Der kleine Dämon

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

57741

Title

Der kleine Dämon

Language

de

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A dark psychological thriller by Fyodor Sologub, 'The Little Demon' follows the descent of Peredonoff, a schoolteacher plagued by paranoia and delusions. As he spirals into madness, he perceives supernatural threats in everyday objects, leading to a tragic and violent conclusion that explores the depths of human irrationality and fear.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in a seemingly tranquil provincial town, Fyodor Sologub's *Der kleine Dämon* (The Little Demon) presents a harrowing psychological study of Ardalljon Borisowitsch Peredonoff, a gymnasium teacher whose life disintegrates under the crushing weight of obsessive paranoia. Initially, Peredonoff appears to be a man of ambition, courted by the wealthy Warwara Dmitriewna, who promises him an inspectorship. However, his mind is already fractured; he suspects she is a witch and believes his friends are plotting against him. His delusions escalate rapidly as he begins to perceive demons, spies, and malevolent spirits hidden within mundane objects like playing cards, wallpaper, and household items. He becomes convinced that the town's elite, including the formidable Princess Woltschanskaja, are conspiring to destroy him. Peredonoff's mental state deteriorates into a grotesque reality where imagination and fact blur. He barricades himself in his room, writes frantic denunciations against imaginary enemies, and engages in destructive acts of violence against his environment. His fear manifests physically: he believes a 'little demon' lurks under his table, leading him to smash furniture and stab playing cards, which he imagines coming alive. The narrative culminates in a horrific climax where Peredonoff, driven by his twisted logic that his friend Wolodin is an enemy, stabs him to death. The story ends with the aftermath of this tragedy, leaving the reader with a profound sense of pity and unease. Through this tragic arc, Sologub offers a searing critique of the human capacity for self-destruction and the terrifying power of unchecked delusion. The novel explores how a 'little demon' of fear can consume a man, turning a peaceful existence into a nightmare of suspicion and horror. The tone is one of claustrophobic dread, illustrating the fragility of sanity and the devastating consequences when the line between reality and hallucination collapses.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Psychology
• Classics
• Fiction