Petrushka’s Changing Loyalty

This flow follows the servant’s silences and departures as Golyadkin loses the household support he expects.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Livery and Departure

A Servant Under Scrutiny Preparing for the Day Petrushka appears in hired livery and helps Golyadkin dress for his planned outing. His curious looks and amusement unsettle his master, who already suspects that the servant has been talking about him. A Divided Household The costume turns the outing into a public performance, while Petrushka’s behavior makes Golyadkin feel watched at home. The servant’s ordinary independence becomes difficult for his master to tolerate.

Silence After the Night

A Servant Who Knows Glances Avoided Petrushka brings tea but barely looks at his master. Golyadkin waits for him to acknowledge the double, interpreting his silence as proof that he understands the situation. Suspicion Takes Hold When Golyadkin later questions him, Petrushka’s drunken, disjointed answers provide no reliable account. His master’s dependence on the servant turns each silence into a fresh source of fear.

Household Abandonment

Leaving the Service A Notice of Departure Petrushka gathers his belongings and speaks openly of seeking work elsewhere. Golyadkin tries to part with him ceremonially, offering money and a character while avoiding a direct confrontation. Support Disappears The servant’s departure leaves Golyadkin without the familiar structure of his home. Petrushka’s choice also confirms that Golyadkin can no longer command loyalty simply by invoking hospitality or rank.

the first morning, before the hired carriage leaves

the morning after the double sleeps in Golyadkin’s room

the night before Golyadkin’s final removal