Resurrection · Chapter
XXI explained
The public prosecutor delivers a lengthy, self-aggrandizing speech at the trial, portraying Máslova as a degenerate criminal who used hypnotic influence to rob and murder the merchant Smelkóff.
What happens
The public prosecutor delivers a lengthy, self-aggrandizing speech at the trial, portraying Máslova as a degenerate criminal who used hypnotic influence to rob and murder the merchant Smelkóff. The defense advocates for Kartínkin and Bótchkova shift blame onto Máslova, while Máslova's own advocate gives a weak defense. When given the chance to speak, Máslova only cries. Nekhlúdoff, overwhelmed by emotion, struggles to hide his tears, fearing disgrace.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice of the Legal System
The prosecutor's bombastic, prejudicial speech and the weak defense illustrate how the trial is more about performance and bias than justice.
Sexual Exploitation and Women's Position
Máslova is blamed as a temptress and 'decadent' woman, while the man who seduced her remains unpunished, highlighting gender inequality.
Hypocrisy of Religion and Morality
The prosecutor's moralizing tone and invocation of 'society's danger' contrast with the actual lack of concern for truth or fairness.
Characters to notice
- Katerina Maslova
Remains silent when given the chance to speak, only crying and looking around like a hunted animal.
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Hears Máslova's sobs and struggles to suppress his own tears, fearing public disgrace.
- Simeon Kartinkin
Repeatedly protests his innocence, saying 'It is your business, but I am innocent; it’s unjust.'
- Euphemia Botchkova
Blames Máslova entirely, claiming she knew nothing and took no part in the crime.
- The Judges
The president and serious member exchange remarks about the prosecutor's speech, finding it overblown.
Key passages
“the fate of society is to a certain extent in your power. Your verdict will influence it. Grasp the full meaning of this crime, the danger that awaits society from those whom I may perhaps be permitted to call pathological individuals, such as Máslova.”
The prosecutor argues that the jury's decision will affect all of society, urging them to recognize the threat posed by 'pathological' criminals like Máslova.
The prosecutor uses alarmist language to sway the jury, framing Máslova as a danger to the social order.
“Máslova said nothing in her defence. Told she might do so by the president, she only lifted her eyes to him, cast a look round the room like a hunted animal, and, dropping her head, began to cry, sobbing aloud.”
When invited to speak, Máslova remains silent, looks around desperately, and breaks down in tears.
Máslova's silence and tears convey her helplessness and the emotional weight of the trial.
“Fear of the disgrace that would befall him if everyone in the court knew of his conduct stifled the inner working of his soul. This fear was, during this first period, stronger than all else.”
Nekhlúdoff's fear of public shame over his past actions overpowers his inner turmoil and compassion.
Nekhlúdoff's primary concern is his reputation, revealing his internal conflict between guilt and self-preservation.