The Possessed, Chapter 9 summary
Chapter 9 of 23 · Part 2 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 9, officials seize Stepan Trofimovitch’s books and papers, leaving him frightened of arrest, exile, and a humiliating punishment that the narrator dismisses as legend. His fear centers on losing Varvara Petrovna’s respect, and he finally leaves with the narrator to demand an explanation and assert his rights before Lembke.
What happens
- Nastasya reports a search, and the narrator finds Stepan Trofimovitch both distressed and strangely triumphant.
- Stepan explains that Blum takes books, manuscripts, letters, and other papers after Stepan rejects formal safeguards to preserve secrecy.
- Expecting arrest, Stepan hides money, installs a lamp before an icon, and imagines exile or prison.
- He admits that officials also seize two manifestoes, but angrily denies working with his son’s associates.
- Stepan reveals his fear of flogging and of Varvara Petrovna suspecting that such humiliation occurs.
- Unable to keep waiting, he leaves with the narrator to confront Lembke; an unspecified encounter strengthens his resolve.
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In this chapter
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Why does Stepan refuse to tell Varvara Petrovna about the search?
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