Resurrection · Question
How does Resurrection develop the theme of Social Class and Inequality?
Answer
Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy develops Social Class and Inequality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Tolstoy contrasts the luxurious, idle lives of the aristocracy (Nekhlúdoff, the Korchágins) with the suffering and degradation of the poor, prisoners, and peasants, showing how social structures perpetuate exploitation and moral blindness.
The power imbalance between Nekhlúdoff, a wealthy prince, and Máslova, a former serf, highlights the theme of social class and inequality.
The contrast between the natural beauty of spring and the artificial, cruel world of men, where the poor are imprisoned and judged while the wealthy remain free, underscores class divisions.
The contrast between Katúsha's lowly birth and the wealthy landowners (the maiden ladies and Nekhlúdoff) illustrates the rigid class hierarchy that determines her fate.
Evidence in the book
- Resurrection
The power imbalance between Nekhlúdoff, a wealthy prince, and Máslova, a former serf, highlights the theme of social class and inequality.
- I
The contrast between the natural beauty of spring and the artificial, cruel world of men, where the poor are imprisoned and judged while the wealthy remain free, underscores class divisions.
- Chapter II
The contrast between Katúsha's lowly birth and the wealthy landowners (the maiden ladies and Nekhlúdoff) illustrates the rigid class hierarchy that determines her fate.
- IV
Nekhlúdoff's reflections on Missy's 'good breeding' and his awareness of class distinctions highlight the theme of social class and inequality.
- V
Nekhlúdoff's sense of superiority and his irritation at Peter Gerasimovitch's familiarity highlight class distinctions and social hierarchies within the jury room.
- IX
Maslova's status as an illegitimate meschánka and her past as a servant contrast with Nekhludoff's aristocratic position, underscoring the class divide that enables his exploitation.
- XIII
The chapter contrasts Nekhlúdoff's privileged, idle life as a wealthy Guards officer with the peasants who receive his land but are judged as becoming poorer, highlighting class hypocrisy.
- Chapter XVIII
Nekhlúdoff's treatment of Katúsha reflects the power imbalance between a nobleman and a peasant girl.
