Under Western Eyes · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Razumov meets Tekla, who offers to serve him in dangerous revolutionary work, and warns him about Peter Ivanovitch's desire to control Nathalie Haldin.
What happens
Razumov meets Tekla, who offers to serve him in dangerous revolutionary work, and warns him about Peter Ivanovitch's desire to control Nathalie Haldin. He then confronts Peter Ivanovitch, declaring himself a tool for a unique mission, and is instructed to bring Nathalie to the revolutionary circle. Later, Madame de S—— demands Razumov bring the 'wild young thing' to her, and Razumov reveals he has seen a phantom of a living person he hated.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Identity
Tekla describes herself as a 'nameless Russian' with no one to talk to; Razumov feels a split self and struggles with moral resistance.
The Role of Women
Tekla offers to serve as a carrier of documents and endure torture; Madame de S—— vaticinates about women's role in liberation; Peter Ivanovitch insists women are essential.
Truth and Falsehood
Razumov plays a role of scorn and derision with Peter Ivanovitch, while internally feeling disgust and unease; he speaks of being 'confessed' but withholds full truth.
Characters to notice
- Razumov
Feels observed by Peter Ivanovitch, struggles with moral resistance, and experiences a sense of a separate self.
- Tekla
Offers to follow Razumov, carry dangerous documents, and endure torture; warns him about Peter Ivanovitch's need to control disciples.
- Peter Ivanovitch
Waits behind spectacles to read Razumov, seizes his hands, and instructs him to bring Nathalie Haldin.
- Miss Haldin
Referred to as the sister of Haldin, a young girl leading a retired life with her mother; Peter Ivanovitch and Madame de S—— want Razumov to bring her to them.
- Madame de S
Rigid and hate-filled, demands extirpation of one family; insists Razumov bring Nathalie Haldin to her, and questions him about a phantom he saw.
Key passages
“No one is told my name. No one cares. No one talks to me, no one writes to me. My parents don’t even know if I’m alive. I have no use for a name, and I have almost forgotten it myself.”
Tekla laments her complete anonymity and isolation, stating that no one knows or cares about her existence.
Highlights the theme of isolation and the namelessness of many Russians.
“I could follow you, carrying anything that was wanted—at a distance, you know. Or I could watch for hours at the corner of a street if necessary—in wet or snow—yes, I could—all day long. Or I could write for you dangerous documents, lists of names or instructions, so that in case of mischance the handwriting could not compromise you.”
Tekla offers to serve Razumov as a covert helper, willing to carry items, keep watch, or write incriminating documents.
Illustrates the role of women as self-sacrificing supporters in revolutionary activities.
“I have been impelled, compelled, or rather sent—let us say sent—towards you for a work that no one but myself can do. You would call it a harmless delusion: a ridiculous delusion at which you don’t even smile.”
Razumov tells Peter Ivanovitch that he was driven by an irresistible force to come to him for a unique mission, though he expects it to be dismissed as a delusion.
Shows Razumov's manipulative self-presentation and his inner sense of being a tool.
“As to extirpating, there is only one class in Russia which must be extirpated. Only one. And that class consists of only one family. You understand me? That one family must be extirpated.”
Madame de S—— declares that the only class to be destroyed is a single family, implying the Romanovs.
Reveals the extreme revolutionary hatred and the focus on regicide.
