The Literaguru team offers a brief retelling of the story Childhood for those who wish to recall the heroes of the work and its plot, as well as trace its main events. Retelling in abbreviation, with details and citations, can be useful in preparing for the lesson, exam essay, and other literature assignments.
Chapter 1: Teacher Karl Ivanovich
The story "Childhood" begins in the morning awakening of Nikolayenko. He was angry with his teacher, Karl Ivanovich, for killing a fly right above his head. For a moment, the boy considers the teacher evil and nasty, but then loves him again and repents of bad thoughts.
The following are touching childhood memories of Nikolenka about Karl Ivanitch. “Karl Ivanovich is alone, an orphan, and what a terrible life story!” The boy often pities the teacher for his loneliness and sympathizes with him.
Chapter 2: Maman
Karl Ivanovich leads the children into the living room, saying hello to his mother. In the living room, in addition to mother, are Nikolenka’s sister Lyubochka and her governess Maria Ivanovna, Mimi. Next, a portrait of mother is recreated from the memories of the adult Nikolai Irtenyev.
Maman asks Nikolenka about what he was crying, the boy replies that he was crying in a dream. After that, the mother sends the children to say hello to the father.
Chapter 3: Dad
The father is talking to the clerk, serf Yakov Mikhailovich, so he tells the children to wait. Nikolenka notices on her father’s desk a letter intended for the teacher, Karl Ivanovich.
Having finished the conversation with the clerk, the father announces to the children that he will take them with him to Moscow, where they will study and live with their grandmother. Nikolenka is sorry to leave mother and Karl Ivanovich, but he is encouraged by the consciousness of his adulthood, as well as his father’s promise to take them with his brother to hunt. A boy with tears of grief and joy caresses his father's beloved dog, Milka.
Chapter 4: Classes
During class, Nikolenka, upset by the upcoming separation from Karl Ivanovich, cries and cannot concentrate on the lessons. Karl Ivanovich, also upset, is angry with the boy.
Nikolenka overhears a conversation between Karl Ivanovich and an uncle, in which Karl Ivanovich expresses resentment for his dismissal from office, as well as dissatisfaction with the upcoming departure of children whom he loves as relatives. Then Karl Ivanovich, being thoughtful, continues to conduct lessons with children, and does this longer than usual.
Chapter 5: the holy fool
For dinner, the holy fool, the wanderer Grisha comes to the house in a torn caftan and with a large staff. He says cryptic words related to the departure of the children: “Oh, sorry ... hearty ... will fly away ...”
Further, from the recollections of the adult Nikolai Irtenyev, he is told about Mimi, his sister's governess. Its prim and intrusive character is emphasized, and contempt shown in relation to each other by Mimi and Karl Ivanovich is also noted. At dinner, there is disagreement between father and mother regarding Grisha - the father does not approve of the wanderer, saying that he misleads people. Mother defends Grisha, defending the opinion that he is righteous and his predictions are true.
Chapter 6: Preparing for the Hunt
The father gives orders for horses and everything necessary for hunting. Adults go to the office to drink coffee, and the children, waiting for them, walk in the garden. During a walk, children notice how rulers approach the fence, servants lead horses. Children rush to dress up for hunting.
Chapter 7: The Hunt
During the ride, Nikolenka enjoys watching the countryside and the working peasants. Then, upon arrival in the forest, the father sends Nikolenka with a dog
Zhiran to the appointed place to hunt down the hare. Sitting under an oak tree waiting for a hare, the boy imperceptibly obsessed with watching ants and a butterfly. When the hare appears, Nikolenka starts the dog too early, and the hare leaves. In shame and disappointment, the boy remains in place for a long time and does not go to his relatives.
Chapter 8: Games
After the hunt, an outdoor dinner is arranged, after which the children decide to play. Volodya - the eldest, because of which he is important - shows boredom and superiority over the younger ones. He does not want to fulfill the details of the game, calling it a futile exercise.
Nikolenka mentally argues that Volodya’s actions destroy the charm of the game and make it meaningless. However, Nikolenka is forced to recognize the prudence of her older brother.
Chapter 9: Something like First Love
During the game, Nikolenka feels a surge of tenderness for Katya, the daughter of a governess. He unconsciously shows his feelings - kisses Katya on the shoulder, and remains in the euphoria of the first feeling.
After the walk, the father announces to the children that, at the request of his mother, the trip was postponed until tomorrow morning. On the way home, the boys ride on horseback next to the ruler, and Nikolenka with her dashing ride wants to impress Katya and all those present. He lags behind a bit, then accelerates the horse, after which the horse stops abruptly and almost drops Nikolenka. The boy is scared and ashamed.
Chapter 10: What kind of person was my father?
From the recollections of the adult Nikolai Irtenyev, a portrait is drawn of his father, a man of the “last century” who has “the common youth of that century, the elusive character of chivalry, enterprise, self-confidence, courtesy and revelry”.
My father knew how to “gain the upper hand in relations with everyone,” he knew people of the great world, to whom he did not belong, was original and used his originality as a means of replacing secularism and wealth. His skates are named brilliant connections, also noted is the ability to dress elegantly, sensitivity and love for simple music. Adult Nikolai asks whether his father had moral rules? And he answers it himself, saying that his father "was so happy in life that he did not need it."
Chapter 11: Classroom Activities
Upon returning home, the children paint in the living room, where the mother plays the piano. Then Nikolenka leaves for a nap in Voltaire’s chair and sees how servants come into her father’s office, solve “important matters”, and teacher Karl Ivanitch also enters.
Leaving the office, the father informs his mother that he decided to take Karl Ivanitch with him to Moscow, after which he shows her a note received from Karl Ivanitch. The note provides a list of things and their cost spent by the teacher on purchases to children. The adult Nikolai clarifies that this fact did not speak about the stinginess of Karl Ivanitch, but was only an expression of resentment for the dismissal from office. Before dinner comes the wanderer Grisha. Nikolenka suggests that the brother and the girls go upstairs to peek at Grisha to see the witches that he wears. Children lurk in a closet waiting for Grisha.
Chapter 12: Grisha
Lurking in the dark, the children watch as Grisha prepares for bed - sits on the bed, baptizes her. After that, Grisha begins to pray - for the forgiveness of sins, about the people who accepted him.
Nikolenka, instead of the expected fun, feels amazement and awe, listening to the prayer of Grisha. The boy remembers this exciting impression throughout his life, an example of faith and dedication. As an adult, he calls Grisha "a great Christian."
Chapter 13: Natalya Savishna
From the memory of the adult Nikolai Irtenyev, Natalya Savishna, the last nanny of his mother, is now responsible for the cabinets and pantries. In her youth, Natalya Savishna was just a serf girl Natasha, until her grandfather Nikolai showed her mercy by arranging her in a noble house as a maid, then a nanny. After a while, Natasha was demoted from the house to the barnyard for her desire to marry, but afterwards returned to her place.
Nikolenka’s mother wanted to give her ex-nanny a free hand in gratitude for her love and labors, but Natalya Savishna considered it an insult and tore the document. The adult Nikolai recalls how in childhood he liked to come to Natalya Savishna and to dream out loud with her. He also recalls how, due to a tablecloth damaged by him, there was a short quarrel between him and Natalya.
Chapter 14: Separation
During the training camp on the road, Nikolenka does not think about an imminent farewell to her mother and home, unaware of “what a sad moment they have to”. Farewell to the mother is hard for both, the boy leaves in tears.
Then Nikolenka calms down, observes the road, the coachman and horses, the rural nature, but does not forget her sadness.
Chapter 15: Childhood
The adult Nikolai fondly recalls his close relations with his mother, observing her, the sound of her voice. Mother asked the boy to always remember her, and he told her about his strong love.
Nikolai remembers his childhood dreams before going to bed, prayers, a sense of carelessness, joy and tenderness. He asks a bitter question, where did these best feelings disappear with age?
Chapter 16: Poems
Nikolenka decides to write poems for her grandmother's birthday, and takes for this case the poem of her teacher, Karl Ivanovich, as a model. Nikolenka, Volodya and Karl Ivanovich dress for congratulations to their grandmother, then they are in the hall and present gifts to the birthday girl.
When Nikolenka’s turn comes, he is very worried about his poems. They seem to the boy awkward and stupid, and he also feels his insincerity in the line he composed “we love like a mother” with respect to his grandmother. But grandmother and father, against Nikolenka’s expectation, approve of poetry, and his grandmother thanks him.
Chapter 17: Princess Kornyakova
Congratulations to my grandmother is a relative, Princess Kornyakova. Nikolenka notes that it’s unpleasant for grandmother to see the princess. During a conversation, an adult boy is struck by the opinion expressed by the princess about the punishment of children with rods as a method of education.
When Nikolenka is introduced to the princess, the boy feels awkward and suffers from thoughts that he is ugly. He recalls the truthful words of his mother about his appearance, as well as his dreams and prayers that God would turn him into a handsome man.
Chapter 18: Prince Ivan Ivanovich
Visitors continue to come with congratulations to the birthday girl, and Nikolenka draws attention to Prince Ivan Ivanovych, a man of "about seventy, tall, in a military uniform with large epaulettes."
About Prince Ivan Ivanitch it is reported that he made a brilliant career, has a noble character and an elevated way of thinking that he is kind and sensitive, well educated. In Nikolenka, Prince Ivan Ivanovich evokes a sense of respect and sympathy for his simplicity and free tone with his grandmother. Grandmother openly shares with the prince her thoughts about Nikolay’s mother, that her husband does not understand and does not appreciate her kindness. This conversation, which he hears, makes him nervous.
Chapter 19: Ivins
Then, with congratulations, Ivins come, boys who are close to Nikolenka by age, with their tutor. From the recollections of the adult Nikolai Irtenyev, an ardent adoration is described that he experienced in childhood in relation to Seryozha Ivin. Nikolai regrets that this sincere childhood feeling was never expressed and did not find a response from Seryozha. Nikolenka tried to please Seryozha in everything and imitate him.
During a game in the garden, Seryozha once again captivates Nikolenka with his act - when he was seriously hurt and did not show that he was in pain. But then Nikolenka was unpleasantly struck by another act of Seryozha - he offended Ilenka Grapp, a timid boy from a poor family. Subsequently, the adult Nikolai repents that the love and admiration of Seryozha prevented him from showing attention and compassion for Ilenka.
Chapter 20: Guests Gather
Mrs. Valakhina and her daughter Sonechka come to visit, and Sonechka immediately captures the attention of Nikolenka.
Next comes Princess Kornyakova with her daughters and her son. Nikolenka greets and talks with her cousin, a fifteen-year-old boy, Etienne, who makes him an unpleasant impression. Grandmother, for her part, subtly shows neglect to these relatives. With the arrival of the Ivins, Nikolenka was jealous in advance of Sonya to Seryozha.
Chapter 21: Before Mazurka
Dances begin, and Nikolenka is preoccupied with his lack of like gloves, as Seryozha has those.
Nikolenka finds an old glove for herself, which causes the laughter of guests and Sonya. However, the awkwardness leaves the boy, he dances with Sonia, then talks with her. He feels more confident, and even dares to invite an adult girl to dance.
Chapter 22: Mazurka
During the dance, Nikolenka notices that the guests do not dance the mazurka in the way he was taught. He wants to avoid the dance, but his grandmother encourages him to dance with Princess Kornyakova. Nikolenka doesn’t succeed in making an unfamiliar movement correctly, and he is very embarrassed.
Upset Nikolenka recalls her mother, thinking that only she would sympathize with him in his position.
Chapter 23: After the Mazurka
At dinner, one of the young guests, wanting to cheer Nikolenka, often pours wine into his glass. Nikolenka again feels the excitement and goes dancing with Sonya, after which she walks along the corridor with her and talks cheerfully.
He, like the other boys, was completely conquered by a pretty guest this evening. Passion for Sonechka completely replaces Nikolenka’s passionate love for Seryozha.
Chapter 24: In Bed
At night in bed, Nikolenka continues to be strongly impressed by Sonya and constantly thinks about her. He shares his thoughts with his older brother, and finds out that Volodya is also in love with Sonya.
The brothers openly talk about this topic, but do not quite understand each other because of the age difference.
Chapter 25: Letter
The father suddenly announces to the children that they are leaving for the village at night. It is further explained that the reason for the departure was a letter from the mother. At the beginning of the letter, the mother reports her ill health, then expresses the chagrin of her husband’s enthusiasm for the card game. She also asks her husband to fulfill her desire and not to send the boys to an educational institution.
In the other half of the letter, the mother announces that her illness is so serious that she can no longer get out of bed. In conclusion, the mother says goodbye in absentia to her husband and children, and assures that her love will forever remain with them. Attached to the letter is a note by Mimi stating that the worst fears about mother’s illness are true and not exaggerated.
Chapter 26: What awaited us in the village?
Upon arriving in the village of Nikolenka, the sad atmosphere in the house — the tears of the servants, the smell of medicines and mother herself in oblivion — painfully amazes. The mother never comes to her senses and does not recognize her children.
Later, Natalya Savishna tells Nikolenka about her mother’s last torment, her worries for her children, and how she raised her hand before her death, as if blessing them.
Chapter 27: Woe
After the death of her mother, Nikolenka comes to look at her, and does not recognize in the dead body of the previous native person. This fills the boy’s soul with fear, in desperation, he recalls his mother alive and blossoming.
During the funeral, Nikolenka notices in those around him a not sincere expression of grief, formalism and hypocrisy, which upsets him. In himself, he also feels, along with sadness, an involuntary desire to impress others, and is ashamed of this. Only the expression of the grief of Natalia Savishna seems completely sincere to him. Then the boy hears the cry of a child, frightened by the dead body he saw, and Nikolenka runs away with the same cry. The awareness of what was left of his lively and beautiful mother fills the boy’s soul with despair.
Chapter 28: Last Sad Memories
In sorrow about her mother, Nikolenka seeks solace in the company of Natalia Savishna. She tells Nikolenka about her mother and discusses what will happen to her soul in another world, which the boy fully trusts. Nikolenka is amazed at the fact that, despite the grief, Natalya Savishna continues to engage in her daily duties.Her grief is so sincere that she does not need to try to emphasize it.
Children with their father move back to Moscow, where Nikolenka observes the grief of her grandmother from the sad news. Then, from the recollections of the adult Nikolai, the last days and the death of Natalia Savishna are told. A kind old woman with the departure of the owners was bored in an empty house and soon fell ill with an illness. Before her death, she bequeathed to Nikolenka, his brother and sister, the things once donated to her by the old master. Natalya Savishna patiently endured the suffering of the disease, confessed and confessed, after which she "died without regret and fear."
