The Little Demon · Chapter
IX explained
Peredonov visits District Attorney Avinovitsky to discuss his fears of enemies and rumors that might jeopardize his inspector appointment.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Paranoia
Peredonov's confused fears, suspicion of Grushina, and belief that everyone is plotting against him exemplify his paranoid state.
Hypocrisy and Social Facade
Avinovitsky's loud, angry demeanor and his protection of Peredonov contrast with the underlying corruption and gossip in the town.
Provinciality and Pettiness
The dreary town, petty gossip, and Peredonov's obsession with his inspector appointment illustrate the narrow, trivial concerns of provincial life.
Characters to notice
- Peredonov
Visits Avinovitsky to complain about enemies and rumors; suspects Grushina; tormented by fears and indecision about marriage.
- Avinovitsky
District Attorney who receives Peredonov, offers protection, rants about class and ancestry, and suspects blackmail.
- Grushina
Mentioned as a suspected enemy who might be spreading rumors or attempting blackmail.
- Varvara
At home, uses persuasion to urge Peredonov to marry her, but he remains indecisive.
- Natalya Vershina
Entices Peredonov with invitations to play billiards.
- Routilov
Praises his sisters to Peredonov as part of the ongoing matchmaking efforts.
Key passages
“His feelings were dull, and his consciousness was a corrupting and deadening apparatus. All that reached his consciousness became transformed into abomination and filth.”
Peredonov's mind twists everything into something vile and disgusting.
Highlights Peredonov's corrupted perception of the world.
“Ancestry is a big thing... for the muzhiks to enter the aristocracy is stupid, absurd, impractical and immoral.”
Avinovitsky argues that peasants should not be allowed to rise into the nobility.
Reflects the class prejudices of the time.