# III explained — Demons

> Chapter companion for Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

Pyotr Stepanovitch visits Nikolay Stavrogin, discussing local gossip, the arrival of Stavrogin's belongings, and various topics including atheism among officers, the Shpigulin factory workers, and the escaped convict Fedka. He hints at his own political schemes and attempts to gauge Stavrogin's intentions, while Stavrogin remains aloof and enigmatic.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nihilism and Destruction

Pyotr Stepanovitch discusses atheism among officers and the potential for a rising based on atheism, reflecting nihilistic ideas.

### Social and Political Upheaval

References to the Shpigulin factory as a hotbed of cholera and worker unrest, and hints at revolutionary plots, underscore social tensions.

### The Mask and Identity

Pyotr Stepanovitch adopts a persona of foolishness to conceal his designs, while Stavrogin remains inscrutable, highlighting themes of hidden identity.

## Character check-ins

### Pyotr Stepanovitch Verhovensky

Visits Stavrogin, rambles about local affairs, hints at revolutionary plans, and tries to ingratiate himself.

### Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch Stavrogin

Receives Pyotr Stepanovitch, listens with impatience, yawns, and shows brief interest in Gaganov's whereabouts.

### Ivan Shatov

Mentioned as declaring that a rising in Russia must begin with atheism.

### Fedka

Mentioned as a runaway convict from Siberia, formerly a serf of Pyotr Stepanovitch's father, ready for anything for money.

### Andrey Antonovitch von Lembke

Mentioned as being henpecked, writing novels in secret, and inviting Pyotr Stepanovitch to enter the service.

### Yulia Mihailovna

Mentioned as having superstitious respect for Stavrogin and encouraging Pyotr Stepanovitch's mockery of Lembke.

## Key lines

> If there's no God, how can I be a captain then?

Without God, the foundation of authority and rank collapses.

_A captain's remark during a discussion on atheism, highlighting the link between faith and social order._

> I assure you that some among the hands have an idea of the Internationale.

Some factory workers are aware of the International Workingmen's Association.

_Pyotr Stepanovitch points to revolutionary consciousness among the Shpigulin factory workers._

> I changed my ideas about you at the moment when you drew your hands back after Shatov's attack

My opinion of you shifted when you refrained from retaliating against Shatov.

_Pyotr Stepanovitch reveals a turning point in his perception of Stavrogin's character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/demons_se/chapters/part-ii-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/demons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/demons_se/chapters