Resurrection

Maslova’s prisoner convoy travels over 3,000 miles, reaching Perm, where Nekhlyudov secures Maslova’s transfer to the political prisoners. Her journey has been harsh, plagued by overcrowding, filth, vermin, and constant harassment due to her appearance and past. Things improve among the political prisoners, who receive better treatment. She marches alongside Pavlovna, who gave up her cart for a pregnant woman, and Simonson, who rejected class privilege.

While preparing to leave a halting station, Maslova and Pavlovna buy food while Simonson records a philosophical note nearby. As the gang is organized for departure, a sudden shout, a blow, and a child’s cry break the routine, drawing Maslova and Pavlovna toward the commotion.

The commotion is caused by a convoy officer striking a convict for refusing to hand over his young daughter. The man, exiled after his wife’s death, had carried the child from Tomsk. Ordered to be manacled, he protested that he could not carry her if restrained, prompting the officer to beat him and take the child away.

The scene causes unrest among the prisoners, but when one man voices dissent, the officer hits him and threatens the group with execution. Amid the chaos, Pavlovna asks to take care of the child.