Resurrection · Chapter
XLIX explained
Nekhlúdoff leaves the prison fully comprehending the magnitude of his crime against Máslova, realizing that his earlier remorse was self-admiration.
What happens
Nekhlúdoff leaves the prison fully comprehending the magnitude of his crime against Máslova, realizing that his earlier remorse was self-admiration. He receives a note from Véra Doúkhova, a political prisoner he once helped, who offers to provide information about Máslova and her group. The chapter contrasts Nekhlúdoff's joyful memories of a bear-hunting expedition with his present torment and guilt.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Awakening and Redemption
Nekhlúdoff experiences a profound moral awakening, realizing the true horror of his crime and moving beyond self-admiring remorse to genuine horror and responsibility.
Revolution and Resistance
Véra Doúkhova, a political prisoner and revolutionary, reaches out to Nekhlúdoff, highlighting the presence of revolutionary activity and the plight of political prisoners.
Characters to notice
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Leaves the prison with a full understanding of his crime; receives a note from Véra Doúkhova; recalls his past hunting trip and his earlier encounter with Doúkhova.
- Katerina Maslova
Nekhlúdoff reflects on the horror of what he did to her soul; she is the subject of Véra Doúkhova's promised information.
- Vera Doukhova
Sends a note to Nekhlúdoff from prison; a former schoolteacher and now a political prisoner; recalls their earlier meeting when Nekhlúdoff gave her money for her studies.
Key passages
“So this is what it means, this,” thought Nekhlúdoff as he left the prison, only now fully understanding his crime. If he had not tried to expiate his guilt he would never have found out how great his crime was.”
Leaving the prison, Nekhlúdoff finally grasps the full extent of his wrongdoing, realizing that his attempt to atone has revealed the true depth of his sin.
Highlights Nekhlúdoff's moral awakening and the painful clarity that comes with genuine remorse.
“He only now saw what he had done to the soul of this woman; only now she saw and understood what had been done to her.”
For the first time, Nekhlúdoff perceives the spiritual damage he inflicted on Máslova, and she too now comprehends the harm she suffered.
Emphasizes the mutual recognition of the crime's impact on both characters.
“How beautiful it was. And now, O God! what torment, what trouble!”
The memory of that joyful hunting trip contrasts sharply with the anguish and turmoil of his present situation.
Illustrates the stark contrast between Nekhlúdoff's carefree past and his current suffering.