The Storm as an Escalating Threat

This flow follows the Petersburg weather as it intensifies the protagonist’s isolation and gives physical form to his panic.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Autumn Dampness

A Hostile Daybreak Weather at the Window A damp, dirty autumn day presses against the windows of Golyadkin’s room. Its hostile appearance anchors him in Petersburg and interrupts any wish to remain inside his dream. Mood Made Material The weather is not the cause of his distress, but it gives his unease a visible setting. The world outside seems to greet him with the same sourness he expects from other people.

November Pursuit

Rain and Snow Together Exposure in the Streets After the party, Golyadkin runs through rain, snow, and wind along Fontanka Quay. He loses one golosh without noticing and repeatedly stops, overwhelmed by the humiliation he has just suffered. A City Without Shelter The empty, noisy streets magnify his isolation. Weather that would ordinarily demand attention scarcely registers beside his conviction that he is being pursued.

Wet Waiting

Cold Exposure A Vigil by the Woodstack Golyadkin waits outside Olsufy Ivanovitch’s house in soaking clothes, hoping for a signal from Klara. The wet cold drains his strength while he continues to imagine an escape. The Body Gives Way By the time the household summons him indoors, he is feverish and exhausted. The weather makes his waiting physically punishing and reinforces the sense that no refuge remains.

early on the first morning

midnight after the birthday ball

the final night, while Golyadkin waits in the yard