# IX: Metamorphosis explained — Red Dusk and the Morrow

> Chapter companion for Red Dusk and the Morrow by Paul Dukes.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on never seeing Uncle Egor again and the peasant's ultimate victory. Returning to Petrograd, he senses unrest and learns of arrests. He cautiously returns to his empty flat, encounters the boy Grisha, and later hears that Zorinsky has been shot. Ivan Sergeievitch reveals Zorinsky's true identity as a Chekist agent who betrayed Melnikoff and others, working for both sides.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Zorinsky operates under multiple names and pretends to be a counter-revolutionary while serving the Cheka; the narrator himself adopts disguises and false identities.

### Survival and Everyday Resistance

The narrator uses cautious tactics to avoid arrest, such as listening at doors, using decoys, and changing trams; Ivan Sergeievitch escapes execution by jumping into the Neva.

### Totalitarian Control and Repression

The Cheka's pervasive surveillance, arrests, and executions create an atmosphere of fear; the city is filled with guards and unrest.

## Character check-ins

### Uncle Egor

The narrator never sees him again; reflects on the peasant's ultimate victory.

### Grisha

The dull-faced boy who replaced Maria; he is alone at the flat when the narrator returns.

### Ivan Sergeievitch

Reveals Zorinsky's true identity as a Chekist agent and the betrayal of Melnikoff.

### Captain Zorinsky

Reported shot by Bolsheviks; revealed to have been a double agent working for the Cheka.

### Melnikoff

Betrayed by Zorinsky; had established a communication system with Petrograd.

### Vera Alexandrovna

Her secret café was frequented by Zorinsky and betrayed by him.

### Maria

Replaced by Grisha; narrator brought her shoes.

## Key lines

> I never saw Uncle Egor again. I sometimes wonder what has become of him. I suppose he is still there, and he is the winner! The Russian peasant is the ultimate master of the Russian Revolution, as the Bolsheviks are learning to their pain.

The narrator never reunites with Uncle Egor and believes the peasantry will ultimately triumph over the Bolsheviks.

_Reflects on the enduring power of the peasantry._

> Zorinsky, under another name, had been an officer in the old army. He distinguished himself for reckless bravery at the front and drunkenness in the rear.

Zorinsky was a former tsarist officer known for both courage and misconduct.

_Ivan Sergeievitch reveals Zorinsky's past._

> He worked for both sides. A hundred thousand, I suppose, is all he thought he could get out of you, so now he has gone to Finland.

Zorinsky played both sides, taking money from the narrator and then fleeing to Finland.

_Ivan Sergeievitch explains Zorinsky's double-dealing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/red_dusk_and_the_morrow_se/chapters/ix-metamorphosis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/red_dusk_and_the_morrow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/red_dusk_and_the_morrow_se/chapters