The Created Legend · Chapter
XXVIII explained
The local police, spurred by Ostrov, harass Trirodov's colony.
What happens
The local police, spurred by Ostrov, harass Trirodov's colony. A drunken sergeant leers at instructress Zinaida, then inquires about Egorka. The Commissary and Captain of police also visit, demanding bribes and questioning the illegal grave opening. Trirodov bribes them, and the Captain apologizes to instructress Maria for her beating.
Themes in this chapter
Utopia and Escapism
Trirodov's colony is depicted as a chaste, tranquil haven under siege by coarse, corrupt authorities.
Class Conflict and Culture
The police's vulgarity and brutality contrast sharply with the colony's enlightened, free-spirited life.
Characters to notice
- Trirodov
Defends his colony against police harassment, bribes officials, and secures an apology for Maria.
- Zinaida
Instructress at the colony; confronted by the drunken sergeant who lewdly questions her.
- Ostrov
Instigates police attention on Trirodov's colony through his efforts and patrons.
- Egorka
Returned home to his mother on the same day the sergeant first visited the colony.
- Maria
Instructress who was beaten at the police station; receives an apology from the Captain.
Key passages
“The local police department was not very skilful in tracking down thieves and murderers. And it did not occupy itself much with this ungrateful business. It had other things to think of in those turbulent days. Instead, it turned its ill-disposed attention to Trirodov’s educational colony—thanks to the efforts of Ostrov and his friends and patrons.”
The police, inept at solving crimes, focused their hostility on Trirodov's colony, spurred by Ostrov and his allies.
Sets up the chapter's central conflict: police persecution of the colony.
“The police sergeant, upon seeing the young girl, so lightly dressed, gave a lewd smile. His unclean desire stirred in his coarse body under its slovenly sweaty dress.”
The sergeant reacted to Zinaida's simple attire with a lecherous grin, his crude lust aroused.
Highlights the sergeant's depravity and the colony's vulnerability.
“Trirodov gave the Commissary a bribe and treated him to lunch. The Commissary of the police left in high spirits.”
Trirodov bribed the Commissary with money and a meal, sending him away pleased.
Illustrates the corruption Trirodov must navigate to protect his colony.