The Little Demon · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Little Demon by Fyodor Sologub.
Chapter 1
Translators’ Preface
The translators' preface introduces the novel The Little Demon as a fusion of comedy and tragedy, comparing it to Gogol's Dead Souls. It argues that the protagonist Peredonov is a universal character found everywhere, not just in Russia. The preface discusses the novel's exploration of inner evil, the symbolic Nedotikomka, and the contrasting Sasha-Liudmilla episode. It also notes the challenges of translating the work's slang, puns, and descriptive prose.
Chapter 2
Author's Preface to the Second Russian Edition, 1908
Sologub introduces his novel The Little Demon, explaining its composition history from 1892 to 1902 and its publication in 1905 and 1907. He addresses two critical responses: one claiming the novel is a self-portrait of the author as a wicked man, and another viewing Peredonovshchina as a widespread phenomenon. Sologub endorses the latter, asserting that the novel is a mirror of his contemporaries, reflecting both monstrous and beautiful aspects with precision.
Chapter 3
Author's Preface to the Fifth Russian Edition, 1909
In this preface, the author reflects on rumors about Peredonov's fate after his confinement for killing Volodin. Some say he was released and joined the police or became a literary critic, while others claim a different Peredonov served. Varvara allegedly convinced the Princess Volchanskaya to take interest in Peredonov's case. The author expresses skepticism but promises to report further if reliable information emerges.
Chapter 4
Dialogue to the Seventh Russian Edition, 1913
A brief dialogue between the author and his soul, reflecting on the hate and abuse directed at the author of 'The Little Demon.' The soul is dismayed by the hostility, but the author suggests the hate stems from fear of his frankness and truth. The soul is portrayed as a refined, European figure out of place in a crude, provincial setting.
Chapter 5
Author's Introduction to the English Edition
Fyodor Sologub expresses both pride and apprehension about the English translation of his novel, warning readers not to see it as a mere portrayal of Russian life but as a universal exploration of the human inclination towards evil, loneliness, and the tragic path to madness and death.
Chapter 6
The Little Demon
Peredonov descends further into paranoia and madness, haunted by the elusive nedotikomka and increasingly suspicious of everyone around him. His delusions intensify as he perceives threats from all sides, leading to erratic behavior and violent outbursts.
Chapter 7
I
After Mass, the townspeople disperse, revealing a veneer of peace that belies underlying tensions. Peredonov claims Princess Volchanskaya promised him an inspector's job if he marries his cousin Varvara, but friends like Routilov and Vershina express skepticism and encourage him to consider other women, including Routilov's sisters or Vershina's ward Marta. Peredonov wavers between fear of Varvara's reaction and desire for advancement, while Vershina subtly manipulates him.
Chapter 8
II
Peredonov returns home to Varvara, who is preparing jam tarts. He suspects her of poisoning his coffee and taunts her about the Princess's promise and his intention to marry Marta. After spitting in her face, Volodin arrives and they discuss a recipe for erli, which fuels Peredonov's paranoid suspicion that Volodin wants to poison him and steal his job. Volodin recounts a confrontation with Veriga over a hat. Prepolovenskaya visits and teases Volodin about marrying Varvara, leading to further tension. The drunken landlady Ershova bursts in, demanding to be treated like a lady, and Varvara and Peredonov try to manage her.
Chapter 9
III
Peredonov and Ershova dance wildly in the yard, then Peredonov returns inside where Volodin has vandalized the landlady's parlour with a noose and paper. They perform a mock funeral and dance a quadrille. Peredonov throws money at Varvara for a wedding dress. Later, Varvara consults Grushina about a new servant and secretly plots to forge a letter from Princess Volchanskaya to secure Peredonov's promotion.
Chapter 10
IV
Peredonov waits in the dark garden for the Routilov sisters, changing his mind repeatedly about which sister he wants to marry—first Valeria, then Liudmilla, then Darya—before ultimately deciding to abandon the marriage plan altogether, suspecting Routilov of bewitching him and performing a counter-charm. The sisters mock him as he leaves.
Chapter 11
V
Peredonov, paranoid about being reported for possessing forbidden books, hides them in the stove. He plays cards poorly, losing to the Prepolovenskys who cheat. He obsesses over enemies who might block his inspectorship, including Volodin, the Routilovs, and Vershina. He mocks Volodin about his failed proposal to Marta. Later, after a tense walk with Routilov, he returns home to find visitors, drinks vodka, and remains suspicious and irritable.
Chapter 12
VI
Peredonov visits Vershina's garden and is persuaded to accompany Marta and Vladya to their village. During the cart ride, he makes offensive remarks about Poles, Jews, and Russians, insults Marta's appearance, and threatens Vladya with punishment from his father. Vladya tries to appease Peredonov but is humiliated and frightened.
Chapter 13
VII
Peredonov, paranoid and suspicious, attends church and interacts with schoolboys and colleagues, then receives a forged letter from the Princess promising him the inspector position. He shows it to Vershina, who questions its authenticity, leading Peredonov to doubt and demand the envelope from Varvara, who claims she burned it. He decides to begin visiting important townspeople to secure his position.
Chapter 14
Chapter VIII
Peredonov visits the Mayor, Skouchayev, to seek his support against the rumors and slanders spreading about him, including accusations of not attending church and living immorally with Varvara. Skouchayev, though initially suspicious, is flattered by Peredonov's visit and agrees to vouch for him if needed. The chapter also introduces Tishkov, a man who compulsively rhymes in conversation.
Chapter 15
IX
Peredonov visits District Attorney Avinovitsky to discuss his fears of enemies and rumors that might jeopardize his inspector appointment. Avinovitsky offers protection and suspects blackmail, while Peredonov suspects Grushina. The chapter also depicts Peredonov's daily routine of visits and billiards, his indecision about marrying Varvara, and a dinner conversation where Avinovitsky rants about class and ancestry.
Chapter 16
Chapter X
Peredonov visits Ivan Kirillov and the Marshal of the Nobility, Aleksandr Veriga, seeking support for an inspector position and attempting to counter rumors about himself. He fails to gain clear assurances and feels oppressed by the evasiveness and complexity of the conversations.
Chapter 17
XI
Peredonov visits the Police Commissioner Minchukov to complain about rumors and insinuate that young officials, including Volodin, are plotting against him. Meanwhile, Varvara learns from Grushina that the new student Sasha Pilnikov is rumored to be a girl in disguise. Varvara tells Peredonov, who becomes curious. At home, a conflict erupts over missing raisins, which Peredonov secretly ate, but he blames the servant Klavdia.
Chapter 18
XII
Peredonov attends Vespers in the school chapel, obsessively watching the students and misinterpreting their behavior. He fixates on Sasha Pilnikov, who appears girlish to him. After Vespers, he avoids home and wanders the streets, feeling paranoid and haunted by the nedotikomka. He visits Sasha's lodgings, where he interrogates the boy and threatens to report him to the Headmaster. Meanwhile, Cherepnin and Volodin arrange to tar Vershina's gate, and Peredonov later informs Vershina of the vandalism.
Chapter 19
XIII
Peredonov visits Headmaster Khripatch to accuse Sasha Pilnikov of being a disguised girl, claiming it will demoralize the school. Khripatch dismisses the accusation with mechanical laughter but Peredonov spreads the rumor among colleagues, causing doubt. Khripatch later questions Sasha about his fatigue during gymnastics, leading Sasha to cry in confusion.
Chapter 20
XIV
Liudmilla Routilov, driven by curiosity and the rumor that Sasha Pilnikov is a disguised girl, visits Kokovkina's home to see him. She flirts with Sasha, teases him, and later describes him to her sisters as a real boy. The chapter ends with Liudmilla's erotic dreams about Sasha, confirming her passionate infatuation.
Chapter 21
XV
Peredonov and Volodin visit Nadezhda Adamenko to propose marriage on Volodin's behalf. The proposal is awkward and comical, with Peredonov acting as matchmaker and Volodin making a clumsy declaration. Nadezhda, amused and offended, rejects the proposal, citing her brother Misha's objections. Volodin threatens to stop tutoring Misha but later reconsiders. After the rejection, Peredonov grows paranoid about Volodin's loyalty and fears plots with Varvara.
Chapter 22
XVI
Liudmilla, obsessed with Sasha, devises a plan to meet him alone by having her sisters detain Kokovkina after Mass. She visits Sasha, scents him with lilac perfume, and begins a pattern of frequent visits. Their friendship grows intimate, awakening premature desires in Sasha, who becomes close with all three sisters.
Chapter 23
XVII
Liudmilla's sensual and playful relationship with Sasha deepens as she brings him to her home, feeds him dates, introduces him to perfumes, and engages in wrestling and tickling. The chapter explores her innocent yet provocative desires and Sasha's bewitched compliance.
Chapter 24
XVIII
Peredonov, caught in the rain, seeks shelter at the home of the notary Goudayevsky, where he complains about the son Antosha's behavior. The parents argue violently over disciplining the boy, and Peredonov is drawn into the fray. Later, Julia Goudayevskaya sends him a note asking for help punishing Antosha while her husband is away. Peredonov visits her at night, and after a secret encounter, returns home morose and paranoid, suspecting Varvara of bewitching him. He dreams a disturbing dream involving Pilnikov and a cat.
Chapter 25
XIX
Peredonov's erratic behavior alarms Headmaster Khripatch, who consults the school physician and confronts Peredonov about noisy lessons and grade discrepancies. After the confrontation, Peredonov is followed by the vengeful student Kramarenko, who calls him a scoundrel. Later, Peredonov encounters Vershina and visits her home, where he observes Mourin courting Marta with a generous gift of a hundred-rouble note.
Chapter 26
XX
Peredonov is assaulted by Goudayevsky at the club, then summoned by the headmaster for his misconduct. Varvara steals and burns the first forged letter. Peredonov blinds the eyes of all court cards in a paranoid fit. Ershova, through a sorceress and a red-haired boy, returns the cursed hat to Peredonov's household, terrifying him.
Chapter 27
Chapter XXI
Peredonov visits Vershina and Marta, revealing a letter from the Princess that confirms his marriage to Varvara, dashing Vershina's hopes for Marta. Marta feels relieved. Later, Peredonov encounters a policeman and Volodin, then returns home to find a cat with rattles sent by Irishka, causing alarm. He obsessively guards the Princess's letter and boasts about becoming an inspector.
Chapter 28
XXIII
Peredonov, consumed by paranoia and rivalry with Volodin, attempts to have his hair styled in the 'Spanish style' but is thwarted by the hairdresser. He marries Varvara in a tense, chaotic ceremony attended by mocking friends and uninvited drunkards led by Mourin. After the wedding, Varvara grows more assertive, and they make awkward social visits, while Peredonov remains haunted by the nedotikomka and fears Volodin will replace him.
Chapter 29
Chapter XXIV
Peredonov's paranoia deepens as he fears the nedotikomka and imagines enemies everywhere. He and Varvara anxiously await return visits from the town's elite, especially the Headmaster and his wife. Peredonov's irrational fears lead him to hide knives and avoid meat. He fabricates scandalous stories about the Princess to Routilov and Volodin, while also suspecting her of plotting against him. The Headmaster and his wife finally visit, but their condescending attitude leaves Varvara feeling inadequate and uncertain about their social standing.
Chapter 30
Chapter XXV
Peredonov's paranoia intensifies as he becomes convinced that the Princess is hiding in playing cards and that spies are everywhere. He burns the cards, sees the Princess rise from the flames, smears glue on the floor to trap the nedotikomka, writes denunciations, splits a table with an axe, cuts the heads off court cards, stabs the wallpaper with an awl believing he has killed a spy, and sets traps around the house. He also writes a letter to the Princess expressing a cold, corpse-like love.
Chapter 31
XXVI
Sasha is fascinated by Liudmilla, experiencing a mix of shame, fear, and impatience. They go for a walk where Liudmilla provocatively shows her feet and stockings, leading Sasha to kiss her feet. Later, Liudmilla dresses Sasha in various costumes, including women's clothes and a fisher-boy tunic, and they engage in intimate, sensual play. Liudmilla expresses her pagan love for beauty and the naked body, while Sasha becomes increasingly comfortable with her advances.
Chapter 32
XXVII
Peredonov's madness deepens as he hallucinates and slanders colleagues, students, and townspeople. He fixates on Sasha Pilnikov, accusing him of immoral relations with Liudmilla, while the townspeople gossip but increasingly dismiss Peredonov as insane. The Headmaster advises Peredonov to stay home, and denunciations are sent to the District. Peredonov clings to Volodin, broods over murder, and writes absurd denunciations, haunted by the nedotikomka and other apparitions.
Chapter 33
XXVIII
Sasha is discovered by his landlady Kokovkina while cross-dressing at Liudmilla's house. Kokovkina scolds him but is eventually softened. Meanwhile, Varvara and Grushina send an anonymous letter to the headmaster Khripatch about Sasha's relationship with Liudmilla. Khripatch investigates, questioning Kokovkina and Sasha, but is uncertain how to proceed. Despite the growing scandal, Sasha sneaks out at night to attend a masked ball at the Routilovs'.
Chapter 34
XXIX
The masked ball at the Club House is a chaotic, drunken affair where costumes range from the absurd to the scandalous. Peredonov sits isolated, perceiving everything as hostile. The Routilov sisters mock him, while Volodin receives a mysterious love letter. Grushina's revealing costume causes a scandal, and Sasha Pilnikov, disguised as a Geisha, becomes the center of attention. Volodin envies others' success, and the evening is marked by theft, drunkenness, and petty rivalries.
Chapter 35
The Masked Ball and the Fire
At the masked ball, the Geisha (Sasha in disguise) is attacked by a mob led by the Ear of Corn and others. Bengalsky rescues her, discovers she is a boy, and takes her to the Routilovs. Meanwhile, Peredonov, haunted by the nedotikomka, sets fire to the Club House, which burns down. Sasha escapes unnoticed, and the town buzzes with gossip about the Geisha and the fire.
Chapter 36
XXXI
Sasha's aunt Ekaterina Ivanovna arrives in town after receiving alarming letters about her nephew. She confronts the Routilov sisters, who skillfully deny any wrongdoing and convince her that the rumors are the work of the mad Peredonov. Liudmilla then visits the Headmaster Khripatch to further defend Sasha, and the chapter ends by noting that a terrible event at the Peredonovs' house will soon confirm the sisters' story.
Chapter 37
XXXII
Peredonov learns from Vershina that the letters from the Princess were forged by Grushina at Varvara's request. Enraged but unable to confront his wife, he becomes increasingly paranoid and haunted by the nedotikomka. He invites Volodin to supper, and during the meal, in a fit of paranoid rage, he slashes Volodin's throat with a knife, killing him.
Chapter 38
Endnotes
This section provides translator's notes and explanations for various cultural, literary, and linguistic references in the text, including Russian folk tales, fables, puns, historical figures, and customs.
