# XLIV explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## 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Nekhlúdoff is horrified to discover that Katúsha has been replaced by Máslova, a prostitute who is proud of her position and resists his attempts to lead her into another world.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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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