# Chapter XXVII explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Nekhlúdoff visits the Korchagin household, where he feels increasingly alienated by the artificiality and falseness of the society around him. He interacts with Missy, Princess Sophia Vasílievna, and Kólosoff, but is unable to engage in their trivial conversations. He declines Missy's invitation to stay, leaving her anxious about his intentions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy of Religion and Morality

The Korchagin household embodies moral hypocrisy: Princess Sophia Vasílievna's flattery and affair with the doctor contrast with her pretensions to refinement.

### Social Class and Inequality

Nekhlúdoff's discomfort highlights the vast gulf between the privileged elite and the suffering he witnessed in court.

## Character check-ins

### Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff

Feels like a horse being harnessed; finds the social atmosphere oppressive and false.

### Missy

Holds Nekhlúdoff's hand longer than usual, anxious about his withdrawal and the implications for their relationship.

### Princess Sophia Vasilievna

Affected and flattering; concerned about sunlight on her aged face; engages in superficial conversation.

### Ivan Ivanovitch Kolosoff

Tipsy and self-satisfied; discusses art and mysticism with the princess.

### Katerina Alexeevna

Teases Nekhlúdoff about his low spirits; recalls their game of telling the truth.

## Key lines

> Nekhlúdoff felt as a horse must feel when it is being caressed to make it submit to having the bit put in its mouth and be harnessed, and today he felt less than ever inclined to draw.

Nekhlúdoff felt like a horse being gently coaxed into submission, but he was more resistant than ever.

_Illustrates Nekhlúdoff's growing resistance to social expectations and manipulation._

> She would not mention to Katerína Alexéevna even, so vulgar a pun, but only said, 'We all have our good and our bad days.'

Missy refrained from making a crude joke, instead offering a platitude about everyone having ups and downs.

_Shows Missy's self-restraint and her awareness of social propriety._

## Links

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