Dueling and Masculine Honor

The code of dueling is satirized through Sanine's refusal to fight Sarudine, exposing the absurdity of honor-based violence and the cowardice behind social expectations of masculinity.

Novikoff's near-confrontation with Sarudine and his internal struggle over honor and impotence reflect the theme of masculine honor.

Sanine's refusal to duel Sarudine directly challenges the officer class's code of honor, exposing its absurdity and hypocrisy.

Sanine's refusal to duel and subsequent physical blow challenge traditional codes of honor.

Sarudine's obsession with the disgrace of being struck in the face, his inability to provoke a duel, and the social pressure to resign highlight the absurdity and cruelty of the honor code.