Khodynka: An Incident of the Coronation of Nicholas II by Leo Tolstoy. Short summary

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Rina Golitsina wanted to go to Khodynka with the people. That is also where the worker Yemelyan went. Historical events are described accurately. Alec, Rina’s brother, lost her and returned home. Yemelyan rescued the girl.

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Alexandra (Rina) Golitsina thought of herself as a forward-thinking folk singer. She wanted to watch the festivities on the occasion of the Emperor’s coronation not from the pavilion for the maid of honor, but from the field. Her father allowed her to do so, but imposed her brother Alec to accompany her.

There was a rumor that gifts would be distributed at Khodynka Field, and even raffle tickets. Yemelyan really wanted to win. He was deciding what he would do with the money he had won.

Even before dawn, the workers of the tissue factory went to the field. There were already fires burning and the place was full of people. Yemelyan and his comrades had breakfast. In the morning they met Rina and Alec. They said hello, boasting of their ability to «speak the language of the people.

Then the crush began. Yemelyan first wanted to make his way to the tents where they were distributing the gifts. But women’s and children’s cries made him think it was getting dangerous. He began to make his way out of the crush. On the way, he rescued a fallen boy and carried him over his head.

Alec walked happily away and went home. His sister was so run over that she lost consciousness. Emelyan pulled her out as well.