The Duel · Chapter
XXI explained
More than three months after the duel, Von Koren prepares to depart by steamer.
What happens
More than three months after the duel, Von Koren prepares to depart by steamer. He visits Laevsky and Nadyezhda Fyodorovna to say goodbye, acknowledging his past mistake about Laevsky's character. Laevsky has transformed, working diligently to pay off debts and living modestly. Von Koren departs with admiration for Laevsky's change, and Laevsky reflects on the search for truth, comparing life to a boat struggling against the waves.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Transformation
Laevsky's dramatic change after the duel—working diligently, paying debts, and living modestly—demonstrates personal redemption, admired by Von Koren.
Determinism vs. Personal Responsibility
Laevsky's reflection on life as a boat making 'two steps forward and one step back' explores the tension between external forces and personal will in the search for truth.
Intellectual Pretension and Hypocrisy
Von Koren admits his past mistake about Laevsky, acknowledging that 'nobody knows the real truth,' which undercuts his earlier dogmatic certainty.
Characters to notice
- Von Koren
Departs by steamer, visits Laevsky to say goodbye and admits his past error, showing admiration for Laevsky's transformation.
- Ivan Andreitch Laevsky
Has transformed after the duel, working hard to pay debts and living modestly; receives Von Koren's farewell and reflects on the search for truth.
- Nadyezhda Fyodorovna
Appears shy and guilty when saying goodbye to Von Koren, holding her hands like a scolded schoolgirl.
- Samoylenko
Accompanies Von Koren to the harbor, expresses concern about the stormy weather, and later speaks of Laevsky's hard work.
- Kerbalay
Mentioned as the orderly carrying portmanteaus and assisting with the departure.
Key passages
“Don't remember evil against me, Ivan Andreitch. To forget the past is, of course, impossible—it is too painful, and I've not come here to apologise or to declare that I was not to blame.”
Von Koren asks Laevsky not to hold a grudge, acknowledging the past is too painful to forget, but clarifies he is not apologizing or denying responsibility.
Von Koren's farewell speech, showing his attempt at reconciliation without renouncing his earlier convictions.
“In the search for truth man makes two steps forward and one step back. Suffering, mistakes, and weariness of life thrust them back, but the thirst for truth and stubborn will drive them on and on.”
Laevsky reflects that progress toward truth is slow and often reversed by hardship, but perseverance and desire for truth keep one moving forward.
Laevsky's philosophical meditation while watching Von Koren's boat struggle against the waves.