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Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 7
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Demons, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Politics and Self-Interest
Ideology and Extremism
Morality and Nihilism
Herd Mentality
Atheism vs. Belief in God
Summary
Analysis
Nikolay leaves Shatov’s and walks along the road. It’s raining out, and a man approaches him to ask if he can share his umbrella. The man also asks Nikolay if he can spare three roubles. He says his name is Fyodr, and Nikolay puts the pieces together to determine that the man is Fedka the Convict, who Pyotr told him about. Nikolay asks what he wants, and Fedka says that he is there to be of service to Nikolay and help him out if he ever gets in a tough spot and mentions Lebyadkin. He says that Pyotr sent him and promised him a passport that would enable him to freely travel throughout Russia. Nikolay says he doesn’t want Fedka’s help and never will. He says if Fedka doesn’t leave him alone, then he’ll tie him up and take him to the police.
When Fedka talks with Nikolay, Fedka hints at several things that he doesn’t say outright. For example, he says that Pyotr has promised him a passport and says that he’s there for Nikolay if he gets into a tight spot. He doesn’t spell out exactly what he has in mind, but Nikolay’s anger at Fedka makes it clear that Nikolay has his suspicions, and he doesn’t want any part of it. It’s also worth noting that Nikolay previously said that he no longer wants to be part of Pyotr’s revolutionary faction, but Pyotr won’t let him leave.
Themes
