Demons · Chapter
II: Night (Continued) explained
Nikolay Stavrogin walks through the rainy night to a remote house, encountering the escaped convict Fedka on a bridge.
What happens
Nikolay Stavrogin walks through the rainy night to a remote house, encountering the escaped convict Fedka on a bridge. Fedka offers his services, hinting at Pyotr Verhovensky's manipulations, but Stavrogin dismisses him. At the house, Captain Lebyadkin greets him, recites a vulgar poem, and pleads for money, while Stavrogin rebukes him for his misdeeds.
Themes in this chapter
Possession and Demonic Influence
Fedka's eerie persistence and his claim to have been waiting for Stavrogin suggest a sinister, almost demonic pull, as if Stavrogin attracts dark forces.
The Mask and Identity
Stavrogin's cold dismissal of Fedka and Lebyadkin contrasts with his inner turmoil, revealing the masks he wears in different social encounters.
Characters to notice
- Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch Stavrogin
Walks alone through the rain, encounters Fedka, and visits Lebyadkin's house, showing his detached and commanding demeanor.
- Fedka
The escaped convict who accosts Stavrogin on the bridge, offering his services and revealing his knowledge of Pyotr Verhovensky's schemes.
- Captain Lebyadkin
The nervous and obsequious host who recites his poem 'In Case She Were to Break Her Leg' and pleads for financial help.
- Pyotr Stepanovitch Verhovensky
Mentioned by Fedka as the manipulator who promised him a passport and who views people in simplistic terms.
Key passages
“I stand before you, sir, as before God, because I have heard so much about you. Pyotr Stepanovitch is one thing, but you, sir, maybe, are something else.”
Fedka flatters Stavrogin by suggesting he is superior to Pyotr Verhovensky, whom he criticizes for judging people too simplistically.
Fedka's attempt to ingratiate himself by contrasting Stavrogin's perceived depth with Pyotr's superficiality.
“I give you my word of honour if I meet you I'll tie you up.”
Stavrogin threatens to physically restrain Fedka if he continues to follow him.
Stavrogin's harsh rejection of Fedka's unsolicited offer of service.
“With broken limbs my beauteous queen Is twice as charming as before, And, deep in love as I have been, Today I love her even more.”
Lebyadkin's poem fantasizes about a woman becoming more attractive after a riding accident.
The vulgar and sycophantic poem Lebyadkin recites to amuse Stavrogin.