# Chapter X explained — The Duel

> Chapter companion for The Duel by Aleksandr Kuprin.

## What happens

Romashov oversleeps and arrives late to morning drill, facing Captain Sliva's harsh and humiliating treatment. He reflects on the barbaric discipline and hypocrisy of the military, and later defends his belief that striking a soldier is cowardly and cruel, leading to a tense confrontation with Sliva. The chapter also includes a conversation among officers reminiscing about past absurdities in the army.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Military Life

Romashov's confrontation with Sliva and the officers' conversation expose the brutality, hypocrisy, and absurdity of military discipline.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Officers complain about lack of discipline while themselves engaging in cruel and cowardly behavior, and reminisce about past abuses as if they were virtues.

### Individual vs. Institution

Romashov stands alone against the entrenched brutality of Captain Sliva and the military system, risking punishment for his moral stance.

## Character check-ins

### Sublieutenant Romashov

Oversleeps and is late for drill; feels shame and disgust; confronts Captain Sliva over the maltreatment of soldiers.

### Captain Sliva

A harsh, barbaric officer who humiliates Romashov for being late and defends brutal discipline; threatens Romashov for his insubordination.

### Lieutenant Viätkin

Advises Romashov to be careful with Sliva; participates in the officers' conversation about old military practices.

### Sub-Ensign Lbov

Present at the drill and later joins the conversation among officers.

### Lieutenant Artschakovski

Mentioned by Romashov in a recollection of being insulted and ordered to stand up when speaking to a superior.

### Lieutenant-Colonel Liech

Mentioned as having intervened when Romashov was being berated by Artschakovski.

## Key lines

> Captain Sliva had a habit then of celebrating the victim’s advent by forming the whole company into line, and, in a sharp voice, commanding “Attention!” After this he took up a position opposite the front rank, and in deathlike silence waited, watch in hand and motionless, while the unpunctual officer, crushed with shame, sought his place in the line.

Sliva would publicly humiliate late officers by forming the company and making them wait in silence, watch in hand, intensifying their shame.

_Illustrates Sliva's cruel method of discipline._

> “If ever I see you maltreat a soldier I will report it at once to the commander of the regiment.”

Romashov threatens to report Sliva for abusing soldiers.

_Shows Romashov's defiance and moral stand against brutality._

> “There’s no honour in striking a soldier,” exclaimed Romashov, in a muffled voice. Up to this he had been merely a silent listener. “One can’t hit a man who is not allowed to raise a hand in self-defence. It is as cowardly as it is cruel.”

Romashov argues that hitting a defenseless soldier is both cowardly and dishonorable.

_Highlights Romashov's ethical opposition to the prevailing military culture._

## Links

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