# V explained — The Duel

> Chapter companion for The Duel by Aleksandr Kuprin.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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