Resurrection · Chapter
Book I explained
Prince Dmitri Nekhludoff awakens in Moscow and is confronted with the trial of Katerina Maslova, a woman he seduced and abandoned years earlier.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Awakening and Redemption
Nekhludoff's recognition of his past sin and his decision to seek redemption by helping Maslova.
Injustice of the Legal System
The trial of Maslova highlights the arbitrary and class-biased nature of the legal proceedings.
Characters to notice
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Awakens in Moscow and recalls his seduction of Katusha, beginning his moral awakening.
- Katerina Maslova
On trial for poisoning, convicted and sentenced; Nekhludoff visits her in prison.
- Maslennikoff
Nekhludoff seeks permission from him to visit Maslova.
- Fanarin
Advocate who takes Maslova's case.
Key passages
“Nekhludoff awoke in Moscow, and the first thing that came into his head was the recollection of the seduction of Katusha.”
Upon waking in Moscow, Nekhludoff's first thought was of the time he seduced Katusha.
This memory triggers his moral crisis.
“The trial of Katerina Maslova began. The judges were tired and indifferent; the jury was a collection of ordinary citizens.”
Maslova's trial started with weary judges and a jury of common people.
Shows the flawed and indifferent judicial process.