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Part 2, Chapter 10, Section 3
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
The day of the gala finally arrives. The gala is still happening, despite the events concerning the factory workers of the day before. Anton thinks the event would happen even if Andrey had died the night before. That’s how devoted Yuliya is to the idea of the gala. Several people speculate that some scandal or upheaval will occur at the gala. There’s also a great deal of anticipation. To increase the subscription fees, Karmazinov has agreed to read his farewell piece dressed as a governess from the province. And there are rumors that princes may appear. Everyone in town decides to go.
Anton’s observation that Yuliya would have gone forward with the gala even if Andrey died the night before points to how devoted Yuliya is to the gala and also suggests that Yuliya, at this point at least, is not terribly concerned with her husband’s well-being. Expectations and anticipation for the gala couldn’t be higher. Those high expectations, though, also make it possible that people will be disappointed.
Themes
