Short Fiction · Chapter
XIX explained
Elena Kirillovna waits for her grandson, lost in hopeful expectation, while Glasha and Stepanida observe her with pity.
What happens
Elena Kirillovna waits for her grandson, lost in hopeful expectation, while Glasha and Stepanida observe her with pity.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
Elena Kirillovna's hopeful waiting and her dream of her grandson's voice contrast with the empty road and the reality of his absence.
Characters to notice
- Elena Kirillovna
Waits patiently for her grandson on a bench by the road, dozing and dreaming of his voice.
- Glasha
Brings Elena Kirillovna a hat and speaks compassionately with Stepanida about her mistress's longing.
- Stepanida
Whispers with Glasha about Elena Kirillovna's constant thoughts of her grandson.
Key passages
“She waits a long time. She falls into a doze. Through the thin haze of slumber she can see a beloved, smooth face smiling, and she can hear a quiet, dear voice calling: 'Grandma!' She gives a start and opens her eyes. There is no one there. But she waits. She believes and waits.”
She sits for a long while, drifting into a light sleep where she imagines her grandson's face and voice. She wakes with a jolt to find nothing, yet continues to wait, sustained by faith.
Highlights the theme of illusion vs. reality through Elena Kirillovna's hopeful yet unfulfilled waiting.