Notes from the Underground, Part 1, Part IV summary

What happens

1. The narrator discovers that Simonov forgets to tell him dinner now begins at six, leaving him waiting and ashamed.
2. Zverkov’s manner and questions about employment offend the narrator, who quarrels with Ferfitchkin and feels excluded from the conversation.
3. Growing drunk, the narrator delivers an insulting toast and challenges Ferfitchkin to a duel, provoking laughter.
4. The others gather around Zverkov while the narrator noisily paces for three hours, wanting both independence and reconciliation.
5. At eleven, the narrator apologizes, but Zverkov rejects his appeal for friendship and the party leaves.
6. The narrator obtains six roubles from Simonov and declares his intention to follow them and demand submission or strike Zverkov.

In this part

What to notice

The admission exposes the desire for acceptance beneath his displays of contempt. It explains why leaving the gathering feels impossible to him.

Quick check