Resurrection · Chapter
The Trial Begins: The Indictment and Pleas explained
The president reads the indictment against the three prisoners—Simeon Kartínkin, Euphemia Botchkova, and Katerina Maslova—for the theft and poisoning of the merchant Smelkoff.
What happens
The president reads the indictment against the three prisoners—Simeon Kartínkin, Euphemia Botchkova, and Katerina Maslova—for the theft and poisoning of the merchant Smelkoff. Each prisoner pleads not guilty to the theft, though Maslova confesses to giving Smelkoff a powder she believed was a sleeping draught. The public prosecutor questions Maslova about her acquaintance with Kartínkin and her actions on the night of the crime. Nekhlúdoff, present as a juror, fears Maslova may recognize him. The court adjourns for a ten-minute interval.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice of the Legal System
The trial proceedings show a predetermined, mechanical approach to justice; the president recites charges like a lesson, and the prosecutor's questions are designed to entrap rather than seek truth.
Sexual Exploitation and Women's Position
Maslova's testimony reveals her powerlessness: she was coerced by Smelkoff and manipulated by Kartínkin, yet she is the one on trial for her life.
Characters to notice
- Katerina Maslova
Pleads not guilty to theft but confesses to giving Smelkoff a powder she thought was harmless; appears frightened and anxious during questioning.
- Simeon Kartinkin
Pleads not guilty, stammering and leaning forward; his responses are cut off by the usher.
- Euphemia Botchkova
Pleads not guilty boldly, claiming she never entered Smelkoff's room and blaming Maslova.
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Present as a juror; fears Maslova has recognized him and feels the blood rush to his face.
- The Judges
The president leads the proceedings; a bearded member requests a break due to stomach discomfort.
- Theropont Smelkoff
The deceased merchant; his money and ring are central to the charges.
Key passages
“I am not guilty of anything, she began rapidly. As I said before I say again, I did not take it—I did not take it; I did not take anything, and the ring he gave me himself.”
Maslova insists she is innocent of theft, claiming the ring was a gift from Smelkoff.
Maslova's desperate denial highlights her fear and the pressure of the courtroom.
“I want to ask, was the prisoner previously acquainted with Simeon Kartínkin? said the public prosecutor, without looking at Máslova, and, having put the question, he compressed his lips and frowned.”
The prosecutor asks if Maslova knew Kartínkin, implying a conspiracy without direct evidence.
The prosecutor's demeanor and leading question reveal his adversarial intent.
“Is it possible that she has recognised me? thought Nekhlúdoff, and the blood rushed to his face.”
Nekhlúdoff panics internally, fearing Maslova might identify him as her former seducer.
This moment underscores Nekhlúdoff's guilt and the personal stakes of the trial.