Resurrection · Chapter
XLV explained
Nekhlúdoff visits advocate Fanárin to discuss Máslova's appeal.
What happens
Nekhlúdoff visits advocate Fanárin to discuss Máslova's appeal. Fanárin explains the legal error in the jury's verdict and prepares a petition for the Senate, though he holds little hope for success. Nekhlúdoff also learns he must obtain permission from Máslennikoff to visit Máslova outside regular hours. After leaving, Nekhlúdoff attempts to simplify his life but finds his household in a flurry of seasonal cleaning. He decides to postpone changes until Máslova's case is resolved.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice of the Legal System
Fanárin highlights the jury's procedural error and the slim chance of correction by the Senate, underscoring systemic flaws.
Social Class and Inequality
Nekhlúdoff's wealth and connections contrast with the dejected clients in Fanárin's waiting room, and the advocate's casual dismissal of the merchant's greed.
Characters to notice
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Visits Fanárin to discuss Máslova's appeal; considers simplifying his life but postpones changes.
- Fanarin
Advocate handling Máslova's appeal; explains the legal error and prepares a petition for the Senate.
- Katerina Maslova
Subject of the appeal; Nekhlúdoff plans to bring the petition for her signature.
- Maslennikoff
Vice-governor; Nekhlúdoff needs his permission for a special prison visit.
- Agraphena Petrovna
Advises Nekhlúdoff against changing his household arrangements before winter.
- Corney
Participates in the household cleaning and airing of furs.
Key passages
“acquit her of the intent to rob, or participation in the stealing of valuables, from which it follows that they intended also to acquit her of the intent to murder, and only through a misunderstanding, which arose from the incompleteness of the president’s summing up, omitted to express it in due form in their answer.”
The jury meant to acquit her of robbery and therefore murder, but due to the judge's incomplete summary, they failed to state this properly.
Fanárin explains the legal error in the jury's verdict.
“All that can be done is done, but, to be frank, I have little hope of success, though, of course, it all depends on what members will be present at the Senate.”
We've done everything possible, but honestly, success is unlikely; it depends on which senators hear the case.
Fanárin expresses pessimism about the appeal's outcome.