Short Fiction · Chapter
XII explained
Elena Kirillovna lies in bed, waiting and thinking, her keen eyes fixed on the photographic portraits on the wall.
What happens
Elena Kirillovna lies in bed, waiting and thinking, her keen eyes fixed on the photographic portraits on the wall. She gazes longest at Borya's portrait, recalling her beloved grandson and hoping for his imminent return. The sounds and sights of the garden outside stir memories of Borya's love for the flowers and the acacia trees.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Mortality
Elena Kirillovna contemplates the portraits of loved ones who are no longer alive, reflecting on mortality and memory.
Innocence and Corruption
The memory of Borya as a young, innocent boy contrasts with the uncertainty of his current fate.
Characters to notice
- Elena Kirillovna
The old lady lies in bed, recalling her grandson Borya and waiting for his return.
- Glasha
Her footsteps die away in the corridor at the start of the chapter.
- Borya
Elena Kirillovna's beloved grandson; his portrait hangs on the wall and she recalls his youth and love for the garden.
Key passages
“At last the sound of Glasha’s feet dies away in the echoing silence of the long corridor.”
Finally, the echo of Glasha's footsteps fades into the quiet of the corridor.
Sets the scene of solitude and stillness.
“Her whole life seems to be concentrated in the living sparkle of her keen eyes.”
Her lively, sharp eyes seem to hold all her remaining vitality.
Highlights Elena Kirillovna's alertness despite her physical stillness.
“Many of these are no longer upon the earth.”
Many of the people in the portraits have passed away.
Emphasizes the theme of mortality.
“It comforts the old woman to think, “It can’t be very long.””
She finds solace in believing that Borya will return soon.
Reveals her hope and emotional reliance on Borya's return.
“The white acacia trees before the window, gaily rustling their leaves, smile innocently, naively and cheerily.”
The acacia trees outside the window rustle cheerfully, appearing innocent and carefree.
Contrasts the natural world's lightness with Elena Kirillovna's somber thoughts.