The Innocents Abroad · Chapter
XXXVII explained
The travelers arrive at Yalta, Russia, and prepare for a reception by the Emperor.
What happens
The travelers arrive at Yalta, Russia, and prepare for a reception by the Emperor. They receive guidance from the U.S. Consul, draft an address, and are received by the imperial family in the garden. The Emperor and his family personally guide them through the palace, followed by visits to the Crown Prince's and Grand Duke Michael's palaces. The chapter contrasts the grandeur of imperial power with the surprising simplicity and warmth of the royal family, culminating in a relaxed breakfast with the Grand Duke and Duchess.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Tourism
The narrator humorously describes the travelers' anxious preparation for the imperial reception, including practicing smiles and bowing, and the absurdity of counting spoons after the visit.
The Past vs. the Present
The narrator contrasts his preconceived notions of emperors as terrifying, theatrical figures with the reality of their ordinary, approachable behavior at home.
Home and Belonging
The warmth and hospitality of the Russian imperial family make the travelers feel comfortable and welcome, challenging the idea of royalty as distant and unapproachable.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Describes the experience of visiting Russian royalty, reflecting on the contrast between imperial power and ordinary humanity.
- Mr. Blucher
Mentioned in connection with Baker's boy and the breakfast suggestion.
- Grand Duke Michael
Hosts the travelers at his palace, escorts them to the Emperor's, and is described as a princely and generous figure.
- The Governor-General
The committee waits on him to learn the details of the reception.
- The Captain
Implied presence as part of the ship's company, though not explicitly named in the excerpt.
Key passages
“We anchored here at Yalta, Russia, two or three days ago. To me the place was a vision of the Sierras.”
The narrator compares the landscape of Yalta to the Sierra Nevada mountains, noting the similarity in appearance.
Highlights the narrator's tendency to draw parallels between foreign lands and familiar American scenery.
“We assembled in the cabin and commanded him to tell us what we must do to be saved, and tell us quickly.”
The passengers urgently ask the U.S. Consul for instructions on how to behave at the imperial reception.
Uses religious language humorously to emphasize the group's anxiety about court etiquette.
“If this man sprained his ankle, a million miles of telegraph would carry the news over mountains... and ten thousand newspapers would prate of it.”
The narrator reflects on the immense global attention that would follow even a minor injury to the Emperor.
Illustrates the theme of concentrated power and the contrast between the Emperor's ordinary appearance and his vast influence.
“They made no charge. They seemed to take a real pleasure in it.”
The imperial family personally guided the visitors through the palace without asking for payment, appearing to enjoy the experience.
Contrasts with the typical paid tours of palaces, emphasizing the genuine hospitality of the Russian royals.
“I would as soon have thought of being cheerful in Abraham's bosom as in the palace of an Emperor.”
The narrator expresses surprise at feeling comfortable and cheerful in the Emperor's palace, which he had imagined as an intimidating place.
Uses a biblical reference to underscore the unexpected warmth of the imperial setting.
