Demons · Chapter
IX: A Raid at Stepan Trofimovitch’s explained
Stepan Trofimovitch is raided by an official (Blum) who seizes his books, manuscripts, and letters.
What happens
Stepan Trofimovitch is raided by an official (Blum) who seizes his books, manuscripts, and letters. He recounts the event to the narrator with agitation and a strange sense of triumph, having hidden money in his waistcoat and lit a lamp before an icon to create a pious impression. Despite the narrator's advice to rest, Stepan insists on going out, leading to a further adventure that reveals unexpected spirit.
Themes in this chapter
Social and Political Upheaval
The raid by officials symbolizes the oppressive state apparatus and the threat of political persecution faced by intellectuals.
Hypocrisy and Vanity in Society
Stepan's theatrical lighting of the lamp and his concern for appearances reveal his vanity and performative piety in the face of crisis.
The Search for Meaning and Faith
Stepan's sudden lighting of the icon lamp and his crossing of himself suggest a desperate turn to faith amid his fear of arrest.
Characters to notice
- Stepan Trofimovitch Verhovensky
Upset but triumphant after the raid; he hides money, lights a lamp, and insists on going out despite the narrator's advice.
- Anton Lavrentyevitch
The narrator who rushes to Stepan's aid, questions him, and tries to calm him down.
- Nastasya
Stepan's servant who reports the raid, lights the lamp, and shows lachrymose sympathy.
- Von Blum
The official who conducts the raid, seizing books and papers; described as a police type.
- Alyosha Telyatnikov
Mentioned as possibly concealed in the entry during the raid.
- Dmitri Dmitritch
Mentioned as someone suggested to be called; Stepan owes him fifteen roubles from cards.
Key passages
“Meanwhile an incident had occurred which astounded me and shattered Stepan Trofimovitch. At eight o’clock in the morning Nastasya ran round to me from him with the news that her master was “raided.””
An astonishing event shook Stepan Trofimovitch: at eight in the morning, his servant Nastasya rushed to tell me that officials had raided his home.
The narrator learns of the raid from Nastasya.
“I found him in a surprising condition: upset and in great agitation, but at the same time unmistakably triumphant.”
He was both distressed and strangely proud of the incident.
Stepan's mixed emotions after the raid.
“I opened all the drawers and handed him all the keys; I gave them myself, I gave him all. J’étais digne et calme.”
I voluntarily opened everything and handed over the keys, maintaining dignity and calm.
Stepan describes his cooperative yet dignified behavior during the search.
“I arranged for that as soon as they had gone away. Quand on a de ces choses-là dans sa chambre et qu’on vient vous arrêter it makes an impression and they are sure to report that they have seen it.”
I lit the lamp right after they left; having such a thing in the room when you're arrested creates a good impression and will be reported.
Stepan explains his strategic lighting of the icon lamp.
“I thrust thirty-five roubles in a slit in my waistcoat pocket, here, feel. I believe they won’t take the waistcoat off, and left seven roubles in my purse to keep up appearances, as though that were all I have.”
I hid thirty-five roubles in a secret pocket in my waistcoat, leaving only seven roubles visible in my purse to seem poor.
Stepan shows his hidden money and explains his ruse.
