The Created Legend · Chapter
XXVII explained
Trirodov returns home exultant after his talk with Elisaveta and writes her a love letter.
What happens
Trirodov returns home exultant after his talk with Elisaveta and writes her a love letter. Elisaveta, unable to sleep, receives the letter and impulsively runs to him in the garden, where they confess their love and exchange vows. The next morning, Elisaveta shares her joy with her sister Elena and her father. Trirodov brings a photograph of his first wife as a gift. The engagement provokes varied reactions: Rameyev is glad but uneasy, Elena rejoices, Piotr falls into despair, and Misha is distraught. Rameyev tries to comfort Piotr, suggesting he might love Elena instead, leading to a tense debate about morality and passion.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Idealism
The chapter centers on the passionate, idealistic love between Trirodov and Elisaveta, expressed through letters, nocturnal encounters, and vows under the moon.
Creative Transformation of Reality
Trirodov reflects on life transfigured by creative art and the proud will, seeing love as a force that can overcome doubt and exhaustion.
Mysticism and the Supernatural
The nocturnal enchantress and water-nymph imagery, along with the reference to the 'sleeper in the grave' awakening, evoke a mystical, supernatural atmosphere.
Characters to notice
- Trirodov
Returns home lighthearted, writes a love letter to Elisaveta, and later brings a photograph of his first wife as a gift.
- Elisaveta
Unable to sleep, receives Trirodov's letter, runs to him in the garden, and confesses her love; later tells her sister and father about her joy.
- Elena
Rejoices with Elisaveta over her love and is glad for her, while also pitying Piotr.
- Matov
Despairing over Elisaveta's choice, but begins to feel a sweet agitation from Elena's loving looks.
- Misha
Distraught and weeping; embraces both Elisaveta and Trirodov, feeling ashamed and bitter about his hidden love.
- Rameyev
Glad about the engagement but uneasy; tries to comfort Piotr and suggests he might love Elena instead.
Key passages
“Like one returned from a grave, he felt happy and lighthearted.”
Trirodov felt as if he had come back from the dead, filled with joy and lightness.
Describes Trirodov's emotional state after his conversation with Elisaveta.
“If love, or what seemed like love, came to him, why should he resist it? Whether it was a true emotion, or an illusion, was it not all the same?”
Trirodov questions whether it matters if his feelings are genuine or an illusion, deciding not to resist love.
Reflects Trirodov's philosophical acceptance of love.
“Elisaveta impetuously flung the door open on the veranda, and ran down the broad steps into the garden. She ran after Trirodov and shouted: 'Giorgiy!'”
Elisaveta hastily opened the veranda door and rushed into the garden, calling out Trirodov's name.
Shows Elisaveta's impulsive pursuit of Trirodov.
“The red and white roses of her strong, graceful body were chaste and uncrumpled.”
Elisaveta's body, compared to red and white roses, remained pure and untouched.
Emphasizes the chastity of their intimate encounter.
“What of the sleeper in the grave? 'He has awakened,' replied Trirodov. 'He's in my house.'”
Elisaveta asks about the buried boy, and Trirodov says he has revived and is now living with him.
Reveals the mysterious resurrection of the boy from the grave.
