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Resurrection · Chapter

XXXV explained

Nekhlúdoff, unable to endure the farce of the trial, leaves the courtroom and demands to see the Procureur.

What happens

Nekhlúdoff, unable to endure the farce of the trial, leaves the courtroom and demands to see the Procureur. He declares his intention to marry Máslova, whom he seduced, and asks for permission to visit her in prison. The Procureur, though taken aback, grants a written order of admittance. Nekhlúdoff also states he will no longer serve on the jury, calling the entire judicial process immoral.

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.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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.

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Themes in this chapter

  • Moral Awakening and Redemption

    Nekhlúdoff's public confession and decision to marry Máslova mark a pivotal moment in his moral awakening and quest for redemption.

  • Injustice of the Legal System

    Nekhlúdoff denounces the trial as 'awful and horrid tomfoolery' and declares all judging 'not only useless, but immoral,' highlighting the system's corruption.

Characters to notice

Key passages

  • “I have made my declaration, and shall apply nowhere else”

    Nekhlúdoff refuses to take his complaint to any other authority, insisting his statement to the Procureur is final.

    Demonstrates Nekhlúdoff's defiance of legal procedure and his commitment to his personal moral stance.

  • “I consider all judging not only useless, but immoral.”

    Nekhlúdoff tells the Procureur that he believes the entire judicial process is pointless and unethical.

    Captures Nekhlúdoff's radical rejection of the legal system's legitimacy.

Resurrection — XXXV Explained