# L explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Injustice of the Legal System

Máslennikoff criticizes the jury system and Fanárin, while Nekhlúdoff advocates for fair treatment of the accused, underscoring systemic flaws.

### Social Class and Inequality

Nekhlúdoff's ability to obtain special permissions through his aristocratic connections contrasts with the powerlessness of common prisoners like Máslova and the Menshóffs.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff

Visits Máslennikoff to secure prison visitation permissions for Máslova and Vera Doukhova, and remains firm in his resolve despite fear.

### Maslennikoff

Former regimental comrade now a civil administrator; grants Nekhlúdoff an open order for prison visits, boasts about his order and firm power, and criticizes Fanárin and the jury system.

### Katerina Maslova

Nekhlúdoff seeks permission to visit her in prison; she is mentioned as unjustly condemned for poisoning.

### Vera Doukhova

A political prisoner and former teacher; Nekhlúdoff requests permission to visit her as well.

### Fanarin

Mentioned as Nekhlúdoff's advocate; Máslennikoff disparages him as a bad man and 'un homme taré'.

## Key lines

> I have one more request to make,” said Nekhlúdoff, without answering him. “There’s a girl whom I knew long ago, a teacher; she is a very pitiable little thing, and is now also imprisoned, and would like to see me. Could you give me a permission to visit her?”

Nekhlúdoff asks Máslennikoff for permission to visit Vera Doukhova, a former teacher and political prisoner.

_Nekhlúdoff's persistence in seeking access to prisoners reflects his growing commitment to justice._

> Solicitude and firm power.

Máslennikoff describes his prison management philosophy as combining care with strict authority.

_This phrase encapsulates the paternalistic and repressive approach of the administration._

## Links

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