Notes from the Underground, Part 1, Part IX summary
Part 1, Part IX of 22 · Part 1: Underground · 11 min to read the part
In IX, the narrator lashes out at Liza, admitting that his earlier concern serves his desire to humiliate someone after others insult him. Her loving comfort reverses their positions, but his shame at depending on her gives way to renewed possessiveness, mixing attraction with hatred.
What happens
- Ashamed before Liza, the narrator pays Apollon seven roubles and begs him to fetch tea and rusks.
- The narrator threatens Apollon in his absence, bursts into tears, and then punishes Liza with hostile silence.
- When Liza mentions leaving her situation and then offers to go, he attacks her reasons for visiting.
- He admits that his earlier speeches seek power and revenge, and confesses his shame about poverty and exposure.
- Liza recognizes his unhappiness and embraces him, while he collapses into prolonged sobbing.
- Feeling humiliated by their reversed positions, he grips her hands with possessive desire, and she embraces him.
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Quick check
How does Liza respond after the narrator's long confession?
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