On the Eve · Chapter
XXV explained
Bersenyev learns from Insarov's landlord that Insarov is gravely ill.
What happens
Bersenyev learns from Insarov's landlord that Insarov is gravely ill. He rushes to his lodgings, calls a doctor, and stays to nurse him through the night. Elena, unable to stay away, arrives and insists on remaining by Insarov's side, vowing to die if he dies. Bersenyev promises to keep her informed and swears to send for her at the first sign of danger.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Elena's willingness to risk her reputation and her life for Insarov, and Bersenyev's selfless care for his rival, highlight the theme of sacrificial love.
Fate and Idealism
Insarov's life hangs in the balance as Bersenyev reflects on whether his revolutionary dreams will come to nothing, underscoring the fragility of idealism.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Petrovitch Bersenyev
Bersenyev takes charge of Insarov's care, staying with him through the night and vowing to save him. He acts as a mediator between Elena and the sick man.
- Dmitri Nikanorovitch Insarov
Insarov is dangerously ill with pneumonia, unconscious and delirious. He mutters about 'she' and 'mignonette,' revealing his preoccupation with Elena.
- Elena Nikolaevna Stahova
Elena arrives at Insarov's bedside, distraught and determined to stay. She extracts a promise from Bersenyev to summon her at any sign of danger, and declares she will die if Insarov dies.
Key passages
“He will die without me”
Elena believes Insarov cannot survive unless she is by his side.
Elena's desperate conviction that her presence is essential to Insarov's survival.
“I won't, I won't, she mustn't.”
Insarov, in his delirium, resists the idea of Elena being involved or exposed to danger.
Insarov's unconscious refusal to let Elena be harmed or burdened.
“If he dies, I will die too.”
Elena declares that she cannot live without Insarov.
Elena's absolute commitment to Insarov, equating his death with her own.