Michael Strogoff · Chapter
Conclusion explained
The final chapter reveals that Michael Strogoff was never truly blinded; his tears had protected his eyes from the hot blade.
What happens
The final chapter reveals that Michael Strogoff was never truly blinded; his tears had protected his eyes from the hot blade. He had feigned blindness to complete his mission, revealing the truth only to his mother and later to the Grand Duke. Irkutsk is relieved by General Kisselef's army, and the Tartars retreat. Michael, Nadia, and Wassili Fedor are reunited, and Michael and Nadia marry in Irkutsk Cathedral. The couple, along with Wassili, return to Europe, stopping to honor Nicholas Pigassof's grave and reuniting with Marfa Strogoff in Omsk. Michael is honored by the Czar, and the two correspondents, Jolivet and Blount, depart for China.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience and Endurance
Michael's feigned blindness and his perseverance through immense trials to complete his mission exemplify resilience. The defenders of Irkutsk also endure the siege until relief arrives.
Courage and Heroism
Michael's bravery in pretending to be blind and his determination to save the Grand Duke and Siberia highlight his heroism. Nadia's steadfastness and Wassili Fedor's defense of the Bolchaia Gate also demonstrate courage.
Family and Filial Love
The reunion of Michael with his mother Marfa, and Nadia with her father Wassili, underscores the theme of family. Michael and Nadia's marriage further cements this bond.
Suffering and Redemption
Michael and Nadia endure great suffering during their journey, but find redemption through their successful mission, reunion with family, and marriage. The exile of Wassili Fedor is also lifted.
Characters to notice
- Michael Strogoff
Revealed to have never been blind; his tears saved his sight. He feigned blindness to complete his mission, delivered the Imperial letter, and later marries Nadia. Receives the Cross of St. George and a high station in the Empire.
- Nadia Fedor
Reunited with her father Wassili Fedor and marries Michael Strogoff. She is praised by the Grand Duke and her exile status is lifted.
- Marfa Strogoff
Awaiting Michael and Nadia in Omsk; she knew the truth about Michael's sight and embraces Nadia as her daughter.
- Wassili Fedor
Reunited with his daughter Nadia; his exile is ended by the Grand Duke. He blesses the marriage of Michael and Nadia.
- Ivan Ogareff
Killed during the defense of Irkutsk; his death discourages the Tartar invaders.
- Alcide Jolivet
Survives the crossing of the Angara and enters Irkutsk with Blount. Attends Michael and Nadia's wedding and later departs for China with Blount.
- Harry Blount
Survives the crossing of the Angara and enters Irkutsk with Jolivet. Attends the wedding and departs for China with Jolivet.
- Nicholas Pigassof
Remembered fondly; Michael and Nadia erect a cross on his grave near the Dinka river.
Key passages
“Michael Strogoff was not, had never been, blind. A purely human phenomenon, at the same time moral and physical, had neutralized the action of the incandescent blade which Feofar's executioner had passed before his eyes.”
Michael Strogoff's sight was never lost; his tears had protected his eyes from the hot saber.
Reveals the truth about Michael's supposed blindness.
“The marriage ceremony took place in Irkutsk cathedral. Though simple in its detail, it was unusually brilliant in consequence of the presence of the whole civil and military population, who wished to show their deep gratitude to the two young people, whose Odyssey had already become legendary.”
Michael and Nadia's wedding in Irkutsk Cathedral was simple but attended by the entire community, grateful for their legendary journey.
Describes the public celebration of their marriage.
“At Omsk, old Marfa awaited them in the little house of the Strogoffs. She clasped passionately in her arms the girl whom in her heart she had already a hundred times called 'daughter.'”
Marfa Strogoff welcomed Nadia as her daughter when they arrived in Omsk.
Shows the emotional reunion between Marfa and Nadia.
