# XV: The Army Becomes a Savage Mob explained — Yashka

> Chapter companion for Yashka by Maria Bochkareva.

## What happens

Maria Bochkareva confronts a mob of soldiers who have just lynched Colonel Belonogov, defending his honor and challenging their revolutionary rhetoric. She later returns to the front with her Battalion of Death, only to find fraternization with the Germans and growing Bolshevik influence. After she wounds a German soldier to prevent fraternization, the mob turns on her, leading to a violent struggle where a loyal female soldier is killed. Bochkareva is rescued by her defenders and sent to Molodechno, while her battalion faces constant harassment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Disillusionment

Bochkareva witnesses the mob's betrayal of their own officers and the collapse of military order, embodying the revolution's descent into chaos.

### Betrayal and Trust

Soldiers who once honored Bochkareva now call for her death, and Colonel Belonogov is killed by men he cared for, highlighting profound betrayal.

### Suffering and Resilience

Bochkareva endures physical assault and the loss of loyal followers, yet continues to defend her principles and her battalion.

## Character check-ins

### Maria Bochkareva

Confronts the mob after Colonel Belonogov's lynching, defends her actions at the front, and is nearly killed by the mob before being rescued.

### Colonel Belonogov

Lynched by the mob after being misunderstood; his mutilated corpse is mourned by his orderlies and friends.

### Alexander Kerensky

Mentioned as losing hold on the army; his feud with Kornilov leads to a brief triumph but eventual loss of confidence.

### General Kornilov

Defeated after Kerensky turns against him; his supporters are labeled 'Kornilovetz' and persecuted.

### General Alexeiev

Acts as intermediary between Kerensky and Kornilov during their feud.

### Marusia

Implied as one of Bochkareva's loyal women; a girl named Medvedovskaya guards the dugout and is bayoneted.

## Key lines

> Because he was of the exploiting class... They all suck our blood!

The soldiers justify murdering Colonel Belonogov by labeling him an exploiter of the working class.

_Reflects the class-based rhetoric that fueled revolutionary violence._

> Who suffered, fought with you, if not I? Who saved your lives under fire, if not Yashka?

Bochkareva reminds the mob of her sacrifices and heroism on their behalf.

_Highlights her personal bond with the soldiers and her shock at their ingratitude._

> There was a virtual, if not formal, truce. The men met every day, indulged in long arguments and drank beer brought by the Germans.

Russian and German soldiers fraternized openly, treating each other as comrades rather than enemies.

_Illustrates the breakdown of military discipline and war effort._

> Kill her! She's a Kornilovka! Make an end of her!

The mob denounces Bochkareva as a supporter of Kornilov, a counterrevolutionary label.

_Shows how political labels were used to incite violence against perceived enemies._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se/chapters/xv-the-army-becomes-a-savage-mob
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se/chapters