The Little Demon · Chapter
V explained
Peredonov, paranoid about being reported for possessing forbidden books, hides them in the stove.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Paranoia
Peredonov's irrational fear of being reported for his books, his suspicion of Volodin impersonating him, and his belief that the Headmaster and others conspire against him.
Provinciality and Pettiness
The petty card games with cheating, the obsession with social standing and the inspectorship, and the vulgar gossip among provincial townspeople.
Hypocrisy and Social Facade
Peredonov displays forbidden books to appear emancipated but never reads them; Varvara uses fake remedies to appear plumper to secure marriage.
Characters to notice
- Peredonov
Paranoid about forbidden books, hides them; plays cards badly; fears enemies blocking his inspectorship; mocks Volodin; returns home irritable.
- Varvara
Informs Peredonov about Natashka's job with the gendarmes; uses nettle friction to appear plumper; hosts visitors; distressed by Peredonov's absence.
- Pavel Volodin
Helps Peredonov hide books; plays cards; discusses marriage prospects with Peredonov; mocks Marta.
- Grushina
Confirms Natashka's job; warns about the danger of forbidden books for instructors; visits Varvara daily.
- Prepolovenskaya
Cheats at cards with her husband; advises Varvara on nettle friction; visits Peredonov's home.
- Routilov
Tells indecent anecdotes; taunts Peredonov about pupils' behavior; argues with Peredonov about being a swine; walks with Peredonov.
Key passages
“Peredonov went pale and said: 'I must hide those books or I shall be reported.'”
Peredonov, terrified of being denounced, decides to conceal the books.
Illustrates his paranoia about political denunciation.
“The Prepolovenskys won more frequently than anyone. They had certain signs, like knocks and coughs, by which they told each other what cards they held.”
The Prepolovenskys cheated at cards using secret signals.
Highlights the pettiness and dishonesty in provincial society.
“Peredonov imagined that the Headmaster told the boys not to respect him, which it is obvious was an absurd invention of his own.”
Peredonov falsely believed the Headmaster was turning the students against him.
Demonstrates his paranoid delusions.