Collage 136

The scene from this page in the English translation by Pevear and Volokhonsky is from Volume I, Part Three, chapter III. I happen to have noted in my translation copy where we are in the collage sequence. This is the scene where Prince Marya decides not to marry the scoundrel Anatole. Her prayers were answered. "And she had barely asked this question, when God answered her in her own heart: 'Desire nothing for yourself, do not seek, do not worry, do not envy. The future of people and your own fate must be unknown to you; but live so as to be ready for anything. If God should see fit to rest you in the duties of marriage, be ready to fulfill His will.' With this reassuring thought (but still with a hope that her forbidden earthly dream would be fulfilled), Princess Marya sighed, crossed herself, and went downstairs without thinking about her dress, or her hairstyle, or how she would walk in, or what she would say."

Lulu has pointed out that this is a Buddhist approach. From the contemporary perspective, I agree! But back then women had so few choices. If not marriage, then what? -- Lola

Lola Baltzell
from page 279-280 of original text
collage, acrylic paint
made 6/25/10