# XXXI explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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