Resurrection · Chapter
XXXIII explained
Nekhlúdoff awakens with a resolve to change his life after the trial.
What happens
Nekhlúdoff awakens with a resolve to change his life after the trial. He decides to tell the truth about his past with Katúsha, plans to help her, and begins dismantling his worldly life by dismissing his servants and giving up his house. He feels a moral awakening and a new sense of purpose.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Awakening and Redemption
Nekhlúdoff experiences a profound moral awakening, deciding to confess his sin, help Máslova, and reform his entire way of life.
Social Class and Inequality
Nekhlúdoff's decision to give up his house and servants reflects his rejection of aristocratic privilege and his recognition of class-based injustice.
Characters to notice
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Resolves to confess his sin to Máslova, marry her if necessary, and reform his life; dismisses his servants and plans to give up his house.
- Katerina Maslova
Nekhlúdoff's thoughts are consumed by her; he decides to visit her in prison and atone for his past actions.
- Missy
Nekhlúdoff reflects that marriage to her is now impossible given his moral awakening.
- Agraphena Petrovna
Nekhlúdoff informs her he no longer needs the house or her services; she reacts with surprise and concern.
- Mary Pavlovna Schetinina
Referenced indirectly as Mary Vasílievna, the wife of the maréchal de noblesse, who writes Nekhlúdoff a letter granting him freedom.
Key passages
“I shall go to the prison and shall tell her everything, and ask her to forgive me. And if need be—yes, if need be, I shall marry her.”
Nekhlúdoff resolves to visit Máslova in prison, confess his wrongdoing, and if necessary, marry her to atone for his sin.
This marks the turning point in Nekhlúdoff's moral journey.
“The marriage with Missy, which only yesterday seemed so probable, appeared quite impossible now.”
Nekhlúdoff realizes that his earlier plans to marry Missy are now incompatible with his new moral convictions.
Highlights his rejection of worldly expectations in favor of redemption.