THE LAST CHAPTER MIGHT have been given the title “The Resurrection.” One follows the feelings, developed with rare ability, that come over the prisoner on nearing the time of his release, as also at the very moment of his receiving his freedom. One seems to be witnessing a glorious dawn, and the gradual breaking of the day among the shadows, up to the moment of the sun’s appearing.

During the few remaining weeks, Gorianchikoff (the hero in the novel) is allowed a few books and a back number of a magazine. For ten years he has read only the New Testament, and had heard nothing of the outer world.
After this long interruption, and on once more taking up the threads of life, his emotions are unique. He finds himself a new world, and cannot understand even the simplest words and things. His astonishment is great in seeing what giant strides his generation has been able to take – without him! Doubtless these are the thoughts of one who will take part in “The Great Resurrection.”

Finally the solemn hour had struck. With great emotion he bids his companions farewell. He leaves them almost with feelings of regret. One leaves something one’s heart everywhere, even in a convict prison! He goes to the forge, his irons clang to the ground – he is free!

Note: This is part two of a five-part series. The remaining parts will be published this year in the New Series. This text was first published as an extended chapter in an English-language translation by Col. Herbert Anthony Sawyer in The Russian Novel (Chapman & Hall, 1913). It has been manually transcribed exclusively for the New Series, with very minor edits to track usage. To obtain the unedited text, please see the copyright page for instructions. Please note The Fortnightly Review [New Series] and fortnightlyreview.co.uk in citations based on this transcription.