XVIII: Caught in a Bolshevik Deathtrap explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Survival and Agency

  Bochkareva uses her wits and disguise to navigate through Bolshevik lines, demonstrating agency in the face of mortal danger.

• Betrayal and Trust

  The chapter explores the betrayal of the Russian soldier by Bolshevik propaganda and the fragile trust between Bochkareva and Petrukhin.

• Revolution and Disillusionment

  Kornilov expresses disillusionment with the revolution, seeing Bolshevism as a perversion that has led to civil war and national ruin.

Characters to notice

• Maria Bochkareva

  Disguised as a Sister of Mercy and later as a sick peasant woman, she risks her life to reach Kornilov's lines and report on Bolshevik movements.

• Ivan Ivanovitch Petrukhin

  The humane chief of the Bolshevik investigation committee who defends Bochkareva and insists on a proper investigation before any execution.

• General Kornilov

  Thin and aged but energetic, he meets with Bochkareva at his headquarters, discussing the precarious situation of his force and the need for counter-propaganda.

• General X

  Mentioned as the officer who sent Bochkareva from Petrograd to ascertain Kornilov's plans and situation.

• Vladimir Lenin

  Referenced by Kornilov as one of the leaders whose influence must be countered to save Russia.

• Leon Trotsky

  Referenced by Kornilov alongside Lenin as a target of counter-propaganda.

Key passages

• “Are you Bochkareva? ... What were you thinking of? Are you in your senses? We are just preparing for an offensive against Kornilov. How could you take this route at such a time? Didn't you know that your appearance here would mean your certain death?”

  Petrukhin is shocked that Bochkareva has wandered into Bolshevik territory during preparations for an attack on Kornilov, warning her that she risks execution as a suspected spy.

  Highlights the immediate danger Bochkareva faces upon capture.

• “Ah, I have just finished a good job! Fifteen of them, all officers! The boys got them like that... The first volley peppered their legs and threw them in a heap on the ground. Then they were bayoneted and slashed to pieces. Ha, ha, ha!”

  Pugatchov gleefully describes the brutal massacre of fifteen captured officers, showing the savagery of the Bolshevik forces.

  Illustrates the horrific violence and dehumanization during the civil war.

• “We can't hope to enlighten them by fighting. If it were possible to organize a counter-propaganda, to convince the Russian peasants that the Bolsheviks are rapidly driving our country to utter ruin, then they would rise and make an end of Lenin and Trotsky...”

  Kornilov argues that military force alone cannot win; the only solution is to educate the masses about the destructive nature of Bolshevism.

  Reveals Kornilov's strategic thinking and the ideological battle within Russia.