# XVI explained — The Duel

> Chapter companion for The Duel by Aleksandr Kuprin.

## What happens

Romashov endures a tedious day of military drill and instruction, engaging in a philosophical debate with Viätkin about the futility of war and the emptiness of military life. He observes the harsh treatment of soldiers like Khliabnikov and the absurdity of the lessons, leading him to question his own place in the service. After drill, he drinks heavily with Viätkin, weeping over his miserable life and unrequited love, before collapsing into a drunken stupor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Military Life

The chapter portrays military drill as tedious, dehumanizing, and absurd, with Romashov questioning the very purpose of war and the service.

### Alienation and Loneliness

Romashov feels isolated and misunderstood, weeping about his empty life and unrequited love, while Viätkin dismisses his philosophical musings.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The harsh treatment of soldiers like Khliabnikov and the tension between the educated volunteer Fokin and the noncommissioned officer Shapovalenko highlight class and rank divisions.

## Character check-ins

### Sublieutenant Romashov

Romashov is deeply disillusioned, questioning the purpose of war and military life, and drinks heavily with Viätkin, weeping over his empty existence.

### Lieutenant Viätkin

Viätkin engages Romashov in debate about war and duty, dismissing his philosophy, and later drinks with him, expressing contemptuous pity.

### Khliabnikov

Khliabnikov is a pitiful soldier who struggles to answer questions during drill, facing harsh treatment from noncommissioned officers.

### Shapovalenko

Shapovalenko conducts the drill lesson with severity, mocking the volunteer Fokin and threatening Khliabnikov with punishment.

### Volunteer Fokin

Fokin, a university-educated volunteer, calmly corrects Shapovalenko's error about the Colours, showing quiet defiance.

### Captain Sliva

Sliva oversees the drill with coarse remarks and fault-finding, moving from platoon to platoon.

## Key lines

> What is war after all? ... Perhaps it is nothing more than a mistake made by all, a universal error, a madness. Do you mean to tell me that it is natural to kill?

Romashov suggests that war is a collective mistake and madness, questioning the naturalness of killing.

_This reflects Romashov's growing disillusionment with military life and the morality of violence._

> If I thought that, I would not stay in the service.

Viätkin implies that if Romashov truly believed his own criticisms, he should leave the army.

_This highlights the tension between personal conscience and institutional duty._

> Shall I throw it all up? Shall I leave the service? I don’t know what to do!

Romashov internally debates whether to resign from the military, feeling trapped and uncertain.

_This captures Romashov's existential crisis and desire for escape._

## Links

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