Short Fiction · Chapter
A Mystery explained
Actual Civil Councillor Navagin discovers a mysterious signature 'Fedyukov' on his visitor list for the thirteenth consecutive Easter.
What happens
Actual Civil Councillor Navagin discovers a mysterious signature 'Fedyukov' on his visitor list for the thirteenth consecutive Easter. Despite his efforts, no one knows who Fedyukov is. His spiritualist wife suggests it is a spirit. Navagin's obsession leads him to investigate spiritualism, eventually writing a monograph. He later discovers that the sacristan Fedyukov is the real person who signs the list out of habit, shattering his supernatural beliefs and leaving him in a state of confusion.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
Navagin's belief in a supernatural Fedyukov is shattered when he discovers the sacristan is a real, ordinary person.
Hypocrisy and Moral Failure
Navagin's skeptical vanity leads him to embrace spiritualism, only to be humiliated by the mundane truth.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Among the numerous signatures on the paper was the signature of a certain Fedyukov. Who the devil this Fedyukov was, Navagin had not a notion.”
Navagin finds the name Fedyukov on the list but has no idea who it belongs to.
Highlights the central mystery of the chapter.
“The bold, florid signature in the old-fashioned style with twirls and flourishes was utterly unlike the handwriting of the other signatures.”
Fedyukov's signature is ornate and distinct from all others.
Emphasizes the peculiarity of the signature.
“I am convinced that this Fedyukov is a spirit who has a sympathy for you... If I were you, I would call him up and ask him what he wants.”
Navagin's wife suggests Fedyukov is a spirit and advises him to contact it.
Shows the spiritualist interpretation of the mystery.
“In the end he overcame his sceptical vanity, and going into his wife's room he said in a hollow voice: 'Zina, call up Fedyukov!'”
Navagin gives in to his wife's spiritualist beliefs and asks her to summon Fedyukov.
Marks his turn from skepticism to belief in the supernatural.
“I propose, Filipp Sergeyitch, to send it registered. It will be safer.”
Navagin decides to send his spiritualist monograph by registered mail for safety.
Illustrates his pride in his work before the revelation.
“Leave me in peace! Lea-eave me in peace, I tell you! What you want of me I don't understand.”
Navagin angrily dismisses the secretary and sacristan after learning the truth.
Shows his breakdown upon realizing the mundane reality.