Chapter 188
Pétya's Imperial Encounter
After the definite refusal he had received, Pétya went to his room and there locked himself in and wept bitterly. When he came in to tea, silent, morose, and with tear-stained face, everybody pretended not to notice anything. Next day the Emperor arrived in Moscow, and several of the Rostóvs’ domestic serfs begged permission to go to have a look at him. That morning Pétya was a long time dressing and arranging his hair and collar to look like a grown-up man. He frowned before his looking glass, gesticulated, shrugged his shoulders, and finally, without saying a word to anyone,…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Draw Your Hero Worship Map
Think of someone you greatly admire—a celebrity, boss, mentor, or public figure. Draw or describe the 'distance' between you and them, then list three things you've done or might do to get closer to them. Finally, mark which actions maintain your dignity and which might compromise it.
Consider:
- •Notice how the gap between you and your hero affects your behavior
- •Consider whether your admiration enhances or diminishes your self-respect
- •Think about the difference between learning from someone and needing their approval
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you realized you were trying too hard to impress someone you admired. What did that cost you, and how would you handle it differently now?
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