Part 2: Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis

As Rasputin's successes with Alexis multiplied, his dress changed from the rough peasant style of clothing to the finery of the nobility, complements mostly of Alexandra. He was always surrounded by wealthy women once he was accepted at the Imperial Court and preaching his personal beliefs of sin leading to holiness, he experienced many conquests. The women couldn't be exonerated of their sins if they didn't commit any sins. Nicholas finally barred Rasputin from his daughters' bedrooms or to be in a room when they were in their nightgowns. Alexandra's sister Ella and others tried to break Rasputin's hold on Alexandra that caused a rift between Ella and Alexandra.

The sexual exploits of Rasputin caused an uproar in St. Petersburg in 1911. Complaints to Alexandra by the Tsar's cousins did not change Alexandra's views of Rasputin. Then the Church began...