The Little Demon · Chapter
XVI explained
Liudmilla, obsessed with Sasha, devises a plan to meet him alone by having her sisters detain Kokovkina after Mass.
What happens
Liudmilla, obsessed with Sasha, devises a plan to meet him alone by having her sisters detain Kokovkina after Mass. She visits Sasha, scents him with lilac perfume, and begins a pattern of frequent visits. Their friendship grows intimate, awakening premature desires in Sasha, who becomes close with all three sisters.
Themes in this chapter
Desire and Obsession
Liudmilla's all-consuming thoughts of Sasha, her dreams, and her elaborate schemes to be alone with him illustrate her obsessive desire.
Corruption of Innocence
Liudmilla's actions awaken premature and vague desires in Sasha, corrupting his youthful innocence.
Characters to notice
- Liudmilla
Obsessed with Sasha, she schemes to meet him alone, scents him, and initiates a pattern of intimate visits.
- Sasha Pilnikov
Becomes the object of Liudmilla's attention, enjoys her company, and begins to develop premature desires.
- Olga Kokovkina
Detained by Liudmilla's sisters after Mass, allowing Liudmilla to visit Sasha alone.
- Darya
One of Liudmilla's sisters, helps in the plot and later teases Liudmilla about her cowardice.
- Valeria Routilov
Another sister, participates in the greeting and kisses Sasha, but shows less interest in him.
Key passages
“The dark-eyed boy occupied all Liudmilla’s thoughts. She often talked about him with her own family and with acquaintances, sometimes unseasonably.”
Liudmilla was completely preoccupied with the dark-eyed boy, frequently discussing him with family and friends, even at inappropriate times.
Highlights Liudmilla's obsession with Sasha.
“Liudmilla loved perfumes, ordered them from Peterburg and consumed a great deal of them.”
Liudmilla had a passion for perfumes, which she ordered from St. Petersburg and used abundantly.
Shows Liudmilla's refined tastes and her use of scent as a tool of seduction.
“Without noticing it herself Liudmilla had awakened in Sasha premature though as yet vague inclinations and desires.”
Unconsciously, Liudmilla stirred in Sasha early and indistinct romantic and sexual feelings.
Indicates the theme of corruption of innocence.