# XXXIII explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Fyodor Sologub.

## What happens

In a moonlit glade, a group of young people and adults gather under birch trees. Natasha, her friend, Borya, and others urge the tall, broad-chested Mikhail Lvovich to sing the 'International.' After initial reluctance, he agrees, and the group joins in the revolutionary hymn, creating a scene of pure-spirited unity under the full moon.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Confinement

The gathering and singing of the revolutionary hymn symbolize a yearning for liberation, set against the oppressive social order.

### Innocence and Corruption

The pure-spirited young people and the hesitant, experienced Mikhail Lvovich contrast innocence with the weight of worldly knowledge.

## Character check-ins

### Natasha Ozoreva

Present in the glade, she insists along with Borya that Mikhail Lvovich sing the 'International.'

### Borya

A pale lad with dark circles under his eyes, he eagerly implores Mikhail Lvovich to sing and joins in the hymn.

### Mikhail Lvovich

The tall, broad-chested figure who initially refuses but then sings the revolutionary hymn, his eyes fixed on the ground.

## Key lines

> Arise, ye branded with a curse!

Rise up, you who are marked by oppression!

_Opening line of the 'International,' sung by the group as a call to revolution._

> In the International As brothers all men shall meet.

In the International, all people will unite as siblings.

_Closing sentiment of the hymn, expressing hope for universal brotherhood._

## Links

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