# I explained — Demons

> Chapter companion for Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

The fête proceeds despite the previous day's turmoil, with Yulia Mihailovna blindly confident in its success while public sentiment is marked by irritation, cynicism, and a craving for scandal. The chapter describes the rise of worthless individuals and the influence of the Internationale, as well as the general subscription to the governesses' fund driven by rumors of a brilliant ball.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social and Political Upheaval

The chapter describes a turbulent period where worthless individuals gain influence, public sentiment is cynical, and the Internationale is blamed for the disorder.

### Hypocrisy and Vanity in Society

Yulia Mihailovna's blind confidence in her popularity and the general subscription to the fête despite underlying resentment highlight societal hypocrisy and vanity.

## Character check-ins

### Yulia Mihailovna

Blindly attached to the fête and unaware of public hostility; believes she is surrounded by devoted followers.

### Pyotr Stepanovitch Verhovensky

Rumored to be directed by the Internationale and to control Yulia Mihailovna and the rabble.

### Varvara Petrovna Stavrogin

Mentioned as being almost at the beck and call of the rabble until the catastrophe with her son.

### Karmazinov

Consented to increase subscriptions by reading his 'Merci' in costume at the fête.

### Lyamshin

Listed among the worthless fellows who gained influence during the turbulent time.

### Councillor Kubrikov

Confessed to having been under the influence of the Internationale for three months, though unable to provide evidence.

## Key lines

> I believe that even if Lembke had died the previous night, the fête would still have taken place next morning⁠—so peculiar was the significance Yulia Mihailovna attached to it.

The fête was so important to Yulia Mihailovna that it would have proceeded even if Lembke had died the night before.

_Highlights Yulia Mihailovna's obsessive determination to hold the fête regardless of circumstances._

> In turbulent times of upheaval or transition low characters always come to the front everywhere.

During periods of change, base individuals always rise to prominence.

_Reflects the narrator's cynical view of social dynamics during upheaval._

> It is said among us now that it is all over, that Pyotr Stepanovitch was directed by the Internationale, and Yulia Mihailovna by Pyotr Stepanovitch, while she controlled, under his rule, a rabble of all sorts.

Rumor has it that Pyotr Stepanovitch was controlled by the Internationale, and he in turn controlled Yulia Mihailovna, who managed the mob.

_Illustrates the conspiracy theories and blame-shifting in the town after the events._

## Links

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