# XLII explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Nekhlúdoff, with strained politeness, asks an officer for permission to visit Máslova in the women's ward. He is led to a smaller, similarly divided interviewing room where prisoners and visitors communicate through wire nets. He spots Máslova standing behind Theodosia, dressed in a white prison dress, and calls for her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Injustice of the Legal System

The dehumanizing prison visiting system, with wire nets and warders, reflects the cold, bureaucratic cruelty of the legal system.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff

Nekhlúdoff approaches the officer with strained politeness, asks to see Máslova, and is led to the women's interviewing room.

### Katerina Maslova

Máslova is seen standing behind Theodosia in the women's ward, wearing a white dress, unaware that Nekhlúdoff has come to see her.

### Theodosia Birukoff

Theodosia is a fair-haired prisoner speaking to her husband through the net, with Máslova standing behind her.

## Key lines

> Well, but I must do what I came here for,” he said, trying to pick up courage.

Nekhlúdoff steels himself to fulfill his purpose.

_He gathers his resolve to face the prison visit._

> The decisive moment was approaching.

The critical moment was drawing near.

_Nekhlúdoff feels the weight of the impending encounter._

## Links

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