# LI explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Fyodor Sologub.

## What happens

On the night before Boris's execution, Natasha, Elena Kirillovna, and Sofia Alexandrovna gather by the moonlit pond, dressed in black. Natasha speaks calmly of Boris's final night, while Sofia Alexandrovna expresses her anguish and grief, and Elena Kirillovna responds with tearful sympathy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death and Mortality

The chapter centers on the impending execution of Boris and the characters' contemplation of death.

### Freedom and Confinement

Boris's confinement in his cell is contrasted with the moonlit freedom of the women outside.

## Character check-ins

### Natasha Ozoreva

First to leave the house, dressed in white and black, speaks calmly of Boris's last night.

### Elena Kirillovna

Arrives with Sofia Alexandrovna, whispers tearfully in response to Sofia's grief.

### Sofia Alexandrovna Ozoreva

Agitated and grief-stricken, describes the anguish of awaiting execution.

## Key lines

> On the night before the execution he did not sleep. The moon, just as clear as tonight’s, looked into the narrow window of his cell.

The night before his execution, Boris lay awake as the moon shone through his cell window.

_Natasha describes Boris's sleepless final night._

> The anguish is intense and enfeebling. But I do not wish my gaolers and all these officials who are come to me to see my anguish. I will be calm.

The pain is overwhelming, but I refuse to let my captors see my suffering; I will remain composed.

_Sofia Alexandrovna expresses her determination to hide her anguish from the authorities._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se/chapters/li
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se/chapters