The Secret City · Chapter
XIX explained
Durward, paralyzed by a sense of impending danger and self-distrust, spends a fortnight in seclusion after Lawrence vanishes into the snow.
What happens
Durward, paralyzed by a sense of impending danger and self-distrust, spends a fortnight in seclusion after Lawrence vanishes into the snow. He receives an invitation to Nina's eighteenth birthday party and embarks on a quest for the perfect gift, wandering through Petrograd's shops—from a jewel merchant to the English Shop—before finding a mother-of-pearl and silver box in the Jews' Market. Amid the chaotic, Eastern-flavored crowd, he is struck by a vision of a menacing crimson sun and then encounters Semyonov emerging from the church.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Uncertainty
Durward's obsession with approaching danger and the sense that in Russia 'the smallest action achieved monstrous proportions' reflects the theme of fate and uncertainty.
Class and Social Contrast
The contrast between the elegant shops of the Morskaia and Nevski and the chaotic, Eastern Jews' Market highlights class and social divisions.
Characters to notice
- M. Durward
Narrator; obsessed with danger, struggles with inaction, searches for a birthday gift for Nina.
- Jerry Lawrence
Mentioned as having vanished into the snow; Durward has not seen him for a fortnight.
- Vera Michailovna
Mentioned as not seen by Durward for a fortnight; she sends the invitation to Nina's party.
- Nina Michailovna
Turns eighteen; sends a playful note to Durward insisting he attend her birthday party.
- Alexei Petrovitch Semyonov
Seen by Durward at the Jews' Market, advancing from the church and waving.
Key passages
“From the moment that Lawrence left me, vanishing into the heart of the snow and ice, I was obsessed by a conviction of approaching danger and peril.”
Ever since Lawrence disappeared into the snowy landscape, Durward has been haunted by a sense of imminent threat.
Durward's opening reflection on his anxiety after Lawrence's departure.
“On the 20th of February I received an invitation to Nina’s birthday party. She would be eighteen on the 28th.”
Durward got an invitation on February 20th for Nina's eighteenth birthday party, which would be on the 28th.
Sets the date and occasion for the chapter's action.
“With a sudden flash of inspiration I realised that it was in the Jews’ Market that I would find what I wanted.”
Durward suddenly thought that the Jews' Market would have the perfect gift for Nina.
Durward's decision to go to the market after failing in other shops.
“I turned away and then saw, advancing towards me, as though he had just come from the church, pushing his way, and waving a friendly hand to me, Semyonov.”
Durward turned and saw Semyonov approaching from the church, waving in a friendly manner.
The chapter ends with Durward spotting Semyonov in the market square.