# XVI explained — Sanine

> Chapter companion for Sanine by Mikhail Artsybashev.

## What happens

In the heat of summer, Sarudine hosts a gathering at his quarters where tensions simmer. Volochine visits, revealing Sarudine's petty vanity. Lida's unexpected arrival is announced, causing Sarudine unease. Novikoff, consumed by jealousy and impotent rage, nearly confronts Sarudine but withdraws in despair. The chapter also depicts Sarudine's strained relationship with Tanaroff over money, and his later reminiscence of Lida's visit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender and Double Standards

Sarudine's casual objectification of Lida and the officers' dismissive talk about women highlight the era's double standards.

### Dueling and Masculine Honor

Novikoff's near-confrontation with Sarudine and his internal struggle over honor and impotence reflect the theme of masculine honor.

### Despair of the Intelligentsia

Novikoff's helplessness and dejection, lying on his bed all day, exemplify the despair and paralysis of the intelligentsia.

## Character check-ins

### Victor Sergejevitsch Sarudine

Hosts the gathering, displays vanity and unease when Lida arrives, later recalls her visit with pleasure.

### Sascha Novikoff

Consumed by jealousy and rage toward Sarudine, nearly starts a fight but leaves in dejection.

### Yourii Sanine

Observes the tension, guesses Lida's arrival, feels pity and jealousy for his sister.

### Vladimir Sanine

Lida is mentioned as having come to see Sarudine, causing distress and unease.

### Pavel Lvovitsch Volochine

Visits Sarudine, displays disdain and curiosity about the situation.

### Lieutenant Tanaroff

Humiliated by Sarudine over money matters, remains silent and mortified.

## Key lines

> An interesting type, that! He must be pretty strong!

Volochine admires Sanine's physique, feeling the weakling's admiration for the athlete.

_Volochine's internal reaction to Sanine's appearance._

> I think I must be going now. I'm staying at the hotel on the boulevard. I may see you again!

Volochine announces his departure, mentioning his hotel.

_Volochine takes his leave after a tense visit._

> The young lady is there, sir.

The orderly announces that a young lady has arrived.

_Announcement of Lida's arrival._

> It is enough to look at you, to know that.

Novikoff implies that Sarudine's appearance reveals his views on women.

_Novikoff's veiled insult to Sarudine._

> Spit on it all!

Sanine advises Novikoff to dismiss his troubles.

_Sanine's attempt to console Novikoff._

> A woman's just a female... little naked, plump, rosy apes without tails!

Ivanoff dehumanizes women, comparing them to tailless apes.

_Ivanoff's crude and misogynistic remark._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sanine_se/chapters/xvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sanine_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sanine_se/chapters