# XXVIII explained — The Created Legend

> Chapter companion for The Created Legend by Fyodor Sologub.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_created_legend_se/chapters/xxviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_created_legend_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_created_legend_se/chapters