The Margin

Object

Father Zossima's Coffin

Also known as Zossima's coffin, his humble coffin.

The coffin is placed in the larger room of Father Zossima's cell after his body is prepared according to monastic ritual. It becomes the center of prayer, expectation, and uneasy attention as monks and visitors gather around the dead elder. The Gospel is read beside it while the hermitage waits to see how the beloved elder's death will be understood.

VII-I. The Breath Of Corruption

As the breath of corruption spreads from the coffin, reverence around it turns into scandal, gossip, and open judgment.

VII-IV. Cana Of Galilee

Alyosha returns to pray before the coffin, wakes from his vision, and sees the covered body with the ikon still on its breast.

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Father Zossima's Coffin