When it comes to Russian literature, the name Leo Tolstoy always holds a significant place. Maxim Gorky once remarked, “To know Russia, one must know Tolstoy.” Lenin even praised him as the “mirror of the Russian revolution,” recognizing him as a “genius artist” with the keenest sense of realism. His last novel, “Resurrection,” crafted from a true story spanning a decade and revised six times, is acknowledged as the pinnacle of his career, encapsulating his lifetime of thought and artistic expression. Tolstoy himself deemed it the finest of all his works.
In “Resurrection,” through the character of the young nobleman Nekhlyudov, Tolstoy narrates his own journey of doubt and awakening. Nekhlyudov’s life too, once veered into darkness, but in striving to vindicate the peasant girl Katusha, his soul gradually purifies, eventually achieving spiritual “resurrection.” He enlightens us that only by introspecting within can one unearth the essence of life and seek genuine liberation. To comprehend life truly, one must delve into “Resurrection.”
1. The Tragedy of Conscious Descent
Katusha, a child born out of wedlock to a peasant woman, leads a life between a foster daughter and a maid under the care of two elderly landowner sisters after her mother’s demise. Her serene existence shatters with the arrival of a young nobleman. When the sisters’ nephew, Nekhlyudov, visits their estate during summer, interactions between him and Katusha blossom. Their affection flourishes innocently during their daily companionship, crossing no boundaries. After the summer ends, their farewell seals the sweet memories in their hearts.
Later, Nekhlyudov joins the Guards and falls into the bad habits of his aristocratic peers, indulging in a lavish and reckless lifestyle. His soul gradually corrodes as he begins to see women merely as objects of desire. Upon reuniting with Katusha, his carnal urges override his better judgement, leading him to exploit her without remorse. He leaves her with a mere 100 rubles. Soon, Katusha discovers her pregnancy and her life spirals downward into despair. Losing her job and home, Katusha plunges into a life of sin, losing herself completely. The saying, “When you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back,” echoes a truth understood by many, but embraced by few. In the allure of worldly desires, the moral compass within sways, and one easily crafts excuses to justify wrongful deeds, unawares that such deceit only compounds their misery.
2. Rebirth Awaits Those Who Dare to Face Their Soul
Years later, fate brings Nekhlyudov and Katusha face to face in a courtroom, he as a juror and she as a defendant. Recognizing Katusha, Nekhlyudov is haunted by his past misdeeds. Despite the jury’s negligence and the prosecutor’s incompetence, Katusha is sentenced to hard labor in Siberia. This verdict awakens Nekhlyudov’s conscience. Overwhelmed by guilt, he decides to amend his ways, severing immoral relationships, confessing his sins to his fiancée, relocating to a modest apartment, leasing his land to peasants at a low rent, and striving to atone by marrying Katusha. His courageous visit to the prison to see Katusha, and his relentless effort to improve her conditions, reveal his commitment to mending the past.
Following her appeal’s failure, he accompanies her to Siberia, witnessing firsthand the brutal indifference of the authorities. This journey makes him reflect upon his past indulgences, appreciating the resurgence of his long-lost conscience after a decade. Many fail to acknowledge their mistakes, blaming others or denying their errors, hoping to save face. Little do they realize that denial only breeds more obstacles in life’s path.
Unlike them, Nekhlyudov confronts his soul, accepts his mistakes, and discerns the thin line separating him from immorality, thus avoiding a fall into the abyss of sin. Such self-reflection is the dawn of an individual’s awakening and rebirth.
3. Kindness: A Heart Illuminating Another
On her way to exile, Katya often faced harassment from criminal offenders. Hence, Nehru made arrangements to transfer her to a group of political prisoners. Through this change, she met a group of selfless and righteous individuals. Among them, Simon’s love greatly impacted Katya. She quit drinking and ceased her coquettish behavior, transforming into a person full of positive energy and poise. Facing Nehru’s sincere apology, she eliminated the resentment she harbored and sincerely thanked Nehru for his help. The journey changed Nehru significantly as well. His heart filled with compassion towards others, naturally showing care and engaging in conversations with other prisoners. Later on, Katya chose to marry Simon. Although Nehru felt regretful, he understood and respected Katya’s decision. The book narrates, “Katya didn’t accept my sacrifice, but chose to sacrifice herself. She triumphed, and so did I. As her soul transformed, I felt she was being resurrected.” Eventually, Nehru found his own life beliefs, acquired a new purpose, and achieved spiritual redemption. Kindness is a choice. When you extend goodwill and act kindly towards others, you too will receive warmth and encouragement from the love that surrounds you.
In Conclusion
Romain Rolland said, “‘Resurrection’ is Tolstoy’s artistic testament, it is the final peak, the highest peak.”
I resonate deeply with this sentiment. The pen of Tolstoy acts like a lens, reflecting the myriad human conditions as well as one’s inner self. Seeing one’s greed leads to the control of desires; recognizing one’s evil awakens one’s goodness; confronting one’s fall stimulates the retrieval of one’s conscience.
The process of exploring within inevitably comes with confusion and agony, but the challenging days and painful growth will eventually lead you to clarity and firmness. As Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
