Part I, Chapter 3, Prelude Summary and Analysis

In Part I, Chapter 3, shortly after Elvov's arrest, Ginzburg is summoned to a Party meeting where she is denounced for having not condemned Elvov. Ginzburg attempts to defend herself, saying that no one has condemned Elvov in their area. She also notes that the local Party leaders reverse logic against her. She wants to know if Elvov has even been found guilty of being a Trotskyist; the leaders reply that he has been arrested, so he is a Trotskyist.

During a recess break, Alexandra Alexandrovna, a typist at the newspaper Red Tartary, tells Ginzburg it would be in Ginzburg's best interest to admit guilt and repent. If not, Ginzburg is headed for serious trouble. She refuses, and she is reprimanded, though the reprimand is later canceled on appeal. Elsewhere, the same thing is happening to...