Chapter III. The Duel

At Brykov copse, Gaganov, driven by long-nursed family grievance, insists the duel proceed under harsh terms: up to three exchanges. Kirillov’s pistols are used; Mavriky Drozdov attends as Gaganov’s second. On the first round, Gaganov grazes Stavrogin’s finger; Stavrogin pointedly fires high, declaring he will not kill.

Arguments erupt over honor and intention, but the second exchange proceeds: Gaganov again misses; Stavrogin again aims near but sends the bullet above Gaganov. Furious yet determined, Gaganov takes careful aim in the third round, knocking off Stavrogin’s hat and nearly killing him. Stavrogin then fires deliberately into the copse, ending the duel.

Riding back, Stavrogin and Kirillov dispute responsibility and purpose. Kirillov bluntly says Stavrogin should either have accepted fresh humiliation or killed his opponent, accusing Stavrogin of seeking a burden without knowing his aim. Stavrogin rejects moral “merit,” yet seems unsettled by the charge.

At home, Stavrogin orders the servant Alexey Yegorytch to keep Darya Pavlovna away, but Dasha enters, agreeing they should part “until the end.” She affirms she will come when needed, while refusing conventional life. Their exchange exposes her resolute devotion and his scornful self-loathing.

Stavrogin recounts meeting Fedka, who offered to murder Lebyadkin and Marya to erase the marriage; Stavrogin admits giving Fedka money, feeding dangerous expectations. He cruelly asks whether Dasha would still come even if he went to Fedka’s “shop.” Dasha departs in anguish, and Stavrogin concludes she would still come, half-mocking the “nurse” he may need.