The revolutionary struggle of the Georgian proletariat is the central theme of this story. The narrative follows the life and fate of a young revolutionary named Mito. After the Mensheviks disrupt a railway strike, Mito is sentenced to three years in prison, and his father is executed. During his time in prison, Mito shares a cell with an old Bolshevik, which transforms the hot-headed and unstable young man into a conscious Bolshevik. Soon, World War I begins, and Mito, who has just been released from prison, is sent to war.
