# XIV explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Nekhlúdoff visits his aunts' estate on his way to join his regiment, driven by a desire to see Katúsha. He arrives on Good Friday, is warmly welcomed, and his old feelings for her resurface. Despite an inner spiritual struggle, he decides to stay for Easter, attending the midnight mass.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moral Awakening and Redemption

Nekhlúdoff experiences an inner struggle between his spiritual self and animal self upon seeing Katúsha again.

### Love and Sacrifice

Nekhlúdoff's reawakened feelings for Katúsha and his decision to stay for Easter, despite knowing it may lead to no good.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff

Arrives at his aunts' estate, feels joy at seeing Katúsha, and struggles between his spiritual and animal selves.

### Katerina Maslova

Brings Nekhlúdoff soap and towels; her presence reawakens his old feelings.

### Countess Katerina Ivanovna Tcharsky

One of Nekhlúdoff's aunts; welcomes him warmly and mentions they have been to communion.

### Princess Sophia Vasilievna

Nekhlúdoff's other aunt; not well, tired from church.

### Tikhon

The manservant who helps Nekhlúdoff change and answers his questions.

### Matrona Pavlovna

The old servant preparing to go to church for the blessing of Easter bread.

### Schonbock

Nekhlúdoff's friend; he is telegraphed to come meet him at the aunts' instead of Odessa.

## Key lines

> In Nekhlúdoff, as in every man, there were two beings: one the spiritual, seeking only that kind of happiness for himself which should tend towards the happiness of all; the other, the animal man, seeking only his own happiness, and ready to sacrifice to it the happiness of the rest of the world.

Nekhlúdoff, like all people, contains a dual nature: a spiritual self that desires universal happiness, and an animal self that pursues personal gratification at others' expense.

_This passage highlights the central internal conflict driving Nekhlúdoff's moral struggle._

## Links

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