Notes from Underground — Part II A Propos the Wet Snow — Chapter IV

The narrator arrives early at the Hotel de Paris to find the dinner hour changed to six without notice, forcing him into an awkward wait that heightens his sense of humiliation. When Zverkov and the others arrive, Zverkov treats him with patronizing courtesy, and the group casually dismisses his discomfort.

At table, Zverkov’s condescension and Ferfitchkin’s jibes provoke the narrator. He bristles at questions about his salary and appearance, lashes back, and, stung by mockery, drinks heavily to steel himself for a decisive gesture.

As Zverkov boasts and the others celebrate, the narrator interrupts with a cutting remark, then refuses their toast. He delivers a hostile, self-righteous “speech,” toasting Zverkov with veiled insults. Offended, the group moves to eject him, and he melodramatically challenges Ferfitchkin to a duel, which they treat as ridiculous.

Determined not to retreat, the narrator sits apart and then paces the room for hours to show disdain, but is utterly ignored. His self-loathing intensifies as they drink on the sofa, idolizing Zverkov, while he performs his solitary march from table to stove.

When the party finally decides to go to Olympia, the narrator, exhausted and frantic for acceptance, abruptly begs forgiveness and friendship. Zverkov rebuffs him with contempt, and the others push past. In desperation, the narrator extorts six roubles from Simonov to follow them, swearing to force their contrition or slap Zverkov.