The Little Demon · Chapter
Translators’ Preface explained
The translators' preface introduces the novel The Little Demon as a fusion of comedy and tragedy, comparing it to Gogol's Dead Souls.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Universality of Human Flaw
The preface argues that Peredonov is a universal character found in Russia, England, America, and everywhere, transcending national boundaries.
Pervasive Evil
The preface discusses the kingdom of evil within, and how Peredonov's inner spirit creates the Nedotikomka as a symbol of the world's evil forces.
Provinciality and Pettiness
The preface describes the novel as a criticism of the state of petty 'provinciality' into which human conscience has fallen.
Corruption of Innocence
The preface notes that even the idyllic Sasha-Liudmilla love episode becomes obscured and affected by the surrounding atmosphere of lies.
Characters to notice
- Peredonov
Described as a universal character, a tragicomic figure whose pettiness is gigantic and who embodies the kingdom of evil within.
- Pavel Volodin
Mentioned alongside Peredonov as a character type also found in London literary circles.
- Sasha Pilnikov
Referenced as part of the beautiful Sasha-Liudmilla episode that contrasts with the Peredonovian atmosphere.
- Liudmilla
Referenced as part of the beautiful Sasha-Liudmilla episode that contrasts with the Peredonovian atmosphere.
Key passages
“The Little Demon is a successful and almost imperceptible merging of comedy with tragedy.”
The novel seamlessly blends comedic and tragic elements.
Opening statement defining the novel's tone.
“In spite of its 'local colour' and its portrayal of small town life in Russia, this novel has the world for its stage, and its chief actor, Peredonov, is a universal character.”
Though set in a Russian small town, the novel's protagonist is a universal figure.
Emphasizes the novel's universal appeal beyond its Russian setting.
“The Kingdom of God is within you. So is the kingdom of evil. That is the great truth of The Little Demon.”
The novel's core truth is that both good and evil reside within each person.
Central thematic statement about inner good and evil.
“The beautiful Sasha-Liudmilla episode relieves the Peredonovian atmosphere as a dab of vermilion relieves grey.”
The Sasha-Liudmilla episode provides a bright contrast to the oppressive mood.
Describes the contrasting effect of the romantic subplot.