Resurrection

Author: (Russian) Tolstoy / Wang Zunxian
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This series of books includes dozens of classic works of Chinese literature, modern Chinese literature, and foreign literature. Unlike other versions, it distinctly reflects its focus on serving young readers: First, it provides concise and practical annotations to answer readers' questions and impart knowledge; second, the translations of foreign classics are simple and vivid, making them easy for Chinese young readers to understand; third, it includes expert-written introductory essays to help readers unlock the understanding of the classics; fourth, many works are accompanied by illustrations from the original texts and newly drawn color illustrations, enhancing readers' appreciation of the classics; fifth, the selected works are based on the recommended reading list from the Ministry of Education's teaching syllabus, closely related to students' classroom learning and extracurricular reading. In summary, this series strives to meet the needs of contemporary readers in all aspects, facilitating the reading and inheritance of classic works.
The plot of Resurrection is derived from a real case. Tolstoy's friend, a judge at the St. Petersburg regional court, told the writer about a peculiar case he had witnessed: During a trial where a prostitute was accused of stealing 100 rubles from a client, one of the young jurors discovered that the defendant was the adopted daughter of his relatives. Many years ago, she had been seduced by him, resulting in pregnancy. After being expelled from her family, she had no means of supporting herself and had to leave her illegitimate child in an orphanage, while she herself became a prostitute. The young juror, upon realizing his conscience, decided to propose to the girl as a sign of repentance, disregarding social prejudices. He repeatedly visited her in prison, but soon after, she died of typhoid. As a result, the young juror became the prototype of the male protagonist, (Nekhlyudov), in Resurrection, while the girl became another major character, Katusha Maslova. However, the writer allowed the heroine to continue living in the novel: She was sentenced to severe punishment and exiled to Siberia for hard labor. Yet, it was there that she found a new rebirth of her soul and forgave the sincere repentance of the male protagonist. In the end, she chose to marry a political prisoner who deeply loved her. Meanwhile, during the complex process of the male protagonist fighting for the heroine's justice, he underwent a spiritual transformation.
Resurrection is an invaluable gem in the legacy of world literature, a magnificent ode to human compassion. It will undoubtedly continue to resonate with profound intellectual depth and dazzling artistic brilliance in the past, present, and future.