# VI: I Enlist by the Grace of the Tsar explained — Yashka

> Chapter companion for Yashka by Maria Bochkareva.

## What happens

Maria Bochkareva returns to Tomsk after nearly two years in exile, reunites with her aging parents and old acquaintances, and decides to enlist in the Russian army despite widespread ridicule and her mother's fierce opposition. After persistent appeals, she receives a personal telegram from the Tsar authorizing her enlistment, is outfitted as a soldier, and departs with her regiment amid patriotic fervor, leaving her grieving mother behind.

## Themes in this chapter

### Patriotism and Sacrifice

Maria's decision to enlist is driven by a deep desire to defend her country and help soldiers at the front, despite personal risk and family opposition.

### Gender and War

Maria faces mockery, disbelief, and harassment as a woman attempting to enlist, challenging traditional gender roles in the military.

### Suffering and Resilience

Maria overcomes her mother's hysterical opposition, public ridicule, and her own inner doubts to pursue her goal of serving in the army.

## Character check-ins

### Maria Bochkareva

Returns to Tomsk after exile, resolves to enlist, and is authorized by the Tsar to serve as a soldier.

### Nastasia Leontievna Fuchsman

Maria visits her old employer, who is overjoyed to see her and later tries to dissuade her from enlisting.

### Afanasy Bochkarev

Mentioned as Maria's first husband; reported to have been drafted and taken prisoner by the Germans.

### Yasha Buk

Maria suppresses her hidden longing for Yasha as she makes the decision to go to war.

### Marusia

Maria refers to herself by this name while questioning her readiness for war.

## Key lines

> I suppressed the hidden longing for Yasha in the depths of my being, and made the fateful decision. I would go to war and fight till death, or, if God preserved me, till the coming of peace.

Maria buried her feelings for Yasha and resolved to fight in the war until she either died or peace was declared.

_Shows her emotional sacrifice and commitment to her new purpose._

> She seized the Tsar’s portrait on the wall, before which she had crossed herself every morning, and tore it to bits, stamping them on the floor, with imprecations and anathema on her lips.

Maria's mother, enraged by the Tsar's permission for her daughter to enlist, destroyed his portrait and cursed him.

_Illustrates the intense family conflict and the mother's desperation._

> It was the most blissful moment of my life.

Maria felt overwhelming joy upon hearing the Tsar's telegram authorizing her enlistment.

_Highlights the personal significance of this milestone for Maria._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se/chapters/vi-i-enlist-by-the-grace-of-the-tsar
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se/chapters