Part 4, On the European Stage, Chapters 53-57 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 53, "Flight of the Tsarevich," shows Alexis and Afrosinia hidden by his brother-in-law Emperor Charles VI in remote Tyrol, incognito and heavily guarded. Shamed by this scandal on the verge of seeing Paris, Peter orders Alexis found. Confronted with evidence of his whereabouts and a letter from Peter asking help, Charles moves Alexis to Naples, whence Alexis writes to senators and clergy in Russia about why he has fled. Through Peter Tolstoy, Charles is reminded of the danger of harboring Alexis, who in writing is promised paternal forgiveness. Alexis quakes with fear but gives in when Tolstoy says surrendering is the only way to keep and marry Afrosina. Convinced, Alexis departs, assuring Charles that it is voluntary and, once inside Russian territory, is held to face his father.

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