Demons · Chapter
IV: The Cripple explained
The narrator visits Shatov, who is agitated and listening for sounds from the Lebyadkin apartment.
What happens
The narrator visits Shatov, who is agitated and listening for sounds from the Lebyadkin apartment. Shatov recounts his and Kirillov's experiences in America, revealing that Nikolay Stavrogin sent him money to return. The narrator explains his promise to Liza Tushin to arrange a meeting with Shatov. Later, the narrator finds Shatov with Kirillov and Shigalov, who leave after a tense silence.
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Meaning and Faith
Shatov's disillusionment with America and his ideological struggles reflect a search for meaning and faith in a chaotic world.
Possession and Demonic Influence
The tense atmosphere and Shatov's agitation suggest a sense of being controlled or haunted by past events and relationships.
Characters to notice
- Ivan Shatov
Agitated, listens on stairs, recounts American experience with Kirillov, reveals Stavrogin sent him money, agrees to help arrange meeting with Liza.
- Alexey Kirillov
Present at Shatov's apartment with Shigalov, leaves abruptly when narrator arrives.
- Shigalov
Visiting Shatov with Kirillov, described as despondent and morose, leaves after a tense silence.
- Lizaveta Nikolaevna Tushin
Mentioned as having made a promise to the narrator to arrange a meeting with Shatov; she is desperate and confides in the narrator.
- Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch Stavrogin
Referred to as the man who sent Shatov money to return from America.
Key passages
“Our employer cheated us when he paid us off; instead of thirty dollars, as he had agreed, he paid me eight and Kirillov fifteen; he beat us, too, more than once.”
The American employer deceived them, paying far less than promised and physically assaulting them.
Shatov describes the exploitation he and Kirillov suffered in America.
“I wrote to a man in Europe and he sent me a hundred roubles.”
I contacted someone in Europe who sent me money to get out of America.
Shatov reveals that Stavrogin financed his return from America.
“Tell him that I do desire it, and that I can't wait any longer, but that I wasn't deceiving him just now.”
Tell Shatov that I truly want this meeting and cannot delay, and that I was not lying to him earlier.
Liza's message to the narrator regarding her wish to meet Shatov.