# III explained — The Duel

> Chapter companion for The Duel by Aleksandr Kuprin.

## What happens

Romashov lies in his room, tormented by boredom and self-disgust. He receives a sentimental letter from Raisa Peterson, his married lover, which he finds repulsive. He reflects on his abandoned ambitions and the dreary routine of garrison life. His servant Hainán, a Circassian, provides a moment of distraction with his peculiar story of taking the oath of allegiance. Despite resolving to stay home, Romashov feels an irresistible pull toward the Nikoläievs' house.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alienation and Loneliness

Romashov lies in a state of profound mental emptiness, feeling a suffocating weight on his heart and a loathing for his dreary surroundings.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Romashov's affair with Raisa Peterson, a married woman, and his disgust at her sentimental letter reveal the moral decay beneath the surface of regimental life.

### Individual vs. Institution

Romashov's abandoned plans for self-improvement and his entrapment in the dull, conformist routine of the garrison illustrate the crushing effect of institutional life.

## Character check-ins

### Sublieutenant Romashov

Lies on his bed in a state of mental emptiness and self-loathing, disgusted by his affair with Raisa and his failed ambitions.

### Raisa Alexandrovna Peterson

Sends Romashov a sentimental, perfumed letter demanding he visit her, which he finds tasteless and repulsive.

### Hainán

Romashov's Circassian servant, who has a familiar relationship with his master and proudly tells the story of his oath of allegiance.

### Lieutenant Nikoläiev

Mentioned as Romashov asks if there has been any message from him; his home is the object of Romashov's compulsive visits.

### Lieutenant Viätkin

Referenced as an example of officers training their servants in absurd routines, such as asking about champagne.

### Sub-Ensign Lbov

Mentioned in the context of the officers' foolish customs with their servants.

### Lieutenant Biek-Agamalov

Noted as the officer who administers oaths for Mohammedan soldiers.

### Staff-Captain Ditz

Mentioned as the officer who administers oaths for Protestants when a Lutheran pastor is unavailable.

## Key lines

> He felt neither irritation nor sadness, but he was sensible of a suffocating weight on his heart, of darkness and indifference.

Romashov felt a heavy, oppressive emptiness rather than any specific emotion.

_Captures his state of emotional numbness and despair._

> It was just as if a great loathsome spider, from which he could not extricate himself, was softly groping about under his brain.

His thoughts felt like a disgusting, inescapable spider crawling inside his mind.

_Vivid metaphor for his mental torment._

> All these follies naturally arose from the dullness of that little garrison town, and the narrowness of a life from which all interests were excluded except those belonging to the service.

The officers' silly games with their servants stemmed from the boredom and limited horizons of garrison life.

_Explains the root of the absurd customs among the officers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duel_2_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duel_2_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duel_2_se/chapters