The Storm (Ostrovsky)/Act 5
Short Summary
In a small Russian town, at dusk, Tikhon Kabanov learned that his family had fallen into disarray. His sister Varvara had run away with Kudryash, and his wife had disappeared. While searching for her near the Volga River, Katerina appeared, having just bid farewell to her lover Boris, who was being sent to Siberia by his uncle.
Left alone, tormented by guilt and unable to bear living under her mother-in-law's tyranny, Katerina contemplated suicide.
It's better in the grave... A little grave under a tree... how nice!.. The sun warms it, the rain moistens it... in spring soft grass will grow on it... birds will come to the tree...
While her husband and others searched for her, Katerina threw herself into the Volga. Kuligin found her body and brought it ashore. Tikhon blamed his mother for Katerina's death, but she remained unmoved, forbidding him from even approaching his wife's body and threatening to curse him if he disobeyed. The play ended with Tikhon's emotional breakdown over his wife's corpse while his mother maintained her authoritarian stance.
Detailed summary by scenes
Scene 1. Kabanov's Guilt
At twilight, Kuligin sat on a bench when Kabanov approached. Kabanov confessed that his family was in disarray. He had been drinking heavily during his Moscow trip, trying to enjoy his freedom. Upon returning, he found his household in turmoil.
Mother is the cause of everything. And why am I perishing, tell me please? It pains me to look at her, understand this. Mother devours her alive, while she walks around like a shadow, giving no answer.
During their conversation, Glasha rushed in with news that Katerina had disappeared. Kabanov, fearing she might harm herself, immediately set out to search for her with Kuligin.
Scene 2. Katerina's Torment
Alone on stage, Katerina appeared, consumed by her inner turmoil. She desperately wanted to see Boris one last time before facing her fate.
The nights, the nights are heavy for me! Everyone goes to sleep, and I go too; it's nothing to them, but for me it's like going to the grave. It's so scary in the dark! Some noise appears, and singing, as if at a funeral...
Scene 3. The Final Meeting
Boris appeared, and the lovers shared their last moments together. He revealed he was being sent to Siberia by his uncle. Katerina begged him to take her along, but he couldn't.
It was my misfortune to see you. I've seen little joy, but oh, such grief! And how much more ahead! But why think about what's to come! I've seen you now, and they can't take that away from me.
Scene 4. Katerina's Decision
Left alone after Boris's departure, Katerina contemplated her future. She saw no way forward, feeling that death would be preferable to returning home. Her soliloquy revealed her deep despair and determination to end her suffering.
I'm already exhausted! How much longer must I suffer? What should I live for now? What for? I need nothing, nothing brings me joy, even God's light brings no pleasure!
Scene 5. The Search
Kabanov, his mother, and Kuligin continued their search with lanterns. A crowd gathered to help. Suddenly, shouts were heard that a woman had thrown herself into the water. Kabanov tried to rush to help but was held back by his mother.
Scene 6 and 7. The Tragic End
Kuligin and others brought Katerina's body ashore. She had a small wound on her temple from hitting an anchor. Kuligin laid her body down with harsh words for those who had driven her to this end.
Her body is here, take it; but her soul is not yours anymore: it's now before a judge who is more merciful than you! Enough! It's a sin to cry for her!
Kabanov threw himself on his wife's body in grief. He confronted his mother, repeatedly accusing her of destroying Katerina. His mother threatened him for his disrespect, maintaining her authoritarian stance even in the face of tragedy. The play ended with Kabanov's complete emotional breakdown over his wife's body, while his mother continued to assert her dominance, thanking the crowd for their help.
You're better off, Katya! But why am I left to live and suffer! Mother, you destroyed her, you, you, you... What's wrong with you? Have you lost your mind? Forgotten who you're talking to?