# Chapter XXIII explained — The Duel

> Chapter companion for The Duel by Aleksandr Kuprin.

## What happens

The duel between Lieutenant Nikoläiev and Sublieutenant Romashov takes place in Oakwood. Romashov is shot high on the right side, falls into a swoon, and dies from internal hemorrhage within five minutes. Staff-Captain Ditz reports the events to the regimental commander.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and the Duel

The duel is conducted according to prescribed conditions, with seconds and a formal report, yet results in Romashov's death, highlighting the deadly consequences of the honor code.

### Futility of Violence

The duel ends in a matter of minutes with Romashov's death, underscoring the senselessness and tragic outcome of resorting to violence.

## Character check-ins

### Sublieutenant Romashov

The duel's loser; shot and dies from internal hemorrhage.

### Lieutenant Nikoläiev

The duel's winner; fires the fatal shot and awaits a return fire that never comes.

### Staff-Captain Ditz

Author of the official report; serves as a second for Nikoläiev and arranges the duel.

### Lieutenant Biek-Agamalov

Serves as a second for Romashov.

### Lieutenant Viätkin

Serves as a second for Romashov.

## Key lines

> The duel was decided in the space of one minute ten seconds, including the time for placing the parties and giving the signal.

The entire duel, from positioning to the signal, lasted just seventy seconds.

_Highlights the brevity and swift fatal outcome of the encounter._

> Sublieutenant Romashov, on being carried to his carriage, fell into a deep swoon, and died in five minutes through internal hæmorrhage.

Romashov lost consciousness while being moved to the carriage and succumbed to internal bleeding within five minutes.

_Emphasizes the rapid and irreversible nature of his death._

## Links

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