Sanine · Chapter
XVII explained
Lida confronts Sarudine in his room, revealing her despair and hatred after their affair.
What happens
Lida confronts Sarudine in his room, revealing her despair and hatred after their affair. Sarudine's initial irritation turns to loathing and fear, leading to a bitter exchange where Lida calls him a 'brute' before fleeing. The chapter exposes the collapse of their relationship and Sarudine's callous relief.
Themes in this chapter
Gender and Double Standards
Lida's despair and Sarudine's callous relief highlight the unequal consequences of their affair, with Lida bearing the shame and threat of ruin.
Sexual Freedom and Hypocrisy
Sarudine's initial passion turns to disgust and a desire to discard Lida, exposing the hypocrisy of male sexual freedom versus female vulnerability.
Characters to notice
- Lida Sanine
Confronts Sarudine in despair, oscillating between grief, hatred, and scorn; reveals her pregnancy and threatens suicide.
- Victor Sergejevitsch Sarudine
Feels irritation, loathing, and fear toward Lida; attempts to console her but ultimately feels relief when she leaves.
Key passages
“Sideways, on Sarudine’s bed, sat Lida, in despair, convulsively twisting her handkerchief.”
Lida sat on Sarudine's bed, twisting her handkerchief in despair.
Opening image of Lida's anguish.
““You brute!””
Lida calls Sarudine a brute before fleeing.
Climactic insult that stuns Sarudine and ends the confrontation.