# Book II explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Land Ownership and Economic Injustice

Nekhlúdoff grapples with the injustice of land ownership and decides to implement Henry George's theories by giving land to the peasants, highlighting the economic inequality between landowners and peasants.

### Moral Awakening and Redemption

Nekhlúdoff's decision to reform his land management and his reflections on his past with Katúsha demonstrate his ongoing moral awakening and desire for redemption.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff

Travels to his aunts' estate, decides to give land to peasants, and reflects on his past with Katúsha.

### Nathalie Ivanovna Rogozhinsky

Nekhlúdoff's aunt, who opposes his plan to give away the land and argues for keeping the estate.

### Kousminski

The steward of Nekhlúdoff's aunts' estate, who is skeptical of the land reform plan.

### Henry George

Referenced as the inspiration for Nekhlúdoff's land reform ideas.

## Key lines

> The land cannot be property; it cannot be bought or sold; for it is the property of all men, and all men have an equal right to its use.

Nekhlúdoff concludes that land should not be owned privately but should be shared equally by all people.

_This reflects Nekhlúdoff's adoption of Henry George's land reform philosophy._

> He felt that he was now in a position to do something for the peasants, and that he must do it.

Nekhlúdoff feels a moral obligation to help the peasants by giving them the land.

_This shows Nekhlúdoff's commitment to social justice and his personal redemption._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/book-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/resurrection_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/resurrection_se/chapters