The Little Demon · Chapter
XV explained
Peredonov and Volodin visit Nadezhda Adamenko to propose marriage on Volodin's behalf.
What happens
Peredonov and Volodin visit Nadezhda Adamenko to propose marriage on Volodin's behalf. The proposal is awkward and comical, with Peredonov acting as matchmaker and Volodin making a clumsy declaration. Nadezhda, amused and offended, rejects the proposal, citing her brother Misha's objections. Volodin threatens to stop tutoring Misha but later reconsiders. After the rejection, Peredonov grows paranoid about Volodin's loyalty and fears plots with Varvara.
Themes in this chapter
Provinciality and Pettiness
The matchmaking scene is marked by petty concerns, awkward social rituals, and trivial grievances.
Hypocrisy and Social Facade
Peredonov and Volodin maintain a solemn facade during the proposal, while their true motives are selfish and manipulative.
Characters to notice
- Peredonov
Acts as matchmaker for Volodin, grows paranoid about Volodin's intentions after the rejection.
- Pavel Volodin
Proposes to Nadezhda awkwardly, is rejected, and later threatens to stop tutoring Misha.
- Nadezhda Adamenko
Rejects Volodin's proposal with amusement and firmness, citing her brother's objections.
- Misha Koudryavtsev
Listens behind the door, teases his sister, and objects to Volodin as a brother-in-law.
Key passages
“I haven't yet come down to begging my bread off anyone, and as you know the only poor devil is the one that hasn't any bread to eat, and as I eat bread, and butter with it, that means I'm not poor.”
Peredonov asserts his self-sufficiency by claiming that since he has bread and butter, he is not poor.
Peredonov's defensive pride and simplistic logic.
“As I am to do the matchmaking, mine is a sober role. I must live up to it. So I must wear a white tie, and you, the lover, should show your flaming feelings.”
Peredonov decides that as matchmaker he should wear a white tie to appear sober, while Volodin should wear a bright tie to express passion.
Peredonov's absurd sense of propriety and role-playing.
“She's waiting for an aristocrat and it doesn't occur to her that there are all sorts of aristocrats—she might be miserable with one of them; but a simple, good man might make her happy.”
Volodin rationalizes his rejection by claiming Nadezhda is waiting for an aristocrat, ignoring that a simple man could make her happy.
Volodin's self-pity and bitterness after rejection.