Short Fiction · Chapter
III: “The Slayer” explained
The narrator recounts his story of losing his wife and child, falling into despair, and wandering in search of upright people.
What happens
The narrator recounts his story of losing his wife and child, falling into despair, and wandering in search of upright people. He describes his failed attempt at penance by becoming a convict, his encounter with the notorious Bezrúky, and the pivotal moment when he is compelled to kill Bezrúky to save a lady and her children. After the murder, he surrenders to the authorities, is imprisoned, and eventually released thanks to the lady's persistent efforts.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Compassion
The narrator's profound suffering after losing his family leads him to wander and seek meaning, while the lady's compassion and sacrifice ultimately save him from despair and imprisonment.
The Search for Meaning
The narrator's journey is driven by a quest for upright people and a true understanding of faith and morality, culminating in a crisis that forces him to confront his own pride and guilt.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“I lost my young wife and my child at one stroke, and, having no parents, I was left quite alone in the world, with neither relatives nor friends; and the priest himself took what little remained to me, to pay for the funeral.”
I lost my wife and child suddenly, and with no parents, I was utterly alone; even the priest took my remaining possessions for the funeral.
The narrator describes the devastating loss that sets his journey in motion.
“I gave up my hut and what little land was left me, all that I possessed, took an extra sheepskin coat, a pair of trousers, and a pair of boots, broke off a branch in the forest for a staff, and started.”
I abandoned my home and land, packed only a few clothes and a staff, and set off.
The narrator's decision to leave everything behind and wander.
“I soon found that my stupidity had brought me into the wrong place; so I told them who I was, and begged to be set free.”
I realized my mistake in pretending to be a vagrant and asked to be released.
The narrator regrets his self-imposed penance in prison.
“Her gaze seemed to rouse me as from a dream. Lifting the axe, I turned my eyes away.… But my heart was swelling with rage.… I looked at Bezrúky, who quailed beneath my glance.… Then my wrath grew more furious.”
The lady's look snapped me out of my trance; I raised the axe, but my anger turned against Bezrúky, who cowered before me.
The pivotal moment when the narrator's resolve shifts from obeying Bezrúky to protecting the lady.
“I will give you nothing,' I said; 'judge me according to the law.…'”
I refused to pay a bribe and demanded a fair trial.
The narrator's principled stand against corruption in the legal system.