# XXVII explained — The Little Demon

> Chapter companion for The Little Demon by Fyodor Sologub.

## What happens

Peredonov's madness deepens as he hallucinates and slanders colleagues, students, and townspeople. He fixates on Sasha Pilnikov, accusing him of immoral relations with Liudmilla, while the townspeople gossip but increasingly dismiss Peredonov as insane. The Headmaster advises Peredonov to stay home, and denunciations are sent to the District. Peredonov clings to Volodin, broods over murder, and writes absurd denunciations, haunted by the nedotikomka and other apparitions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Madness and Paranoia

Peredonov's hallucinations, delusions of persecution, and irrational accusations dominate the chapter, showing his complete mental breakdown.

### Hypocrisy and Social Facade

Townspeople gossip about Liudmilla and Sasha with 'ugly curiosity' while Peredonov's own slanders are increasingly seen as the ravings of a madman.

### Provinciality and Pettiness

The petty gossip, teasing of Sasha, and the town's slow official response highlight the narrow, malicious nature of provincial life.

## Character check-ins

### Peredonov

Descends further into madness, hallucinating, slandering everyone, and obsessing over Sasha and Volodin.

### Sasha Pilnikov

Teased by classmates about Liudmilla; becomes the target of Peredonov's accusations and insults.

### Pavel Volodin

Peredonov's increasingly frequent companion; Volodin boasts of Peredonov's dependence on him.

### Liudmilla

Gossiped about for her affection toward Sasha; she and her family work to discredit Peredonov's rumors.

### Varvara

Observes Peredonov's rage with malicious amusement, believing he is merely angry about being fooled.

### Nikolai Khripatch

The Headmaster advises Peredonov to stay home and reports his mental decline to the District.

## Key lines

> The wild nedotikomka squealed and the people and the beasts looked malignantly and craftily at Peredonov. Everything was hostile to him, he was one against all.

Peredonov feels that everyone and everything, including the supernatural nedotikomka, is conspiring against him.

_Illustrates Peredonov's paranoid worldview._

> Peredonov persisted in telling everyone about Pilnikov's viciousness. 'He's got himself mixed up badly with Liudmillka,' he said.

Peredonov repeatedly spreads accusations that Sasha is involved with Liudmilla.

_Shows Peredonov's obsessive slander._

> Khripatch referred them to his previous reports, and added that the further presence of Peredonov in the gymnasia was a positive danger, as his mental disease was visibly increasing.

The Headmaster tells the District that Peredonov is a danger and his mental illness is worsening.

_Official recognition of Peredonov's insanity._

> Peredonov brooded over murder. He said to Volodin, frowning savagely: 'I've got one hidden behind the wallpaper. And I'm going to kill another under the floor.'

Peredonov hints at having killed someone and plans to kill again, speaking to Volodin.

_Foreshadows Peredonov's eventual murder of Volodin._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_demon_se/chapters/xxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_demon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_little_demon_se/chapters