To behave in accordance with feelings

[Gustaw] Herling tells the story of Eugenia Fyodorovna, a nurse in the Vologda gulag who, as the head doctor’s mistress, enjoyed numerous privileges. It happened, however, that she fell in love with one of the prisoners. To behave in accordance with her feelings and not with her material interests was, in these circumstances, an act of dignity. It cost her dearly: as punishment, her lover was moved to another camp, and when she asked to be transferred herself, so as not to have to be near the head doctor, she forfeited all her privileges. “In January of 1942, Eugenia Fyodorovna died giving birth to her lover’s child, thus paying with her life for her short resurrection”.

(Tzvetan Todorov)