The Duel · Chapter
Chapter XI: The Name-Day Invitation and the Visit to Colonel Brehm explained
On April 22, Romashov receives a name-day invitation from Shurochka for a picnic at Dubetschnaia, but his extreme poverty and lack of funds cause him anxiety.
What happens
On April 22, Romashov receives a name-day invitation from Shurochka for a picnic at Dubetschnaia, but his extreme poverty and lack of funds cause him anxiety. He desperately seeks a loan, considering and rejecting various officers, and finally decides to visit the eccentric Lieutenant-Colonel Rafalski, known as 'Colonel Brehm,' who keeps a menagerie. Romashov hopes to borrow money from him, but the chapter ends with Rafalski distracted by his aquarium and the rumored regiment relocation.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
Romashov's desperate search for a loan among fellow officers illustrates the financial pecking order and social pressures within the regiment.
Alienation and Loneliness
Romashov's isolation is evident as he struggles alone with his poverty, unable to confide in anyone, and even his visit to Rafalski is driven by need rather than friendship.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The officers' disdain for Rafalski's eccentricity and the mockery of Doroshenko's wound reveal the hypocritical and cruel nature of military social circles.
Characters to notice
- Sublieutenant Romashov
Desperately poor and anxious about borrowing money for Shurochka's name-day; visits Rafalski to seek a loan.
- Shurochka
Sends Romashov a name-day invitation to a picnic at Dubetschnaia, causing him both joy and financial distress.
- Lieutenant Nikoläiev
Mentioned as Shurochka's husband; his servant Stepan delivers the invitation.
- Colonel Rafalski
Eccentric commander of the 4th Battalion, known as 'Colonel Brehm,' keeps a menagerie; Romashov visits him to borrow money.
- Hainán
Romashov's servant, who shares his poverty and helps him with the morning coffee.
- Captain Osadchi
Considered by Romashov as a potential lender but rejected due to his brutal expression.
- Captain Taliman
Dismissed as a possible lender because he himself borrows constantly.
- Staff-Captain Doroshenko
The regimental paymaster, known for being disobliging; Romashov decides he will not advance any pay.
Key passages
“The letter trembled in Romashov's hands as he read it. For a whole week he had not once seen Shurochka's saucy, smiling, bewitching face; had not felt the delicious enchantment he always experienced in her presence.”
Romashov's hands shook as he read the letter, realizing he hadn't seen Shurochka's captivating face for a week and missed her enchanting presence.
Highlights Romashov's emotional dependence on Shurochka and his joy at the invitation.
“Romashov stared at his trusty servant with a look of absolute helplessness. Hainán returned his look with a broad grin of delight. 'No more have I either, your Excellency. You have nothing, and I have nothing—what's to be done? Nichevó!'”
Romashov looked helplessly at Hainán, who grinned and said they both had no money, so nothing could be done.
Illustrates the shared poverty between Romashov and his servant, and the resigned attitude of 'nichevó' (nothing).
“He was just about to despair altogether when suddenly a new name sprang up in his head—Lieutenant-Colonel Rafalski. 'Rafalski! What an ass I am! Hainán, my coat, gloves, cap. Make haste!'”
Just as Romashov was about to give up hope, he remembered Lieutenant-Colonel Rafalski and rushed to get ready to visit him.
Shows Romashov's sudden inspiration and urgency to seek a loan from the eccentric colonel.
