Sanine · Chapter
XXXIX explained
After the boat ride, Sina recovers in Sanine's arms, weeping for what is lost.
What happens
After the boat ride, Sina recovers in Sanine's arms, weeping for what is lost. He comforts her tenderly, and she submits passively, feeling neither hatred nor disgust. They share a passionate kiss before she leaves alone at dawn. Sanine, watching her go, feels sorrow for her inevitable suffering, then rows into the mist and shouts with joy.
Themes in this chapter
Sexual Freedom and Hypocrisy
Sina's submission and lack of disgust, along with Sanine's tender passion, reflect a naturalistic approach to intimacy free from conventional moral judgment.
Nature and Vitality
The moonlit water, mist, dawn, and Sanine's joyful shout in the responsive woods emphasize a vital, life-affirming connection to nature.
Characters to notice
- Yourii Sanine
Comforts Sina after the boat ride, holds her, kisses her, and watches her leave with sorrow before shouting with joy in the mist.
- Sina Karsavina
Weeps for the irretrievable, submits to Sanine's embrace, kisses him, and leaves alone at dawn, staggering across the dyke.
Key passages
“Her tears were for that which was irretrievable. Fear and pity for herself, and fondness for him made her weep.”
She cried because she could not undo what had happened, feeling both self-pity and affection for Sanine.
Captures Sina's complex emotional state after the boat ride.
“Sanine took hold of her hands, and drew her to him. 'Kiss me!' 'It doesn't matter; nothing matters now,' she thought, as she gave him a long, passionate kiss on his lips.”
Sanine pulled her close and asked for a kiss; she complied, thinking that nothing mattered anymore.
Highlights Sina's resignation and Sanine's passionate demand.
“In midstream, as the dense morning mists rose round him, Sanine dropped the oars, stood erect in the boat and uttered a great shout of joy. And the woods and the mists, as if alive, responded to his cry.”
In the middle of the river, surrounded by mist, Sanine stopped rowing, stood up, and shouted joyfully, and the natural world seemed to echo him.
Emphasizes Sanine's exuberant vitality and harmony with nature.