Word: samsonov
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Dates: during 1971-1971
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...takes place on the night of Aug. 29, 1914, after the rout of the Russians at Tannenberg. The Russian commander, General Alexander Samsonov (an actual historical figure), walks through the dense Prussian forests with the remnants of his staff. "He had only wanted what was good," writes Solzhenitsyn, "but it all turned out extremely badly." This is one of the novelist's principal themes?that good intentions are not enough to make the world a better place...
...fellow officers prepare for their capture by burying their documents and insignia to conceal their high rank, Samsonov at first resists. Finally, apathetically, he allows one of his comrades to strip him of his own insignia. Suddenly he feels unencumbered and free?the freedom that rises out of total despair. Now he is anxious only to rid himself of his entourage and especially his orderly, Kupchik, who sticks close to him carrying the saddle blanket that belonged to the commander's abandoned horse...
...Samsonov felt ashamed to ask his men to stop for a rest, but perhaps out of concern for him they did so every hour, and sat on the ground. Kupchik was always there to deftly spread out the saddle blanket under him. He was glad to be able to stretch out and rest his aching legs...