Resurrection · Chapter
XXXI explained
Máslova returns to the prison cell after being sentenced to four years of penal servitude.
What happens
Máslova returns to the prison cell after being sentenced to four years of penal servitude. Her fellow prisoners console her, and she breaks down in tears, sharing cigarettes and revealing the harsh verdict.
Themes in this chapter
Injustice of the Legal System
Máslova's sentence of four years' penal servitude for a crime she did not commit highlights the corruption and class bias of the courts.
Social Class and Inequality
The prisoners discuss how lack of money leads to harsh sentences, contrasting with the wealthy who can hire skilled lawyers.
Characters to notice
- Katerina Maslova
Returns to the cell after sentencing, sobs, and shares cigarettes with Korabléva.
- Korableva
Comforts Máslova, criticizes the sentence, and takes a cigarette.
- Theodosia Birukoff
Shows concern for Máslova, asks if she has eaten.
- Khoroshavka
Comments on the cost of a good lawyer.
Key passages
“Why such a hard sentence? ... Because there’s no money. That’s why! Had there been money, and had a good lawyer that’s up to their tricks been hired, they’d have acquitted her, no fear.”
The harsh sentence is due to poverty; with money and a clever lawyer, she would have been acquitted.
Korabléva explains the injustice of the legal system favoring the wealthy.
“Penal servitude ... Don’t they fear the Lord, the cursed soul-slayers?”
Máslova reveals her sentence of penal servitude, and Korabléva condemns the judges as godless tormentors.
Reaction to the sentencing, emphasizing moral outrage.