The Duel · Chapter
V explained
Romashov, humiliated after overhearing servants mock his frequent visits to the Nikoläievs, resolves never to return.
What happens
Romashov, humiliated after overhearing servants mock his frequent visits to the Nikoläievs, resolves never to return. To spite Shurochka, he visits Nasanski, where he reads a letter from Alexandra Petrovna that reveals a past love and her rejection of Nasanski's weakness. The encounter deepens their mutual understanding of shared secrets. Later, Romashov dreams of a childhood 'double' suffering the same military drudgery he endures.
Themes in this chapter
Alienation and Loneliness
Romashov feels intense shame and isolation after overhearing the servants' mockery, and his visit to Nasanski highlights the shared loneliness of both men.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The letter from Alexandra Petrovna reveals the hypocrisy in relationships and the corrupting influence of pride and self-interest.
Individual vs. Institution
Romashov's internal struggle against the oppressive military social order is mirrored in his childhood dream of a 'double' suffering under the same institutional drudgery.
Characters to notice
- Sublieutenant Romashov
Stands on the doorstep, overhears servants mocking him, feels deep shame, resolves to end visits, then visits Nasanski out of spite.
- Shurochka
Imagined by Romashov in a domestic scene with Nikoläiev, discussing his unwelcome visits.
- Nasanski
Romashov visits him; Nasanski shows Romashov a letter from Alexandra Petrovna, revealing a past romantic rejection.
- Lieutenant Nikoläiev
Mentioned in Romashov's imagination as complaining about Romashov's visits.
- Stepan
The Nikoläievs' servant, heard angrily commenting on Romashov's frequent visits.
- Alexandra Petrovna
Author of the letter Nasanski shows Romashov; her handwriting is recognized by Romashov.
Key passages
“He comes here every blessed day, and the deuce knows what he comes for.”
The servant Stepan complains about Romashov's constant visits.
This overheard remark triggers Romashov's shame and resolve to stop visiting.
“This chapter’s closed; even the soldiers laugh at me.”
Romashov feels utterly humiliated, believing even the lowest ranks mock him.
Highlights his alienation and wounded pride.
“I swear—I swear that today I have visited them for the last time.”
Romashov vows never to return to the Nikoläievs' house.
Shows his impulsive resolution born of humiliation.
“It is a bitter and hard task for me to write this; but only you yourself are to blame for our acquaintance coming to this tragic end.”
Alexandra Petrovna blames Nasanski for the end of their relationship in her letter.
Reveals the theme of love and betrayal.
“I loathe above everything self-sacrifice and pity for others, and I shall let neither you nor anyone else excite these feelings in me.”
She rejects pity and self-sacrifice, asserting her independence.
Illustrates her strong, calculating nature.