# XLVIII explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Nekhlúdoff visits Máslova in prison and reiterates his intention to marry her as an act of atonement. Máslova, drunk and bitter, angrily rejects him, accusing him of using her for pleasure and now seeking his own salvation. She refuses his offer and sends him away, then returns to her cell and drinks with her companions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moral Awakening and Redemption

Nekhlúdoff's persistent offer of marriage as atonement contrasts with Máslova's bitter refusal, highlighting the struggle for moral redemption.

### Social Class and Inequality

Máslova's angry reminder of their class difference—'I am a convict, and you a prince'—underscores the insurmountable social divide.

### Sexual Exploitation and Women's Position

Máslova accuses Nekhlúdoff of having used her for pleasure and now seeking to save himself, reflecting her experience of exploitation.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff

Visits Máslova in prison, declares his intention to marry her, and is harshly rejected.

### Katerina Maslova

Drunk and angry, she refuses Nekhlúdoff's marriage proposal and accuses him of selfish motives.

### Korableva

Encourages Máslova to take advantage of Nekhlúdoff's interest.

### Menshoff

Mentioned by Máslova as a prisoner whose mother seeks Nekhlúdoff's help.

## Key lines

> You’ve got pleasure out of me in this life, and want to save yourself through me in the life to come.

You used me for your enjoyment in this world, and now you want to use me to secure your own salvation in the next.

_Máslova's bitter accusation reveals her view of Nekhlúdoff's proposal as selfish rather than redemptive._

> I am a convict, and you are a gentleman and a prince. There’s no need for you to soil yourself by touching me.

I am a prisoner and you are a nobleman; you shouldn't lower yourself by associating with me.

_Máslova emphasizes the social chasm between them, rejecting Nekhlúdoff's offer as inappropriate._

## Links

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