The Petty Demon

Summary

The novel "The Petty Demon" by Fyodor Sologub tells the story of a provincial teacher, Ardalion Borisovich Peredonov, who gradually descends into madness. Peredonov dreams of securing an inspector's position and believes his beloved Varvara will help him achieve this. Varvara deceives him by claiming she has received a letter from a princess promising him a promotion. Meanwhile, Peredonov begins to experience hallucinations and becomes increasingly suspicious and aggressive. His behavior instills fear and hatred in those around him. Ultimately, his madness leads to tragic consequences when he kills an innocent person, mistaking them for an enemy. The novel explores themes of moral decay, hypocrisy, and the destructive influence of petty passions on the human soul.

Main Ideas

• Depiction of provincial life and its mundanity, filled with pettiness and malice.
• Critique of the bureaucratic system and societal hypocrisy.
• Psychological portrait of the main character, teacher Ardalion Borisovich Peredonov, his paranoia and degradation.
• Theme of petty evil that infiltrates everyday life and destroys human destinies.
• Exploration of the human soul and its dark sides, including envy, fear, and hatred.
• Satirical portrayal of the morals and customs of late 19th-century provincial society.
• Influence of superstitions and prejudices on people's behavior.

Historical Context and Significance

The novel "The Petty Demon" by Fyodor Sologub, published in 1905, is one of the key works of Russian Silver Age literature. The book is a satirical depiction of provincial life and the bureaucracy of the Russian Empire at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. The main character, teacher Peredonov, embodies pettiness, envy, and paranoia, making him a symbol of the degradation and moral decline of society at that time. The novel had a significant impact on the development of Russian literature, especially in the genre of satire and psychological novels. It also became an important source for studying the social and cultural issues of pre-revolutionary Russia.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Ardalion Borisovich Peredonov - the main character, a teacher suffering from paranoia and delusions of persecution. His behavior becomes increasingly strange and aggressive as the plot unfolds, leading to tragic consequences.
• Varvara - Peredonov's companion, who dreams of marrying him. She manipulates Peredonov, fueling his fears and suspicions.
• Sasha Pylnikov - Peredonov's student, who becomes the object of his suspicions and hatred. Peredonov sees him as the embodiment of his fears and complexes.
• Lyudmila Rutilova - a young woman who attracts Peredonov's attention. Her image becomes a symbol of an unattainable ideal for him.
• Pavel Ivanovich - the school principal, who tries to maintain order and discipline but faces Peredonov's madness.

Style and Technique

The novel "The Petty Demon" by Fyodor Sologub is written in the style of symbolism, characterized by the use of symbols and allegories to convey deep philosophical and psychological ideas. The language of the work is rich with metaphors, hyperboles, and ironic remarks, emphasizing the absurdity and tragedy of the events. Sologub masterfully employs grotesque, creating caricatured images of characters, which enhances the satirical focus of the novel. The narrative structure is nonlinear, with frequent digressions and internal monologues, allowing for a deeper insight into the psychology of the characters. The author also actively uses techniques of internal monologue and stream of consciousness, which help reveal the inner experiences and thoughts of the characters. An important element is the atmosphere of the provincial town, described with dark and oppressive detail, creating a backdrop for the plot's development.

Interesting Facts

• The book is considered one of the first works of Russian symbolism.
• The main character, teacher Peredonov, embodies petty evil and bureaucratic foolishness.
• The novel was written between 1892 and 1902 but was only published in 1905.
• The work caused a significant stir in society and was perceived as a satirical depiction of Russian provincial life.
• Sologub used elements of grotesque and fantasy in the novel, giving the work a unique atmosphere.
• The book was banned in the Soviet Union in the 1920s but later became available to readers again.

Book Review

"The Petty Demon" by Fyodor Sologub is a dark and profound satire on Russian provincial life at the end of the 19th century. The main character, teacher Peredonov, embodies pettiness, envy, and malice. Critics note that Sologub masterfully conveys the atmosphere of oppressive mundanity and moral decay. The characters in the book, despite their caricatured nature, evoke feelings of anxiety and repulsion in the reader. Sologub uses grotesque and symbolism to highlight the ugliness of human nature and the futility of existence. "The Petty Demon" is considered one of the most striking examples of Russian decadence, and its influence on literature is hard to overestimate.