Resurrection · Chapter
V explained
Nekhlúdoff arrives at the courthouse and joins the other jurymen in the waiting room.
What happens
Nekhlúdoff arrives at the courthouse and joins the other jurymen in the waiting room. He observes the bustling activity, meets a friendly merchant named Baklashéff, and is greeted with unwelcome familiarity by Peter Gerasimovitch, a former tutor. The jurymen discuss a civil case involving a celebrated advocate, and Nekhlúdoff feels a sense of superiority and irritation at the lack of deference shown to him.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it forces Nekhlúdoff to confront the central moral crisis of the nov…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Social Class and Inequality
Nekhlúdoff's sense of superiority and his irritation at Peter Gerasimovitch's familiarity highlight class distinctions and social hierarchies within the jury room.
Characters to notice
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Arrives late at the courthouse, feels superior to the other jurymen, and is annoyed by Peter Gerasimovitch's familiarity.
- Peter Gerasimovitch
Former tutor of Nekhlúdoff's sister, now a schoolmaster; greets Nekhlúdoff with boisterous laughter and familiarity.
- Baklashéff
A merchant of the Second Guild, cheerful and friendly, introduces himself to Nekhlúdoff in the jurymen's room.
Key passages
“The advocate is a genius.”
The lawyer is exceptionally clever.
A juryman praises a celebrated advocate for his skillful handling of a civil case.
“I call this being public spirited. But just wait until you get hungry or sleepy; you’ll sing to another tune then.”
I admire your civic duty, but you'll change your mind when you're tired or hungry.
Peter Gerasimovitch teases Nekhlúdoff about his willingness to serve on the jury.
