threat of Tartar detection. After passing the burning town of Poshkavsk, they are fired upon from both banks. Michael and Nadia escape by drifting on a block of ice toward Irkutsk, but a sudden blaze on the river suggests a final obstacle.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience and Endurance
The fugitives endure extreme cold, wolf attacks, and Tartar fire while navigating the ice-choked Angara.
Courage and Heroism
Michael and Nadia's daring escape on an ice floe under enemy fire exemplifies personal bravery.
Family and Filial Love
Nadia's thoughts of her father and her determination to join him in exile highlight filial devotion.
Characters to notice
- Michael Strogoff
Remains calm and determined, leads Nadia off the raft onto an ice floe to reach Irkutsk.
- Nadia Fedor
Guides Michael across the ice, thinking of reuniting with her father; shows courage and endurance.
- Alcide Jolivet
Fights off wolves alongside Blount, views the situation as dramatic material for his articles.
- Harry Blount
Spots the wolves first, fights bravely, and shares Jolivet's journalistic perspective.
- Wassili Fedor
Mentioned in Nadia's thoughts as her exiled father in Irkutsk.
Key passages
“The darkness could not fail to favor in a considerable degree the plans of the fugitives.”
The deep night helped the escapees go unnoticed.
Sets the scene for the raft's stealthy passage.
“They are only wolves! said he. I like them better than Tartars. But we must defend ourselves, and without noise!”
The old boatman prefers wolves to Tartars but insists on silent defense.
Highlights the constant threat of discovery.
“We must cross the barrier, he said in a low tone. Guide me, but let no one see us leave the raft.”
Michael whispers to Nadia that they must escape the raft unseen.
Key moment of their decisive action.