Short Fiction · Chapter
II explained
Ivan Ivanovich Nikitin is consumed by his obsessive love for Nadejda Nicolaievna, a woman he believes is trapped in a life of prostitution.
What happens
Ivan Ivanovich Nikitin is consumed by his obsessive love for Nadejda Nicolaievna, a woman he believes is trapped in a life of prostitution. He follows her through the streets, watches her from a hayloft, and endures physical and emotional torment. His colleague Evsei Evsevich advises him to abandon this destructive fixation, but Ivan cannot break free.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt is the narrative climax because it marks the psychological breaking point of Bezsonow, where his…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Artistic Obsession and Creative Struggle
Ivan's obsessive love for Nadejda mirrors a creative fixation; he is unable to detach despite rational advice.
- Suffering and Redemption
Ivan endures physical pain from the cold and emotional agony from his unrequited love, hoping for some form of salvation.
- Social Marginalization and Compassion
Nadejda is marginalized as a prostitute, yet Ivan sees her as deserving of compassion and love.
Characters to notice
- Ivan Nikitin
Obsessively follows Nadejda Nicolaievna, endures freezing conditions to watch her, and is counseled by Evsei Evsevich.
- Nadejda Nicolaievna
The object of Ivan's obsession; she is berouged, wears a velvet shuba, and walks the streets.
- Evsei Evsevich
An older colleague who advises Ivan to end his fixation on Nadejda, speaking in a traktir.
- Simon
A waiter who tries to get Ivan Ivanovich to leave the restaurant when he is distressed.
Key passages
“My legs were aching violently, but something inside me was aching even more violently.”
His physical pain from the cold is overshadowed by a deeper emotional anguish.
Highlights the contrast between bodily suffering and inner torment.
“I have not the courage to go to her.”
He lacks the bravery to approach Nadejda directly.
Reveals his fear and hesitation despite his intense feelings.
“Evsei Evsevich got angry. 'Bah! you old woman, you tenderhearted old woman! A young man, a good official, you have started all this nonsense for such rubbish! Have done with her!'”
Evsei scolds Ivan for wasting his time on a woman he considers unworthy.
Shows societal disapproval of Ivan's attachment to a prostitute.
