Resurrection · Chapter
Chapter XXVII explained
Nekhlúdoff visits the Korchagin household, where he feels increasingly alienated by the artificiality and falseness of the society around him.
What happens
Nekhlúdoff visits the Korchagin household, where he feels increasingly alienated by the artificiality and falseness of the society around him. He interacts with Missy, Princess Sophia Vasílievna, and Kólosoff, but is unable to engage in their trivial conversations. He declines Missy's invitation to stay, leaving her anxious about his intentions.
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
- Hypocrisy of Religion and Morality
The Korchagin household embodies moral hypocrisy: Princess Sophia Vasílievna's flattery and affair with the doctor contrast with her pretensions to refinement.
- Social Class and Inequality
Nekhlúdoff's discomfort highlights the vast gulf between the privileged elite and the suffering he witnessed in court.
Characters to notice
- Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
Feels like a horse being harnessed; finds the social atmosphere oppressive and false.
- Missy
Holds Nekhlúdoff's hand longer than usual, anxious about his withdrawal and the implications for their relationship.
- Princess Sophia Vasilievna
Affected and flattering; concerned about sunlight on her aged face; engages in superficial conversation.
- Ivan Ivanovitch Kolosoff
Tipsy and self-satisfied; discusses art and mysticism with the princess.
- Katerina Alexeevna
Teases Nekhlúdoff about his low spirits; recalls their game of telling the truth.
Key passages
“Nekhlúdoff felt as a horse must feel when it is being caressed to make it submit to having the bit put in its mouth and be harnessed, and today he felt less than ever inclined to draw.”
Nekhlúdoff felt like a horse being gently coaxed into submission, but he was more resistant than ever.
Illustrates Nekhlúdoff's growing resistance to social expectations and manipulation.
“She would not mention to Katerína Alexéevna even, so vulgar a pun, but only said, 'We all have our good and our bad days.'”
Missy refrained from making a crude joke, instead offering a platitude about everyone having ups and downs.
Shows Missy's self-restraint and her awareness of social propriety.
