Resurrection · Chapter
VIII explained
The trial of Katerina Máslova begins.
What happens
The trial of Katerina Máslova begins. The prisoners are brought in, including Máslova, who attracts the attention of all the men in the court. The jury is sworn in by an old priest, and Nekhlúdoff is among the jurymen drawn by lot. The jury selects a foreman, and the president delivers a speech on their rights, obligations, and responsibilities.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice of the Legal System
The formal, solemn proceedings mask the potential for injustice, as the jury is sworn in and the trial begins.
Hypocrisy of Religion and Morality
The priest's mechanical administration of the oath contrasts with the moral gravity of the situation.
Characters to notice
- Katerina Maslova
The third prisoner brought into court, she is the focus of attention due to her appearance.
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Among the jurymen drawn by lot, he participates in the swearing-in and selection of the foreman.
- The Judges
The president of the court oversees the proceedings, making a speech to the jury.
- The Priest
The old priest administers the oath to the jury.
Key passages
“The president, having looked through some papers and put a few questions to the usher and the secretary, gave the order for the prisoners to be brought in.”
After reviewing documents and consulting with court officials, the president ordered the prisoners to be brought before the court.
The trial proceedings commence with the formal entry of the prisoners.
“As soon as she appeared, the eyes of all the men in the court turned her way, and remained fixed on her white face, her sparklingly-brilliant black eyes and the swelling bosom under the prison cloak.”
Upon Máslova's entrance, every man in the courtroom stared at her striking features and figure.
Máslova's appearance captivates the male observers, highlighting her role as the central figure in the trial.
“Now, raise your right arms in this way, and put your fingers together, thus,' he said, with his tremulous old voice, lifting his fat, dimpled hand, and putting the thumb and two first fingers together, as if taking a pinch of something.”
The priest instructed the jury to raise their right hands with their thumb and first two fingers pinched together, demonstrating the gesture.
The priest's ritualistic instruction underscores the formal, almost theatrical nature of the oath-taking.