Resurrection · Chapter
XLIII explained
Nekhlúdoff visits Máslova in prison, confesses his guilt, and asks for forgiveness.
What happens
Nekhlúdoff visits Máslova in prison, confesses his guilt, and asks for forgiveness. She initially does not recognize him, then recalls their past with bitterness. She asks for money, and Nekhlúdoff struggles with his conscience, ultimately resolving to continue his efforts to redeem himself.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Awakening and Redemption
Nekhlúdoff's confession and plea for forgiveness, his internal struggle, and his resolve to redeem his sin highlight his moral awakening.
Sexual Exploitation and Women's Position
Máslova's past seduction by Nekhlúdoff and her subsequent fall into prostitution and prison illustrate the exploitation of women and their limited options.
Characters to notice
- Katerina Maslova
Máslova is brought out to speak with Nekhlúdoff. She is initially confused, then bitter, and asks for money. She smiles in a luring, piteous manner, showing her depraved state.
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Nekhlúdoff confesses his sin to Máslova, asks for forgiveness, and offers to help. He struggles with inner temptation but resolves to continue his moral awakening.
- The Officer
The inspector (officer) directs Nekhlúdoff to the women's ward and later arranges for Máslova to be brought out for a private conversation.
Key passages
“I have come to ask you to forgive me”
Nekhlúdoff tells Máslova that he has come to seek her forgiveness.
This marks the beginning of Nekhlúdoff's attempt at redemption.
“Thank God! he died at once”
Máslova says that their child died immediately after birth, expressing relief.
Her bitter response shows her trauma and desire to forget the past.
“That's odd, what you are saying there”
Máslova dismisses Nekhlúdoff's talk of forgiveness as strange and irrelevant.
Her contemptuous smile reveals her hardened, cynical attitude.