# XXXII explained — The Little Demon

> Chapter companion for The Little Demon by Fyodor Sologub.

## What happens

Peredonov learns from Vershina that the letters from the Princess were forged by Grushina at Varvara's request. Enraged but unable to confront his wife, he becomes increasingly paranoid and haunted by the nedotikomka. He invites Volodin to supper, and during the meal, in a fit of paranoid rage, he slashes Volodin's throat with a knife, killing him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Madness and Paranoia

Peredonov's descent into paranoid delusion culminates in the murder of Volodin, driven by irrational fears and hallucinations.

### Pervasive Evil

Vershina's malicious revelation, Varvara's complicity, and Peredonov's violent act illustrate the inescapable malevolence in the town.

### Hypocrisy and Social Facade

The townspeople's knowledge of the forgery contrasts with their pretense of normalcy, and the supper's joviality masks deadly intent.

## Character check-ins

### Peredonov

Learns of the forgery, becomes consumed by rage and paranoia, and murders Volodin.

### Natalya Vershina

Lures Peredonov into the garden and reveals the truth about the forged letters with malicious joy.

### Pavel Volodin

Invited to supper by Peredonov, becomes drunk and arrogant, and is murdered by Peredonov.

### Varvara

Smiles knowingly during the supper, participates in taunting Peredonov, and flees in horror after the murder.

### Klavdia

Summoned by Peredonov to keep watch, later discovers the murder and wails in alarm.

## Key lines

> I want you to know the truth,” mumbled Vershina, as she looked quickly at Peredonov, and then turned away her black eyes.

Vershina hesitantly tells Peredonov she wants to reveal the truth to him.

_Vershina's indirect and fearful manner of speaking reflects her caution and malicious intent._

> Why, all the town knows that they were fabricated by Grushina at your wife’s request; the Princess knows nothing about it.

Vershina bluntly states that the letters were forged by Grushina on Varvara's orders, and the Princess is unaware.

_This revelation shatters Peredonov's delusion and triggers his rage._

> Peredonov quickly pulled out his knife, threw himself on Volodin, and slashed him across his throat.

Peredonov suddenly draws a knife and cuts Volodin's throat.

_The murder is impulsive and violent, driven by Peredonov's paranoid belief that Volodin is an enemy._

## Links

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