The Petty Demon
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.
Date of publication: 17 June 2024
Updated: 15 November 2026
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Genre: Classical literature
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