In this article, we conclude an epoch-making work - a brief retelling of The Quiet Don in chapters. We hope that our efforts will not be wasted, and you can qualitatively prepare for a lesson in literature, remembering the plot of this book.
Part 7
Chapter 1. The uprising on the upper Don distracted Soviet power and allowed the rebels to group their forces. They also did not allow the Reds to cross. There were lulls in the territory of hundreds of Tatar people, the biggest conflict was the skirmishes of Christoni and Anikushki due to the constant fishing of the first fish and the corresponding smell. The Cossacks were cheerful, except Stepan Astakhov, he suspected his wife of treason. Stepan ordered her to come, waiting with excitement. During the conversation, he understood everything, but did not express anything. Aksinya began to talk about the economy, what and how she hid. Cossacks prevented them from talking, which pleased his wife. She went to wash her husband’s laundry. Then Stepan led his wife into the forest, after their return, the Cossacks started a playful and raunchy conversation, which was unpleasant for Aksinya, as well as the closeness with her husband. Soon she is going home. Stepan offers to stay, but Axinha does not agree. She walks through the forest, enjoying nature. Then he sits down, thinks about his joyless life, cries, and then falls asleep. A cheerful Cossack song woke the woman. But the fun is replaced by fear, he is trying to rape her. Only a blow to the nose and the assurance that she is the wife of Grigory Melekhov save Axinho.
Chapter 2 The Red Army took the Gromkovskaya hundred by surprise, on that fateful day their wives came to the Cossacks, the party began, and everyone got drunk. Saved the Cossacks from extermination only night darkness. They ran with their wives, a breakthrough formed, the Reds went there to take Veshenskaya. But in the village they were preparing a hasty speech against the enemy, tightened up reserves. The exhibited non-resident squad almost drowned itself, crossing the lake. Grigory Melekhov was sent to help, he gave the order to both the squad and his hundreds. It became known that a hundred from the Tatar farm began to retreat. Melekhov ordered them to be caught up and punished. And he, with a whip in his hands, led the chase. He almost unfastened Pantelei Prokofievich, not recognizing him from the back. Tatars reasoned, returned to the position. Gregory came under fire, and a horse was killed under him. The offensive of the Red Army was repelled, they retreated back to the banks of the Don. But not all managed to cross. There remained a small detachment, which nevertheless did not surrender, but went to death against the Cossacks.
Chapter 3 Gregory returned to his apartment. Aksinya disappeared somewhere, but, to the delight of Prokhor Zykov, Melekhov did not order to search for her, washed himself and immediately fell asleep. In the morning they brought him a new horse. Gregory drove past the stables, where prisoners were kept. These were terrible conditions, the prisoners were not provided with any semblance of a toilet, they lived from hand to mouth, from which many died, but the corpses were cleaned irregularly. At this time, an airplane flew in, they began to shell it, shot at the stable, but this did not help the prisoners: there were Cossacks at the exit. Gregory decided to move away from a dangerous place. On this day, Kudinov convened a secret meeting (even Melekhov did not call), which discussed the connection of the Cossacks with the whites and the general retreat. And the officers advised the prisoners not to keep in the stable, but to kill. And the next day the unfortunate were driven to Kazan, which reached eighteen out of a hundred and fifty. One of the Red Army men went crazy, an old woman asked to give her to her in one of the farms. The elderly woman guessed that the guy was only playing the madman; she helped him get to his own.
Chapter 4 Ilyinichna was engaged in farming, and Natalya was recovering from typhus, and was still weak. She could only sit with the children, they told their mother how the Red Army took away a lot of cattle from them. One morning, still weak, Natalya went to the grave of Grandfather Grishaki, Ilyinichna persuaded her to postpone it, but she decided firmly. Gradually, Natalya recovered, began to help her mother-in-law in the household. They talked for a long time, often talked about the fate of their men. Ilyinichna is sure that their family members will survive, advises the daughter-in-law to protect herself, including from the reds. One of them soon comes. Natalia, on the advice of her mother-in-law, pretends to be sick, Ilyinichna herself is asked to bake bread. She agrees. But Mishatka, son of Gregory, failed, he remembered that it was this Red Army man who killed their cock, the military became interested in the child, and began to question him. Mishatka let slip that his father commands everyone, fortunately, a dangerous conversation ended there. And Ilyinichna did not have time to bake bread: the Reds retreated, the Cossacks entered the farm. Natalia is waiting for Gregory, but only Pantelei Prokofievich comes.
Chapter 5 The rebels met with the Volunteer Army in the person of the regiment of General Secret. The white officers at first looked friendly, and then started a mocking conversation with the Cossacks, recalling that they did not immediately go together against the Bolsheviks. Cossacks understand that joining them will not be useful.
Chapter 6 Volunteers crossed the Don when the Reds left. One of the battles was near Yagodny; Gregory decided to drop in there. Melekhov in a sad mood, in his soul compares the recent connection with captivity. And in Berry desolation, there is nobody but the cook of Lukerya. Of the living. In the cellar lies the dead grandfather Sashka. The Listniki themselves retreated, ordering the courtyards to keep their property. But the late grandfather was not allowed to save the horses, and he himself was killed when he tried to leave the last mare with the foal at home. Gregory buries his grandfather Sasha next to his daughter.
Chapter 7 In Veshenskaya, the Secretaries were greeted with bread and salt. They sent trumpeters from captured Red Army soldiers. They need to play for distinguished guests during their lunch. “God save the king,” they do not know, in return they order the “International,” but they quickly interrupt. And the general himself got drunk, he vomited right on the street. So they drank, and then the banquet began, which the rebels arranged for the arrivals. The secrets he gave a drunken speech, full of bragging and hints that the Cossacks in front of the whites are to blame, now must atone. He adds that the Cossacks arouse weak trust. Gregory carefully watches the arrivals, filled with anger from their swagger and contempt. Soon he leaves and heads for Aunt Aksigny’s house. But there, instead of her lover, her husband sits. Gregory, despite his intoxication, realizes that he went in vain. Stepan also understood everything. But he did not fight, said that his wife went for vodka, and Melekhova invited to the table. They eat and drink, despite this, Gregory completely sobered up. Then Aksinya returned. Stepan persistently sets her at the table, but his wife refuses. Then the husband offers a drink for the health of Gregory. For this, Aksinya agreed to drink.
Chapter 8 Prokhor Zykov woke up at midnight, did not find Gregory and decided that he was still at the banquet. He went to feed and water the horses. Then they came for Melekhov, then Prokhor immediately guessed that his boss had gone to Aksinya. He went after him. Seeing such an ambiguous situation, Zykov was speechless. Having hardly gathered his thoughts, Prokhor informed Gregory of the call to the Secret. Melekhov himself was trying to leave, but pride did not allow him to give in to Aksinya, therefore this time he refused. But the woman herself told Gregory that he should go, at dawn he and Stepan would go home. When Melekhov left, fatigue immediately seized him, he ordered Zykov to follow the horses. But instead of the Secret, Gregory went home. There Natalia rushed to his neck, his relatives were happy. Pantelei Prokofievich is worried about the potential need to serve. The son promised to write his father a release document. Then Gregory talked with the kids, and even burst into tears. Daria came, she already blossomed again. Dunyashka woke up, lamented that his brother was old. And Gregory forbade her to even think about Mishka Koshev. The sister replied that you could not command the heart. Pantelei Prokofievich intervened, promised to unfasten Dunyasha with reins for such thoughts. Then Daria intervened, saying that the reins had been taken by the reds. Then the father promised his daughter to whip the weekends. But Daria innocently said that she was taken away. After Pantelei, Prokofievich also shouted at his daughter-in-law, promising her punishment with a husk. Then (actually unsophisticated) Ilyinichna said that even that was not there. Then the elder Melekhov got quite angry and ran out of the house, making everyone laugh except Dunyashka. But he returned with a zeal, saying that he would beat everyone. Homework subsided. Mishatka defused the situation, he began to swear at his grandfather, for which he received from his mother, burst into tears and softened Pantelei Prokofievich. On this the conflict was settled. The older Melekhov is also concerned about the economy. But after meeting with his son, he realized that the old things can’t be fixed. Gregory sits with Natalia, sees how she tried in honor of his arrival, the hero is swept by a wave of tenderness. He presses his wife to him, kisses his forehead, they sit hugging. The husband notices Natalya’s sadness, suspects that the case is in Aksinya, but she does not say anything to him, does not reproach him. The wife sews epaulets, then they still sit, silently holding hands. The next day, Gregory and Prokhor leave. Natalia is suffering, the children are crying. Melekhov leaves with a languid feeling.
Chapter 9 Gregory and Prokhor see that the battles are already close, they begin to meet the dead and hear a rumble. They see a murdered woman, both of whom feel sorry for her. Prokhor asks Gregory when the war will end. Melekhov replies that when they are beaten. Zykov replies that he is waiting for this, because there is no strength to fight, but they are not given to leave the front, despite the injury or even disability. At the headquarters of Gregory, they acquaint themselves with the situation at the front: new generals demand an offensive, but people dispersed to visit home, poorly with ammunition and supplies. Melekhov conducts some personnel changes and dismisses the headquarters. Gregory himself goes to bed, where he sees an already familiar dream: in battle, the Reds are chasing him, they are already grabbing his overcoat when he wakes up.
Chapter 10 Kopylov, the chief of staff, wakes Gregory to go to General Fitzkhelaurov. Melekhov expresses his thoughts to him that the old order may begin, but the people are now different, it’s impossible. Gregory says that he himself is uncomfortable among the officers, although he honestly received his rank. Kopylov replies that he cannot understand the interlocutor and his views, Melekhov is a casual person in the officer community, ignorant and uncouth, a cork in literacy and decency. Gregory laughs and says half-jokingly, half-seriously that he is a cork here, and the Reds would have come to the courtyard. The arrivals learn from Fitzkhelaurov that the rebels are joining the Don army, therefore they are now obliged to unconditionally carry out all orders. The general scolds both Melekhov himself and his division, he already wants to hit Grigory, but he makes his opponent calm down. Fitzkhelaurov gives the order, which Melekhov refused to obey, saying that he only fulfills the orders of Kudinov, his commander. The general promises to inform the army headquarters. At this Grigory leaves, Kopylov goes after him, calling Melekhov crazy. He replies that he expected a similar outcome, and the chief of staff in vain so carefully prepared. On the way back he did not miss the passing allies, he is generally against foreigners. Kopylov claims that this is a necessity, in the end he argued with Melekhov, although Gregory feels that the truth is on his side, but he cannot argue this.
Chapter 11 There is a battle. The Reds are constantly firing. The Cossacks refuse to advance, but the white ones move forward, so Gregory gives the order to follow the example of the officers, he himself intends to lead the regiment. But he is stopped by the battery commander to look at the work of the English allies. But white shells do not give Cossack batteries, their infantry cannot be supported. Melekhov decides not to lead the Cossacks to death. He is going to beg to the rear. He thinks about the allies, about their dispute with Kopylov, wants to continue it. Gregory does not yet know that the opponent in the dispute has already been killed.
Chapter 12 Mitka Korshunov returned to Tatarsky, not one, but with two Cossacks from the punitive detachment, in which all who arrived served. In the punitive detachment, Korshunov’s career went uphill, he was created for such a disgusting service. Mitka and guests visiting the ashes of the house, then he goes to the Melekhovs, they have dinner there, he asks about his family and about Koshevs. The farm is only his mother with children. After lunch, guests gathered somewhere. It turned out that they brutally killed the Bear family. Pantelei Prokofievich kicked out Mitka, who, in parting, threatened Melekhov, who would still repay. On the same day, Korshunov left, and the dead were buried with public funds. Soon the mowing began, the reprisal began to be forgotten little by little. Pantelei Prokofievich was angry at Daria: she carried cartridges on a pair of bulls and disappeared. She returned only after eleven days, angry and tired. Natalia suspects that all this is connected with the next love story of Daria. After some time, they announced a meeting, General Sidorin came. And Pantelei Prokofievich was even given to bring bread and salt. The arrivals awarded the Cossacks who participated in the massacre of the prisoners. The first on the list was Daria, she received a medal and five hundred rubles. Those who gathered for the gathering reacted negatively to the award for such "valor" as the killing of prisoners.
Chapter 13 The Melekhov family split, there was no longer that unity. Dunyasha was offended by Mishka Koshevy, Natalya spent time only with her children, and Daria spent time in love affairs. It was all about the war, Pantelei Prokofievich understood this, but he could not do anything. And Daria refused to give the money, saying that her father-in-law was not a decree for her: she can get married at any time and leave the Melekhovs. But Daria is not thinking about marriage. At first she was cheerful: funny shows the generals in their faces, jokes about future crosses and military merits. But then he gives Ilyinichna forty rubles for a requiem for Peter, while crying, and by the evening he leaves somewhere. The next four days he worked diligently, then again sent to the village. Upon returning, she goes to Natalia, who works in the field. Daria admits to her that she caught a sexually transmitted disease. Natalya sincerely sympathizes with her and asks what she will do next. Daria decided to commit suicide, because it is ineffective to be treated, but the whole farm recognizes her, and her beauty goes out. She tells Natalya not to let the children get close, she said to Ilyinichna, but not to Pantelei Prokofievich.
Chapter 14. At lunch Pantelei Prokofievich notices that Daria eats from a separate bowl, but Ilyinichna defends her daughter-in-law. After lunch, father-in-law and both daughters-in-law went to mow. And on the way back, Daria decided to tell Natalya about Axinho, so that she would not suffer alone. But Natalya herself guessed, just did not ask, so as not to find out the truth. She looks so suffering that Daria regretted her deed. She tries to console her daughter-in-law, offers to ask Aksinya, but she refuses, reveals Daria's cunning about the purpose of her truthfulness.
Chapter 15 In one of the battles, Melekhov’s division helped the white division. Gregory sees undressed prisoners, suspects the arbitrariness of a hundred of one of the subordinate commanders, Ermakov. He replies that they will undress in the rear anyway, even if at least their own, who are dressed up in order. Then Gregory goes to the headquarters, where the new chief of staff Andreyanov interrogates the captured red commander. Andreyev does not like Melekhov because of his talkativeness and claim to nobility, so he watches the interrogation with interest: red wins in a verbal duel.Andreyanov is angry, pointing a gun at the prisoner, but Grigory stands up for the red commander, he is taken away. The chief of staff discusses with Melekhov the attitude towards the prisoners, he is surprised that Gregory condemns the denunciation and refuses to replenish losses due to surrendering reds. Andreyanov believes that they will not work together. Gregory is summoned to the headquarters of the group, where he is removed from the division and given not even a regiment, but a hundred. They refuse to send him to the rear. Saying goodbye to his Cossacks, Melekhov says that the easy time is over, it will be hard under the command of the whites. Before Grigory could take a hundred, they called to the regiment commander and gave leave due to family misfortune.
Chapter 16. Natalia was languishing and sad. She tried to ask Prokhor's wife about Aksinya, but her husband forbade her to tell something. And Natalia went to Astakhova herself, who was immediately so scared that Grigory was wounded or killed that his wife understood everything. But Natalya still achieved the truth. Aksinya said she now hopes not to let her lover go. The next day, Natalia and Ilyinichna went weeding melon. The mother-in-law noticed the sadness of the daughter-in-law, she admitted everything and said that she would take the children and leave. Ilyinichna said that she herself had experienced this, but she could not deprive her father of her children, and she had nowhere to go - her relatives were gone. Natalya burst into tears, Ilyinichna let her calm down, then stroked her head, gave her water. But it didn’t help. Natalia pushed the cup away and began to ask God to punish Gregory. Then a thunderstorm began, Ilyinichna forced the daughter-in-law to ask for forgiveness from the Higher powers for these words. On the way home, Ilyinichna says that it’s still possible to live with Grigory, at least he doesn’t beat him, he only cheats. Natalia replied that she would wait with her husband’s arrival decision, and for now she would be at home. But she no longer wants to give birth from an unfaithful spouse, although now already in the third month of pregnancy, she will go to have an abortion to her grandmother. Their conversation was interrupted, Ilyinichna did not have time to dissuade her daughter-in-law, did not notice how she had gone to a terrible business. With anxiety, the mother-in-law was waiting for Natalia. Yes, and for a long time she left, the lights were already extinguished, but she was still gone. Ilyinichna did not sleep, she was waiting. Only after hearing the steps, ran out. Natalya came, weak and pale. A bloody trail stretched behind her. Ilyinichna sent Dunyashka, sent Daria to wash her blood, sent Pantelei Prokofievich to the medical assistant (nevertheless, everything had to be explained), and she herself laid the daughter-in-law who had gone out with blood. Every hour, Natalia was weakening. She understands that she is dying, so she asks Ilyinichna for the latest services. The paramedic who arrived confirmed the foreboding. Natalya's mother came with her sister, they woke the children. An hour later, she felt worse, Natalya said goodbye to the children and handed something through to Mishatka for Gregory.
Chapter 17 Gregory took Prokhor with him so as not to be alone with grief. Melekhov was in a desperate hurry, driving the horse. Zykov, although he understood his grief, was sick of his horse for his horse, so he forced him to stop. Finally arrived. Ilyinichna told everything about Natalia, she did not hide (although she did not inform at first) that before the abortion, the deceased went to Aksinya. Mother asks Gregory to be attentive to children who are very suffering. Everything in the house reminds me of Natalia to the pain of my heart. Gregory goes out into the yard, speaks briefly with Dunyashka, and meets with his father. He offers to go mow, it can be easier to work. At lunch Pantelei Prokofievich offers a drink for the deceased. During this, a son approaches Gregory, he kisses him and says to feel sorry for them. This is a message from Natalia. After this, Melekhov could neither drink nor eat, he persistently called Pantelei Prokofievich rather in the field, he lost.
Chapter 18. The main reason for the suffering of Gregory is the guilt for the death of his wife. In addition, after the appearance of children, he began to love her through them. Having lost Natalia, he began to feel alienation to Aksinya and attachment to children. The image of his wife relentlessly followed Melekhov even in his work on the field. He decided to return home, to his son and daughter. Christony came almost immediately. He was wounded, so he was allowed to go home for a visit. Gregory wanted to talk with a new man, he realized that there was no need to sympathize, he had to be distracted, he began to talk about his front-line affairs. The mood of the Cossacks is joyless: they are tired of fighting, officers and foreigners are weighed down. After the conversation, Gregory plays with the children. In the evening he gathers on the field, the Bear reproaches him that his father always throws them with Polyushka. Then Gregory offers to go mow with him, the son happily agrees. But Aksinya understood the mood of her lover, she did not turn to him, she waited for him to speak. And a short conversation really took place.
Chapter 19. Premature departure saddened Prokhor Zykov most of all, because he was silent on the way. But they met a Cossack, just promoted to officers. It turned out to be his nickname Semak, and Gregory saved him from the reprisal of Kudinov. A friend offers to drink, Melekhov refuses, but takes the presented bottle. Semak goes on vacation with full bags of looted goods, but says that the robbery in the army is total, he still modestly takes, and the generals carry carts. Grigory and Prokhor in the same farm heard the song of the Cossacks, decided that they were escorting someone to the service, and went to see. The song captivates Melekhov, he listens to her. It turned out that the songwriters themselves were going on vacation, and they didn’t accompany anyone, and they were singing to be fed in farms. Their release paper is unreliable, but also those who travel without it at all met. Prokhor sadly informs Gregory that soon they will have to keep the front together. Those who were in the system, drank, robbed, engaged in violence. In one village, Melekhov is trying to get a night's sleep. Two officers occupy an entire room, the other two accommodate as many as fourteen people. Gregory is called to the officers, this is a lieutenant-translator and an English lieutenant. The first complains to Melekhov that he was tormented with a foreigner uncontrolled in libations, he was already tired of drinking. This evening, Gregory took over this function. He talks with the lieutenant about the fate of the war and about his personal life. The translator says that the Englishman has a high opinion of the Reds walking in bast shoes on tanks. Later, Gregory hardly leaves the officers.
Chapter 20. After leaving the Khopersky District, the Don Army lost its offensive force. The Reds organized the offensive, but the advance was hindered by the White forces and the mood of the population.
Chapter 21 Soon after the departure of Grigory Melekhov, Daria drowned in front. She and Dunyashka went swimming. Daria sailed to the middle of the pond, said goodbye to the whole world and went under water. Only the next day she was caught from the river. Dunyashka was frightened, but she helped her mother wash the deceased, and at night she asked God that Daria should not dream of her. At first, Pop refused to bury the drowned woman, but Pantelei Prokofievich threatened him. After the death of Daria, the Melekhov’s house became even quieter. There was no news from Gregory. And the front was approaching the farm; Pantelei Prokofievich was worried and annoyed by this, there were losses from the fits of rage on the farm. The children were bored without Gregory, and soon Ilyinichna learned that Mishatka was with Aksinya. She fed the boy, asked about her father and told a fairy tale. Ilyinichna got angry, but didn’t show her grandson, she asked only not to go to Aksinya. She went herself, they quarreled. Soon they mobilized Pantelei Prokofievich. A few days later, guns were heard in the farm. Ilyinichna was at a loss, did not know what to do with the household, where to go to the children and Dunyashka. But then Pantelei Prokofievich came. He escaped from the front, the conditions there were unbearable: there was no food, no weapons, and the Reds all were advancing. The next day, Dunyasha was sent to relatives. And they came for Pantelei Prokofievich and found him in the attic.
Chapter 22. The deserters were judged, and then punished with rods. Due to the fact that the judges knew Grigory, Pantelei Prokofievich was spared, removed the braids and sent to the unit. The joyful Melekhov immediately set off ... home again. Refugees walked towards him, the Reds had already approached Veshenskaya. In Tatar it was still quiet, even too much, because almost all the inhabitants left. Pantelei Prokofievich, Ilyinichna and the children also went.
Chapter 23. The Reds approached the Don. In the conquered farms, they behaved quite decently. But here, White went on the offensive. But everyone understood that this success was temporary.
Chapter 24. Pantelei Prokofievich safely lived with his family in the Latyshev farm, and after the Reds retreated, everyone gathered home. But the old man could not wait, he drove forward. The farm was ruined, but the house was standing. The next day Pantelei Prokofievich procured a paper stating that for medical reasons he could not fight. After that, he, along with Dunyashka and Ilyinichnaya began to restore the economy. Pantelei Prokofievich caught a cold. From a passing colleague Grigory, the old man learned that his son is healthy and is in the Voronezh province. The father was delighted, drank a bottle of moonshine and went on the farm to show off his son, completing various heroes to him. But later the mood was spoiled: they brought the dead Anikushka and Christony. Pantelei Prokofievich went to chop wood, and at the same time he caught carp. He did not go to say goodbye to the Cossacks, he kept himself from grief. But it didn’t work out. After some time they brought Gregory. Fortunately, not killed, but sick with typhoid. Pantelei Prokofievich was already speechless, having thought the worst. And Ilyinichna became ill. Dunyashka ran after Grandma Kapitonovna, along the way she saw pale Aksinya, and told her that Grigory was still alive.
Chapter 25. A month later, Gregory recovered, but was still very weak. Dunyashka helped him shave his head, from this look she laughed for a long time. Gregory played for a long time and talked with the children. Before Melekhov could begin to leave the house, they had already brought him a reminder of his appearance at the medical board. The front came closer to the farm. It was necessary for the family to retreat with the refugees, and Gregory to look for his part among the leaving troops. He and his father are discussing a family retreat. Pantelei Prokofievich was well prepared for the departure. Before the retreat, Gregory came to Aksinya and called her with him. Upon returning home, Melekhov found out that Zykov was looking for him. Overjoyed, Gregory went to Prokhor, he said that things were bad, he had to leave, the orderly came and followed the commander. The reason Zykov was released while she was covered in mystery. He talked about her by escorting his wife. Prokhor and the Cossacks were hit by a defector officer, who was later appointed commander of hundreds. Zykov’s life became unbearable, he wanted to go home, and for this “get hold of a tripper.” At first, the attempt was unsuccessful - a woman of about forty came across, who turned out to be “honest,” but then got it after listening to the prompting of the Cossacks. A hundred was killed immediately after the departure of Prokhor, so his suffering was in vain. Now Zykov does not know what to do with his wife. Gregory laughs at his story, and then reports that he takes Aksinho into retreat.
Chapter 26. Prokhor, Gregory and Aksinya left the farm. Aksinya rejoices that she is traveling with her lover, and therefore smiles at everything around. He and Prokhor begin to wrangle. Zykov is generally angry with the entire female sex. The road is hard, there is no time and place to relax. Finally, after a sleepless night, Aksinya timidly offered to change her mind about the farm. It was necessary to go by night, the gun hum was heard. A sick farmer met along the way, but he knew nothing about the family of Gregory. The next night was more successful (overnight found), but the conditions were no better. They were fed, but Aksinya refused. She became ill, suspected typhoid, did not want to part with Gregory, but she understood that she would soon have to. At night, the refugees began to drive the retreating troops out of the house to accommodate them. Melekhov gives them a rebuff, they go to the next hut. And Aksinie is getting worse. The next morning she was having a hard time driving. But after a stop in one of the villages it becomes clear - Aksinho will have to leave for treatment. The hostess took the patient, and the owner began to ask as much as possible for the care. They agreed with difficulty.
Chapter 27. Leaving Axinho, Gregory lost interest in what was happening. In addition, he understood that the war was lost, it was clear from the whole environment, the mood of the people. Melekhov even wanted to join the military unit from idleness, but Zykov categorically refused. He really did not want to go to war, he even reluctantly cured his illness, so that in case of mobilization he would not go to the front. Gregory languished with thoughts about his family, about Aksinya. At the next parking lot, he learned terrible news: Pantelei Prokofievich died of typhus. And soon typhoid overtook Gregory. He continued to go to the Kuban, but was constantly in oblivion.
Chapter 28. From the whole road, Gregory remembered only the song of the past regiment, from which he burst into tears. The next time Melekhov woke up already in bed. He was brought and laid somewhere, he saw former colleagues who were drunk. The whites took Yekaterinodar, and they were so drunk because they robbed a wine warehouse so that the red did not get it. A week later, Gregory more or less recovered. Evacuation took place in Novorossiysk, but only the rich fell under it, and the Cossacks had to march. Gregory has a skirmish with the person who ordered the evacuation, but this does not help. Some of the officers with whom Melekhov was trying to get on the ship, but unsuccessfully. And he himself is going to leave. In the evening they have a drinking party, which has acquired a significant scope.
Chapter 29. The next day the last evacuation ship left. Some Cossacks want to leave themselves, their name is Gregory, but he refuses.
Part 8
Chapter 1. Aksinya was sick all winter, but finally recovered. At first she was waiting for Gregory, then she realized that he could not return, and decided to return home. There was also a guide, an old man. They reached almost home, but an elderly man could not go any further; he needed rest. Finally, Aksinya reached Tatarsky. There Ilyinichna came to her almost immediately, they talked about Gregory. Since that time, anxiety for him akin to Aksinya, Ilyinichna and Dunyashka. The latter says about the mother, that she, having lost most of the family, became “wonderful”, in Gregory her whole life is now for her. And Dunyashka was now left alone on the farm. She and Anikushka’s widow were about to sow, and Aksinya was calling for help. Gregory’s colleague came from the retreat, but he also knows nothing. Soon came the wounded Prokhor Zykov. His arm was torn off, but he did well. Aksinya found out from him that he and Gregory had turned to the Reds, now Melekhov takes away the sins, so he cannot come on vacation, he sends a bow. News Aksinya reports Melekhov.
Chapter 2 By summer, the Cossacks began to return home, and some left with the whites, preparing to return later. At that time, joy entered into one house, and in another grief (if its owner was killed). Ilyinichna was expecting Gregory. Dunyasha tried to return her mother from heaven to earth: so far there is nothing to hope, but she did not succeed. But Ilyinichna thought only of her son, yearned for him. And at this time, Mishka Kosheva returned from the front, almost immediately came to visit. Ilyinichna speaks with him reluctantly, and Dunyasha is happy, she runs out to the visitor, but her mother sends her to get water. She herself reproaches Mishka that he dares to come after the murder of Peter and grandfather Grishaki. Kosheva explains everything with war. Ilyinichna drove Mishka away, but he returned every day. And Dunyashka didn’t react to the order to put him off. Gradually, Kosheva began to help with the housework. First wattle, then longboat, then mowing. Moreover, during preparation for mowing, Mishka began to beat a fever, but after the attack he continued this business. In the evening, Ilyinichna graciously invited Koshevy to have supper, stealthily watched him, emaciated after her illness, and was imbued with pity.
Chapter 3 Ilyinichna refused to give Dunyashka. And in the farm they began to talk about them with Mishka, about the uncertainty of his situation. Dunyashka delivered an ultimatum to her mother: either she will bless the young, or they will leave. Ilyinichna agreed.Dunyasha insisted on the wedding, despite the protests of the groom. But Kosheva quarreled with the priest, and the wedding itself was unhappy, without a drink or a fight, which Prokhor later complained to Aksinie. But Mishka was actively engaged in farming, he and Dunyasha restored everything. And Ilyinichna more acutely felt her loneliness, only once she perked up when Zykov brought a letter from Gregory. The son wrote warmly about his mother and promised to come on vacation. This unspeakably pleased Ilyinichna, she began to share her joy with Aksinya, asked her to read, and as the leaf decayed, to tell the message. But two weeks later, Ilyinichna felt bad, it was an approaching death. She all remembered her life, poor in joys, in her memories she turned to Gregory. One night, the woman realized that she was going to die soon, prepared everything, gave instructions to Dunyasha. And three days later she died. Aksinya took the children, occupied them with fairy tales, and when they fell asleep, she cried from longing.
Chapter 4 Mishka began to work less diligently, he thought that the donkey in the farm too early and calmed down, interrupted work for the benefit of the revolution. Once Prokhor came, asking about Gregory. Kosheva unfriendly suggested that Zykov was waiting for Melekhov to again go against the Soviet regime. Bear is sure that with Gregory they will still ask White for service. Prokhor translates the conversation, but before leaving, he accidentally talks about the arrival of Cossack Gromov, who was with the whites. Gromov looted a lot of good, including weapons. Learning about this, Kosheva also went for his weapons, believing that one should be on guard. Then he goes to Veshenskaya, intending to join the Red Army, but is not taken for health reasons. But they appoint the chairman of the revolutionary committee. The past chairman was a decrepit grandfather, who was doing very poorly. And the Secretary of the Revolutionary Committee generally went to sow. But Mishka immediately began a violent activity: he went to arrest Gromov. But he escaped.
Chapter 5 Some Cossacks left the farm after the failed arrest. Koshevoj began vigorous activity, spent all days in the revolutionary committee. But his activity was dangerous, so Mishka suggested that Dunyasha sleep in Sentsa, so that they would not shoot at the window. When asked by his wife how long they should be “in a rabbit position”, he replied that before he punished Gromov. But the latter joined the gang of Makhno. In the farm itself, life was unhappy, they did not bring the necessary goods, there was not even salt, for which the Cossacks scolded the authorities. Because of this, Mishka quarreled with Dunyashka, a discord was outlined in their relationship. Two weeks later, a letter came from Gregory, he was wounded again, must be demobilized. Upon learning about this, Kosheva was about to leave for his house, he thinks that Melekhov will be tried for communication with the rebels. Dunyashka was upset by the conversation with her husband, she told about everything Aksinya, who suggested that she and Gregory and the children could go somewhere.
Chapter 6 Gregory as a red commander was given a cart, only at the last crossing he had to ride a bull. The trucker was a young widow with whom Melekhov started a playful conversation (and immediately regretted it because he had no plans for the widow). Gregory recalled a peaceful life and thought about a happy future: finally the war was over for him, you can do the housework, take Aksinya into the house, live with children. The trucker tries again to speak with Melekhov, he pities her for the fact that at the age of twenty her life has already been tattered. To this, the woman began to swear at him. But by night they reconciled, she even began to call him to her. Gregory refused, the farm was close, and he went on foot. Mishka was not very happy about the arrival of his former friend, but he gave his household instructions on this matter to his wife. Soon Prokhor came; they met with Gregory amiably. Melekhov says that he was most likely demobilized for the past. But on such topics he and Zykov need to speak in private. And at dinner, Gregory talks about the commanders whom Prokhor knew. And Dunyasha went after Aksinya, whom her brother had long been anxiously waiting for. Astakhova also waited, but did not stay away for a long time, as decency allowed, occasionally glancing at her lover. Just before leaving, Melekhov caught up with her in the hallway, kissed her and promised to come the next day. Prokhor was already very drunk, so everything he says is very funny. But he was also going home. Grigory and Mishka were left alone, Melekhov started a conversation about their mutual misunderstandings. Kosheva immediately says that his former friend is now an enemy who will harm Soviet power whenever possible. Gregory claims that his only goal is to settle down and live peacefully. But Bear does not believe him.
Chapter 7 Early in the morning, Gregory decided to walk around the farm. He came to Prokhor, who had just unsuccessfully milked a cow (his wife, offended by a drunken return, left for the turn). They are sober. Melekhov tells his colleague about the conversation with Koshev. And he replies that there is an uprising in the neighboring region. From this Gregory is even more worried, because he is going to go to register, and in such circumstances he is more likely to be held accountable. Zykov tells Melekhov that he would rather wait, and not immediately come to the farm, he is worried about a colleague. Gregory is still sent for registration. He is sent to register, which scares Melekhov. This feeling is fueled by the met Yakov Fomin, who says that the district is restless, it would be better to wait a couple of years. Gregory decides to finish everything sooner, and so he is going to become registered.
Chapter 8 Aksinya waited for Gregory in the morning, prepared a festive dinner, and dressed beautifully. But he was not there, for dinner Astakhova could not stand it, she went to the Melekhovs. Dunyasha is worried about her brother, who left for registration. Aksinya promised to go and find out if he did not return before tomorrow. But in the evening, Melekhov returned, and came to his beloved. So far, nothing has been done to him, but this will happen in the future. But for now it's not worth talking about it. Gregory and Aksinya have dinner, she looks at him and feels happy at this moment.
Chapter 9 It was hard to meet Mishka Gregory, and he too. While Melekhov lived with Astakhova, and Koshevoy straightened his house, so that later he could split up. Gregory could not do anything about the housework, because he was afraid of arrest, he decided not to go to celebrate anymore, but to hide somewhere. Around he saw the discontent of the Cossacks, but he was tired of politics himself, and therefore did not even enter into conversations. Melekhov did not even manage to escape according to plan. At night, Dunyashka came and said that we should leave immediately, because the horsemen had arrived from the village, and Mishka told them about Gregory. Melekhov quickly packed up and left, instructing Astakhova to monitor the children and wait for news from him.
Chapter 10 In the late autumn of 1920, gangs appeared in response to food surpluses in the district. It was difficult to deal with them. Jacob Fomin himself was unhappy with the state of affairs, like many of his Cossacks, he decided to oppose the government. And he was already suspected, but did not have time to prevent it, and therefore the Fomin squadron and the battalion of his accomplice Kaparin opposed the power of one of the villages, but unsuccessfully, they had to leave the village.
Chapter 11 Gregory wandered, lived with various friends. Going to the next place, he came across gangsters. They brought him to the commander, it turned out to be Fomin. He talks about a new uprising, the support of the population is not strong, but there is. Here they introduce a battered prisoner, this is a Red Army man from the food detachment. He is questioned and then taken out to kill. It turned out that he was trying to escape, the other bandits were killing him, Gregory was watching this scene when he left the house. Then Fomin introduces Melekhov to Kaparin, talks about the plan to unite with the Cadets. But Gregory has nowhere to go, although he understands the stupidity of such an intention, he agrees to join the gang.
Chapter 12 Fomin showed Melekhov his “army”, which was poorly trained. Yes, and convincing the Cossacks to join their ranks turned out badly. Occupying a farm, they gathered a meeting of Cossacks, at which they campaigned to rebel against the Soviet regime. Most refused, people are tired of war.
Chapter 13 By spring, the Fominskaya gang became smaller, the Cossacks left home for field work. Gregory met an old acquaintance from Tatar, asked about his own. Everything was safe at home. Fomin no longer recruited new fighters, could not keep his own, and the uprising turned into robbery and partying. Melekhov expressed his dissatisfaction, threatened to break away from Fomin if arbitrariness did not stop. The gang began to be pursued, it became even more difficult. Kaparin says with Gregory that he needs to persuade Fomin to join a large group in the bol. The last and the wrong place was chosen for a halt, where they could inevitably be covered. And so it happened, only five survived from the gang, including both commanders. They went on foot, not knowing exactly where.
Chapter 14. The fugitives on the island settled. There was nothing to do, Gregory all the time remembered the house, the family. The days were like one another, Fomintsy killed time in different ways, but everyone was equally bored. They were waiting for Brother Fomin. The news was disappointing: they looked everywhere for the commander, there was no way to leave the island. And the Cossacks would not follow Fomin. Kaparin quarreled with his accomplice, in addition, he caught a cold, tried to leave for the farm, but he was suggested. Fomin nearly strangled the accomplice, and he secretly wanted to give it, which Gregory admitted, calls him with him. Melekhov is outraged by the betrayal, disarms Kaparin, but does not talk about this meanness. And at night, Kaparin was killed without the prompting of Gregory. And they wanted Melekhov himself, but Fomin refused.
Chapter 15 At the end of spring, Fomintsy crossed across the Don, almost immediately ran into the Red Army detachment. Then they fled and confused the tracks, almost always there was some kind of pursuit behind them. One of the bandits, Sterljadnikov, was shot in the leg. Finally, they found a place to sleep at the acquaintance of Fomin, a rich Cossack. But he had to leave, and Sterlyadnikov’s wound inflamed, he became worse. I had to go, somehow put the wounded on a horse. He could not go at all, examination of the wound showed that Sterlyadnikov had gangrene. He asks himself to be killed, they shot him.
Chapter 16. About forty people joined the gang, all the gallows. But it was a temporary success: gradually the population ceased to accept them. But Fomin accepted all volunteers, for which he was condemned by Melekhov and Chumakov. Gregory saw the hatred of people in the farms, wanted to go home. That's why one night he escaped.
Chapter 17 Gregory came to Tatar, immediately went to Aksinya. He calls her to leave with him, for now to leave the children to Dunyasha, who now lives alone, because Mishka is serving somewhere. Aksinya kept crying during their conversation, then went after Dunyashka, and Gregory looked at the sleeping children and cried while she was gone. Melekhov and Astakhov went, and then galloped. After a while, we settled down for the night: Gregory needed to sleep, and Aksinya at that time looked at her beloved, thought about her life and weaved a wreath. Then he woke up, was about to go, but was unable to fight sleep, listened to Aksinya's story and dozed. She talked about children, about relations with Mishka Koshev, about Prokhor Zykov. At night they drove, stumbled upon an outpost, galloped, but Aksinho was wounded. Soon she died in the arms of Gregory. Now it's over.
Chapter 18. After Gregory buried Axinho, life turned black for him, he wandered aimlessly along the steppe. He was picked up by deserters, until the fall he lived with them. Met Chumakov, found out that Fomin was killed. And Melekhov himself went home afterwards, not waiting for the amnesty promised on May 1. Before he reached his court, he saw his son Gregory. He took his son in his arms, learned from him that his daughter had died and that Dunyasha was alive. At that moment, he felt that he had finally returned home.
