Resurrection

Nekhlyudov’s diary functions as a recurring motif that signals his inner transformation and moral reckoning. It appears at key moments of reflection, particularly when he is grappling with guilt and searching for clarity. For instance, after confessing his role in Maslova’s downfall, he returns home and revives his old diary, ending his entry with a newfound sense of peace and resolve. The act of writing becomes a mirror of his soul, a space where he confronts his failures honestly. This motif supports the theme of The Importance of Moral and Spiritual Awakening, highlighting how sustained introspection is critical to ethical growth.

The New Testament functions as a profound symbol of spiritual clarity, moral challenge, and transformation in Resurrection. Introduced to Nekhlyudov by the English prison reformer during their prison visits, the book at first appears obscure and difficult to navigate. It quietly accompanies him through his descent into the world of state violence and moral failure, waiting to be unlocked. In the novel’s final chapters, after witnessing the death of Kryltsov and the horrors of the prison system, Nekhlyudov turns to the New Testament in despair. Opening it randomly, he encounters passages from the Gospel of Matthew that speak directly to his moral crisis.