The Double

Golyadkin suffers nightmares of many doubles: They draw attention from him, distracting people from the true Golyadkin. They “usurp his place both at work and in society” (222). He wakes up late the next day, shocked that he slept so long, especially as Petrushka did not wake him. He writes another short letter to his double, demanding that he stop whatever he is doing and challenging him to a duel if he continues. Golyadkin then heads to his workplace.

At the office, Golyadkin meets a clerk and quizzes him about the double. He learns nothing but hands the clerk another letter for the double. Then, Golyadkin spots his double walking out of the office. The double leaves in a carriage but returns quickly. Golyadkin follows the double into the office, finding that the workplace seems relaxed and cheery. The clerks are chatting or playing games. Golyadkin tries to find Filippovich, but the clerks prevent him from entering his office. At the same time, the double begins to crack jokes. The clerks laugh, earning the double a popularity that Golyadkin never enjoyed. When he shakes the double’s hand, the double performatively cleans his fingers with a handkerchief, causing much laughter.