The Duel · Chapter
I explained
The chapter opens with the 6th Company's afternoon drill, where soldiers are instructed in garrison duty.
What happens
The chapter opens with the 6th Company's afternoon drill, where soldiers are instructed in garrison duty. Sublieutenant Romashov is publicly berated by Colonel Shulgovich for a Tartar soldier's ignorance, resulting in Romashov's arrest. Captain Sliva rebukes Romashov afterward. Junior officers Viätkin, Lbov, and Biek-Agamalov discuss the futility of drill, sabre-cutting, and Shulgovich's tyranny.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Military Life
The chapter exposes the absurdity and cruelty of garrison drill, with officers questioning its purpose.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Shulgovich's abuse of power over Romashov and the soldiers highlights rigid military rank.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Officers complain about pointless exercises while perpetuating the system; Shulgovich's tyranny is unchecked.
Characters to notice
- Sublieutenant Romashov
Publicly humiliated by Shulgovich and placed under four days' arrest for defending a Tartar soldier.
- Colonel Shulgovich
Rages at Romashov and the Tartar soldier Sharafutdinov, displaying tyrannical behavior.
- Captain Sliva
Rebuked by Shulgovich for Romashov's conduct; later scolds Romashov bitterly.
- Lieutenant Viätkin
Complains about the pointless drill and discusses sabre-cutting with Biek-Agamalov.
- Lieutenant Biek-Agamalov
Defends the necessity of sabre practice and shares news about the commander's orders.
- Sub-Ensign Lbov
Tells anecdotes and jokes about officers and drill, lightening the mood.
- Sharafutdinov
A Tartar soldier who cannot understand Russian, slapped and abused by Shulgovich.
- Moukhamedjinov
A Tartar recruit who threatens with a bayonet during drill confusion.
Key passages
“Romashov, you evidently train your men well. Stand at attention and stretch your legs,” bawled Shulgovich suddenly, his eyes rolling. “Don’t you know how to stand in the presence of your commanding officer?”
Shulgovich berates Romashov for his posture, accusing him of poor training.
Shows Shulgovich's domineering and humiliating style.
“Colonel, this fellow is a Tartar and does not understand a word of our language, and besides. …”
Romashov tries to explain that the soldier is a Tartar who doesn't speak Russian.
Romashov's attempt to defend a subordinate leads to his own arrest.
“What the devil does he mean by keeping the company all this time?”
Viätkin complains about the prolonged drill.
Reflects officers' frustration with pointless military routines.