Chapter 23: Nadya's Desperation and Decision to Seek the Witch

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Nadya is consumed by thoughts of moving to the castle after Katerina’s departure. She works tirelessly to impress Mrs. Orlova, cleaning and cooking even to the point of burning her hands with lye. Mrs. Orlova announces that everyone must offer a wedding gift to Katerina and the tsar. Nadya hopes her gift might win the tsar’s favor, but her attempts at baking, painting, and embroidery all fail. Her embroidered leaves look like lumpy twigs.

Frustrated, Nadya steps outside for air. Her wolf appears and behaves strangely—cautious and fearful, as if trying to lead her into the forest. She tries to shoo him away, but he snatches the embroidered fabric from her hands. Mrs. Orlova rushes out, screams at the beast, and pulls Nadya inside. The matron blames Nadya for the torn gift and for her disheveled state. She declares there is no hope for Nadya at the castle and says she will write to Mr. Demidov. The other girls whisper, and Nadya runs upstairs in tears.

In her room, Nadya decides to run away. She packs her warm cloak, red scarf, map, and a knife, planning to live off the land and head south. But then she realizes the tsar lacks magic. If she could obtain something magical from Baba Yaga, she could offer it to the tsar in exchange for a home. Both options—fleeing south or seeking the witch—are dangerous, but Nadya feels she has already braved the forest many times. She crosses the hill and enters the woods, thinking only of her desire to find the witch.

Key Events

Nadya struggles to create a wedding gift, failing at baking, painting, and embroidery.
Her wolf appears and tries to lead her into the forest; he tears the fabric when she resists.
Mrs. Orlova catches Nadya with the wolf, scolds her harshly, and says she will write to Mr. Demidov, ending Nadya’s hope of moving to the castle.
Nadya packs her belongings and prepares to run away south.
She changes her plan, deciding instead to seek Baba Yaga to obtain magic for the tsar.
Nadya enters the forest without looking back.

Character Development

Nadya shows intense desperation to belong. She works obsessively and is devastated when her chance is taken away. Her decision to confront the witch—a figure of legend and danger—reveals her growing courage and willingness to take risks for a home. She also demonstrates resourcefulness, gathering only essentials for her journey.

Mrs. Orlova remains rigid and unsympathetic, judging Nadya by appearances and blaming her for the incident. Her commitment to writing to Mr. Demidov shows she values rule-following over the girl’s wellbeing.

The wolf acts unusually, showing fear and urgency. His behavior hints that he is trying to warn Nadya or lead her somewhere, though she misunderstands his intent.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Desperation and Belonging: Nadya’s longing for a secure home drives every action. The ruined wedding gift symbolises the fragile hope that is destroyed by Mrs. Orlova’s authority.
Magic as Currency: Nadya’s idea to trade magic for a home introduces the concept of forest traditions and the power of equal exchange.
The Forest as Threshold: Entering the woods marks a point of no return. The forest represents both danger and the possibility of transformation.
The Torn Fabric: A symbol of Nadya’s failed efforts and the broken chance at a new life. The wolf’s role in tearing it suggests that nature may be interfering with human plans.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 23 is a major turning point. Nadya moves from passive hope to active agency by deciding to seek Baba Yaga. This choice propels her into the central conflict of the story—direct interaction with the witch. The chapter also deepens the mystery of the wolf: why is he behaving fearfully, and what does he want? Nadya’s decision to enter the forest sets up the next phase of the plot, where she will have to navigate magical dangers and confront the witch.

Study Questions and Answers

What event finally convinces Nadya that she cannot stay at the orphanage?
Mrs. Orlova’s declaration that she will write to Mr. Demidov, effectively eliminating any chance Nadya had of moving to the castle, pushes her to run away.
Why does Nadya change her plan from fleeing south to seeking Baba Yaga?
She realizes the tsar lacks magic and that she could trade something magical for a home. The forest’s tradition of equal exchange—like the tsar offering marriage for Katerina’s cloak—makes this seem possible.
How does the wolf’s behavior differ from his previous appearances?
He is cautious and fearful, creeping toward and away from Nadya, as if trying to lead her. This contrasts with earlier, more straightforward encounters and suggests he has an urgent purpose.