Resurrection · Chapter
XLIV explained
Nekhlúdoff is horrified to discover that Katúsha has been replaced by Máslova, a prostitute who is proud of her position and resists his attempts to lead her into another world.
What happens
Nekhlúdoff is horrified to discover that Katúsha has been replaced by Máslova, a prostitute who is proud of her position and resists his attempts to lead her into another world. He realizes she has formed a view of life that justifies her role, and he resolves to tell her he will marry her.
Themes in this chapter
Sexual Exploitation and Women's Position
Máslova's view of life as a prostitute highlights the exploitation and limited agency of women in her society.
Moral Awakening and Redemption
Nekhlúdoff's horror at Máslova's transformation and his resolve to marry her reflect his ongoing moral awakening.
Characters to notice
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Horrified by Máslova's transformation, he resolves to tell her he will marry her.
- Katerina Maslova
Now a prostitute who is proud of her position and resists Nekhlúdoff's attempts to change her.
Key passages
“What astonished him most was that Katúsha was not ashamed of her position—not the position of a prisoner (she was ashamed of that), but her position as a prostitute. She seemed satisfied, even proud of it.”
Nekhlúdoff is shocked that Máslova is not ashamed of being a prostitute; instead, she appears content and proud of it.
Highlights the psychological transformation of Máslova and Nekhlúdoff's disillusionment.
“Feeling that Nekhlúdoff wanted to lead her out into another world, she resisted him, foreseeing that she would have to lose her place in life, with the self-possession and self-respect it gave her.”
Máslova resists Nekhlúdoff because she fears losing the identity and self-respect that her current life provides.
Explains Máslova's resistance to change and her attachment to her current worldview.