Resurrection · Concept
Sexual exploitation
Maslova’s path from maid to prostitute follows aristocratic seduction and social ruin — Tolstoy indicts men who discard women.
Young Nekhludoff seduces Katusha on aunt’s estate; pregnancy follows; he leaves money and disappears; she is fired, slides into brothel economy. Novel refuses to blame victim — shows institutional chain: household, church confession commerce, court labeling. Simonson’s later respectful love offers contrast to Nekhludoff’s guilt-driven proposal.
Sexual exploitation theme intersects land and class — women’s bodies traded when estates expel servants. Maslova’s anger at Nekhludoff’s marriage offer is central — she refuses to be saved as project. Feminist readings anchor here despite Tolstoy’s limits.