# XIX explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Fyodor Sologub.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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