Resurrection · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.
Chapter 1
Translator's Preface
Louise Maude explains her motivation for translating Tolstoy's novel, noting that the proceeds are donated to aid the Doukhobors, a pacifist sect persecuted in the Caucasus and exiled to Siberia and Canada. She also defends the spelling of Tolstoy's name as he himself writes it.
Chapter 2
Epigraph
The chapter presents biblical epigraphs from the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, self-examination, and moral humility.
Chapter 3
Resurrection
Prince Nekhlúdoff awakens in Moscow, reflecting on his past and his present life. He recalls his seduction of Katúsha Máslova years ago and is tormented by guilt. He learns that Máslova is on trial for murder and decides to seek her out, hoping to atone for his sins. The chapter sets the stage for his moral awakening and his determination to intervene in her fate.
Chapter 4
Book I
Prince Dmitri Nekhludoff awakens in Moscow and is confronted with the trial of Katerina Maslova, a woman he seduced and abandoned years earlier. He recalls his past actions and begins to feel a moral awakening, leading him to seek redemption.
Chapter 5
I
Máslova's journey with the prisoners continues. After traveling by rail and steamboat to Perm, she is allowed to join the political prisoners, which improves her conditions. She marches with the criminal convicts but finds relief from harassment among the politicals, where she meets Mary Pávlovna and Símonson. The chapter depicts a bleak morning start, with prisoners buying food and the officer's harsh treatment causing a disturbance.
Chapter 6
Chapter II
Mary Pavlovna and Maslova witness an officer brutally beating a convict who refuses to be manacled because he is carrying his young daughter. The officer orders the child taken away, and Mary Pavlovna offers to carry her. Maslova uses a rusk to coax the child, who knows her, into her arms. Simonson confronts the officer, telling him he has behaved badly, but the officer ignores him and orders the march to proceed.
Chapter 7
III
Katúsha finds life among the political prisoners surprisingly good after her previous experiences. She is physically strengthened by the march and intellectually awakened by her new companions, especially Mary Pávlovna, whom she admires for her selflessness and rejection of upper-class life. Mary Pávlovna's background as a general's daughter who became a revolutionary and her disgust for sexual love create a deep bond between the two women.
Chapter 8
IV
This chapter explores the influence of Mary Pavlovna and Simonson on Maslova, focusing on Simonson's unique character and his platonic love for her, which raises her self-esteem and inspires her to become better.
Chapter 9
V
Nekhlúdoff observes Máslova's transformation after she joins the political prisoners, and his feelings for her evolve into a permanent pity and tenderness that extends to everyone. Through his interactions with the political exiles, he reconsiders his previous disdain for revolutionaries, recognizing them as ordinary people driven by a higher moral standard, and criticizes the arbitrary cruelty of the government's treatment of political prisoners.
Chapter 10
VI
Nekhlúdoff grows close to Kryltzóff, a consumptive young revolutionary condemned to hard labour. Kryltzóff recounts his story: he was arrested for giving money to a revolutionary cause, imprisoned, and witnessed the execution of two fellow prisoners, Lózinsky and Rozóvsky. The horror of that event transformed him into a committed revolutionary. He now faces death from consumption but does not regret his actions.
Chapter 11
VII
Nekhlúdoff, delayed at the inn, arrives at the halting station at dusk hoping to secure an interview with Katúsha, but is initially rebuffed by the sentinel and sergeant. A broad-shouldered guide helps him navigate the muddy village, and women prisoners exit the station, one of them playfully abusing the guide.
Chapter 12
VIII
Nekhlúdoff arrives at a Siberian halting station and requests permission from the convoy officer to visit Máslova, who has been transferred to the political prisoners' section. The officer, coarse and self-pitying, initially resists but eventually agrees. Nekhlúdoff tries to engage him on the theme of compassion for prisoners, but the officer is more interested in recounting a story about a Hungarian woman named Emma.
Chapter 13
IX
Nekhlúdoff, accompanied by an orderly, navigates the overcrowded prison courtyard and enters the main building, where he is overwhelmed by the noise, stench, and moral nausea of the conditions. He passes through the family and bachelors' rooms, encountering Tarás with a bruised face, and witnesses the hostile, mocking gaze of the criminal prisoners. The experience deepens his shame and sense of guilt, even as he struggles with his own disgust.
Chapter 14
Chapter X
Nekhlúdoff is approached by a convict, Makár Dévkin, who whispers a plea to help a young prisoner who has swapped identities with the criminal Karmánoff to avoid hard labor. Nekhlúdoff, already aware of the scheme, nods in understanding. The chapter then recounts Makár's own story: he was condemned to hard labor for an attempted murder and robbery, which he attributes to a devilish impulse, and despite his good character, he lacked the means to hire a lawyer.
Chapter 15
XI
Nekhlúdoff visits the political prisoners' quarters, where he encounters Símonson, Máslova, and several other political exiles. He observes the harsh conditions and the camaraderie among the prisoners, while also feeling discomfort from Novódvoroff's ironic demeanor. The chapter highlights the daily struggles and small acts of kindness within the group.
Chapter 16
XII
Nekhlúdoff meets two political prisoners from the people: Nabátoff, a cheerful and practical peasant revolutionary who believes in gradual change, and Markél Kondrátieff, a bitter factory hand who became a revolutionary after witnessing class injustice. Their contrasting backgrounds and ideologies are explored, along with their attitudes toward religion, revolution, and Nekhlúdoff.
Chapter 17
XIII
After the cold and damp march, the prisoners settle into their new quarters, making tea and sharing a meal. The group, including Nekhlúdoff, Kryltzóff, Mary Pávlovna, Rántzeva, and others, finds a brief respite of coziness and elevated spirits despite the surrounding degradation. The chapter explores the complex romantic and platonic attachments among the revolutionaries, including Novódvoroff's love for Grábetz, Véra Doúkhova's unrequited affections, Kryltzóff's hidden love for Mary Pávlovna, and the deep, devoted bond between Rántzeva and her husband Rántzeff, which shapes her revolutionary commitment.
Chapter 18
XIV
Nekhlúdoff sits with Kryltzóff and others, discussing Makár's heroic act. A heated argument erupts between Kryltzóff and Novódvoroff about the nature of the common people and the revolutionary path. Máslova speaks up, saying the common people are wronged, which Nabátoff supports, while Novódvoroff dismisses it.
Chapter 19
XV
Nekhlúdoff contrasts the revolutionary Novódvoroff with Símonson, seeing Novódvoroff as driven by ambition and a desire for supremacy rather than genuine conviction. Novódvoroff's self-assurance and narrow logic make him respected but unloved, and he despises Nekhlúdoff for his independent thinking and his involvement with Máslova.
Chapter 20
Chapter XVI
Simonson declares to Nekhludoff his intention to marry Katerina Maslova, explaining that he loves her as a suffering human being and wishes to lighten her fate. Nekhludoff supports the decision, acknowledging that Maslova is free to choose. Meanwhile, the prison inspection occurs, and a convict father, Bousovkin, visits his young daughter Aksutka, who is being cared for by the women prisoners. Nabatoff raises the issue of a prisoner exchange, and Nekhludoff agrees to inform the authorities.
Chapter 21
Chapter XVII
Mary Pavlovna tells Nekhludoff that Simonson is in love with Maslova. Nekhludoff feels a mix of relief and jealousy. He speaks with Maslova about Simonson's proposal, but she refuses, saying she would only ruin him. The conversation ends with her leaving abruptly.
Chapter 22
Chapter XVIII
Nekhlúdoff returns to the men's room after visiting Máslova and finds the political prisoners agitated by news that the revolutionist Pétlin, thought to be at Kára, had recently passed through with criminal convicts, and that Nevéroff had hanged himself in a Kazán asylum. Kryltzóff becomes distraught, denouncing the authorities and arguing for violent resistance, then suffers a severe coughing fit and spits blood. After he is calmed and put to bed, Nekhlúdoff leaves through the overcrowded, foul-smelling criminal quarters, gasping for fresh air outside.
Chapter 23
XIX
Nekhlúdoff returns to his inn, haunted by the horrors he has witnessed in the prisons and halting stations. He reflects on the systemic cruelty and depravity inflicted by the legal and penal systems, concluding that the institutions are designed to produce vice rather than justice. He struggles with the moral implications of his observations, feeling isolated in his perception of the injustice.
Chapter 24
Chapter XX
Nekhlúdoff receives a note from Mary Pávlovna about Kryltzóff's worsening condition and her willingness to marry him to stay by his side. He hurries to overtake the prisoner convoy, observes the sick and political prisoners, and has a brief exchange with Kryltzóff, who jokes about the love triangle between Nekhlúdoff, Katúsha, and Símonson. Nekhlúdoff then rides ahead, passing through a village and crossing a river by ferry.
Chapter 25
XXI
Nekhlúdoff crosses a river on a raft, reflecting on Kryltzóff's death and Katúsha's new path with Símonson. He encounters a dishevelled old man who refuses to pray, claiming he believes only in himself and has no faith in institutions. The old man describes his persecution by authorities for his radical individualism, rejecting names, nationality, and the Tsar. Nekhlúdoff offers him money, which the old man refuses, accepting only bread.
Chapter 26
XXII
Nekhlúdoff arrives in a Siberian town, cleans up, and visits the Governor General to request permission for Máslova to remain in place pending her petition and for a political prisoner to be allowed to marry a fellow convict. The General, a learned but alcoholic official, listens, cites legal statutes, and refuses the marriage request on legal grounds, while acknowledging the prevalence of bribery in the system.
Chapter 27
Chapter XXIII
Nekhlúdoff receives a favorable response to Máslova's petition, commuting her sentence from hard labor to exile. He attempts to visit the prison to share the news but is denied entry by the inspector due to a typhus epidemic. He learns that a direct order from superiors is needed for her release.
Chapter 28
XXIV
Nekhlúdoff, still in an energetic frame of mind, goes to the Governor's office to check on Máslova's document, but it hasn't arrived. He writes to Selenín and the advocate, then attends a dinner party at the General's house. There, he enjoys the luxury and refined company, including an Englishman, a gold-mine merchant, and the General's family. After dinner, he visits the General's grandchildren, feeling a pang of envy for their pure happiness. Later, he accompanies the Englishman to the prison, despite a sense of unpleasant duty.
Chapter 29
XXV
Nekhlúdoff and an Englishman visit the prison. Nekhlúdoff meets with Máslova, who tells him she will follow Simonson rather than accept his offer of marriage. She implies she still loves Nekhlúdoff but refuses him for his own sake. Nekhlúdoff feels a deep weariness and falls asleep in the office before accompanying the Englishman to see the cells.
Chapter 30
XXVI
Nekhlúdoff accompanies an Englishman on a tour of the prison cells, where the Englishman distributes Testaments and preaches salvation through faith. The prisoners, including the sick, are crowded in foul conditions. Nekhlúdoff follows in a state of weariness and hopelessness.
Chapter 31
Chapter XXVII
Nekhlúdoff visits a prison cell and encounters an old man who denounces the authorities as servants of Antichrist. The Englishman questions the old man about law and punishment, but the old man rejects earthly laws. Later, Nekhlúdoff enters the mortuary and discovers the body of Kryltzóff, whose death forces him to confront the meaning of suffering and existence.
Chapter 32
XXVIII
Nekhlúdoff, after witnessing the death of Kryltzóff and the horrors of the prison, reads the Gospel and experiences a spiritual awakening. He interprets the Sermon on the Mount as practical laws that, if followed, would establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth and end the violence and injustice he has witnessed. He resolves to live by these commandments, beginning a new period of his life.
Chapter 33
Chapter XXIX
Nekhlúdoff returns to Moscow to inform Máslova that the Senate has confirmed her sentence. He discovers she has been removed from the hospital back to her cell, accused of an intrigue with a medical assistant. Despite his initial shock and disgust, Nekhlúdoff reaffirms his resolve to stand by her and follow her to Siberia. He obtains her signature on a petition to the Emperor, and leaves the prison with a renewed sense of peace and love.
Chapter 34
Nekhlúdoff's Classification of Prisoners and His Search for Justice
Nekhlúdoff categorizes prisoners into five classes, reflecting on the injustice of the legal system and the moral superiority of some convicts. He prepares for Máslova's potential departure to Siberia, manages his estates, and delves into criminological studies, seeking an answer to why some people punish others. His reading of Lombroso and others fails to provide a satisfactory answer, leading him to question the very foundation of criminal law.
Chapter 35
XXXI
Nekhlúdoff's sister Nathalie and her husband Rogózhinsky arrive in Moscow to see him. Nathalie is torn between admiration for her brother's moral resolve and horror at his plan to marry Máslova, while her husband views Nekhlúdoff's land reform as dangerous and irrational. The chapter explores the rift between Nekhlúdoff's ideals and his sister's compromised life.
Chapter 36
XXXII
Nekhlúdoff visits his sister Nathalie and her husband Rogózhinsky. He reveals his intention to marry Máslova and accompany her to Siberia, sparking a heated ideological debate with Rogózhinsky about guilt, justice, and land ownership. Nekhlúdoff argues that many convicts are innocent and that the legal system is flawed, while Rogózhinsky defends property rights and judicial infallibility. The chapter ends with tension between the brothers-in-law.
Chapter 37
XXXIII
Nekhlúdoff engages in a heated argument with his brother-in-law Rogózhinsky about the purpose and effectiveness of the legal and penal system. Nekhlúdoff argues that prisons do not reform but rather degrade prisoners, and that the law serves to uphold class interests rather than justice. The dispute leaves both men offended, and Nekhlúdoff later feels remorse for hurting his sister Nathalie. The conversation shifts to family memories and then to a duel, sparking another disagreement.
Chapter 38
Chapter XXXIV
Nekhlúdoff prepares to leave Moscow as the prisoners, including Máslova, are to depart by train at 3 p.m. He reads his diary, reflecting on his inner change and his painful feelings about Máslova's behavior in the hospital. He rushes to the prison, where a long, hot process of counting and delivering prisoners is underway. He watches the gang of prisoners—men, women, and children—march out of the prison yard, chained and burdened, under the oppressive heat and the indifferent commands of the convoy officer.
Chapter 39
XXXV
Nekhlúdoff follows the procession of prisoners through the streets, observing the crowd's reactions and trying to catch a glimpse of Máslova. He sees her among the women, looking calm and determined, but is prevented from approaching by the convoy sergeant. The chapter contrasts the dehumanizing spectacle of the prisoners with the indifference of a wealthy family in a carriage, highlighting the moral blindness of society. The young boy in the carriage feels pity for the prisoners, sensing an injustice, while his sister sees them as bad people.
Chapter 40
XXXVI
Nekhlúdoff follows the convict gang through the oppressive heat. He stops for refreshment, tries to write a letter to his sister Nathalie but cannot finish it. He witnesses a convict collapse in the street and die, and intervenes to help, offering his own carriage to transport the dying man.
Chapter 41
XXXVII
Nekhlúdoff witnesses the aftermath of two convicts dying from sunstroke during a forced march. He follows the bodies to the police station hospital, where he observes the callousness of the officials and the tragic waste of life. A doctor explains that the prisoners, weakened by confinement, succumb to the heat during the march. Nekhlúdoff is deeply affected by the sight of a handsome young convict whose potential has been destroyed.
Chapter 42
Chapter XXXVIII
Nekhlúdoff visits the prisoners at the railway station before their departure. He learns that five prisoners have died of sunstroke during the march, but the convoy is more concerned with bureaucratic procedures than the deaths. He speaks with Máslova and other women prisoners, who ask for water and mention a woman in labor. Nekhlúdoff tries to help but is brushed off by the convoy officer. The chapter ends with the train departing and Máslova smiling at Nekhlúdoff.
Chapter 43
Chapter XXXIX
Nekhlúdoff, waiting for his train, falls asleep in the refreshment-room and is awakened by a waiter. He sees the Korchágin family passing through the station. His sister Nathalie Rogózhinsky finds him, and they have a tender but strained conversation. Nekhlúdoff tells her about the two convicts who died of sunstroke and reiterates his intention to marry Katúsha, though she has refused. He also mentions giving the Kousmínski land to the peasants. The parting is bittersweet, and Nekhlúdoff feels estranged from his sister, seeing her as a slave to her husband.
Chapter 44
XL
Nekhlúdoff reflects on the deaths of two convicts, realizing that no individual official feels guilty because they all act within their roles, treating people as things rather than with love. He concludes that dealing with men without love is a fundamental violation of human law, and that the bureaucratic system makes people impermeable to compassion.
Chapter 45
XLI
Nekhlúdoff travels in a crowded third-class carriage, observing the diverse passengers and their conversations. He listens to Tarás recount the story of his wife Theodosia, who attempted to poison him but was forgiven and later transformed into a devoted partner. The chapter highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the resilience of ordinary people.
Chapter 46
XLII
Nekhlúdoff observes the wealthy Korchágins at the station and contrasts their privileged world with a group of weary workmen. He invites the workmen into his carriage, listens to their stories of labor and hardship, and feels a sense of discovery and connection to a new, authentic world of working people.
Chapter 47
XLIII
Nekhlúdoff visits Máslova in prison, confesses his guilt, and asks for forgiveness. She initially does not recognize him, then recalls their past with bitterness. She asks for money, and Nekhlúdoff struggles with his conscience, ultimately resolving to continue his efforts to redeem himself.
Chapter 48
XLIV
Nekhlúdoff is horrified to discover that Katúsha has been replaced by Máslova, a prostitute who is proud of her position and resists his attempts to lead her into another world. He realizes she has formed a view of life that justifies her role, and he resolves to tell her he will marry her.
Chapter 49
XLV
Nekhlúdoff visits advocate Fanárin to discuss Máslova's appeal. Fanárin explains the legal error in the jury's verdict and prepares a petition for the Senate, though he holds little hope for success. Nekhlúdoff also learns he must obtain permission from Máslennikoff to visit Máslova outside regular hours. After leaving, Nekhlúdoff attempts to simplify his life but finds his household in a flurry of seasonal cleaning. He decides to postpone changes until Máslova's case is resolved.
Chapter 50
XLVI
The chapter depicts a morning in the women's prison, where the inmates discuss the impending flogging of two prisoners, Vasíliev and Nepómnishy, for resisting solitary confinement. Máslova, dull and depressed, is called to see a visitor and prepares to meet Nekhlúdoff, promising to plead for the Menshóvs.
Chapter 51
XLVII
Nekhlúdoff visits the prison to have Máslova sign a petition for appeal. He observes the inspector's distress and the tense atmosphere among the prison staff. Máslova appears bold and cheerful, signs the petition, and Nekhlúdoff prepares to speak with her privately.
Chapter 52
XLVIII
Nekhlúdoff visits Máslova in prison and reiterates his intention to marry her as an act of atonement. Máslova, drunk and bitter, angrily rejects him, accusing him of using her for pleasure and now seeking his own salvation. She refuses his offer and sends him away, then returns to her cell and drinks with her companions.
Chapter 53
XLIX
Nekhlúdoff leaves the prison fully comprehending the magnitude of his crime against Máslova, realizing that his earlier remorse was self-admiration. He receives a note from Véra Doúkhova, a political prisoner he once helped, who offers to provide information about Máslova and her group. The chapter contrasts Nekhlúdoff's joyful memories of a bear-hunting expedition with his present torment and guilt.
Chapter 54
L
Nekhlúdoff visits his former comrade Máslennikoff, now a high-ranking administrator, to obtain permission to visit Máslova and the Menshóffs in prison, and also to see the political prisoner Vera Doukhova. Máslennikoff, proud of his position and his methods of maintaining order, grants the request with an open order, though he expresses disdain for the lawyer Fanárin and the jury system.
Chapter 55
LI
Nekhlúdoff visits the prison to see Máslova but learns she is drunk and confined to a separate cell. He then arranges to see political prisoner Véra Doúkhova and also visits the cell of the Menshóffs, a mother and son accused of incendiarism.
Chapter 56
LII
Nekhlúdoff visits the prison cells, looking through the peepholes at various prisoners. He is particularly struck by the hopeless dejection of one inmate and the frightened, kind eyes of another, Menshóff. Menshóff tells his story: his wife was enticed by the village public-house keeper, who bribed officials to avoid justice; after a violent confrontation, the public-house was set on fire, and Menshóff and his mother were falsely accused. Nekhlúdoff promises to consult a lawyer and help.
Chapter 57
LIII
Nekhlúdoff walks through the prison corridor and encounters a group of men being held without cause due to a bureaucratic oversight. He is disturbed by the injustice and the use of corporal punishment, which deepens his moral nausea. He then goes to the office to meet Vera Doukhova.
Chapter 58
LIV
Nekhlúdoff visits the prison office and observes the various visitors and prisoners, including political prisoners, a mother with a child born in prison, and a young woman named Mary Pávlovna. He is struck by the humanity and suffering he witnesses.
Chapter 59
LV
Nekhlúdoff meets Véra Doúkhova in prison, who recounts her revolutionary activities and asks him to intercede for her friends, including a girl who falsely confessed to shooting a gendarme. She also advises him to have Máslova transferred to the political ward or hospital.
Chapter 60
LVI
Nekhlúdoff observes the painful parting of prisoners and their visitors at the prison, feeling deep moral nausea at the injustice and suffering caused by the legal system. The inspector reluctantly enforces the separation, while Nekhlúdoff is particularly struck by the plight of innocent prisoners like Menshóff and the brutalizing effect on jailers.
Chapter 61
LVII
Nekhlúdoff visits the advocate to discuss the Menshóffs' case and the 130 wrongly imprisoned men. He then goes to Máslennikoff's house, where he is drawn into a social gathering before attempting to discuss business.
Chapter 62
LVIII
Nekhlúdoff visits Máslennikoff at his home to request Máslova's transfer to the prison hospital and to report the unjust imprisonment of 130 people for passport violations. Máslennikoff, distracted by his social obligations, responds evasively and becomes defensive when Nekhlúdoff inquires about corporal punishment in the prison. Frustrated by the indifference and hypocrisy, Nekhlúdoff leaves abruptly without taking leave of the guests.
Chapter 63
LIX
Nekhlúdoff visits Máslova in prison again, where she insists he leave her despite his continued offer of marriage. She refuses to go to the hospital and expresses her unworthiness. After the visit, Máslova returns to her cell and discusses the situation with fellow prisoners, reaffirming her decision not to marry him. The chapter includes a philosophical reflection on the complexity of human character, comparing men to rivers that change while remaining the same.
Chapter 64
Book II
Nekhlúdoff travels to his aunts' estate to manage the land and reflects on his past with Katúsha. He decides to give the land to the peasants on fair terms, inspired by Henry George's theories, and faces resistance from his aunt and the steward. He also visits the village, observes the poverty, and interacts with the peasants, including an old woman and a young boy. Later, he returns to Moscow to continue his legal efforts for Máslova.
Chapter 65
I
Máslova's journey with the prisoners continues. After traveling by rail and steamboat to Perm, she is allowed to join the political prisoners, which improves her conditions. She marches with the criminal convicts but finds relief from harassment among the politicals, where she meets Mary Pávlovna and Símonson. The chapter depicts a bleak morning start, with prisoners buying food and the officer's harsh treatment causing a disturbance.
Chapter 66
Chapter II
Mary Pavlovna and Maslova witness an officer brutally beating a convict who refuses to be manacled because he is carrying his young daughter. The officer orders the child taken away, and Mary Pavlovna offers to carry her. Maslova uses a rusk to coax the child, who knows her, into her arms. Simonson confronts the officer, telling him he has behaved badly, but the officer ignores him and orders the march to proceed.
Chapter 67
III
Katúsha finds life among the political prisoners surprisingly good after her previous experiences. She is physically strengthened by the march and intellectually awakened by her new companions, especially Mary Pávlovna, whom she admires for her selflessness and rejection of upper-class life. Mary Pávlovna's background as a general's daughter who became a revolutionary and her disgust for sexual love create a deep bond between the two women.
Chapter 68
IV
This chapter explores the influence of Mary Pavlovna and Simonson on Maslova, focusing on Simonson's unique character and his platonic love for her, which raises her self-esteem and inspires her to become better.
Chapter 69
V
Nekhlúdoff observes Máslova's transformation after she joins the political prisoners, and his feelings for her evolve into a permanent pity and tenderness that extends to everyone. Through his interactions with the political exiles, he reconsiders his previous disdain for revolutionaries, recognizing them as ordinary people driven by a higher moral standard, and criticizes the arbitrary cruelty of the government's treatment of political prisoners.
Chapter 70
VI
Nekhlúdoff grows close to Kryltzóff, a consumptive young revolutionary condemned to hard labour. Kryltzóff recounts his story: he was arrested for giving money to a revolutionary cause, imprisoned, and witnessed the execution of two fellow prisoners, Lózinsky and Rozóvsky. The horror of that event transformed him into a committed revolutionary. He now faces death from consumption but does not regret his actions.
Chapter 71
VII
Nekhlúdoff, delayed at the inn, arrives at the halting station at dusk hoping to secure an interview with Katúsha, but is initially rebuffed by the sentinel and sergeant. A broad-shouldered guide helps him navigate the muddy village, and women prisoners exit the station, one of them playfully abusing the guide.
Chapter 72
VIII
Nekhlúdoff arrives at a Siberian halting station and requests permission from the convoy officer to visit Máslova, who has been transferred to the political prisoners' section. The officer, coarse and self-pitying, initially resists but eventually agrees. Nekhlúdoff tries to engage him on the theme of compassion for prisoners, but the officer is more interested in recounting a story about a Hungarian woman named Emma.
Chapter 73
IX
Nekhlúdoff, accompanied by an orderly, navigates the overcrowded prison courtyard and enters the main building, where he is overwhelmed by the noise, stench, and moral nausea of the conditions. He passes through the family and bachelors' rooms, encountering Tarás with a bruised face, and witnesses the hostile, mocking gaze of the criminal prisoners. The experience deepens his shame and sense of guilt, even as he struggles with his own disgust.
Chapter 74
Chapter X
Nekhlúdoff is approached by a convict, Makár Dévkin, who whispers a plea to help a young prisoner who has swapped identities with the criminal Karmánoff to avoid hard labor. Nekhlúdoff, already aware of the scheme, nods in understanding. The chapter then recounts Makár's own story: he was condemned to hard labor for an attempted murder and robbery, which he attributes to a devilish impulse, and despite his good character, he lacked the means to hire a lawyer.
Chapter 75
XI
Nekhlúdoff visits the political prisoners' quarters, where he encounters Símonson, Máslova, and several other political exiles. He observes the harsh conditions and the camaraderie among the prisoners, while also feeling discomfort from Novódvoroff's ironic demeanor. The chapter highlights the daily struggles and small acts of kindness within the group.
Chapter 76
XII
Nekhlúdoff meets two political prisoners from the people: Nabátoff, a cheerful and practical peasant revolutionary who believes in gradual change, and Markél Kondrátieff, a bitter factory hand who became a revolutionary after witnessing class injustice. Their contrasting backgrounds and ideologies are explored, along with their attitudes toward religion, revolution, and Nekhlúdoff.
Chapter 77
XIII
After the cold and damp march, the prisoners settle into their new quarters, making tea and sharing a meal. The group, including Nekhlúdoff, Kryltzóff, Mary Pávlovna, Rántzeva, and others, finds a brief respite of coziness and elevated spirits despite the surrounding degradation. The chapter explores the complex romantic and platonic attachments among the revolutionaries, including Novódvoroff's love for Grábetz, Véra Doúkhova's unrequited affections, Kryltzóff's hidden love for Mary Pávlovna, and the deep, devoted bond between Rántzeva and her husband Rántzeff, which shapes her revolutionary commitment.
Chapter 78
XIV
Nekhlúdoff sits with Kryltzóff and others, discussing Makár's heroic act. A heated argument erupts between Kryltzóff and Novódvoroff about the nature of the common people and the revolutionary path. Máslova speaks up, saying the common people are wronged, which Nabátoff supports, while Novódvoroff dismisses it.
Chapter 79
XV
Nekhlúdoff contrasts the revolutionary Novódvoroff with Símonson, seeing Novódvoroff as driven by ambition and a desire for supremacy rather than genuine conviction. Novódvoroff's self-assurance and narrow logic make him respected but unloved, and he despises Nekhlúdoff for his independent thinking and his involvement with Máslova.
Chapter 80
Chapter XVI
Simonson declares to Nekhludoff his intention to marry Katerina Maslova, explaining that he loves her as a suffering human being and wishes to lighten her fate. Nekhludoff supports the decision, acknowledging that Maslova is free to choose. Meanwhile, the prison inspection occurs, and a convict father, Bousovkin, visits his young daughter Aksutka, who is being cared for by the women prisoners. Nabatoff raises the issue of a prisoner exchange, and Nekhludoff agrees to inform the authorities.
Chapter 81
Chapter XVII
Mary Pavlovna tells Nekhludoff that Simonson is in love with Maslova. Nekhludoff feels a mix of relief and jealousy. He speaks with Maslova about Simonson's proposal, but she refuses, saying she would only ruin him. The conversation ends with her leaving abruptly.
Chapter 82
Chapter XVIII
Nekhlúdoff returns to the men's room after visiting Máslova and finds the political prisoners agitated by news that the revolutionist Pétlin, thought to be at Kára, had recently passed through with criminal convicts, and that Nevéroff had hanged himself in a Kazán asylum. Kryltzóff becomes distraught, denouncing the authorities and arguing for violent resistance, then suffers a severe coughing fit and spits blood. After he is calmed and put to bed, Nekhlúdoff leaves through the overcrowded, foul-smelling criminal quarters, gasping for fresh air outside.
Chapter 83
XIX
Nekhlúdoff returns to his inn, haunted by the horrors he has witnessed in the prisons and halting stations. He reflects on the systemic cruelty and depravity inflicted by the legal and penal systems, concluding that the institutions are designed to produce vice rather than justice. He struggles with the moral implications of his observations, feeling isolated in his perception of the injustice.
Chapter 84
Chapter XX
Nekhlúdoff receives a note from Mary Pávlovna about Kryltzóff's worsening condition and her willingness to marry him to stay by his side. He hurries to overtake the prisoner convoy, observes the sick and political prisoners, and has a brief exchange with Kryltzóff, who jokes about the love triangle between Nekhlúdoff, Katúsha, and Símonson. Nekhlúdoff then rides ahead, passing through a village and crossing a river by ferry.
Chapter 85
XXI
Nekhlúdoff crosses a river on a raft, reflecting on Kryltzóff's death and Katúsha's new path with Símonson. He encounters a dishevelled old man who refuses to pray, claiming he believes only in himself and has no faith in institutions. The old man describes his persecution by authorities for his radical individualism, rejecting names, nationality, and the Tsar. Nekhlúdoff offers him money, which the old man refuses, accepting only bread.
Chapter 86
XXII
Nekhlúdoff arrives in a Siberian town, cleans up, and visits the Governor General to request permission for Máslova to remain in place pending her petition and for a political prisoner to be allowed to marry a fellow convict. The General, a learned but alcoholic official, listens, cites legal statutes, and refuses the marriage request on legal grounds, while acknowledging the prevalence of bribery in the system.
Chapter 87
Chapter XXIII
Nekhlúdoff receives a favorable response to Máslova's petition, commuting her sentence from hard labor to exile. He attempts to visit the prison to share the news but is denied entry by the inspector due to a typhus epidemic. He learns that a direct order from superiors is needed for her release.
Chapter 88
XXIV
Nekhlúdoff, still in an energetic frame of mind, goes to the Governor's office to check on Máslova's document, but it hasn't arrived. He writes to Selenín and the advocate, then attends a dinner party at the General's house. There, he enjoys the luxury and refined company, including an Englishman, a gold-mine merchant, and the General's family. After dinner, he visits the General's grandchildren, feeling a pang of envy for their pure happiness. Later, he accompanies the Englishman to the prison, despite a sense of unpleasant duty.
Chapter 89
XXV
Nekhlúdoff and an Englishman visit the prison. Nekhlúdoff meets with Máslova, who tells him she will follow Simonson rather than accept his offer of marriage. She implies she still loves Nekhlúdoff but refuses him for his own sake. Nekhlúdoff feels a deep weariness and falls asleep in the office before accompanying the Englishman to see the cells.
Chapter 90
XXVI
Nekhlúdoff accompanies an Englishman on a tour of the prison cells, where the Englishman distributes Testaments and preaches salvation through faith. The prisoners, including the sick, are crowded in foul conditions. Nekhlúdoff follows in a state of weariness and hopelessness.
Chapter 91
Chapter XXVII
Nekhlúdoff visits a prison cell and encounters an old man who denounces the authorities as servants of Antichrist. The Englishman questions the old man about law and punishment, but the old man rejects earthly laws. Later, Nekhlúdoff enters the mortuary and discovers the body of Kryltzóff, whose death forces him to confront the meaning of suffering and existence.
Chapter 92
XXVIII
Nekhlúdoff, after witnessing the death of Kryltzóff and the horrors of the prison, reads the Gospel and experiences a spiritual awakening. He interprets the Sermon on the Mount as practical laws that, if followed, would establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth and end the violence and injustice he has witnessed. He resolves to live by these commandments, beginning a new period of his life.
Chapter 93
Chapter XXIX
Nekhlúdoff returns to Moscow to inform Máslova that the Senate has confirmed her sentence. He discovers she has been removed from the hospital back to her cell, accused of an intrigue with a medical assistant. Despite his initial shock and disgust, Nekhlúdoff reaffirms his resolve to stand by her and follow her to Siberia. He obtains her signature on a petition to the Emperor, and leaves the prison with a renewed sense of peace and love.
Chapter 94
Nekhlúdoff's Classification of Prisoners and His Search for Justice
Nekhlúdoff categorizes prisoners into five classes, reflecting on the injustice of the legal system and the moral superiority of some convicts. He prepares for Máslova's potential departure to Siberia, manages his estates, and delves into criminological studies, seeking an answer to why some people punish others. His reading of Lombroso and others fails to provide a satisfactory answer, leading him to question the very foundation of criminal law.
Chapter 95
XXXI
Nekhlúdoff's sister Nathalie and her husband Rogózhinsky arrive in Moscow to see him. Nathalie is torn between admiration for her brother's moral resolve and horror at his plan to marry Máslova, while her husband views Nekhlúdoff's land reform as dangerous and irrational. The chapter explores the rift between Nekhlúdoff's ideals and his sister's compromised life.
Chapter 96
XXXII
Nekhlúdoff visits his sister Nathalie and her husband Rogózhinsky. He reveals his intention to marry Máslova and accompany her to Siberia, sparking a heated ideological debate with Rogózhinsky about guilt, justice, and land ownership. Nekhlúdoff argues that many convicts are innocent and that the legal system is flawed, while Rogózhinsky defends property rights and judicial infallibility. The chapter ends with tension between the brothers-in-law.
Chapter 97
XXXIII
Nekhlúdoff engages in a heated argument with his brother-in-law Rogózhinsky about the purpose and effectiveness of the legal and penal system. Nekhlúdoff argues that prisons do not reform but rather degrade prisoners, and that the law serves to uphold class interests rather than justice. The dispute leaves both men offended, and Nekhlúdoff later feels remorse for hurting his sister Nathalie. The conversation shifts to family memories and then to a duel, sparking another disagreement.
Chapter 98
Chapter XXXIV
Nekhlúdoff prepares to leave Moscow as the prisoners, including Máslova, are to depart by train at 3 p.m. He reads his diary, reflecting on his inner change and his painful feelings about Máslova's behavior in the hospital. He rushes to the prison, where a long, hot process of counting and delivering prisoners is underway. He watches the gang of prisoners—men, women, and children—march out of the prison yard, chained and burdened, under the oppressive heat and the indifferent commands of the convoy officer.
Chapter 99
XXXV
Nekhlúdoff follows the procession of prisoners through the streets, observing the crowd's reactions and trying to catch a glimpse of Máslova. He sees her among the women, looking calm and determined, but is prevented from approaching by the convoy sergeant. The chapter contrasts the dehumanizing spectacle of the prisoners with the indifference of a wealthy family in a carriage, highlighting the moral blindness of society. The young boy in the carriage feels pity for the prisoners, sensing an injustice, while his sister sees them as bad people.
Chapter 100
XXXVI
Nekhlúdoff follows the convict gang through the oppressive heat. He stops for refreshment, tries to write a letter to his sister Nathalie but cannot finish it. He witnesses a convict collapse in the street and die, and intervenes to help, offering his own carriage to transport the dying man.
Chapter 101
XXXVII
Nekhlúdoff witnesses the aftermath of two convicts dying from sunstroke during a forced march. He follows the bodies to the police station hospital, where he observes the callousness of the officials and the tragic waste of life. A doctor explains that the prisoners, weakened by confinement, succumb to the heat during the march. Nekhlúdoff is deeply affected by the sight of a handsome young convict whose potential has been destroyed.
Chapter 102
Chapter XXXVIII
Nekhlúdoff visits the prisoners at the railway station before their departure. He learns that five prisoners have died of sunstroke during the march, but the convoy is more concerned with bureaucratic procedures than the deaths. He speaks with Máslova and other women prisoners, who ask for water and mention a woman in labor. Nekhlúdoff tries to help but is brushed off by the convoy officer. The chapter ends with the train departing and Máslova smiling at Nekhlúdoff.
Chapter 103
Chapter XXXIX
Nekhlúdoff, waiting for his train, falls asleep in the refreshment-room and is awakened by a waiter. He sees the Korchágin family passing through the station. His sister Nathalie Rogózhinsky finds him, and they have a tender but strained conversation. Nekhlúdoff tells her about the two convicts who died of sunstroke and reiterates his intention to marry Katúsha, though she has refused. He also mentions giving the Kousmínski land to the peasants. The parting is bittersweet, and Nekhlúdoff feels estranged from his sister, seeing her as a slave to her husband.
Chapter 104
XL
Nekhlúdoff reflects on the deaths of two convicts, realizing that no individual official feels guilty because they all act within their roles, treating people as things rather than with love. He concludes that dealing with men without love is a fundamental violation of human law, and that the bureaucratic system makes people impermeable to compassion.
Chapter 105
XLI
Nekhlúdoff travels in a crowded third-class carriage, observing the diverse passengers and their conversations. He listens to Tarás recount the story of his wife Theodosia, who attempted to poison him but was forgiven and later transformed into a devoted partner. The chapter highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the resilience of ordinary people.
Chapter 106
XLII
Nekhlúdoff observes the wealthy Korchágins at the station and contrasts their privileged world with a group of weary workmen. He invites the workmen into his carriage, listens to their stories of labor and hardship, and feels a sense of discovery and connection to a new, authentic world of working people.
Chapter 107
Book III
Nekhlúdoff accompanies the prisoners on their journey to Siberia, witnessing the brutal conditions and injustices of the penal system. He continues his efforts to secure Máslova's release and redemption, while also confronting the moral decay of society and his own spiritual awakening.
Chapter 108
I
Máslova's journey with the prisoners continues. After traveling by rail and steamboat to Perm, she is allowed to join the political prisoners, which improves her conditions. She marches with the criminal convicts but finds relief from harassment among the politicals, where she meets Mary Pávlovna and Símonson. The chapter depicts a bleak morning start, with prisoners buying food and the officer's harsh treatment causing a disturbance.
Chapter 109
Chapter II
Mary Pavlovna and Maslova witness an officer brutally beating a convict who refuses to be manacled because he is carrying his young daughter. The officer orders the child taken away, and Mary Pavlovna offers to carry her. Maslova uses a rusk to coax the child, who knows her, into her arms. Simonson confronts the officer, telling him he has behaved badly, but the officer ignores him and orders the march to proceed.
Chapter 110
III
Katúsha finds life among the political prisoners surprisingly good after her previous experiences. She is physically strengthened by the march and intellectually awakened by her new companions, especially Mary Pávlovna, whom she admires for her selflessness and rejection of upper-class life. Mary Pávlovna's background as a general's daughter who became a revolutionary and her disgust for sexual love create a deep bond between the two women.
Chapter 111
IV
This chapter explores the influence of Mary Pavlovna and Simonson on Maslova, focusing on Simonson's unique character and his platonic love for her, which raises her self-esteem and inspires her to become better.
Chapter 112
V
Nekhlúdoff observes Máslova's transformation after she joins the political prisoners, and his feelings for her evolve into a permanent pity and tenderness that extends to everyone. Through his interactions with the political exiles, he reconsiders his previous disdain for revolutionaries, recognizing them as ordinary people driven by a higher moral standard, and criticizes the arbitrary cruelty of the government's treatment of political prisoners.
Chapter 113
VI
Nekhlúdoff grows close to Kryltzóff, a consumptive young revolutionary condemned to hard labour. Kryltzóff recounts his story: he was arrested for giving money to a revolutionary cause, imprisoned, and witnessed the execution of two fellow prisoners, Lózinsky and Rozóvsky. The horror of that event transformed him into a committed revolutionary. He now faces death from consumption but does not regret his actions.
Chapter 114
VII
Nekhlúdoff, delayed at the inn, arrives at the halting station at dusk hoping to secure an interview with Katúsha, but is initially rebuffed by the sentinel and sergeant. A broad-shouldered guide helps him navigate the muddy village, and women prisoners exit the station, one of them playfully abusing the guide.
Chapter 115
VIII
Nekhlúdoff arrives at a Siberian halting station and requests permission from the convoy officer to visit Máslova, who has been transferred to the political prisoners' section. The officer, coarse and self-pitying, initially resists but eventually agrees. Nekhlúdoff tries to engage him on the theme of compassion for prisoners, but the officer is more interested in recounting a story about a Hungarian woman named Emma.
Chapter 116
IX
Nekhlúdoff, accompanied by an orderly, navigates the overcrowded prison courtyard and enters the main building, where he is overwhelmed by the noise, stench, and moral nausea of the conditions. He passes through the family and bachelors' rooms, encountering Tarás with a bruised face, and witnesses the hostile, mocking gaze of the criminal prisoners. The experience deepens his shame and sense of guilt, even as he struggles with his own disgust.
Chapter 117
Chapter X
Nekhlúdoff is approached by a convict, Makár Dévkin, who whispers a plea to help a young prisoner who has swapped identities with the criminal Karmánoff to avoid hard labor. Nekhlúdoff, already aware of the scheme, nods in understanding. The chapter then recounts Makár's own story: he was condemned to hard labor for an attempted murder and robbery, which he attributes to a devilish impulse, and despite his good character, he lacked the means to hire a lawyer.
Chapter 118
XI
Nekhlúdoff visits the political prisoners' quarters, where he encounters Símonson, Máslova, and several other political exiles. He observes the harsh conditions and the camaraderie among the prisoners, while also feeling discomfort from Novódvoroff's ironic demeanor. The chapter highlights the daily struggles and small acts of kindness within the group.
Chapter 119
XII
Nekhlúdoff meets two political prisoners from the people: Nabátoff, a cheerful and practical peasant revolutionary who believes in gradual change, and Markél Kondrátieff, a bitter factory hand who became a revolutionary after witnessing class injustice. Their contrasting backgrounds and ideologies are explored, along with their attitudes toward religion, revolution, and Nekhlúdoff.
Chapter 120
XIII
After the cold and damp march, the prisoners settle into their new quarters, making tea and sharing a meal. The group, including Nekhlúdoff, Kryltzóff, Mary Pávlovna, Rántzeva, and others, finds a brief respite of coziness and elevated spirits despite the surrounding degradation. The chapter explores the complex romantic and platonic attachments among the revolutionaries, including Novódvoroff's love for Grábetz, Véra Doúkhova's unrequited affections, Kryltzóff's hidden love for Mary Pávlovna, and the deep, devoted bond between Rántzeva and her husband Rántzeff, which shapes her revolutionary commitment.
Chapter 121
XIV
Nekhlúdoff sits with Kryltzóff and others, discussing Makár's heroic act. A heated argument erupts between Kryltzóff and Novódvoroff about the nature of the common people and the revolutionary path. Máslova speaks up, saying the common people are wronged, which Nabátoff supports, while Novódvoroff dismisses it.
Chapter 122
XV
Nekhlúdoff contrasts the revolutionary Novódvoroff with Símonson, seeing Novódvoroff as driven by ambition and a desire for supremacy rather than genuine conviction. Novódvoroff's self-assurance and narrow logic make him respected but unloved, and he despises Nekhlúdoff for his independent thinking and his involvement with Máslova.
Chapter 123
Chapter XVI
Simonson declares to Nekhludoff his intention to marry Katerina Maslova, explaining that he loves her as a suffering human being and wishes to lighten her fate. Nekhludoff supports the decision, acknowledging that Maslova is free to choose. Meanwhile, the prison inspection occurs, and a convict father, Bousovkin, visits his young daughter Aksutka, who is being cared for by the women prisoners. Nabatoff raises the issue of a prisoner exchange, and Nekhludoff agrees to inform the authorities.
Chapter 124
Chapter XVII
Mary Pavlovna tells Nekhludoff that Simonson is in love with Maslova. Nekhludoff feels a mix of relief and jealousy. He speaks with Maslova about Simonson's proposal, but she refuses, saying she would only ruin him. The conversation ends with her leaving abruptly.
Chapter 125
Chapter XVIII
Nekhlúdoff returns to the men's room after visiting Máslova and finds the political prisoners agitated by news that the revolutionist Pétlin, thought to be at Kára, had recently passed through with criminal convicts, and that Nevéroff had hanged himself in a Kazán asylum. Kryltzóff becomes distraught, denouncing the authorities and arguing for violent resistance, then suffers a severe coughing fit and spits blood. After he is calmed and put to bed, Nekhlúdoff leaves through the overcrowded, foul-smelling criminal quarters, gasping for fresh air outside.
Chapter 126
XIX
Nekhlúdoff returns to his inn, haunted by the horrors he has witnessed in the prisons and halting stations. He reflects on the systemic cruelty and depravity inflicted by the legal and penal systems, concluding that the institutions are designed to produce vice rather than justice. He struggles with the moral implications of his observations, feeling isolated in his perception of the injustice.
Chapter 127
Chapter XX
Nekhlúdoff receives a note from Mary Pávlovna about Kryltzóff's worsening condition and her willingness to marry him to stay by his side. He hurries to overtake the prisoner convoy, observes the sick and political prisoners, and has a brief exchange with Kryltzóff, who jokes about the love triangle between Nekhlúdoff, Katúsha, and Símonson. Nekhlúdoff then rides ahead, passing through a village and crossing a river by ferry.
Chapter 128
XXI
Nekhlúdoff crosses a river on a raft, reflecting on Kryltzóff's death and Katúsha's new path with Símonson. He encounters a dishevelled old man who refuses to pray, claiming he believes only in himself and has no faith in institutions. The old man describes his persecution by authorities for his radical individualism, rejecting names, nationality, and the Tsar. Nekhlúdoff offers him money, which the old man refuses, accepting only bread.
Chapter 129
XXII
Nekhlúdoff arrives in a Siberian town, cleans up, and visits the Governor General to request permission for Máslova to remain in place pending her petition and for a political prisoner to be allowed to marry a fellow convict. The General, a learned but alcoholic official, listens, cites legal statutes, and refuses the marriage request on legal grounds, while acknowledging the prevalence of bribery in the system.
Chapter 130
Chapter XXIII
Nekhlúdoff receives a favorable response to Máslova's petition, commuting her sentence from hard labor to exile. He attempts to visit the prison to share the news but is denied entry by the inspector due to a typhus epidemic. He learns that a direct order from superiors is needed for her release.
Chapter 131
XXIV
Nekhlúdoff, still in an energetic frame of mind, goes to the Governor's office to check on Máslova's document, but it hasn't arrived. He writes to Selenín and the advocate, then attends a dinner party at the General's house. There, he enjoys the luxury and refined company, including an Englishman, a gold-mine merchant, and the General's family. After dinner, he visits the General's grandchildren, feeling a pang of envy for their pure happiness. Later, he accompanies the Englishman to the prison, despite a sense of unpleasant duty.
Chapter 132
XXV
Nekhlúdoff and an Englishman visit the prison. Nekhlúdoff meets with Máslova, who tells him she will follow Simonson rather than accept his offer of marriage. She implies she still loves Nekhlúdoff but refuses him for his own sake. Nekhlúdoff feels a deep weariness and falls asleep in the office before accompanying the Englishman to see the cells.
Chapter 133
XXVI
Nekhlúdoff accompanies an Englishman on a tour of the prison cells, where the Englishman distributes Testaments and preaches salvation through faith. The prisoners, including the sick, are crowded in foul conditions. Nekhlúdoff follows in a state of weariness and hopelessness.
Chapter 134
Chapter XXVII
Nekhlúdoff visits a prison cell and encounters an old man who denounces the authorities as servants of Antichrist. The Englishman questions the old man about law and punishment, but the old man rejects earthly laws. Later, Nekhlúdoff enters the mortuary and discovers the body of Kryltzóff, whose death forces him to confront the meaning of suffering and existence.
Chapter 135
XXVIII
Nekhlúdoff, after witnessing the death of Kryltzóff and the horrors of the prison, reads the Gospel and experiences a spiritual awakening. He interprets the Sermon on the Mount as practical laws that, if followed, would establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth and end the violence and injustice he has witnessed. He resolves to live by these commandments, beginning a new period of his life.
Chapter 136
Endnotes
This section provides translator's notes clarifying Russian cultural terms, customs, currency, measurements, and historical references used throughout the novel.
