In 1905, Kuprin created "The Duel". Today we will look at the summary of this story. The first edition of the work was published with a dedication to M. Gorky. The influence of this writer determined everything “violent” and “brave” in the story, as Kuprin himself admitted. The "duel", a brief summary of which we will consider, begins as follows.

Romashov's bad luck

The young officer Romashov, after evening classes required by the regulations of the garrison service, wandered idle through the streets of the city. This man was only in his second year in the service and had a funny habit of thinking about himself in the 3rd person, as in cliched novels. The hero was a little unlucky that evening. Shulgovich, the regiment commander, arrived, who was in a bad mood and therefore reprimanded Romashov’s soldier, a Tatar who did not understand Russian well. Both the soldier and the second lieutenant were punished. Romashov was supposed to spend four days under house arrest. During walks, he loved to dream that he would soon enter the academy, successfully passing the exams, and then make a brilliant career and prove to everyone in the regiment what he really was.

Relationships with Shurochka and Raisa Peterson

What does Kuprin talk about next (“The Duel”)? The summary continues with the story that the main character often visited Nikolaev, his friend. Every time he promised not to go there anymore, because he couldn’t bother people every time. In addition, the hero was hopelessly in love with Shurochka (Alexandra Petrovna, the lieutenant’s wife). The orderly Gainan interrupted his thoughts. He brought a letter from Peterson Raisa Alexandrovna. Romashov had been deceiving her husband with her for a long time and boringly, and he was already quite tired of it. The smell of this woman’s sickly-sweet perfume made Romashov sick, as did the vulgar tone of her letters. The main character decided to go to the Nikolaevs after all. In the fourth chapter, the author describes his visit.

Preparing Nikolaev for exams

Vladimir Efimovich (that was Nikolaev’s name) was busy. He was preparing to enter the academy, but failed the exams every time. His wife Shurochka made every effort to help him. She already learned the program better than him.

Nikolaev was studying, and meanwhile Shurochka and Romochka (as Alexandra called him) were discussing an article in the newspaper about fights in the army. They were recently legalized. According to Shurochka, this was harsh, but for Russian officers it was necessary at least for individuals like Nazansky and Archakovsky to know their place. Unlike Alexandra, Romashov does not consider Nazansky bad. Soon it was necessary to go to bed, and the second lieutenant left the Nikolaevs. The fifth chapter begins with the fact that on the street the main character hears his frequent visits being discussed by an orderly. He decides to visit Nazansky, who has been on a drinking binge for some time.

Romashov goes to Nazansky

Nazansky, in a drunken delirium, tells Romashov that he was once in love with a woman. There was nothing between them, and he believes that the lady stopped loving him because of her drunkenness. Then he takes out one of her letters and shows it to Romashov, who recognizes Shurochka's handwriting. It becomes clear to the main character why she speaks so poorly of Nazansky. Another letter is waiting for him at home. It is from Raisa Alexandrovna, Romashov’s mistress who is disgusted. Now it contains only threats and hints that she knows about Romashova’s “relationship” with Nikolaeva. This letter ends the fifth chapter.

At the next ball, organized in the regiment, the main character announced Peterson’s breakup, and she promised to take revenge on him for this. Soon anonymous people began to come to the Nikolaevs.

Romashov loses consciousness in front of Shulgovich

Continues to describe the troubles that befell the main character, Kuprin (“The Duel”). The summary of Romashov’s official failures was that his superiors were dissatisfied with him, and therefore one day Shulgovich, a colonel, called him to his office and gave him a scolding (this is described in the 7th chapter). Shulgovich did not like the fact that he argued with his senior ranks and also took part in officers’ drinking sessions. Romashov's head was spinning from these reprimands. He felt that a little more and he would hit the colonel. However, instead the main character lost consciousness. Shulgovich was seriously scared. He said that he got excited, that he loved all his officers equally and did not want to offend him. Shulgovich offered to make peace with Romashov and even invited him to dinner. The officers' meeting takes place on Saturday evening, and Romashov has been appointed master of the ball.

Ball

It is impossible not to say a few words about the ball, describing the work that Kuprin created (“The Duel”). A summary of the chapters will not suit all readers. Some people want to get acquainted with certain scenes in the original. For those who are interested in the details of the ball, we note that its description is given by the author in the 8th and 9th chapters. All the officers with their daughters and wives are present. Raisa Peterson is also among the guests. This woman, whose pride is wounded by the break with Romashov, creates a scene during the quadrille and insults Nikolaeva.

Name day, explanation with Shurochka

At the end of April, Alexandra Petrovna invites the main character to their common name day. Money is tight for him now; the bartender no longer lets him borrow cigarettes. However, for the sake of this occasion, Romashov borrowed some money from Rafalsky (in the 12th chapter) in order to buy perfume for Shurochka, which is noted by Alexander Kuprin (“The Duel”). A summary of the celebration scene is as follows. It turned out to be quite noisy. Romashov sat next to Shurochka and tried not to listen to the shallow jokes and stupid conversations of the officers. Sometimes he touched the hand of his beloved, which Nikolaev really did not like. Then, after the feast, he decided to take a walk with Shurochka in the grove (Chapter 14). She admitted that Romashov was dear to her, that they had common desires and thoughts, but the relationship should be abandoned. Shurochka hurried him to return quickly before their departure was discovered. Nikolaev was already very dissatisfied with the anonymous messages he received.

Corps review, arrest of Romashov

Isn’t it interesting what events continue Kuprin’s story “The Duel”? The summary proceeds to a description of the corps review held in May. The author talks about him in the 15th chapter. All captains, except Stelkovsky, raise their companies at the crack of dawn. He decided to let his soldiers sleep, and at the review they looked “well done,” “dexterous,” “with fresh faces.” As a result, when the general checked how the soldiers were rearranging and marching, he was satisfied only with the 5th company, commanded by Stelkovsky. The worst, however, was yet to come. Inspired by the solemn moment, during the ceremonial march Romashov became so daydreaming that he did not notice how he disrupted the formation of the entire company. In addition, one exhausted soldier fell to the ground in front of the general. Second Lieutenant Romashov is given a severe sentence for this. He should be in the divisional guardhouse under arrest.

Conversation with Khlebnikov, suicide of a soldier from Osadchy's company

However, the troubles of Romashov, the hero created by Kuprin (“The Duel”), do not end with public disgrace. Reading a chapter-by-chapter summary is, of course, not as exciting as the original work. Describing the main events, we note that there was an explanation with Nikolaev, who asked him not to come to them anymore and to stop the meaningless flow of anonymous letters. On the way home, Romashov met a soldier who had fainted. His last name is Khlebnikov. This soldier cried and complained to Romashov about serving in the company (Chapter 16). Everyone mocked him, beat him, but he has been suffering from a hernia since childhood and is unfit to study. To Romashov, his own problems seemed trivial against the background of this unfortunate soldier. The worst happened at the end of May. At this time, a soldier in Osadchy’s company hanged himself (Chapter 18). This was followed by incessant drinking. Everyone got drunk at officers' meetings.

Insulting Nikolaev, scheduling a duel

Kuprin's story "The Duel" is already approaching the end. A summary of his further events prepares the inevitable ending. At a meeting one day, drunkenly, Bek-Agamalov almost hit a young lady who called him a fool. The main character barely managed to stop him. Nikolaev and Osadchy were also there. The latter held a funeral service for the suicide soldier. The main character demanded to stop this farce, but Nikolaev intervened and said that people like Romashov would disgrace the regiment. A conflict broke out between them, during which the main character threw unfinished beer in Nikolaev’s face (Chapter 19). The officers' court decided that this quarrel could only end in a duel. Anyone who refuses it should leave the service. Nazansky strongly advises Romashov to refuse the fight, since life is an amazing and exciting phenomenon (Chapter 20).

Finale of the work

In the evening, Shurochka comes to Romashov. She asks not to give up the duel, as it will look very dubious (Chapter 22). Shurochka also tells him how she spent years of her life for her husband’s career, and because of this incident Nikolaev may not be allowed to take the exam. She claims that she warned her husband not to shoot Romashov. Thus, the duel must take place, but no one should be injured. At the end of the meeting, Shurochka hugged Romochka and kissed him. They won't see each other again, so there's nothing to be afraid of. The duel took place the next morning.

Compiling a brief retelling of Kuprin's story "The Duel", we have come to the final, 23rd chapter. It is very short and is a report drawn up by the regimental commander, in which it was said that Nikolaev mortally wounded Romashov. 7 minutes later the latter died from internal hemorrhage.

This is how A. I. Kuprin ends “The Duel.” A summary of the chapters will help you remember or recognize its plot, and will also guide you to which place in the story you should turn to for a detailed acquaintance with the main episodes.

Kuprin's story "The Duel" was first published in 1905. The work belongs to the tradition of neorealist prose in Russian literature. The central plot line of the story, associated with its title, is the conflict between two officers, Romashov and Nikolaev, over the wife of the second. Their quarrel led to a duel and the death of the main character. 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, the humiliation of ordinary soldiers by commanders, and exposes the horror and vulgarity of officer society.

Main characters

Georgy Alekseich Romashov– 22 years old, second lieutenant, “serving only the second year in the regiment”; “he was of average height, thin”, “awkward due to great shyness”; dreamy young man.

Alexandra Petrovna Nikolaeva (Shurochka)- the woman with whom Romashov was in love; Nikolaev's wife.

Vladimir Efimych Nikolaev- lieutenant, Shurochka’s husband, with whom Romashov fought.

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.

The sixth company is undergoing training. Colonel Shulgovich, who arrived at the company, scolded Second Lieutenant Romashov for the fact that the soldiers greeted the commander in an inappropriate manner. Romashov began to justify one of the soldiers, and was subjected to house arrest for four days for his insolence.

Chapter 2.

Romashov increasingly experienced “the painful consciousness of his loneliness and being lost among strangers, unfriendly or indifferent people.” Instead of going to the officers' meeting, Grigory went home.

Chapter 3.

Arriving home, Romashov asked the orderly if there was anyone from Lieutenant Nikolaev, but the answer was negative. Grigory visited the Nikolaevs almost every day for the last three months.

After graduating from military school, Romashov thought that while in service he would engage in self-education. However, instead, he has a “dirty and boring relationship with a regimental lady,” “and is increasingly burdened by the service, his comrades, and his own life.”

The orderly brought a letter from Romashov's mistress Raisa. The woman invited him to visit, invited him to a square dance next Saturday. Having torn up the letter, Romashov decided to go to the Nikolaevs “for the last time.”

Chapter 4.

Alexander Petrovna’s husband, Vladimir Efimych Nikolaev, “had to take an exam at the Academy of the General Staff and spent the whole year preparing for it persistently, without rest.” This was already the third exam - he had failed the previous two years and the third was the last chance. Shurochka really wanted her husband to do this, since 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 Russian officers needed duels: “then we won’t have card sharpers among the officers” and “serious drunkards” 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 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 Nikolaevs every evening and wrote that she would “repay him cruelly.”

Chapter 6.

Romashov was under house arrest. Shurochka came to him and brought him some pies. Romashov kissed the woman’s hand. In parting, Shurochka said that Grigory was her only friend.

Chapter 7.

Gregory was taken to the colonel. Shulgovich scolded Romashov because of rumors: they reported that the officer was drinking. After the conversation, the colonel invited Gregory to an officer’s lunch. Romashov returned home “feeling lonely, sad, lost in some strange, dark and hostile place.”

Chapter 8.

Romashov came to the ball at the officers' meeting house. Gradually the ladies began to arrive, and Raisa also arrived. In the expression of her eyes, Romashov saw “some kind of cruel, evil and confident threat.”

The officers discussed duels in the army, their opinions differed - some considered duels stupid, others were of the opinion that an insult could only be washed away with blood.

Chapter 9

Romashov, as promised, danced a quadrille with Raisa. During the dance, the woman angrily said that she would not allow her to be treated like this and began to loudly insult Shurochka. Raisa claimed that she sacrificed everything for Romashov: “I did not dare to look into the eyes of my husband, this ideal, wonderful man.” Grigory involuntarily smiled: her numerous novels were known to everyone.

Raisa's husband, Captain Peterson, was a “thin, consumptive man.” He loved his wife madly, so he forgave her all her affairs.

Chapter 10.

During morning classes, officers discussed punishments for soldiers. Romashov believed that in the army they deliberately “try to maintain rudeness and martinetry in relations between officers.”

Chapter 11.

During the exercises, Romashov performed techniques on a machine gun. He thought about a phrase said by one of the officers: if you think like Grigory, then you need to leave the service.

Chapter 12.

In the morning, Romashov received a letter from Shurochka. The woman invited him to a picnic on his name day.

Chapter 13.

Approaching the Nikolaevs' house, Romashov felt a strange, causeless anxiety. Shurochka joyfully greeted George.

Chapter 14.

During the picnic, Shurochka seemed especially charming to Romashov. When everyone scattered around the clearing in the evening, Grigory and Alexandra went deeper into 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 Georgy, but then asked Romashov not to come to them again - her husband was besieged by anonymous letters.

Chapter 15.

The officers were preparing for the May review “and knew no mercy, they were tired.” Romashov watched as company commanders beat their soldiers with particular cruelty.

When, during the inspection, the arriving commanders toured all the companies, Romashov felt “that these arrogant people were living some kind of special, beautiful, higher life inaccessible to him.” The review was a complete “failure of the regiment” - a “soulless, routine and negligent attitude of officers towards service” was revealed.

During the final march, Romashov, intoxicated by the music and general excitement, began to daydream and headed to the right, which is why his entire half-company “represented an ugly, broken crowd.” After the incident, 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 talking about Alexandra 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 withdraw from the society of officers.” Georgy firmly understood that he would not remain in the army and, when the mandatory three years of service were completed, would go into the reserve.

Chapter 18.

At the end of May, a soldier in the company hanged himself. That evening, the officers drank, joked, and sang songs. At night, already pretty drunk, they went to the women. There was a fight there: a drunk officer began to chop everything with a saber, but Romashov calmed him down.

Chapter 19.

The officers went to the meeting and continued drinking and having fun. Many of the officers in the regiment were “from the clergy,” unexpectedly one of them started the panakida, and they “served” the whole thing in chorus. Romashov hit the table with his fist, forbidding such singing. The drunken officers began to riot again. Nikolaev, who unexpectedly appeared next to Romashov, said that people like Georgy and Nazansky were a disgrace to the regiment. Romashov hinted at “mysterious reasons” why Nikolaev is dissatisfied with Nazansky. A fight started between them. Romashov shouted that he was challenging 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 Nikolaev and Romashov could only be resolved by a duel.

Chapter 21.

Upset, Romashov went to Nazansky. The officer tried to dissuade Georgy from the duel, believing that Romashov needed to leave the army and not be afraid of life.

Chapter 22.

When Romashov returned home, he found Shurochka visiting him. She said that although she did not love Vladimir, “she killed part of her soul for him.” She has more pride than her husband - it was she who forced him to try again and again to enter the academy. If Nikolaev refuses the fight, he will not be accepted into the academy. Therefore, they definitely need to shoot tomorrow - none of them will be wounded. Shurochka and Georgy kissed goodbye.

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 upper right abdomen. Romashov was no longer able to shoot back. A few minutes later, Romashov died from internal hemorrhage.

Conclusion

“The Duel” is considered the most significant work in Kuprin’s work. The main character of the story, the 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 a provincial infantry regiment - during his years of training, the military seemed to him to be completely different, more noble people. Realizing that he will not be able to remain in service, Romashov decides to leave the army after three mandatory years. However, an unfortunate combination of circumstances and pressure from Shurochka lead to the sudden death of Georgy. The duel becomes Romashov’s attempt to confront the world and society, but he loses in this confrontation.

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The story “The Duel” was published in 1905. This is a story about the conflict between the humanistic worldview and the violence that flourished in the army of that time. The story reflects Kuprin’s own vision of army order. Many of the heroes of the work are characters from the writer’s real life, whom he encountered during his service.

Yuri Romashov, a young second lieutenant, is deeply affected by the general moral decay that reigns in army circles. He often visits Vladimir Nikolaev, with whose wife Alexandra (Shurochka) he is secretly in love. Romashov also maintains a vicious relationship with Raisa Peterson, the wife of his colleague. This romance ceased to give him any joy, and one day he decided to break off the relationship. Raisa set out to take revenge. Soon after their breakup, someone began to bombard Nikolaev with anonymous letters with hints of a special connection between his wife and Romashov. Because of these notes, Shurochka asks Yuri not to visit their house anymore.

However, the young second lieutenant had plenty of other troubles. He did not allow non-commissioned officers to start fights, and constantly argued with officers who supported moral and physical violence against their charges, which displeased the command. Romashov's financial situation also left much to be desired. He is lonely, service loses its meaning for him, his soul is bitter and sad.

During the ceremonial march, the second lieutenant had to endure the worst shame of his life. Yuri was simply daydreaming and made a fatal mistake, breaking the order.

After this incident, Romashov, tormenting himself with memories of ridicule and general censure, did not notice how he found himself not far from the railway. There he met soldier Khlebnikov, who wanted to commit suicide. Khlebnikov, through tears, talked about how he was bullied in the company, about the beatings and ridicule that had no end. Then Romashov began to realize even more clearly that each faceless gray company consists of separate destinies, and each fate matters. His grief paled against the background of the grief of Khlebnikov and others like him.

A little later, a soldier hanged himself in one of the mouths. This incident led to a wave of drunkenness. During a drinking session, a conflict broke out between Romashov and Nikolaev, which led to a duel.

Before the duel, Shurochka came to Romashov’s house. She began to appeal to the tender feelings of the second lieutenant, saying that they must definitely shoot, because refusal to duel could be misinterpreted, but none of the duelists should be wounded. Shurochka assured Romashov that her husband agreed to these conditions and their agreement would remain secret. Yuri agreed.

As a result, despite Shurochka’s assurances, Nikolaev mortally wounded the second lieutenant.

The main characters of the story

Yuri Romashov

The central character of the work. A kind, shy and romantic young man who does not like the harsh morals of the army. He dreamed of a literary career, often walked, immersed in thoughts and dreams of another life.

Alexandra Nikolaeva (Shurochka)

The object of Romashov's affection. At first glance, she is a talented, charming, energetic and intelligent woman; gossip and intrigue in which local ladies participate are alien to her. However, in reality it turns out that she is much more insidious than all of them. Shurochka dreamed of a luxurious metropolitan life; everything else did not matter to her.

Vladimir Nikolaev

Shurochka's unlucky husband. He does not shine with intelligence and fails the entrance exams to the academy. Even his wife, helping him prepare for admission, mastered almost the entire program, but Vladimir could not manage it.

Shulgovich

A demanding and stern colonel, often dissatisfied with Romashov’s behavior.

Nazansky

A philosophical officer who likes to talk about the structure of the army, about good and evil in general, is prone to alcoholism.

Raisa Peterson

Romashov's mistress, wife of Captain Peterson. She is a gossip and an intriguer, not burdened by any principles. She is busy playing at secularism, talking about luxury, but inside her there is spiritual and moral poverty.

In “The Duel,” A. Kuprin demonstrates to the reader all the inferiority of the army. The main character, Lieutenant Romashov, is becoming more and more disillusioned with his service, finding it pointless. He sees the cruelty with which officers treat their subordinates, witnesses assault that is not stopped by management.

Most of the officers resigned themselves to the existing order. Some find in it an opportunity to take out their own grievances on others through moral and physical violence, to show the cruelty inherent in their character. Others simply accept reality and, not wanting to fight, look for an outlet. Often this outlet is drunkenness. Even Nazansky, an intelligent and talented person, drowns in a bottle thoughts about the hopelessness and injustice of the system.

A conversation with soldier Khlebnikov, who constantly endures bullying, confirms Romashova in the opinion that this entire system is rotten through and through and has no right to exist. In his reflections, the second lieutenant comes to the conclusion that there are only three occupations worthy of an honest person: science, art and free physical labor. The army is a whole class, which in peacetime enjoys the benefits earned by other people, and in wartime it goes to kill warriors like themselves. This makes no sense. Romashov thinks about what would happen if all people unanimously said “no” to war, and the need for the army disappeared by itself.

The duel between Romashov and Nikolaev is a confrontation between honesty and deceit. Romashov was killed by betrayal. Both then and now, the life of our society is a duel between cynicism and compassion, loyalty to principles and immorality, humanity and cruelty.

You can also read the biography of Alexander Kuprin, one of the most prominent and popular writers in Russia in the first half of the twentieth century.

Surely you will be interested in the summary of the most successful story, in the opinion of Alexander Kuprin, “Olesya”, imbued with a fabulous, or even mystical atmosphere.

The main idea of ​​the story

The problems raised by Kuprin in “The Duel” go far beyond the army. The author points out the shortcomings of society as a whole: social inequality, the gap between the intelligentsia and the common people, spiritual decline, the problem of the relationship between society and the individual.

The story “The Duel” received a positive review from Maxim Gorky. He argued that this work should deeply touch “every honest and thinking officer.”

1. Portrait and character of Georgy Romashov.
2. Longing for real life in the soul of a young officer.
3. Love for Shurochka as salvation from the cruelty of everyday life in war.
4. The image of Alexandra Petrovna and her attitude to love.
5. The inevitability of a fight.

- Sleep, my beautiful, sleep, my love. I am nearby, I am guarding you!
A. I. Kuprin

The main character of A. I. Kuprin’s story “The Duel,” Georgy Alekseevich Romashov, is a sensitive and romantic nature. This is evident from the first pages of the work, when the narrator begins to talk about this officer. George often thought about it and loved to watch sunsets, imagining that there was a wonderful city beyond the horizon. The second lieutenant “was of average height, thin, and although quite strong for his build, he was awkward due to great shyness...”. From the same paragraph it turns out that Romashov wore glasses. Here is another episode where Yuri Alekseevich’s appearance is described: “Then Romashov suddenly, with amazing clarity and as if from the outside, imagined himself... pale face, myopia, his usual confusion and awkwardness...”. But, despite this and Georgy Alekseevich’s habit of fantasizing and mentally speaking about himself in the third person, the young warrant officer had a lively mind, imaginative thinking, courage, and the ability to empathize and have compassion for people. He had a strong concept of honor, conscience, and human dignity. In his service, Romashov was guided by the fact that beating a soldier who does not have the right not only to raise his hand against a superior military man, but even to defend himself from beatings is inhumane and cruel. Throughout the story, Georgy repeatedly stood up for a weak person (a Tatar soldier, the always offended Khlebnikov, a woman in a brothel) before a strong one (Colonel Shulgovich, non-commissioned officer Shapovalenko, Lieutenant Bek-Agamalov), when everyone else was obediently silent, preferring inactive.

One of the first chapters of the story says that both officers and soldiers, not particularly burdened by ambition, carried out military service as “forced, unpleasant, disgusting corvée.” Romashov, a sensitive man, did not like army life either. And not only because of its monotony, but also because people, living in such conditions, became embittered, lost their human appearance, and often the officer’s only joy at the end of the day was going to the canteen to drink vodka. The young officer was disgusted by all this - he had already learned to drink, and started a dirty and vulgar affair with a married regimental lady, Raisa Peterson. And Romashov’s soul wanted real, pure and sincere love. Georgy Alekseevich, who has a keen sense of nature, felt the joyful and bright mood of spring: “...And in this soft air, full of strange spring aromas, in this silence, darkness, in these exaggeratedly bright and seemingly warm stars, a secret and passionate fermentation was felt, one could sense the thirst for motherhood and the wasteful voluptuousness of the earth, plants, trees—the whole world.” The desire to love was especially felt in the spring: “... a vague and sweet premonition of future love stirred in my heart...”

Romashov fell in love with the wife of Lieutenant Vladimir Efimych Nikolaev, Shurochka. At first, he felt only secret tenderness for this woman, he loved to visit the Nikolaev family, watch her, pull the thread when she was knitting, talk to her in the presence of her husband, who was preparing for exams. But gradually the feeling of falling in love with the young, charming Alexandra Petrovna grew into a more serious and deep feeling - into love: “... For a moment he remembered Shurochka, so strong, so proud, beautiful - and something languid, sweet and hopeless ached in his heart. near his heart." On April 23, on the day of their joint name day, Alexandra invited Georgy Alekseevich to a picnic in honor of her and his name day. The celebration, especially the time spent in the gathering twilight, away from everyone, alone with Shurochka, further kindled the young second lieutenant’s love for her and forced him to passionately confess his feelings to his beloved. Then Romashov’s heart beat faster, but he did not achieve the desired happiness with Shurochka. Moreover, she, calling the young officer “sweet” and “beloved person,” asks him not to come to their home anymore because of the dirty anonymous letters coming to the Nikolaevs’ house. Now Yuri Alekseevich can only walk under her windows, throw flowers at them and mentally turn to his beloved. “...Often, seeing from a distance a woman whose figure, gait, and hat reminded him of Shurochka, he ran after her with a constricted heart, with short breaths, feeling his hands become cold and wet from excitement.”

Did Alexandra Petrovna herself love Georgy Romashov? It is difficult to say “yes” unequivocally, even despite her tender words addressed to the young second lieutenant. The main character of the story admires Sasha's pale, dark face, her burning lips, the flexibility of her body and the mole on her ear. Alexandra herself is happy to listen to compliments from a stranger in the presence of her husband. She is ready to show momentary tenderness, sometimes even care for the “prisoner” Romashov, but on the day of the picnic, having skillfully teased the young officer, she cannot and does not want to surrender to the second lieutenant who passionately loves her. She explains this by her reluctance to cowardice and deception. But on the eve of the duel, Shurochka still allowed her lover to “take their happiness,” having previously agreed with Romashov on the terms of the duel, which would be beneficial to both her family and the young officer. In my opinion, the most accurate words about Alexandra Nikolaeva were spoken by Vasily Nazansky, Shurochka’s former lover and close friend of Second Lieutenant Romashov: “Perhaps she never loved anyone but herself. There is an abyss of lust for power in her, some kind of evil and proud force. And at the same time, she is so kind, feminine, and infinitely sweet. It’s like there are two people in it: one with a dry, selfish mind, the other with a tender and passionate heart.” From Alexandra Petrovna’s secret last conversation with Romashov, it becomes obvious that the young woman first worries about her benefit, her reputation, her business (so that her husband will successfully pass the exams), and then she remembers the honor of Georgy Alekseevich. In despair, reaching the point of tears, Shurochka promises to “burn out in an instant like fireworks” if her husband’s reputation suffers and he is left in the regiment. This could not help but touch Romashov to the depths of his soul, because the happiness and well-being of his beloved woman is dearer to him than anything in the world!

The young officer has no choice but to submit to the will of Alexandra Petrovna. Her words “You must definitely shoot yourself tomorrow” sound like an order to “Roma”. Despite Nazansky’s reasonable advice not to play with death, Romashov takes this dangerous step in the name of love, in the name of fulfilling his beloved’s wishes.

Nesterova I.A. The theme of love in Kuprin's story The Duel // Nesterov Encyclopedia

Analysis of the love line in the story "The Duel".

Creativity of A.I. Kuprin occupies a significant place in Russian literature. His talent was one of the most brilliant among the realists of the twentieth century. Closeness to the artistic principles of L.N. Tolstoy, combined with the clarity and fascination of Kuprin’s writing, made him one of the most read writers of the early twentieth century.

Kuprin is primarily a social writer. However, often the social background is intertwined with the theme of love. The love line in such cases enhances the social conflicts depicted in the work, giving them greater sharpness and brightness.

Kuprin is a singer of life and love. The duel is, first of all, a deeply realistic work with a clearly defined social orientation. The horrific picture of the decomposition of the Russian army, captured in the story, caused shock among the writer’s contemporaries and at the same time explained the shameful defeat in the Russo-Japanese War.

The love theme in the Duel develops within the framework of the plot.

The story “The Duel” tells how a young lieutenant, faced with an army environment, was broken spiritually and killed in a duel, or, more precisely, shot dead.

The love story of the work seems to enhance the social significance of the story and at the same time remains quite independent. Along with dreams of a brilliant military career and spiritual self-improvement, a dream of high and pure love lives in the soul of this naive young man.

In the story "The Duel" Kuprin showed love, inevitably doomed to humiliation and death in a cruel, immoral, vulgar, depraved world. Revealing the social origins of a love tragedy, the author simultaneously expresses his dreams of pure, high love and that the world into which it comes is worthy of this love.

Heroes of the works of A.I. Kuprin are “little people”: soldiers, fishermen, telegraph operators, actors and circus performers. Unlike Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky and Chekhov, Kuprin’s “little man” suddenly finds the strength for spiritual growth, protest against inhumanity and vulgarity. This is exactly what is described in the story “The Duel,” created in 1905. She immediately attracted the attention of the public. The horrific picture of the decomposition of the Russian army, captured in the story, caused shock among the writer’s contemporaries and explained the reasons for the defeat in the Russo-Japanese War.

Kuprin talks about how the young second lieutenant Romashov, faced with the army environment, was spiritually broken and killed in a duel, or, more precisely, simply shot dead. The writer presented to the readers a story about the duel of a pure soul, high ideals with the dirt, vulgarity, and cruelty of army life.

Romashov arrived in the regiment six months before the dramatic events. He was “of average height, thin, and although quite strong for his build, he was awkward due to his great shyness...”. The main character of the story dreams of a military career and spiritual growth: “... tomorrow morning I’ll sit down with books, prepare and enter the academy. I’ll cram like crazy...” He subscribed to newspapers and popular magazines, bought books, but army life, constant drinking, and cruelty suppressed the young man’s impulse. There was no place for science, spirituality, or friendship among the officers. The chaos surrounding Romashov, if it does not drag him out, does not give him the opportunity to live according to his convictions.

Romashov is a pure soul, dreaming of great love. He fell into the network of the narrow-minded regimental lady Peterson, who cheated on her loving husband. But gradually Romashov realizes his mistake. He becomes disgusted. This is obvious from the following paragraph: “The letter smelled of a familiar perfume - Persian lilac; drops of this perfume dried in yellow spots here and there on the paper, and under them many letters blurred in different directions. This cloying smell, together with the vulgarly playful tone of the letter, together with the red-haired, small, deceitful face that floated into his imagination, suddenly aroused in Romashov an unbearable disgust. He tore the letter in half with evil pleasure, then folded it and tore it into four parts, and again, and again, and when, finally, it became difficult for his hands to tear. , threw the scraps under the table, clenching his teeth tightly and baring them. And yet, at that second, Romashov, out of his habit, managed to think about himself picturesquely in the third person: “And he laughed with a bitter, contemptuous laugh.” It is for this reason that he pushes Peterson away. However, then Romashov regrets that he deceived this “limited woman.” Here Kuprin shows the drama of the collision of ideal love and vulgarity and limitation.

Against the background of general narrow-mindedness and vulgarity, the Nikolaev family stands out very much. In addition, Shurochka is a very attractive girl. She never sat idle. Shurochka did her best to help her husband enter the military academy, as she dreamed of breaking out of the vicious circle of everyday life in the army. This was the main similarity of the heroes. Romashov dreamed that, after serving for three years, he would go into the reserves. Despite this, the writer warns the reader that Shurochka poses a danger to Romashov. According to Shurochka, the fight is a massacre, a buffoonery, and hypocrisy. She believes that the Russians’ ideas about officer honor are distorted, and that is why they need duels: “then self-righteousness, familiar mockery in the assembly, in front of the servants will naturally emerge... mutual foul language, throwing decanters at each other’s heads, with the aim of all- not to hit, but to miss... An officer’s every word must be weighed. An officer is a model of correctness. And then, what kind of tenderness: the fear of a shot is your profession.” Among other officers of the regiment, Shurochka speaks especially disapprovingly of Nazansky, a “serious drunkard,” and at the table he also reproaches Romashov for his addiction to vodka.

The young man does not pay attention to her manifestations of cruelty. However, Kuprin again warns the reader that drama is coming. When meeting with Nazansky, a conversation takes place about love, and he shows Romashov a letter from a woman who cruelly abandoned him. The second lieutenant recognizes Shurochka’s handwriting. In spite of everything, the young man does not see in Shurochka the vulgarity and cruelty that are clearly displayed by Kuprin. She helps her husband enter the academy - it would seem noble, but in fact Shurochka wants a better life, and she actually doesn’t care about her husband. When Romashov decides to pour out his soul to her, she says that she does not want children. Disgust comes through in her gaze and tone - but Romashov does not notice the catch this time either. He is blind in his idealization of the worthless person. This brings him closer to a tragic end. There comes a moment when everyone turns away from Romashov. He cannot accept such orders in the regiment and is trying to fight them. However, he is too kind and naive for serious confrontation. The existing order ultimately crushes Romashov's spirit. He has a desire to commit suicide. The only person he continues to trust is Shurochka. However, after she came to him at night to ask him not to shoot at her husband, but to participate in the duel, all the ostentatious charm of Shurochka crumbled. She falls to the level of a "regimental lady". Did Romashov understand this through a veil of delight? Probably yes, that's why he agreed to the duel. Life has driven him to a dead end; him, like one of the heroes F.M. Dostoevsky has nowhere to go, no one to turn to. He does not have a single close person. He takes part in a duel and dies.

A.I. Kuprin ends the story with the protocol of the duel, from which it is clear that Romashov did not take advantage of the right to shoot. Based on this, the conclusion suggests itself about suicide. The hero did not want to live anymore.

In the story "Duel" A.I. Kuprin showed love inevitably doomed to destruction in a cruel, immoral world. Revealing the origins of Romashov's tragedy, the author simultaneously expresses her dreams of pure and high love, dreams that the world into which she comes will be worthy of her.