The Little Demon · Chapter
Chapter X explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Provinciality and Pettiness
The chapter depicts the narrow, gossip-ridden social world of a provincial town, where Peredonov's anxieties about rumors dominate his interactions.
Hypocrisy and Social Facade
Veriga's amiable but cold demeanor and Kirillov's evasiveness illustrate the gap between polite social forms and underlying distrust.
Madness and Paranoia
Peredonov's growing suspicion and feeling of oppression, his inability to understand conversations, and his fixation on imagined threats reflect his paranoid state.
Characters to notice
- Peredonov
Visits Kirillov and Veriga to discuss rumors and his prospects for an inspector position; feels confused and oppressed by the responses.
- Ivan Kirillov
Hosts Peredonov, discusses school-map and inspector position, but is advised by his wife to withhold details about the vacancy.
- Trepetov
Present at Kirillov's, snorts contemptuously during conversation about thinking people and classicism.
- Aleksandr Veriga
Marshal of the Nobility; receives Peredonov in his study, discusses schools and rumors, offers a formal but non-committal response.
- Skobotchkina
Mentioned by Peredonov as a schoolmistress who blows her nose loudly in church and wears a red shirt.
- Madame Shteven
Mentioned by Veriga as author of a book about pupils stealing apples.
Key passages
“Now you can see what goes on in provincial towns. I always said that the one deliverance for thinking people is to join hands—and I’m glad that you’ve come to the same conclusion.”
Trepetov remarks that provincial life is oppressive and that intellectuals must unite, expressing satisfaction that Kirillov agrees.
Trepetov's comment sets the tone of provincial frustration and intellectual isolation.
“I have patrons, but I’m afraid that the Headmaster here will harm my chances—yes, and other people too. All sorts of nonsense is being spread about me.”
Peredonov tells Kirillov he has supporters but fears the Headmaster and others are spreading false rumors that could ruin his prospects.
Peredonov's paranoia about gossip and his need for reassurance are central to his character.
“A Constitution without a Parliament! Do you think it’s practical?”
Veriga questions Peredonov's idea of a constitution without a parliament, finding it impractical.
This exchange highlights Peredonov's confused political views and Veriga's amused skepticism.
“I appreciate the confidence which you have shown me in calling upon my intervention between you and the society in which, according to your information, these detrimental rumours about you are being disseminated.”
Veriga formally acknowledges Peredonov's request for help against rumors, but offers only vague assurances.
Veriga's speech exemplifies the formal, evasive language of social hierarchy.
