Resurrection

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. The officer consents, and when the child resists, Maslova calms her.

As order is restored and the prisoners are prepared for departure, Simonson confronts the officer, accusing him of behaving badly. The officer ignores him and departs, while the gang forms up and begins marching down a forest road in the rain.

Maslova finds life among the political prisoners better than what she endured in town or in prison with criminal offenders. The daily marches, decent food, and weekly rest days strengthen her, while the supportive environment and companionship awaken new respect and admiration in her. She grows close with Pavlovna, whose selflessness and rejection of vanity impress Maslova.

Pavlovna lives modestly, avoids romantic attention, and devotes herself to helping others. Initially repelled by Maslova’s past, she overcomes her bias and treats Maslova kindly. Their bond grows into mutual respect and affection, grounded in shared values and an aversion to sexual love.

Maslova is influenced both by her admiration and platonic love for Pavlovna and Simonson. A deeply principled man, Simonson follows his own reason in all things, from rejecting his father’s dishonest income to developing a spiritual philosophy based on the sacredness of life. He lives by strict personal rules and considers himself—and others like Pavlovna—“human phagocytes,” meant to serve and protect the weak. Simonson’s respectful love for Maslova raises her sense of self-worth. His esteem inspires her to strive toward goodness, and though they rarely speak, their silent connection grows stronger as they continue the journey together.

Nekhlyudov sees Maslova only twice before Perm and both times finds her cold and withdrawn, which he later understands as a response to the abuse she was facing. Once she joined the political prisoners, his fears subside. In Tomsk, he finds her stronger, more self-possessed, and visibly changed in appearance and demeanor.

His encounters with political exiles have changed his view of revolutionaries. Once repelled by their violence and arrogance, he comes to see their humanity and the unjust cruelty they’ve faced.

Nekhlyudov grows close to Kryltsov, a consumptive young revolutionary he meets in Yekaterinburg. During a long conversation at a halting station, Kryltsov recounts how he became involved in the movement. Initially arrested for donating money to a revolutionary cause without real commitment, he met others in prison who shaped his views.

He tells Nekhlyudov about witnessing the execution of two young prisoners, Lozinsky and Rozovsky, for a minor offense. He recalls the fear and humanity of their final moments in detail. It marked a turning point for Kryltsov, solidifying his commitment to revolution. He later became a leader of the “Disorganizing Group,” aimed at terrorizing the government into surrendering power. Betrayed, imprisoned for two years, and condemned to death (later commuted to hard labor), Kryltsov contracted tuberculosis. He expresses no regret for his actions.

Nekhlyudov, unable to see Maslova for over a week due to increased security, arrives at a village halting station in hopes of gaining an interview now that a high-ranking official has arrived. After spending the afternoon writing letters, he walks through the dark, misty village with the help of a local laborer. 

Upon reaching the halting station, the sentry initially refuses them entry, but the guide persuades the sergeant to deliver Nekhlyudov’s note to the officer. While waiting, Nekhlyudov observes traders exiting the gates, exchanging lively conversation with his guide. After they leave, the sergeant returns and escorts Nekhlyudov inside to see the officer.

Inside the officer’s quarters, the officer initially refuses Nekhlyudov’s request to see Maslova, citing regulations against visiting political prisoners. When Nekhlyudov clarifies that Maslova is not technically political, the officer agrees to arrange the meeting, but insists she must be brought to him rather than Nekhlyudov entering the ward.

As the officer digresses into a story about a sex worker, Nekhlyudov steers the conversation toward the moral importance of compassion for prisoners. The officer is distracted and indifferent, but permits Nekhlyudov to wait in a separate room for political prisoners until inspection time.

Nekhlyudov follows a convoy orderly through the dark, muddy prison yard to reach the building where Maslova is held. The prison is overcrowded, filthy, and chaotic. Inside, he passes prisoners packed into hallways and rooms beyond capacity. He sees Taras, bruised from a fight over Fedosia, and observes the oppressive conditions in both the men’s and women’s quarters. Nekhlyudov is disturbed by the squalor and by his own disgust. As he nears the political prisoners’ section, someone crudely insults him and laughs.

As soon as the sergeant leaves, a prisoner secretly approaches Nekhlyudov and warns him about a convict named Karmanov who has tricked a young exile into switching identities with him to avoid being sent to the mines. The informer, Makar Devkin, begs Nekhlyudov to intervene, as he and the others are afraid to act for fear of being killed. Nekhlyudov had already heard of this plan and signals he understands.

Devkin is a peasant sentenced to hard labor for attempted robbery and murder. He once asked Nekhlyudov to help get permission for his wife to follow him. Devkin had explained his crime as the work of the devil: After learning a traveler was carrying 500 rubles, a voice urged him to commit the crime. Though he attacked the man with an axe, he was overpowered, captured, imprisoned, and, despite good character references, convicted. By warning Nekhlyudov, Devkin places himself at risk.

Nekhlyudov enters the partitioned section of the prison where the political prisoners are held. He first sees Simonson tending the stove, then Maslova, who is cleaning. She is cheerful upon seeing him. Nekhlyudov greets several of the prisoners: Doukhova, Emilia Rantseva, Pavlovna, and Kryltsov. He also encounters Novodvorov, a prominent and arrogant revolutionary.

Kryltsov, visibly ill, tells Nekhlyudov about the cold and poor conditions. The prisoners discuss the morning’s incident involving the officer’s mistreatment of a prisoner and his child. Doukhova calls for a formal protest, while Kryltsov dismisses the idea. Pavlova, after combing the hair of the child who was taken from her father, helps Maslova and promises to bring Kryltsov his rug. Two men enter with supplies and boiling water.

The prisoners carrying supplies are Nabatov, a cheerful peasant, and Kondratyev, a somber factory worker. Nabatov, who has spent much of his life in prison and exile for helping peasants and spreading education, is energetic, sociable, and practical. He avoids metaphysical questions, focuses on improving daily life, and holds a simple, cyclical view of existence rooted in peasant tradition. 

Kondratyev is intense, intellectual, and driven by a strong sense of injustice. Converted to socialism though a factory revolutionist, he devotes himself to study and revolutionary activism. He is suspicious of Nekhlyudov due to his class background and aligns with the dogmatic Novodvorov.

The political prisoners gather in high spirits around a warm meal after their cold, exhausting march. The small room feels cozy and cheerful despite the noise from the nearby criminal cells. They avoid discussing their situation and instead focus on enjoying each other’s company.

Romantic tensions and attachments have formed among the group: Novodvorov is in love with Grabets, who reciprocates; Doukhova longs for love, looking to both Nabatov and Novodvorov; Kryltsov admires Pavlovna but keeps it hidden; and Nabatov and Rantseva share a complex bond. Rantseva, loyal to her exiled husband, lives for his ideals, while Nabatov’s feelings remain unspoken. Only Pavlovna and Kondratyev remain untouched by romantic entanglements.

After tea, Nekhlyudov sits with Kryltsov, who reflects on the troubling distance between the political prisoners and the common criminals, whom they claim to represent. Novodvorov joins the conversation, asserting that the masses only respect power and that the revolutionaries must act for them without expecting support. 

A commotion is heard from the criminal wing, reinforcing his contempt. Kryltsov and Pavlovna object, citing the courage of men like Devkin. A tense debate follows between Kryltsov and Novodvorov about despotism and the right to lead people. When asked her opinion, Maslova says the common people are terribly wronged. Nabatov agrees, while the others grow quiet. Kryltsov, frustrated by Novodvorov’s dogmatism, withdraws from the debate.

Nekhlyudov reflects on Novodvorov, who is intelligent and self-assured, using his intellect to justify actions driven by ambition and a desire for dominance. Unlike Simonson, who acts from reasoned conviction, Novodvorov seeks power and influence, particularly over younger followers. He dismisses dissent and shows little true affection for others, treating people as tools. Though he advocates for free unions and women’s equality, he privately views women as inferior. Nekhlyudov recognizes Novodvorov’s arrogance and narrow ideology, and despite his efforts at goodwill, cannot suppress his strong dislike for the man.

During inspection, a sergeant reminds Nekhlyudov that he must leave, but a small bribe allows him to stay. A prisoner named Buzovkin enters to check on his daughter, Aksyutka, who is staying with the political prisoners. Nabatov mentions a rumored identity swap involving Karmanov, and Buzovkin feigns ignorance. Nekhlyudov decides to report the switch in the next town.

Simonson them pulls Nekhlyudov aside to declare his intention to marry Maslova. He asks whether Nekhlyudov supports this, given his past with her. Nekhlyudov says Maslova is free to choose and affirms support. Simonson expresses deep, selfless care for her, desiring to lighten her suffering. Moved, Nekhlyudov affirms again, and Simonson departs to speak with her.

Nekhlyudov discusses Simonson’s love for Maslova with Pavlovna, who is surprised and saddened. She believes Maslova is deeply moral and still loves Nekhlyudov, but would never marry him, seeing it as a step backward. Pavlovna describes Simonson’s love as naïve and masked by lofty ideals, ultimately rooted in ordinary desire. She advises Nekhlyudov to be honest with Maslova and offers to call her.

While waiting, Nekhlyudov reflects with discomfort on Simonson’s offer. He feels it undermines his own sacrifice and possibly evokes jealousy. Maslova arrives, calm at first, but pained when she hears of Simonson’s proposal. When Nekhlyudov tells her she must decide, she insists nothing has changed, abruptly ends the conversation, and leaves.

Nekhlyudov returns to the men’s room and finds the political prisoners discussing a surprising note discovered by Nabatov. The note is from the revolutionist Petlin, revealing he recently passed through the station as the only political among criminals. He mentions that a comrade, Neverov, died by suicide in Kazan. The group reflects on this, and Kryltsov defends Neverov’s integrity and condemns the indifference of the authorities who allow such deaths. He calls for unity and violent resistance, growing increasingly agitated until he coughs blood and must be put to bed.

After saying goodnight, Nekhlyudov follows the sergeant through the sleeping quarters and is deeply affected by the inhumane conditions. Once outside, he gratefully breathes in the cold, clean air.

Nekhlyudov spends the night at the village inn. His thoughts are consumed by what he has witnessed, particularly the image of a boy sleeping beside a filthy tub in the packed prison. He reflects on the horrifying conditions, systemic cruelty, and the dehumanization and moral corruption within the penal system.

He identifies five core atrocities: Unjust incarceration; institutional shaming and degradation of prisoners; prisoners’ exposure to disease, abuse, and danger; the corrupting influence of forced proximity to hardened criminals; and the moral hypocrisy of a government that sanctions violence while punishing it. Rather than preventing crime, he concludes, the system spreads it, refining cruelty through so-called modern reforms. As he lies down to sleep, the realization that the true origin of violence lies in the state weighs heavily on him.

Nekhlyudov receives a note from Pavlovna saying Kryltsov is gravely ill and will be forced to march despite his condition. She asks Nekhlyudov to help arrange permission for someone to stay with Kryltsov if he must be left behind. Nekhlyudov departs in a post-cart and catches up with the transport convoy. He finds Kryltsov, who is weak but conscious and able to joke about the “three-body problem”—the triangle between Nekhlyudov, Maslov, and Simonson.

Pavlovna confirms the officer has removed Buzovkin’s manacles and that Maslova, Simonson, and Doukhova are accompanying him and his child. Nekhlyudov continues ahead, passing the long chain of prisoners, and notes the peaceful interaction between Maslova, Doukhova, and Simonson. He boards a ferry, watching the river and the efficient movement of the ferry workers.

While crossing the river by ferry, Nekhlyudov reflects on Krylstsov’s death and Maslova’s strong presence beside Simonson. Though the latter should be uplifting, it unsettles him.

The passengers hear a church bell and cross themselves—all except one older man in ragged clothes. He engages in a bold conversation, proclaiming that he believes in no religion or authority except the divine spirit within himself. He rejects all organized religions and worldly designs, stating he is simply, “Man,” and describes how authorities have persecuted him for his beliefs. When Nekhlyudov offers him money, the man refuses it, accepting only bread. Nekhlyudov returns to his cart, and the driver dismisses the man as a “tramp.”

After crossing the river, Nekhlyudov seeks lodging, finding a hotel room and enjoying cleanliness and comfort after months of travel. He takes a bath to rid himself of lice, changes into clean clothes, and sets out to visit the regional governor.

The governor, a “bloated” general with a kindly yet commanding air, receives him in a dressing-gown. Nekhlyudov makes two requests: That Maslova be allowed to remain in town until word comes from the Tsar regarding her petition, and that Pavlovna be allowed to stay behind and care for the dying Kryltsov, possibly marrying him. The governor consults the legal code, confirms that marriage will not change the legal status of a convict, and expresses skepticism, yet says he will consider it. He denies Nekhlyudov permission to visit Kryltsov, citing the pervasiveness of bribery and his own commitment to strict legality. The governor shifts topics and chats about life in the capital

Nekhlyudov is invited to dine with the General and an Englishman studying Siberian prisons. At the post office, Nekhlyudov collects his mail and finds a registered letter from Senator Selenin containing good news: Maslova’s sentence has been officially reduced from hard labor to exile in a less- remote part of Siberia. Though elated, Nekhlyudov is uncertain how this will affect her relationship with Simonson and his own plans.

He goes to share the news with Kryltsov. However, the inspector denies him entry and refuses to even acknowledge the existence of Kryltsov. Despite showing the imperial document, Nekhlyudov is told that no release will occur until direct orders arrive from the inspector’s superior. Frustrated, Nekhlyudov returns to the hotel. The driver mentions a typhus outbreak in the prison, with many prisoners dying daily.

After failing to gain access to the prison, Nekhlyudov visits the regional governor’s office, only to learn that the official document for Maslova’s sentence reduction has not yet arrived. He writes to Selenin and the advocate, then prepares for a formal dinner at the governor’s residence.

The evening is luxurious, the company sophisticated, and the atmosphere contrasts with the squalor and suffering Nekhlyudov has witnessed over the past two months. He finds himself slipping into enjoyment and self-satisfaction amid the refined surroundings, music, and flattering company. The General’s daughter proudly shows him her sleeping children, which stirs envy and longing in Nekhlyudov. As the dinner ends, he and an English visitor set out together to inspect the local prison.

Nekhlyudov and the English visitor return to the prison for an evening inspection. The Englishman asks official questions while Nekhlyudov waits anxiously to see Maslova.

When she enters, she looks withdrawn and determined. She tells him that she has decided to follow Simonson, who wants her near him—not out of romantic love, but because it feels like the right path forward. Though she insists the decision is hers and not a rejection of Nekhlyudov, he is inwardly hurt and confused. Their farewell is emotionally restrained but significant. Exhausted by the emotional toll, Nekhlyudov falls asleep on a bench, only to be awakened by the inspector suggesting a tour of the cells.

Nekhlyudov and the Englishman tour the prison, accompanied by the inspector. They visit overcrowded, foul-smelling wards filled with sick, idle, and degraded men. In each cell, prisoners jump up to attention, except for those too ill to rise. 

The Englishman gives out New Testaments and attempts to preach Christian forgiveness and salvation, but he is met with confusion, cynicism, and laughter, especially in a ward where two prisoners are caught fighting. Both the Englishman and Nekhlyudov are worn down by the oppressive sights, sounds, and stench.

While touring an exiles’ ward, Nekhlyudov recognizes the old man from the ferry, who now sits defiantly on the prison floor, refusing to rise for the inspector. The man rails against the hypocrisy of laws made by rulers who first commit crimes themselves. He call the authorities servants of the Antichrist and warns Nekhlyudov not to become one of them. The Englishman dismisses the old man as mentally ill.

They proceed to the mortuary, where four corpses lie. Among them is Kryltsov. Nekhlyudov is overcome with emotion and existential dread, grappling with the futility of Kryltsov’s suffering and the meaning of life and death. Feeling faint and disturbed, he departs the prison, needing solitude to process what he has seen.

Nekhlyudov returns to his room after visiting the prison and Kryltsov’s body. Unable to sleep, he reflects on the cruelty he has witnessed and questions whether he or society is deluded. He opens the New Testament and begins reading. At first confused by the language, he continues reading passages from the Gospel of Matthew and feels clarity, moved by the teachings about humility, forgiveness, and love.

As he reads the Sermon on the Mount, he recognizes five clear moral laws: Not to kill or be angry; not to commit adultery or desire; not to swear oaths; to forgive and not retaliate; and to love one’s enemies. These teachings strike him as both practical and essential. Nekhlyudov reads through the night, experiencing a spiritual awakening. He believes that obeying these teachings is the only meaningful way to live, and that failing to follow them leads to inevitable consequences.