Duel (story), plot, heroes. Duel (story), plot, heroes Pure duel summary
A summary of the story by A.I. Kuprin "Duel" for the reader's diary.
The evening classes in Company Six are drawing to a close. Young soldiers are confused and do not understand what the officers want. In the third platoon, the soldier Mukhamedzhinov, a Tatar who barely understands Russian, is bewildered, responds to all orders: "3-I will stab!" The junior officers got together to chat and smoke. There are three of them: lieutenant Vetkin, lieutenant Romashov and lieutenant Lbov. They do not understand why they exhaust the soldiers before the show.
Lieutenant Bek-Agamalov arrives, reports the news: the commander demands that the soldiers be taught how to cut clay effigies. The officers tell each other about cases of unexpected massacres on the spot and how they almost always took place with impunity. Beck says that the ability to cut a person is a difficult art. Lbov invites everyone to try it on a scarecrow. Only Beck can cut the scarecrow.
Commander of the regiment, Colonel Shulgovich is on his way. He bypasses the platoons, stops in front of a young soldier Sharafutdinov, a Tatar who cannot clearly answer his questions, does not know the name of his regimental commander. Romashov stands up for his soldier and receives four days of house arrest for not understanding military discipline. Captain Sliva was also reprimanded for Romashov. With the words of formulaic novels, Romashov speaks out of habit about himself in the third person: "His kind, expressive eyes were covered with a cloud of sadness ..."
The soldiers dispersed to their apartments. The platz was empty. Romashov wants to go to the station, he likes to go there in the evenings. But he changes his mind and just walks along the highway, recalling the scene on the parade ground, his feelings of resentment. But it hurts him also because they shouted at him in the same way as he sometimes shouted at the soldiers: in this he sees something humiliating for himself. Romashov vindictively dreams of how he will enter the academy, make a career, brilliantly conduct maneuvers in his regiment, go as a military spy to Germany, and there he will be shot, but he will not tell them either his name or nationality, so that everything will turn out to be a conclusion.
For a moment he returns to reality, but again dreams, now - about a bloody war with Prussia and Austria, where he is braver than Colonel Shulgovich.
Romashov catches himself on the fact that he is already running, he ran to the house, wonders what nonsense comes into his head. At home, he lies on the bed, staring at the ceiling, not thinking about anything. Then he asks the orderly Gaynan if the Nikolaevs invited him. Gaynan gives a negative answer.
Batman-cheremis in a simple relationship with his master. Romashov talks with Gaynan about his gods, about how originally, having eaten a piece of bread from the tip of a saber, he took the oath. The lieutenant decides not to go to the Nikolaevs today, but this is not the first time he has given himself this promise. He is in love with Nikolayev's wife, Shurochka.
Having received an apartment, Romashov was full of plans, bought books, but for nine months they have been lying in the dust, and Romashov is drinking vodka, has a boring connection with a regimental lady, burdens with service, comrades and his own life. The batman recalls that Romashov's mistress sent a letter. She invites him to her place, but the sub-lieutenant is disgusted with the sugary smell of the perfumed letter and his vulgarly playful tone. Romashov understands that today he will go to the Nikolaevs again.
Gaynan asks to give him a bust of Pushkin, which Romashov was going to throw out. The lieutenant agrees and goes to the Nikolaevs, but they did not expect him there. Vladimir is busy preparing for his last attempt to enter the academy. Shurochka tells Romashov that she cannot stay here, she needs society, smart interlocutors. Volodya must go to the General Staff, then they will break out of "this slum." She cries, then asks the second lieutenant if she is good, laughs at him. Shurochka calls Romashov Roma, asks if he has read about the army duel in the newspapers. She believes that fights are a reasonable thing, because officers are for war, and they can show their main qualities in peacetime only in duels. But the conditions in the duel are like on the death penalty: fifteen steps of the distance, and fight to a serious wound. She sees a need for them, otherwise a sharpie like Archakovsky or a drunkard like Nazansky will not emerge. Romashov disagrees with her, but sits and listens until she is going to sleep. That evening, Romashov understands that the Nikolaevs only tolerate him.
In revenge, he goes to Nazansky. They talk for a long time. Nazansky says that he hates military service, he wants to think about sublime matters, about love. He says that he loved one girl, but she stopped loving him because he drinks. He reads her only letter, and the second lieutenant recognizes Shurochka's handwriting.
Nazansky understands that Romashov recognized the handwriting and is also in love with Shurochka. Arriving at his place, he reads a new note from Peterson. She wrote about deception, that her heart was broken and she would take revenge.
At the next ball, Romashov tells his mistress that everything is over between them. Petersonikha is angry and vows to take revenge. Soon, anonymous letters began to come to Nikolaev with a hint that Romashov was flirting with his wife. The authorities are also dissatisfied with Romashov, he, more than ever, feels the senselessness of service and loneliness.
In the morning, Romashov, who slept through, was late for classes. Captain Sliva does not miss the opportunity to insult the young officer in front of the line. Classes begin by platoon. Non-commissioned officer Shapovalenko, a subordinate of Romashov, shouts and swings at Khlebnikov, a small, weak, downtrodden, stupid soldier. Romashov pulls back Shapovalenko. Plum talks in the presence of several junior officers about military discipline, about the previous order, when the commander could beat the soldier without hindrance. Romashov objects that the assault is inhuman, and promises to file a report against Plum if he continues to let go.
At the end of April, Shurochka invites Romashov to a common name day for a picnic. Having borrowed money from Rafalsky, Romashov bought a perfume as a gift. He sits on a picnic next to Shurochka, their hands sometimes touch. Nikolaev looks displeased. After the feast Romashov goes to the grove, Shurochka comes for him and says that today she is in love with him and saw him in a dream. He kisses her dress, declares his love. She replies that she is also in love, but he is pathetic, she must abandon him, because she thinks that he will not achieve anything in life. She does not love her husband, does not want a child, but assures that she will not cheat on her husband until she finally leaves him. On the way back, she asks Romashov not to come to them again: her husband is besieged with anonymous letters. Nikolaev takes his wife aside and angrily reprimands her. She answers him "with an indescribable expression of indignation and contempt."
The corps commander is dissatisfied with the review. Only the fifth company of Captain Stelkovsky earned praise.
During the ceremonial march, Romashov experienced public shame: he dreamed and mixed the formation, shifting from the center of the ranks to the right flank. It seemed to him that the general would notice and praise the "handsome second lieutenant" Romashov. The lieutenant decides that he is disgraced forever and that he can only shoot himself. Captain Plum demands from him a report on the transfer to another company.
On the way back to the camp, Romashov sees how the sergeant-major beats Khlebnikov, who has fallen into the dust on the parade ground, and does not find the strength to stand up for the soldier. The met Nikolaev demands from him to do everything to stop the flow of anonymous letters. Romashov goes to the meeting, but from behind the door he hears the officers discussing his today's failure, and Captain Sliva directly declares that Romashov will never turn out to be an officer. Romashov turns to God with a reproach that he turned away from him. Thinking about all this, Romashov reached the railway and in the darkness saw the soldier Khlebnikov, the subject of ridicule and mockery.
Romashov understands that the soldier also planned to commit suicide. Khlebnikov is crying, burying his face in Romashov's knees, says that they beat him and laugh at him, the platoon commander extorts money that is nowhere to be taken. Teachings are also torture for him: since childhood, he has been struggling with a hernia. Compared to Khlebnikov's grief, Romashov's own grief seems a trifle. He hugs the soldier and says that he must endure. For the first time, Romashov thinks about the fate of thousands of such Khlebnikovs, whom he had never considered individuals before.
Since that night, a deep emotional breakdown occurred in Romashov. Moving away from the society of officers, he invites Khlebnikov to him, patronizes him, for the first time thinks about civilian professions. Romashov sees that there are only three worthy vocations - science, art and free physical labor.
At the end of May, a soldier hanged himself in Osadchy's company, after which unrestrained drunkenness began. They drank in the meeting, then there was a scandal at Shleifersha. Bek-Agamalov rushed with a sword at those present, then at the young lady who called him a fool. Romashov intercepted his hand, saying that he would be ashamed that he hit a woman. Beck thanks him for that.
In the meeting, Romashov finds Osadchy and Nikolaev. The latter defiantly does not notice Romashov. Osadchy sings a requiem for the suicide soldier, interspersed with dirty curses. Romashova is seized with rage: “I will not allow it! Be silent! " In response, Nikolaev shouts that Romashov and Nazansky are dishonoring the regiment. “And what does Nazansky have to do with it? Or do you have reasons to be unhappy with him? " - asks Romashov. Nikolaev swings, Beck tries to drag him away, but Romashov throws beer in Nikolaev's face. An officer's court of honor has been appointed. Nikolaev asks Romashov not to talk about his wife and anonymous letters. The court determines that reconciliation is impossible.
Before the fight Nazansky convinces Romashov not to shoot himself, to retire, because life is unique and amazing. Nazansky is perplexed: does Romashov really believe in the highest meaning of the army order so much that he is ready to say goodbye to life for it? In the evening Shurochka comes to Romashov. She talks about the years spent on creating a career for her husband, and says: if Romashov refuses the duel, Volodya will not be allowed to the exam. They should shoot, but not in such a way as to injure each other, the pistols will not be loaded. Her husband agrees to this. Shurochka hugs Romashov, kisses him and offers to take happiness, because they will never see each other. She is given to her beloved.
Head-captain Diez informs the regimental commander of the details of the battle in a report. Nikolaev wounded Romashov in the stomach, and he died seven minutes later from internal hemorrhage. The report is accompanied by the testimony of the junior doctor Znojko. Nikolaev realized where his wife was and loaded the pistol.
In his work, A.I. Kuprin wanted to show the negative side of military service, focusing on the cruelty and violence prevailing in the regiment. A summary of Kuprin's story "Duel" by chapters will help the reader understand the true reason for the conflict between the two officers, which ultimately led to dire consequences.
main characters
- Georgy Romashov- second lieutenant. Hopelessly in love with a married lady.
- Alexandra Nikolaeva (Shurochka)- the wife of Nikolaev. The secret passion of Georgy Romashov.
- Vladimir Nikolaev- Shurochka's husband. Lieutenant. Romashov's opponent in a duel.
Chapter 1
It was getting dark. Classes in the sixth company were drawing to a close. The soldiers exchanged jokes. The sweet conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Colonel Shulgovich, who that day was clearly in a bad mood.
Second lieutenant Romashov got the most for the fact that he does not know how to competently lead a company. In addition to Romashov, a Tatar soldier who did not understand anything in Russian received a severe reprimand from the colonel. The lieutenant tried to protect his ward, for which he angered his superiors even more. As a punishment, he is assigned house arrest for four days.
Chapter 2
Recently, Romashov was increasingly seized by a bitter feeling of loneliness. He felt uncomfortable with the officers whom he avoided. And now he must go to the officers' meeting. The very thought of it was repugnant to him. George, unexpectedly for himself, changes the route scheme, instead of the garrison heading towards the house.
Chapter 3
Arriving home, Romashov, without undressing, fell onto the bed. In the entrance hall the orderly was thundering with something. Bad thoughts continued to creep into my head. As he lay, thinking how to live on, there was a soft knock at the door. The orderly brought a letter from Raisa.
Raisa is a married lady, but this fact did not bother her. The girl invites Romashov to visit for a square dance. Georgy tears up the letter of his mistress and swears to himself that today he will pay the last visit to the house of Lieutenant Nikolayev, where Shurochka lived, who caused emotional disturbances in his heart.
Chapter 4
In the house of the Nikolaevs, preparations were in full swing for the exam at the academy. The wife of officer Nikolayev, Shurochka, dreamed that her husband would go there and quickly take her away from these places.
Chapter 5
George got home late. I decided to visit my friend Nazansky. Nazansky shows George a letter from a woman he once loved. George recognizes Shurochka's handwriting. At home, George was waiting for another letter from his mistress. Raisa openly threatened him.
Chapter 6
Home arrest begins. Romashov does not leave the house. Shurochka herself and her husband came to visit him. In her hands was a basket of hot cakes. The girl clearly makes it clear to him that he is only her friend and nothing more.
Chapter 7
Colonel Shulgovich reprimands Romashov for interceding for the soldier. He does not forget to mention the second lieutenant's drunkenness. After the reprimand, Shulgovich changes his anger to mercy, inviting George to a dinner party.
Romashov again goes home with a depressed mood, feeling his worthlessness in this world. In the evening, he takes out a notebook covered with clumsy handwriting. This was the third story he wrote. No one from the entourage knew about his secret passion for writing.
Chapter 8
Romashov goes to the ball where the officers' meetings are held. Among the ladies, he sees Raisa, in whose eyes there was nothing good.
The topic of conversation among the officers was the duel. Some considered it stupid, others that only blood can wash away the stain of resentment.
Chapter 9
Romashov is terribly annoyed by Raisa. Dancing square dance with her, he is disgusted with her. George confesses to her that everything is over between them. Raisa threatens him with revenge.
Chapter 10
During the morning exercises, the soldiers debated violently about punishment in the army. Romashov was an ardent opponent of cruelty and violence towards soldiers. He was tired and sick of everything, but service is service. Having overpowered himself, he goes to officer training.
Chapter 11
George does not see the point in officer training. Every day the same thing. Tired of the thoughts weighing on him, he decided to relax after the service. Together with a friend, they go to a bar, where Romashov gets drunk to the point of unconsciousness.
Chapter 12
Romashov suffers from the fact that he has not seen Shurochka for a long time. An invitation from the Nikolaev couple to the name day was a pleasant surprise for him. Georgy goes to ask for a loan for a gift to the birthday girl.
Chapter 13
Going to a picnic with Shurochka, Georgy had bad feelings. It seemed to him that Shurochka's husband was beginning to guess about his attitude towards her. After talking with Nikolaev, Romashov realized that he was not mistaken about him.
Chapter 14
Shurochka and Romashov managed to find time for a conversation. The girl admits that she likes him, but does not see any prospects in their relationship. Shurochka asks not to come to their house again. Every day the postman brings anonymous letters indicating their relationship, and she has no need to anger her husband once again. He's become overly suspicious lately.
Chapter 15
The regiment is in full swing preparing for a new show. Romashov cannot concentrate on work in any way. As a result, a complete failure during the review. The soldiers could not perform well, and the second lieutenant again receives a reprimand for this. Plus a week of the guardhouse. Romashov is in despair. The thought of suicide comes to him for the first time.
Chapter 16
On the way to the house, Nikolaev meets him. There is a serious conversation between them about anonymous letters. George promises not to come to their house anymore, in order to avoid gossip and misinterpretation.
Chapter 17
Once again, Romashov was convinced that the army was not for him. He decided that as soon as he served the prescribed three years, he would immediately leave here.
Chapter 18
In the state of emergency. One of the soldiers hanged himself. The soldiers decide to relieve tension after such news in a brothel. One of the officers organizes a pogrom, raising his hand against a woman. Romashov manages to calm him down and settle the conflict that arose between them.
Chapter 19
The officers continue to drink. Unexpectedly, Nikolaev joined the company, also tipsy. A quarrel arises between him and George.
Chapter 20
Romashov is summoned to the authorities. The officers' court ruled that only a duel could resolve the current conflict. Duels were not prohibited by law. A fight can be avoided if one of the participants submits a resignation letter.
Chapter 21
Romashov goes to Nazansky for advice on what to do. Nazansky persistently convinces not to participate in the duel. Better to leave the army and start a new life.
Chapter 22
Shurochka was waiting for Romashov at home. She persistently asked the man to take part in the duel. If her husband does not take part in the duel, he will never be accepted into the academy, and she will not survive it. Shurochka makes it clear that no one will suffer in the duel. She agreed with her husband about this. The fight will be purely symbolic.
Chapter 23
The duel went wrong. Nikolaev violates the terms of the contract and inflicts a mortal wound on Romashov. The second lieutenant dies from the received wound, not having time to shoot back.
The story "Duel" by Kuprin was first published in 1905. The work belongs to the tradition of neorealist prose in Russian literature. The central storyline of the story, associated with its title, is the conflict between two officers, Romashov and Nikolaev, over the second's wife. Their quarrel led to a duel and the death of the protagonist. In the work, the author touches on the problem of the relationship between the individual and society, reveals the theme of cruelty in the army, humiliation of ordinary soldiers by the commanding staff, exposes the horror and vulgarity of the officer society.
main characters
Georgy Alekseich Romashov- 22 years old, second lieutenant, "who served only his second year in the regiment"; “Was of average height, thin”, “from great shyness, awkward”; dreamy young man.
Alexandra Petrovna Nikolaeva (Shurochka)- the woman with whom Romashov was in love; Nikolaev's wife.
Vladimir Efimych Nikolaev- the lieutenant, the husband of Shurochka, with whom Romashov shot.
Other characters
Vasily Nilovich Nazansky- an officer, a drunkard, was in love with Alexandra Petrovna.
Raisa Alexandrovna Peterson- "regimental lady", Romashov's mistress, wife of Captain Peterson.
Shulgovich- regiment commander.
Chapter 1.
Sixth company, exercises are underway. Colonel Shulgovich, who arrived in the company, reprimanded Second Lieutenant Romashov for the fact that the soldiers met the commander in an inappropriate manner. Romashov began to justify one of the soldiers, for his insolence he was subjected to house arrest for four days.
Chapter 2.
Romashov more and more often experienced "a painful consciousness of his loneliness and being lost among strangers, hostile or indifferent people." Instead of going to the officers' meeting, Gregory went home.
Chapter 3.
Arriving home, Romashov asked the orderly if there was anyone from Lieutenant Nikolayev, but the answer was negative. Grigory has been at the Nikolaevs almost daily for the last three months.
After graduating from a military school, Romashov thought that in the service he would be engaged in self-education. However, instead of this he has a "dirty and boring connection with the regimental lady", "and more and more often he is burdened by his service, his comrades, and his own life."
The batman brought a letter from Romashov's mistress Raisa. The woman invited him to visit, invited to the square dance next Saturday. Having tore up the letter, Romashov decided "for the last time" to go to the Nikolaevs.
Chapter 4.
Alexander Petrovna's husband, Vladimir Yefimich Nikolaev, "had to take the exam at the General Staff Academy and spent the whole year preparing for it stubbornly, without rest." This was the third exam - the two previous years it had failed and the third was the last chance. Shurochka really wanted her husband to act, as she hated the life they were living now.
When Romashov came to the Nikolaevs, during the conversation Shurochka remembered that officer fights had become legalized. She believed that fights were necessary for Russian officers: “then we will not have card-sharpers among the officers” and “drunken drunks”, like officer Nazansky.
Chapter 5.
Leaving the Nikolaevs, Romashov "to spite her" goes to Nazansky. While talking, the men started talking about love. Nazansky believed that love "has its peaks, accessible only to a few out of millions." Nazansky read to Romashov a letter from the woman he loved. Romashov realized that this woman was Alexandra Petrovna. Nazansky also guessed about Grigory's feelings for Shurochka.
Arriving home, Romashov found a letter from Raisa. She knew that Grigory visited the Nikolayevs every evening and wrote that she would "severely repay" him.
Chapter 6.
Romashov was under house arrest. Shurochka came to him and brought some pies. Romashov kissed the woman's hand. At parting, Shurochka said that Grigory was her only friend.
Chapter 7.
Gregory was taken to the colonel. Shulgovich scolded Romashov because of rumors: it was reported that the officer was drinking. After the conversation, the colonel invited Gregory to an officer's dinner. Romashov returned home "feeling lonely, yearning, lost in some strange, dark and hostile place."
Chapter 8.
Romashov came to the ball at the officers' meeting house. Ladies gradually began to arrive, and Raisa also arrived. In the expression of her eyes, Romashov saw "some kind of cruel, vicious and confident threat."
The officers discussed the duels in the army, their opinions differed - some considered duels stupid, others were of the opinion that the insult can only be washed off with blood.
Chapter 9.
Romashov, as promised, danced a square dance with Raisa. During the dance, the woman angrily said that she would not allow her to be treated like that, she began to loudly insult Shurochka. Raisa claimed that she sacrificed everything for the sake of Romashov: "I did not dare to look my husband, this ideal, wonderful person in the eyes." Gregory involuntarily smiled: her numerous novels were known to everyone.
Raisa's husband, Captain Peterson, was a "thin, consumptive man." He was madly in love with his wife, so he forgave her all the intrigues.
Chapter 10.
During the morning classes, the officers discussed the punishment of the soldiers. Romashov believed that in the army they specifically "try to maintain rudeness and martyrdom in relations between officers."
Chapter 11.
During the exercises, Romashov performed automatic techniques. He thought about the phrase said by one of the officers: if you think like Grigory, then you have to leave the service.
Chapter 12.
In the morning Romashov received a letter from Shurochka. The woman invited him to a name day for a picnic.
Chapter 13.
Approaching the Nikolaevs' house, Romashov felt a strange, unreasonable uneasiness. Shurochka greeted George with joy.
Chapter 14.
During the picnic, Shurochka seemed especially charming to Romashov. When in the evening everyone scattered across the clearing, Grigory and Alexandra withdrew into the depths of the grove. Shurochka admitted that today she is in love with Romashov, but does not love her husband - “he is rude, he is insensitive, indelicate”. She kissed George, but then asked that Romashov not come to them anymore - her husband was besieged with anonymous letters.
Chapter 15.
The officers were preparing for the May review "and knew no mercy, they were tired." Romashov watched as the company commanders beat their soldiers with particular cruelty.
When, during the review, the commanders who had arrived visited all the companies, Romashov felt that "these arrogant people live some kind of special, beautiful, higher life beyond his reach." The inspection became a complete "failure of the regiment" - "the soulless, routine and negligent attitude of the officers to the service" was revealed.
During the final march, Romashov, intoxicated by music and general excitement, dreamed and led to the right, because of which his entire half company "was an ugly, broken crowd." After what happened, everyone made fun of Romashov.
Chapter 16.
Romashov left the camp and met Nikolaev. Vladimir said that he was waiting for him here on purpose, and started a conversation about Aleksandra Petrovna. Nikolaev began to receive "boorish anonymous letters" with gossip about his wife and Romashov. Vladimir demanded that Romashov do everything to stop the spread of gossip.
Chapter 17.
Romashov "began to retire from the society of officers." George firmly understood that he would not remain in the army and, when the obligatory three years of service had passed, he would go to the reserve.
Chapter 18.
At the end of May, a soldier hanged himself in the company. In the evening of the same day, the officers drank, joked, sang songs. At night, already pretty drunk, they went to the women. There was a scuffle: a drunken officer began to chop everything with a sword, but Romashov calmed him down.
Chapter 19.
The officers drove to the meeting and continued drinking and having fun. Many officers in the regiment were "from the clergy", unexpectedly one of them pulled on a panahida, and they "served" it in chorus all. Romashov hit the table with his fist, forbidding such a singing. The drunken officers began to rage again. Nikolaev, who suddenly appeared next to Romashov, said that people like Georgy and Nazansky disgrace the regiment. Romashov hinted at "mysterious reasons" for which Nikolaev was dissatisfied with Nazansky. A fight broke out between them. Romashov shouted that he was calling Nikolaev to a duel.
Chapter 20.
In the morning Romashov was summoned to court. A few days later, the court came to a decision that the quarrel between Nikolayev and Romashov could only be resolved by a duel.
Chapter 21.
Frustrated Romashov went to Nazansky. The officer tried to dissuade George from the duel, believing that Romashov needed to abandon the army and not be afraid of life.
Chapter 22.
When Romashov returned home, he found Shurochka at his place. She said that although she didn’t love Vladimir, she “killed part of her soul for him”. She has more pride than her husband - it was she who made him try to enter the academy again and again. If Nikolaev refuses to fight, he will not be admitted to the academy. Therefore, they will certainly need to shoot themselves tomorrow - none of them will be injured. At parting, Shurochka and Georgy kissed.
Chapter 23.
Report to the regiment commander. On June 1, a duel took place between Nikolaev and Romashov. Nikolaev shot first and wounded Romashov in the right upper abdomen. Romashov could no longer shoot back. A few minutes later Romashov died of internal hemorrhage.
Conclusion
"The Duel" is considered the most significant work in the work of Kuprin. The main character of the story, a young second lieutenant Romashov, is portrayed as a romantic, intelligent person with a fine mental organization. It is difficult for him to come to terms with the monotonous, philistine life in the provincial infantry regiment - during the years of training, the military seemed to him completely different, more noble people. Realizing that he will not be able to remain in the service, Romashov decides to leave the army after three compulsory years. However, an unfortunate combination of circumstances and pressure from Shurochka lead to the sudden death of George. The duel becomes an attempt by Romashov to confront the world and society, but he loses in this confrontation.
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Alexander Kuprin's story "The Duel" was published in 1905 in the collection "Knowledge". It is dedicated to Maxim Gorky. This work did not go unnoticed and in a very short period became very popular in society. To flaunt the military life of soldiers and officers of the early twentieth century - that's why Kuprin wrote "Duel". The summary of the story allows the reader to take a close look at the insignificant existence of the army, which rested only on the rudeness and cruelty of the officers and the humiliation of the soldiers.
The "Duel", a summary of which acquaints the reader with the life of ordinary soldiers in the barracks, the officers' environment and the personal relationships of the heroes, became an accusatory story about the rotten army system. The main character is Second Lieutenant Romashov - he is a kind, honest and correct person, but his environment leaves much to be desired. He has no one to communicate with, because there are only cruel and vulgar people around. Against their background, only the decent, well-mannered, intelligent and pretty Shurochka, the wife of Lieutenant Nikolaev, stands out. Her image was very well characterized by Kuprin.
"Duel", a summary of which shows the opposition of officers' rudeness to the kindness and gentleness of Romashov, tells the story of the main character, secretly in love with Alexandra Petrovna. This woman is not as innocent as she seems. A woman is ready to lie if it suits her, she does not love her husband, but for his sake she left her lover only because she wanted a better life. She likes Romashov, but Shurochka understands that he is a disadvantageous party for her.
After the second lieutenant abandoned his mistress, defamatory anonymous letters began to pour in on them and Alexandra Petrovna. Nikolaev forbade Romashov to come to visit them so as not to compromise Shurochka. Kuprin described the feelings of the protagonist very accurately and soulfully. "Duel", a summary of which shows how bad and lonely the second lieutenant was, at the same time describes the life of ordinary soldiers. Looking at the suffering of the humiliated and beaten Khlebnikov, Romashov understands that his personal problems are insignificant.
The lieutenant treats his soldiers well, but he cannot do anything about the cruelty of the other officers, and Kuprin clearly conveys his feelings. "Duel", a summary of which shows the inhumanity of people, characterizes Romashov as a romantic and a dreamer. But because he does not seek to change something, but lets everything take its course, runs away from reality. He is unable to re-educate the officer corps, to protect the unfortunate soldiers.
The final chord was the duel between Nikolayev and Romashov. For such, as a second lieutenant, it is very difficult to live on this land - this is what Kuprin wanted to say with this. "Duel", a summary of which shows all the sincerity and honesty of the protagonist, indicates a new stage in Romashov's life, who goes to a duel with the injustice and cruelty of this world. In reality, he turns out to be too weak and lonely. The lieutenant believed his Shurochka and did not load the pistol, believing that Nikolaev would not shoot at him either, but his beloved turned out to be selfish, ready for anything for her own benefit. Romashov dies without proving anything to this cruel and unjust world.
Returning from the parade ground, second lieutenant Romashov I thought: "I won't go today: you can't bother people every day." Every day he sat with the Nikolaevs until midnight, but in the evening of the next day he again went to this cozy house.
“I came to you from the lady,” said Gaynan, Cheremis, sincerely attached to Romashov. The letter was from Raisa Alexandrovna Peterson, with whom they dirty and boring (and for quite some time already) deceived her husband. The luscious smell of her perfume and the vulgarly playful tone of the letter caused unbearable disgust. Half an hour later, embarrassed and annoyed with himself, he knocked on the Nikolaevs. Vladimir Yefimitch was busy. For two years in a row, he failed the exams at the academy, and Alexandra Petrovna, Shurochka, did everything so that the last chance (she was allowed to enter only up to three times) was not missed. Helping her husband get ready, Shurochka had already mastered the entire program (only ballistics was not given), while Volodya moved very slowly.
With Roma (as she called Romashov), Shurochka began to discuss a newspaper article about the recently allowed in the army duels... She sees them as a harsh necessity for Russian conditions. Otherwise, a cheater like Archakovsky or a drunkard like Nazansky will not emerge among the officers. Romashov did not agree to enroll Nazansky in this company, who said that the ability to love is given, like talent, not to everyone. Once this man was rejected by Shurochka, and her husband hated the lieutenant.
This time Romashov stayed beside Shurochka until they started talking that it was time to sleep.
At the next regimental ball, Romashov plucked up the courage to tell his mistress that it was all over. Petersonikha vowed to take revenge. And soon Nikolaev began to receive anonymous letters with hints of a special relationship between the second lieutenant and his wife. However, there were enough ill-wishers besides her. Romashov did not allow the non-commissioned officers to fight and strongly objected to the "dentists" from among the officers, and promised Captain Slivet that he would submit a report against him if he would allow the soldiers to be beaten.
Romashov was also dissatisfied with the authorities. In addition, money got worse, and the barman did not even borrow cigarettes. My soul was bad because of the feeling of boredom, meaninglessness of service and loneliness.
At the end of April, Romashov received a note from Alexandra Petrovna. She reminded of their common name day (Tsarina Alexandra and her faithful knight George). Having borrowed money from Lieutenant Colonel Rafalsky, Romashov bought perfume and at five o'clock was already at the Nikolaevs. The picnic was noisy. Romashov sat next to Shurochka, almost did not listen to Osadchy's rantings, toasts and flat jokes of officers, experiencing a strange state, similar to a dream. His hand sometimes touched Shurochka's hand, but neither he nor she looked at each other. Nikolaev seemed unhappy. After the feast, Romashov wandered into the grove. Footsteps were heard from behind. It was Shurochka. They sat down on the grass. “I'm in love with you today,” she admitted. Romochka dreamed of her in a dream, and she badly wanted to see him. He began to kiss her dress: "Sasha ... I love you ..." She admitted that she worries about his closeness, but why is he so pitiful. They have common thoughts, desires, but she must abandon him. Shurochka got up: let's go, they'll miss us. On the way, she suddenly asked him not to visit them again: her husband was besieged with anonymous letters.
A review took place in mid-May. The corps commander drove around the companies lined up on the parade ground, watched how they march, how they perform rifle techniques and rebuild to repel unexpected cavalry attacks, and was unhappy. Only the fifth company of Captain Stelkovsky, where they did not torture with shagistics and did not steal from a common boiler, deserved praise.
The worst thing happened during the ceremonial march. Even at the beginning of the show, Romashov seemed to be picked up by some kind of joyful wave, he seemed to feel like a particle of some formidable force. And now, walking in front of his half-company, he felt himself an object of general admiration. Shouts from behind made him turn and turn pale. The formation was confused - and precisely because he, second lieutenant Romashov, ascending in dreams to the skies, all this time shifted from the center of the ranks to the right flank. Instead of delight, he was given public disgrace. To this was added an explanation with Nikolayev, who demanded that everything be done to stop the flow of anonymous letters, and moreover, not to be in their house.
Going over what had happened in his memory, Romashov imperceptibly walked to the railway line and in the dark he made out the soldier Khlebnikov, the subject of mockery and ridicule in the company. "Did you want to kill yourself?" he asked Khlebnikov, and the soldier, choking on sobs, said that they were beating him, they were laughing, the platoon commander was extorting money, and where to get it. And the teaching is beyond his power: since childhood, he has been struggling with a hernia.
Romashov suddenly thought his grief was so trifling that he hugged Khlebnikov and spoke of the need to endure. From that time on, he understood: faceless companies and regiments consist of such Khlebnikovs, suffering from their grief and having their own destiny.
The forced distance from the officer's society allowed him to focus on his thoughts and find joy in the very process of the birth of thought. Romashov saw more and more clearly that there were only three worthy vocations: science, art and free physical labor.
At the end of May, a soldier hanged himself in Osadchy's company. After this incident, unrestrained drunkenness began. First they drank in the meeting, then they moved to Schleifersha. It was here that the scandal broke out. Bek-Agamalov rushed with a sword at those present ("Get out of here!"), And then his anger turned to one of the young ladies, who called him a fool. Romashov caught his hand: "Beck, you won't hit a woman, you will be ashamed all your life."
The gulba in the regiment continued. In the meeting Romashov found Osadchy and Nikolaev. The latter pretended not to notice him. They sang around. When silence finally reigned, Osadchiy suddenly dragged on the memorial service for the suicide, interspersed with dirty curses. Romashov was seized with rage: “I will not allow it! Be silent! " In response, for some reason, Nikolayev, with his face twisted with malice, shouted to him: “Disgrace the regiment yourself! You and different Nazans! " “And what does Nazansky have to do with it?
Or do you have reasons to be unhappy with him? " Nikolaev swung, but Romashov managed to splash the remnants of beer in his face.
On the eve of the meeting of the officers' court of honor, Nikolaev asked the enemy not to mention the name of his wife and anonymous letters. Predictably, the court ruled that the quarrel could not end with reconciliation.
Romashov spent most of the day before the fight at Nazansky, who urged him not to shoot. Life is an amazing and unique phenomenon. Is he really so committed to the military class, does he really believe in the supposedly higher meaning of the army order so that he is ready to put his very existence on the line?
In the evening at his home Romashov found Shurochka. She began to say that she had spent years building a career for her husband. If Romochka refuses to fight for the love of her, there will still be something dubious about it and Volodya will almost certainly not be allowed to the exam. They should definitely shoot, but none of them should be injured. The husband knows and agrees. Saying goodbye, she threw her hands behind his neck: “We will not see each other again. So let's not be afraid of anything ... Once ... take our happiness ... "- and pressed her hot lips to his mouth.
In an official report to the regimental commander, Staff Captain Diez reported the details of the duel between Lieutenant Nikolayev and Second Lieutenant Romashov. When, on command, the opponents went to meet each other, Lieutenant Nikolayev wounded the second lieutenant in the right upper abdomen with a shot, and he died seven minutes later from internal hemorrhage. The report was accompanied by the testimony of the junior doctor, Mr. Znojko.
