# XVII explained — Sanine

> Chapter companion for Sanine by Mikhail Artsybashev.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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