Yama · Chapter
XII explained
In a lengthy philosophical discussion at the brothel, Platonov and Likhonin debate the nature of truth, lies, and hypocrisy in the lives of prostitutes.
What happens
In a lengthy philosophical discussion at the brothel, Platonov and Likhonin debate the nature of truth, lies, and hypocrisy in the lives of prostitutes. Platonov argues that prostitutes lie only because men demand it—for beauty, for simulated love, and for conventional stories about their fall. He contrasts the stark, brutal honesty of the brothel with the pervasive hypocrisy and self-deception of respectable society, which he condemns as beggarly and false. Likhonin, though partly understanding, questions why Platonov spends so much time in such a place if he finds it revolting.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of Society
Platonov condemns the hypocrisy of marriage, professions, and social institutions, contrasting them with the 'fearful, stark truth' of the brothel.
Dehumanization and Commodification
Platonov describes prostitutes as 'a common vessel, a cloaca for the drainage of the city's surplus lust,' highlighting their reduction to commodities.
Illusion of Reform and Redemption
Likhonin's questioning of Platonov's role as a potential 'saviour of perishing souls' underscores the futility of reform within the system.
Characters to notice
- Sergei Ivanovich Platonov
Delivers a long, impassioned monologue about the truthfulness of prostitutes versus the hypocrisy of society, defending his presence in the brothel as a fascination with stark reality.
- Likhonin
Engages in debate with Platonov, questioning his motives for frequenting the brothel and struggling to reconcile Platonov's anarchist views with his own emerging thoughts.
Key passages
“But if you like, I shall right now count off on my fingers all the occasions when a prostitute is sure to lie, and you yourself will be convinced that man incites her to lying.”
Platonov offers to enumerate the situations in which prostitutes lie, arguing that men are the ones who provoke these lies.
This sets up Platonov's central argument about the origins of deception in the brothel.
“But then, children also are yielding. And they, by God, are children, my dear Likhonin...”
Platonov compares prostitutes to children in their mental development and capacity for lying.
He uses this comparison to explain their 'compulsory lying' as innocent and habitual.
“Man is born for great joy, for ceaseless creation, in which he is God; for a broad, free love, unhindered by anything... But man has lied himself out so, has become such an importunate beggar, and has sunk so low!”
Platonov laments that humanity, meant for joy and love, has degraded itself through lies and beggarliness.
This encapsulates his critique of society's moral decay.