The Duel · Chapter
VII explained
Romashov faces a tense confrontation with Colonel Shulgovich, who berates him before unexpectedly offering reconciliation and inviting him to dinner.
What happens
Romashov faces a tense confrontation with Colonel Shulgovich, who berates him before unexpectedly offering reconciliation and inviting him to dinner. Romashov feels humiliated and isolated, reflecting on his earlier grandiose fantasies. After witnessing Shulgovich's harsh treatment of Captain Sviatovidov, Romashov returns home, where he finds his servant Hainán praying before a bust of Pushkin. That evening, he stays in, working on his third novel, 'A Fatal Beginning.'
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
Romashov's humiliation before Shulgovich and the Colonel's arbitrary power illustrate the rigid military hierarchy and the subjugation of lower-ranking officers.
Alienation and Loneliness
Romashov feels lonely, abandoned, and helpless, even after the reconciliation, and retreats into his writing as an escape.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Shulgovich's harsh public scolding contrasts with his private generosity toward Sviatovidov, revealing the hypocrisy and moral compromises within the officer corps.
Characters to notice
- Sublieutenant Romashov
Endures a humiliating confrontation with Shulgovich, feels like a pitiful schoolboy, and later retreats to his writing.
- Colonel Shulgovich
Alternates between rage and rough kindness, berating Romashov and Sviatovidov before offering a conciliatory dinner invitation.
- Captain Sviatovidov
Seen leaving Shulgovich's office after being berated and given money; appears humiliated and nervous.
- Hainán
Found praying before a bust of Pushkin; Romashov reflects on their shared humanity but feels unable to shake his hand.
- Lieutenant Federovski
Mentioned as the adjutant who dines daily with the Colonel and is called for a schnapps.
Key passages
“He remembered his proud, inflated fancies of that very morning, and he now felt like a little pale, pitiful schoolboy, like a shy, abandoned, scarcely tolerated brat, and he thought of all this with shame and mortification.”
Romashov recalls his earlier grandiose self-image and now feels like a weak, unwanted child, filled with shame.
Highlights Romashov's deflated self-esteem after the confrontation.
“Once more Romashov was on his way home, and once more he felt himself lonely, abandoned, and helpless in this gloomy and hostile place.”
Walking home, Romashov again experiences a profound sense of isolation and vulnerability in the oppressive environment.
Emphasizes the recurring theme of alienation.