# IX explained — The Little Demon

> Chapter companion for The Little Demon by Fyodor Sologub.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_demon_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_demon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_demon_se/chapters