Resurrection

As Nekhlyudov awaits the Senate’s review of Maslova’s case, he travels to his estate in Kuzminskoye to make good on his moral resolution to give the land to the peasants. The estate, which provides most of his income, has been managed by a steward who benefits from keeping the peasants dependent and impoverished. Though he once rejected land ownership, Nekhlyudov has since lived off this exploitative structure; however, he is resolved to dismantle the system by renting out the land at low rates.

He settles into his room and is overcome with nostalgia and hesitation, questioning whether giving up the estate is moral or merely performative.

In the morning, Nekhlyudov wakes with a renewed commitment to lease his land to the local peasants at a reduced rate. He meets with the peasants, who express bitterness and skepticism. The discussion devolves into disputes over who should be included in the lease agreement. The contract is signed, but Nekhlyudov feels a sense of failure at having not managed to earn the peasant’s gratitude, reflecting, “So it turned out that he had deprived himself of a great deal, and yet had not fulfilled the hopes of the peasants” (272).