28 April, early morning
Spring Morning in the Prison
On a spring morning, the prison office of a government town receives a notice ordering three prisoners to appear in court. The jailer and a woman warder enter the corridor to fetch the prisoners. The air in the corridor is foul with typhoid germs, sewage, and tar, a stark contrast to the fresh spring air outside. The warder, though used to the bad air, feels sleepy upon entering.
28 April, early morning
Maslova Led to Court
Katerina Maslova, a young woman with a full bust and sparkling black eyes, is led out of her cell. She wears a grey cloak over a white jacket and prison shoes. An old woman in the cell advises her to stick to her story. Accompanied by two soldiers, she is taken through the town, attracting the curious stares of passersby. The fresh air pleases her, but walking on the rough stones in her ill-made shoes is painful.
before the trial
Maslova's Early Life
The story of Maslova's life is a common one. She is the illegitimate daughter of a village woman, raised by two maiden ladies, Sophia Ivanovna and Maria Ivanovna, after her mother's death. She grows up half servant, half young lady, called Katusha. At sixteen, she falls in love with their nephew, Dmitri Nekhludoff, a rich young prince. Two years later, he seduces and abandons her, leaving her with a 100-rouble note. She becomes pregnant, and the child dies soon after being sent to the Foundlings' Hospital. After a series of failed jobs and abusive employers, she descends into prostitution, living this life for seven years until she is accused of poisoning a merchant.
28 April, morning
Nekhludoff's Morning Routine
Prince Dmitri Ivanovitch Nekhludoff wakes up in his luxurious bedroom, smoking a cigarette and recalling the previous evening spent with the Korchagin family. He performs an elaborate toilet, cleaning his teeth, washing with perfumed soap, and taking a shower bath. He dresses in fine, quiet, and costly clothes. In the dining room, he finds a letter from Princess Mary Korchagin reminding him of his jury duty, and another from his steward about his estates. He also thinks about his liaison with Mary Vasilievna, the wife of the marshal of nobility, which he finds increasingly distasteful.
28 April, late morning
Nekhludoff at the Law Courts
Nekhludoff arrives at the Law Courts to fulfill his duty as a juryman. The corridors are bustling with activity. He finds the jurymen's room, where he meets a variety of men, including a jovial merchant, Baklasheff, and a former teacher, Peter Gerasimovitch, whose familiarity annoys him. He feels a sense of superiority, expecting respect from others. The jurymen wait for a late-arriving member of the court.
28 April, late morning
The Judges Prepare
The president of the court, a tall, stout man with long grey whiskers, arrives early. He is eager to finish the session quickly to visit his Swiss mistress. He exercises with dumbbells in his private room. The other members arrive, including a discontented-looking man with gold spectacles and the perpetually late Matthew Nikitich. The secretary suggests starting with the poisoning case, which the president agrees to, hoping to finish by four o'clock.
28 April, late morning
The Court Assembles
The usher calls the jurymen into the court. The court is a large, long room with a raised platform for the judges, a portrait of the Emperor, and an icon of Christ. The prisoners are brought in: a red-haired man, a sallow woman, and Maslova. All eyes turn to Maslova, whose white face and brilliant black eyes captivate the men present. The president begins the usual procedure of selecting the jury, and Nekhludoff is among those chosen.
28 April, late morning
Swearing in the Jury
The president requests the priest to swear in the jury. The old priest, with a puffy red face, leads the jurymen in an oath, holding their fingers in a specific manner. The jurymen feel awkward but the priest is sure he is fulfilling a useful duty. After the swearing in, the jury chooses a foreman, a dignified-looking man, and returns to the court. The president then makes a speech on their rights, obligations, and responsibilities.
28 April, late morning
The Prisoners Questioned
The president begins questioning the prisoners. Simeon Kartinkin, a peasant, answers nervously. Euphemia Botchkova answers boldly. When Maslova is asked her name, she says 'Lubov,' but is corrected to 'Katerina.' Nekhludoff, recognizing her, is shocked. He realizes this is Katusha, the girl he seduced and abandoned. The memory is painful, and he feels a complicated struggle in his soul. Maslova's occupation is revealed when she says, 'You know yourself,' causing a silence in the court.
28 April, late morning
The Indictment Read
The secretary reads the indictment, which describes the sudden death of the merchant Therapont Emelianovich Smelkoff. It alleges that Maslova, with the help of Kartinkin and Botchkova, stole money and a ring from Smelkoff and then poisoned him with arsenic in brandy. The indictment details the evidence, including the missing money, the diamond ring, and the chemical analysis proving poison. All three prisoners plead not guilty.
28 April, late morning
Maslova Cross-Examined
The president questions each prisoner. Kartinkin and Botchkova plead not guilty. Maslova admits to giving Smelkoff a powder she thought was a sleeping draught, but denies stealing the money or the ring, claiming Smelkoff gave her the ring. The public prosecutor, a self-important man, asks pointed questions, trying to establish her guilt. Maslova becomes frightened and anxious, her eyes darting around the room. She briefly meets Nekhludoff's gaze but does not recognize him.
twelve years before the trial
Nekhludoff's First Summer with Katusha
Nekhludoff recalls his first visit to his aunts' estate when he was a university student. He was a pure, idealistic young man, writing an essay on land tenure and influenced by Herbert Spencer. He lived a blissful, simple life, bathing in the river and wandering through fields. He first noticed Katusha, then a half-ward, half-servant, but did not think of her in a romantic way. On Ascension Day, they played a game of gorelki, and he impulsively kissed her. This began a period of pure, innocent love between them.
after his first visit to his aunts
Nekhludoff's Moral Decline
After joining the army, Nekhludoff undergoes a terrible change. He becomes depraved and selfish, thinking only of his own enjoyment. He ceases to believe in himself and begins to believe others, adopting the values of his aristocratic military circle. He spends money lavishly, indulges in debauchery, and stifles his inner voice. The military life, with its idleness and privileges, further depraves him. He enters a state of chronic mania of selfishness.
three years after the first visit
The Second Meeting with Maslova
Nekhludoff, now an officer, visits his aunts on his way to join his regiment. He is driven by a desire to see Katusha again, though he harbors evil designs. He arrives on Good Friday, and is greeted by his aunts. When he sees Katusha, his old feelings of love and tenderness return. An inner struggle begins between his spiritual self and his animal self. He decides to stay for Easter, telegraphing his friend Schonbock to meet him there instead.
Easter eve, night
The Early Easter Mass
Nekhludoff attends the early Easter mass at the village church. The church is full of peasants in their best clothes. He sees Katusha in a white dress with a blue sash and a red bow in her hair. Her eyes are beaming with rapture. He feels that everything in the world exists for her. After the service, he gives alms to beggars. Katusha kisses a beggar with a red scab, and Nekhludoff feels a deep, pure love for her. They exchange the Easter kiss three times.
Easter Sunday, after the mass
The First Step of Seduction
After returning from church, Nekhludoff breaks his fast and falls asleep. He is awakened by Katusha's knock. When she comes in, he puts his arm around her waist. She resists, blushing and telling him not to. He feels ashamed but ignores it, kissing her on the neck. This kiss is different from the innocent one in the churchyard; it is dreadful. She runs away, feeling that something priceless has been broken. The animal man in Nekhludoff now rules completely.
Easter Sunday night
The Seduction
Nekhludoff, driven by animal passion, waits for Katusha in the dark, misty night. He sees her sitting alone in the maids' room, looking thoughtful and suffering. He knocks on the window, and she comes out, frightened. He embraces her and kisses her. They are interrupted by Matrona Pavlovna. Later, he goes to her door and whispers for her to let him in. She eventually yields. Afterward, he goes out into the porch, trying to understand what has happened, questioning whether it was a great joy or a great misfortune.
the day after the seduction
Nekhludoff's Departure
Nekhludoff's friend Schonbock arrives, and they leave together. Nekhludoff, in his selfish mania, thinks only of himself, wondering if his conduct will be blamed. He decides to give Katusha money, considering it the thing to do. He thrusts an envelope with a 100-rouble note into her apron. She pushes his hand away, but he forces it on her and runs away, groaning in pain. He tries to forget his sin, and for a time he succeeds, but the memory returns when he hears she has gone to the bad.
28 April, afternoon
The Trial Resumes
After the interval, the trial resumes. Nekhludoff is in a state of fear, feeling like a scoundrel. The witnesses are examined, including Carolina Albertovna Kitaeva, the brothel-keeper, who gives a full account. Maslova looks at Kitaeva, then at the jury, and her eyes fix on Nekhludoff. He thinks she has recognized him and shrinks as if expecting a blow. He feels a mixture of loathing, pity, and vexation, like when killing a wounded bird.
28 April, afternoon
The Medical Report Read
The public prosecutor demands that the medical report on Smelkoff's body be read. The president, eager to finish, reluctantly agrees. The secretary reads a long, gruesome description of the external and internal examination of the corpse. The details of the swollen, decomposing body increase Nekhludoff's loathing. He feels surrounded by the same order of things as Katusha's life and the corpse's oozing fluids. The reading takes a full hour, but the prosecutor insists on continuing.
28 April, afternoon
The Prosecutor's Speech
The public prosecutor delivers a long, self-important speech, full of fashionable scientific terms like heredity, inborn criminality, and hypnotic influence. He portrays Maslova as a pathological individual, a product of decadence, who hypnotized and murdered the merchant. He argues that she is a danger to society. The president and a member of the court whisper that he is a blockhead. The prosecutor finishes, highly delighted with his own eloquence.
28 April, afternoon
The Defense Speeches
The advocate for Kartinkin and Botchkova speaks, putting all the blame on Maslova. He argues that the money could have been earned honestly and that the poisoning was done by Maslova alone. Maslova's own advocate gives a timid, hesitant speech, trying to argue she had no intent to kill. His attempt at eloquence is unsuccessful. The prosecutor replies, defending his position. The prisoners are offered the last word. Botchkova and Kartinkin maintain their innocence. Maslova says nothing, but begins to cry, sobbing aloud.
28 April, afternoon
The Summing Up
The president sums up the case for the jury, explaining legal definitions of burglary and murder. He speaks at length, enjoying the sound of his own voice. He explains the jury's rights and duties. Maslova watches him intently. Nekhludoff looks at her, seeing the same Katusha from the Easter eve. He feels the hand of the Master, but still tries to resist the feelings of repentance. The veil hiding his sin begins to shake.
28 April, afternoon
The Jury's Deliberation
The jury retires to the debating room. They smoke and discuss the case in a random, disorganized manner. The kindly merchant argues for Maslova's innocence, while the foreman insists on her guilt. Peter Gerasimovitch argues that the servants could have stolen the money. After much dispute, they decide Maslova is not guilty of stealing the money, but they forget to add the crucial phrase 'without intent to cause death' to their verdict on the poisoning. The verdict is written down and taken to the court.
28 April, afternoon
The Verdict and Sentence
The jury returns with a verdict that finds Maslova guilty of poisoning but without intent to rob. The president is surprised by the absurdity of the decision, as it implies she poisoned without reason. He considers applying Article 817 to set it aside, but the serious member objects. The sentence is read: Maslova is to be deprived of all property rights and sent to penal servitude in Siberia for four years. Maslova cries out that she is not guilty, then sinks onto the bench, sobbing.
28 April, after the trial
Nekhludoff's First Attempt to Help
Nekhludoff, horrified by the verdict, hurries after Maslova in the corridor. He then goes to see the president, who tells him the mistake can be rectified by an appeal. Nekhludoff consults the advocate Fanarin, who agrees to take the case. Nekhludoff feels somewhat calmer after taking these steps. He then goes to the Korchagins' dinner, but finds everything there repulsive, including Missy and her family. He feels a strong aversion to his former life.
28 April, night
Nekhludoff's Spiritual Awakening
Nekhludoff returns home, feeling that everything in his life is shameful and horrid. He recalls his past with Katusha and realizes the enormous difference between his former pure self and his current depraved state. He acknowledges his baseness and feels a painful yet joyful cleansing of the soul. He decides to break all lies, confess everything, and act the truth. He resolves to tell Missy the truth, to dispose of his inheritance, and to ask Katusha for forgiveness, even offering to marry her. He prays for help.
28 April, evening
Maslova Returns to Prison
Maslova returns to her cell, tired and footsore. She is crushed by the unexpected sentence and tormented by hunger. She is given three roubles sent by Kitaeva. She longs for tobacco and vodka. On the way back to prison, she encounters a gang of convicts, one of whom embraces her. She is searched and led to her cell. The cell is crowded with fifteen women, including Korableva, Theodosia, and others. The women are sympathetic, and Maslova breaks down and cries.
28 April, evening
Life in the Women's Cell
In the cell, the women discuss Maslova's sentence. Korableva blames the lack of a good lawyer. Maslova, craving vodka, asks Korableva for some. Korableva gets a flask of vodka from a hiding place. Maslova drinks and brightens up, telling the women about the trial, especially how all the men looked at her. A quarrel breaks out between Korableva and the red-haired woman, leading to a fight. The warder and jailer separate them. The red-haired woman later cries, and Maslova feels sorry for her.
29 April, morning
Nekhludoff's Domestic Changes
Nekhludoff wakes up conscious that something important has happened. He receives a letter from Mary Vasilievna giving him his freedom. He decides to tell the truth to Missy and to go to the prison to see Katusha. He tells Agraphena Petrovna that he no longer needs the large house and her services. He confesses to her about Katusha, saying he is the cause of her ruin and must help her. He feels a new, kindly respect for his servants.
29 April, morning
Nekhludoff's Reflections on the Law
At the Law Courts, Nekhludoff witnesses another trial, this time of a young boy for stealing old mats. He reflects on the absurdity and cruelty of the legal system. He sees that the boy is a product of his circumstances, created by the very society that now punishes him. He is horrified by the pretence of the entire judicial process, which does nothing to destroy the conditions that produce criminals. He decides he can no longer take part in this 'horrid tomfoolery.'
29 April, morning
Nekhludoff Confesses to the Procureur
Nekhludoff goes to the Procureur's office and demands to see the prisoner Maslova. He confesses that he betrayed her and brought her to this condition. He declares his intention to follow her and marry her. The Procureur is surprised and gives him an order of admittance. Nekhludoff also states he can no longer serve as a juryman, as he considers all judging immoral. The Procureur advises him to apply to the court.
29 April, afternoon
Nekhludoff's First Visit to the Prison
Nekhludoff goes to the preliminary detention prison but is told Maslova is not there. He goes to the old temporary prison, but the inspector is out. He meets the assistant inspector, who tells him to come back the next day. Nekhludoff returns home, excited at the idea of meeting her. He writes in his diary, resolving to confess to her and atone for his sin, even by marriage.
29 April, night
Maslova Recalls the Past
Maslova lies awake, thinking about how to arrange her life in Siberia. She recalls many men but not Nekhludoff, as those memories are too painful. She remembers the terrible night when she ran to the railway station to see him, but he was in a brightly lit carriage, laughing and playing cards, while she stood in the mud and rain. She decided to throw herself under the train, but the child within her made itself known, and she went home. From that night, she ceased believing in God and goodness.
a Sunday, early morning
Sunday Mass in Prison
On Sunday morning, the prisoners are woken by a whistle. They prepare for mass. The women, dressed in white, are led to the prison church, which is richly decorated. The men, including convicts with shaved heads and chains, fill the other side. The service begins, with the priest performing elaborate rituals. The essence of the service is the transformation of bread and wine into the flesh and blood of God. The priest and deacon chant prayers, and the prisoners bow and cross themselves.
Sunday, morning
The Prison Church Service
The service continues with the priest reading from the Gospel of Mark about Christ's resurrection. The priest then performs the central act of the liturgy, waving a cloth over the bread and wine. After the transformation, he invites the faithful to partake. Children receive communion. The priest then carries a cross for the prisoners to kiss. The service is intended to comfort the prisoners, but none of them seem to realize the blasphemy of the proceedings, which mock the very teachings of Christ.
a Sunday, after mass
Visiting Day at the Men's Ward
Nekhludoff arrives at the prison for visiting day. He waits with a crowd of visitors. The visitors are let into the prison, and Nekhludoff accidentally goes into the men's ward. The interviewing room is divided by two wire nets, with soldiers walking between them. The noise is deafening as visitors and prisoners shout to be heard. Nekhludoff is struck by the indignity of the situation and feels a moral seasickness.
Sunday, after mass
Nekhludoff Visits Maslova
Nekhludoff is directed to the women's ward. He sees Maslova and calls her. She comes to the net, smiling. He tells her he has come to ask for her forgiveness. She is confused at first, then recognizes him. He confesses his guilt. She is angry and bitter, telling him that the past is finished. She asks him for money, and he gives her ten roubles. He feels that the woman he loved is dead, replaced by a prostitute. He resolves to awaken her soul.
after the first interview
Maslova's View of Life
Nekhludoff is horrified to find that Maslova is not ashamed of her position as a prostitute. She has formed a view of life in which her role is important and necessary. She believes that all men are driven by sexual desire, and she is an attractive woman, therefore important. She clings to this view to maintain her self-respect. She resists Nekhludoff's attempts to lead her into another world, as it would mean losing her place in life.
a few days after the trial
Nekhludoff Consults the Advocate
Nekhludoff visits the advocate Fanarin at his splendid house. Fanarin discusses Maslova's case, pointing out the legal grounds for an appeal. He is pessimistic about the chances of success but agrees to write the petition. Nekhludoff also asks about the Menshoffs' case. Fanarin's wife invites Nekhludoff to a literary matinee, but he refuses. The advocate's assistant tells Nekhludoff the fees will be 1,000 roubles.
a day in prison
A Prison Flogging
The prisoners are agitated about the flogging of two men, Vasiliev and Nepomnishy, for resisting the authorities. The women discuss the event in their cell. Maslova, who now has a constant supply of vodka, treats her companions. The women hear the sounds of the flogging from above. Maslova is called to the office for a visitor. Before leaving, she drinks some vodka for courage.
a day after the flogging
Nekhludoff's Second Visit to Maslova
Nekhludoff returns to the prison with the petition for Maslova to sign. The inspector is more reserved. Maslova is brought in, and she greets Nekhludoff boldly. She signs the petition. Nekhludoff tells her he will marry her. She becomes angry, telling him he is disgusting to her and that her price is a ten-rouble note. She cries and tells him to go away. Nekhludoff is shaken but remains determined to serve her.
after the second interview
Maslova's Inner Struggle
Maslova returns to her cell, where her fellow prisoners tease her about Nekhludoff. She lies on her bed, a painful struggle going on in her soul. His words call up memories of a world she had left, hating it. She fears waking from her current trance. To escape her thoughts, she buys vodka and drinks with her companions.
after the second prison visit
Nekhludoff Receives a Note from Vera Doukhova
As Nekhludoff leaves the prison, a jailer gives him a note from Vera Doukhova, a political prisoner. She asks to see him, offering information about Maslova and her group. Nekhludoff recalls meeting her years ago during a bear hunt, when she asked him for money to study. He decides to see her.
the next day
Nekhludoff Visits Maslennikoff
Nekhludoff goes to see Maslennikoff, the vice-governor, to get permission to visit Maslova in the prison office. Maslennikoff, an old regimental comrade, is now a self-important administrator. He gives Nekhludoff the permission and also a pass to see Vera Doukhova. He boasts about his firm handling of the prisoners. Nekhludoff finds him repulsive but accepts the help.
the same day
Nekhludoff Visits the Prison Cells
Nekhludoff goes to the prison with the permission. He first visits the inspector, who tells him Maslova is drunk and in a separate cell. Nekhludoff then visits the cell of Mitri Menshoff, a peasant accused of arson. Menshoff tells his story of being framed by the public-house keeper who stole his wife. Nekhludoff promises to help. He also sees the overcrowded conditions and the innocent men imprisoned for passport violations.
the same day
Nekhludoff Meets the Political Prisoners
In the prison office, Nekhludoff meets several political prisoners and their visitors. He sees a young boy born in prison, and Mary Pavlovna, a beautiful girl who pleaded guilty to a shooting. He also sees a mother parting from her consumptive son. The scene is full of sorrow. Vera Doukhova is brought in, and she tells Nekhludoff about her revolutionary activities and asks him to help her friend Shoustova and another prisoner.
the next day
Nekhludoff at the Vice-Governor's At-Home
Nekhludoff goes to Maslennikoff's 'at-home' to ask about Maslova's transfer to the hospital and the 130 innocent prisoners. He finds the gathering of high society repulsive. He speaks to Maslennikoff, who is evasive about the prisoners. Nekhludoff also asks about the flogging of prisoners, which makes Maslennikoff uncomfortable. Nekhludoff leaves without taking leave, disgusted by the hypocrisy.
the day after the at-home
Nekhludoff's Third Interview with Maslova
Nekhludoff goes to the prison again. Maslova apologizes for her harsh words and asks him to leave her. He repeats his intention to marry her and follow her. She refuses again, but her face lights up. She agrees to go to the hospital and to stop drinking. Nekhludoff feels a new certainty that love is invincible. When she returns to her cell, she is happy, but her companion's words remind her of her past, and she weeps.
late spring
Nekhludoff's Journey to His Estates
Nekhludoff decides to visit his estates to settle his affairs before following Maslova to Siberia. He first goes to Kousminski, a large estate in the black earth district. He plans to let the land to the peasants at a low rent, a step towards solving the land problem. He feels a sense of firmness in his decision, though he is also aware of the loss of income.
late spring
Nekhludoff's Land Reform at Kousminski
At Kousminski, Nekhludoff meets with the peasants and offers to let them the land at a low price. The peasants are suspicious and bargain, but eventually agree. Nekhludoff feels dissatisfied, sensing that the peasants expected something greater. He signs the agreement and leaves, feeling sad and ashamed, though he has deprived himself of a large part of his income.
late spring
Nekhludoff at Panovo
Nekhludoff goes to Panovo, the estate where he first met Katusha. The house is in decay, but the garden is in full bloom. He is overcome with memories of his youth and his love for Katusha. He visits Matrona Kharina, Katusha's aunt, who tells him that the baby died soon after being sent to the Foundlings' Hospital. He learns that the child was a fine baby, his very image.
at Panovo
Nekhludoff's Reflections on Peasant Poverty
Nekhludoff walks through the village and sees the terrible poverty of the peasants. He visits a hut where a family is starving. He realizes that the chief cause of their misery is that the land has been taken from them by the landlords. He is struck by the clarity of this insight and decides to give up his land altogether, not just rent it at a low price. He forms a project to let the land to the peasants and use the rent for communal purposes.
at Panovo
The Peasants Refuse Nekhludoff's Offer
Nekhludoff calls a meeting of the peasants and explains his plan to give them the land. The peasants are suspicious and refuse, believing it is a trick to swindle them. They prefer to go on in the old way. Nekhludoff is surprised but not discouraged. He asks the foreman to call the more intelligent peasants for a private talk the next day.
at Panovo, night
Nekhludoff's Night of Peace
After the peasants' refusal, Nekhludoff sits on the doorstep, listening to the nightingales and the thunder. He feels a joyful, happy night. He remembers his innocent youth and his resolve to live a good life. He realizes that his duty is clear: to help Katusha and to understand the injustice of the legal system. He feels a firm assurance that gives him joy. A storm breaks, and he goes inside, feeling like a servant, not a master.
the next day
The Land Settlement at Panovo
Nekhludoff meets with seven chosen peasants and explains Henry George's single-tax system. The peasants are interested but skeptical. They discuss the difficulties of dividing the land equally. Nekhludoff explains that the rent should be paid to the commune for its needs. The peasants agree to talk it over with the rest of the commune. The next day, they accept his offer, influenced by the belief that he is acting for the salvation of his soul.
late spring
Nekhludoff Returns to Town
Nekhludoff returns to Moscow, seeing the town in a new light. He contrasts the well-fed shopkeepers and coachmen with the starving peasants he has just seen. He realizes that many of the town's inhabitants are peasants driven from the land. He meets his old friend Schonbock, who is now a guardian for a millionaire's estate. Nekhludoff is repulsed by Schonbock's self-satisfied manner and realizes he himself was once like that.
late spring
Nekhludoff Visits the Advocate Again
Nekhludoff visits the advocate to discuss the Menshoffs' case and other prison matters. The advocate tells him about a case of a peasant being prosecuted for reading the Gospels. Nekhludoff is horrified that such a thing is possible. The advocate laughs at his naivete, saying that judges and prosecutors are just officials concerned with their salaries. Nekhludoff feels a great distance between himself and the advocate's cynical circle.
late spring
Nekhludoff's Conversation with the Isvostchik
On the way to the prison, Nekhludoff talks with his isvostchik, who tells him about the influx of peasants into the town because there is no land to be had in the villages. The isvostchik explains that a Frenchman has bought the local estate and refuses to rent land to the peasants. Nekhludoff feels as if he is touching a sore place.
late spring
Nekhludoff Visits Maslova in the Hospital
Nekhludoff goes to the prison hospital to see Maslova, who is now working as a nurse. She is dressed in a blue striped dress and a white apron. She is shy and reserved. He gives her an old photograph from Panovo. She tells him she is all right in the hospital. He says he is going to Petersburg to appeal her case. She says it doesn't matter now. He understands she is asking if he still intends to marry her. He confirms his decision. She tries to hide her joy.
after the hospital visit
Maslova's Reaction to the Photograph
Maslova looks at the old photograph, admiring her younger self. Her companion's words remind her of her past life, and she is filled with bitterness and self-pity. She remembers the terrible nights in the brothel and blames Nekhludoff for it all. She longs for drink to stifle her feelings, but she is now in the hospital and cannot get any. She weeps for a long time over her wrecked life.
late spring
Nekhludoff in Petersburg
Nekhludoff arrives in Petersburg to attend to several matters: the appeal to the Senate, Theodosia's petition, Vera Doukhova's requests, and the case of the sectarians. He stays with his aunt, Countess Katerina Ivanovna Tcharsky, who is a staunch adherent of a new religious teaching. He finds himself back in the aristocratic circle he now despises, but needs their help.
in Petersburg
Nekhludoff Meets Mariette
Nekhludoff meets Mariette, the wife of an official, at his aunt's house. She is a beautiful, coquettish woman. She offers to help him with his requests. Nekhludoff is attracted to her but also feels disgusted by her falseness. He gives her a letter from his aunt about Shoustova. She promises to help and invites him to her box at the theatre.
in Petersburg
Nekhludoff at the Senate
Nekhludoff goes to the Senate to file Maslova's appeal. He meets the Senator Wolf, who is un homme tres comme il faut. Wolf promises to do what he can, but explains that the Senate only considers the exactness of the law, not the merits of the case. Nekhludoff also visits an influential member of the Petition Committee, Baron Vorobioff, who is a 'dreadful old humbug.'
in Petersburg
Nekhludoff at the General's House
Nekhludoff visits the old General in charge of the fortress to ask about Gourkevitch. The General is a weak, old man who believes in the strict observance of regulations. He is also a spiritualist, communicating with the dead through a saucer. He refuses Nekhludoff's request, saying it is against the regulations. Nekhludoff leaves, feeling a mixture of repugnance and pity for the terrible old man.
in Petersburg
The Senate Hearing of Maslova's Appeal
The Senate hears Maslova's appeal. The advocate Fanarin makes a brilliant speech, but the senators are indifferent. The public prosecutor Selenin, an old friend of Nekhludoff, argues against the appeal. The senators are divided, and the appeal is rejected. Nekhludoff is devastated. He meets Selenin afterward, who is cold and distant. Nekhludoff feels that his old friend has become a stranger.
in Petersburg
Nekhludoff's Disillusionment in Petersburg
After the Senate's rejection, Nekhludoff feels hopeless. He visits Mariette at the theatre, where she is coquettish and false. He realizes that the glamour of high society hides old, well-known crimes. He feels that the only place befitting an honest man in Russia is a prison. He decides to return to Moscow and prepare for his journey to Siberia.
on his return to Moscow
Nekhludoff Learns of Maslova's Removal from Hospital
Nekhludoff returns to Moscow and goes to the prison hospital to tell Maslova the bad news. The doorkeeper tells him she has been sent back to her cell for carrying on with the medical assistant. Nekhludoff is stunned and feels a sense of shame and disgust. He thinks she has been deceiving him. However, he resolves that his duty remains unchanged.
the same day
Nekhludoff's Final Interview with Maslova
Nekhludoff goes to the prison to see Maslova. The new inspector is strict. Maslova is brought in, and she is confused and ashamed. Nekhludoff tells her the Senate has refused the appeal. She says she knew it would. He tells her he will still follow her. She asks him to leave her. He feels pity for her and forgives her. He realizes that no action of hers can change his love for her. He leaves with peace and joy in his heart.
after the interview
The Truth About Maslova's 'Intrigue'
The narrative reveals that Maslova's 'intrigue' with the medical assistant was a false charge. She had pushed him away, causing him to knock over some bottles. The doctor, seeing her run out, assumed she was flirting and had her sent back. Being turned out for a love intrigue was particularly painful to Maslova, as she now found such relations repulsive. She loved Nekhludoff and did all he wished, but refused to marry him because she knew it would be a misfortune for him.
late spring
Nekhludoff's Preparations for Departure
Nekhludoff prepares for his journey to Siberia. He divides his business into three parts: Maslova's case, his estates, and helping the convicts. He becomes interested in the question of why the criminal law exists. He reads books on criminology but finds no answer to his fundamental question: by what right do some people punish others? He begins to see that the law is an instrument for upholding class interests.
the day before his departure
Nekhludoff's Sister Visits
Nekhludoff's sister, Nathalie, and her husband, Rogozhinsky, visit him. Nathalie is concerned about his plan to marry Maslova and his decision to give away his land. Rogozhinsky argues with Nekhludoff about the land, calling his views anarchism. Nekhludoff becomes angry and insults his brother-in-law. He later feels ashamed and tries to make peace, but the visit ends in confusion.
5 July
The Prisoners Start for Siberia
The gang of prisoners, including Maslova, leaves Moscow by rail. Nekhludoff goes to the prison to see them off. The prisoners are counted and examined in the prison yard. The heat is unbearable. The prisoners, with shaved heads and chains, come out in a long procession. Nekhludoff sees Maslova among the women. He tries to approach her but is stopped by the convoy sergeant. He follows the gang to the station.
5 July
The Procession Through the Streets
The gang marches through the streets of Moscow, raising a cloud of dust. The sight attracts horror and compassion from the onlookers. A fine carriage is stopped by the procession. The children inside see the prisoners. The girl feels fear, but the boy feels pity, knowing that these are the same kind of people as himself. Nekhludoff follows the gang, feeling a strange mixture of sympathy and horror.
5 July
A Convict Dies of Sunstroke
During the march, a convict falls down dead from sunstroke. Nekhludoff sees the body being taken to a police station. He follows, witnessing the callousness of the officials. The doctor pronounces the man dead. Nekhludoff is horrified by the indifference to the death of a human being. He then sees another cart with another dead convict. He realizes that these men have been 'done to death' by the system.
5 July
Nekhludoff at the Railway Station
At the station, the prisoners are put into carriages with grated windows. Nekhludoff is allowed to approach Maslova's carriage. She is hot and thirsty. He promises to get her water. He also asks about a woman in labour. He tries to find an official to help, but they are all busy. The train departs, and Nekhludoff watches Maslova's carriage glide past, her face at the window with a pathetic smile.
5 July
Nekhludoff's Farewell to His Sister
Before his own train departs, Nekhludoff meets his sister Nathalie at the station. They have a tender but strained conversation. He tells her about the two dead convicts. She is shocked. He tells her of his intention to marry Maslova, but that she has refused. He says he will follow her anyway. They part, feeling estranged. Nekhludoff gets into a third-class carriage with Taras.
5 July
Nekhludoff's Reflections on the Train
On the train, Nekhludoff reflects on the day's events. He thinks about the dead convicts and realizes that no one is guilty, yet the men have been murdered. He concludes that this is because the officials consider their office more important than human relations. He realizes that the fundamental law of human life is love, and that dealing with men without love leads to terrible crimes. He feels a sense of clarity and peace.
on the train
Taras's Story
Taras tells Nekhludoff the story of his wife, Theodosia. She tried to poison him because she was forced to marry him. After she was arrested, he bailed her out, and she returned to him a changed woman. She became a hard worker and a loving wife. However, she was later tried and sentenced to Siberia. Taras is now following her. Nekhludoff is moved by the story.
on the train
Nekhludoff Meets the Workmen
In the third-class carriage, Nekhludoff meets a group of workmen returning from the peat bogs. They are weary and sunburnt. One of them tells him about their hard life, working up to their knees in water for little pay. Nekhludoff feels a sense of joy and discovery, realizing that this is 'le vrai grand monde,' the true world of labour, as opposed to the idle, luxurious world of the Korchagins.
after Perm
Maslova Joins the Political Prisoners
Maslova is allowed to join the political prisoners, which greatly improves her condition. She is no longer molested by the men and makes new friends, especially Mary Pavlovna and Simonson. She is struck by their selflessness and high moral standards. She learns to understand their motives and sympathizes with them. She feels a new life opening up before her.
a day on the march
An Incident on the March
The convoy officer beats a prisoner who is carrying his little daughter. The officer orders the child to be taken away. Mary Pavlovna intervenes and offers to carry the child. Simonson steps forward and tells the officer he has behaved badly. The officer ignores him. Maslova takes the child and quiets her with a rusk. The incident shows the cruelty of the convoy and the compassion of the political prisoners.
during the journey
Mary Pavlovna's Story
Maslova learns more about Mary Pavlovna. She is the daughter of a rich general, but she left home to work as a factory hand and became a revolutionary. She was sentenced to hard labor for pleading guilty to a shooting she did not commit. She is completely selfless, always seeking to serve others. Maslova loves her with a rapturous love and tries to imitate her.
during the journey
Simonson's Influence on Maslova
Simonson, a peculiar and principled man, falls in love with Maslova. He is a vegetarian and a celibate by conviction, considering himself a 'phacocyte' whose function is to help the weak. His love for Maslova is platonic and raises her in her own estimation. She feels that he sees her as an exceptional woman, and she tries to live up to his expectations. Their relationship grows closer as they march together.
during the journey
Nekhludoff's Changed Feelings for Maslova
Nekhludoff notices the change in Maslova. She is no longer coquettish, but calm and determined. He feels a new feeling for her, one of pure pity and tenderness, not the old poetic love or sensual desire. This feeling has opened the floodgates of love in his soul, and he now feels love for everyone he meets. He becomes acquainted with the political prisoners and changes his mind about them.
during the journey
Kryltzoff's Story
Nekhludoff becomes friends with Kryltzoff, a consumptive young revolutionary. Kryltzoff tells him his story. He was a rich student who was arrested for giving money to revolutionaries. In prison, he witnessed the execution of two young men, Lozinsky and Rozovsky, for a minor offence. The horror of this event turned him into a revolutionary. He was later arrested and sentenced to hard labor for life. He is now dying of consumption.
a day at a halting station
Nekhludoff Seeks an Interview with Maslova
Nekhludoff tries to see Maslova at a halting station, but the new officer is strict and refuses. He walks to the station in the dark and fog. He meets a young labourer who guides him. He gives a note to the sergeant, who takes it to the officer. After a long wait, he is allowed to see the officer, who is a coarse, self-satisfied man. The officer eventually agrees to let him see Maslova.
the same evening
Nekhludoff in the Political Prisoners' Room
Nekhludoff is led to the political prisoners' room. He sees Simonson heating a stove, and Maslova cleaning. The room is crowded with political prisoners, including Vera Doukhova, Emily Rintzeva, Mary Pavlovna, and Kryltzoff. They are all in good spirits despite the squalor. Nekhludoff learns about the complex love affairs among them. He feels a sense of peace and camaraderie in this group.
the same evening
A Dispute Among the Prisoners
A dispute arises among the political prisoners about the people and the revolution. Novodvoroff argues that the masses are inert and cannot be fellow-workers. Kryltzoff argues that this is a form of despotism. Maslova, when asked, says the common people are dreadfully wronged. Nabatoff agrees with her. The dispute shows the different ideologies among the revolutionaries.
the same evening
Simonson Speaks to Nekhludoff
Simonson takes Nekhludoff aside and tells him he wants to marry Maslova. He explains that he loves her and wants to lighten her fate. He asks for Nekhludoff's consent. Nekhludoff, though surprised, gives his blessing, saying it depends on her. Simonson is grateful. Nekhludoff feels a strange mixture of relief and jealousy.
the same evening
Maslova's Decision
Mary Pavlovna calls Maslova to speak with Nekhludoff. Maslova tells him she has decided to go with Simonson. She says he is an exceptional man and that she must look upon it as happiness. Nekhludoff understands that she is refusing him for his own sake. They part with a look of understanding. She says 'Forgive me' instead of 'Good-bye.' Nekhludoff feels a terrible weariness.
the same evening
The Englishman's Prison Tour
An Englishman, who is studying Siberian prisons, accompanies Nekhludoff on a tour of the cells. They see the overcrowded, stinking cells where prisoners are packed like animals. The Englishman gives away Testaments and preaches salvation. Nekhludoff follows in a daze, feeling weariness and hopelessness. The sight of the suffering is overwhelming.
during the prison tour
The Old Man's Defiance
In one cell, Nekhludoff recognizes the strange old man he saw on the ferry. The old man refuses to stand for the inspector and denounces him as a servant of Antichrist. He argues that the laws are written by robbers to protect their theft. The Englishman thinks he is crazy. Nekhludoff is struck by the old man's fierce independence.
the same evening
Kryltzoff's Death
In the mortuary, Nekhludoff sees the body of Kryltzoff. He is shocked to find his friend dead. The beautiful, waxen face is quiet and motionless. Nekhludoff wonders why he suffered and lived. He feels faint and leaves the prison, feeling the need to be alone. The horror of the evil he has witnessed overwhelms him.
that night
Nekhludoff's Final Awakening
Back in his hotel room, Nekhludoff cannot sleep. He opens the Testament given to him by the Englishman and reads the Sermon on the Mount. He understands for the first time the five commandments: not to be angry, not to commit adultery, not to swear oaths, to turn the other cheek, and to love your enemies. He realizes that the only way to overcome the evil in the world is to obey these laws. He feels a new life dawning for him.
