A Narrative Analysis of A. Bely’s “Petersburg”

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the narrative structure of Andrei Bely's novel Petersburg. First, we will differentiate between the main plots and sub-plots, and analyze the relationships among them. Through this, we come to grasp the narrative force that culminates in the end of the novel and the narrative force that perpetually delays it. Therefore, we aim to demonstrate the interplay and interference of plots within this work. These plots can be categorized as follows: (1) Ableukhov's family history, (2) the terrorist organization's assassination plan for Apollon, (3) the triangular relationship of Nikolai-Sophia-Likhutin, and (4) the hallucinations of Apollon, Nikolai, and Dudkin. Furthermore, the relationships among these can be summarized as follows: (1) and (2) intersect, forming the primary plot of the narrative. (3) serves as an intermediary plot that impacts both (1) and (2). (1) repeats while suppressing (delaying) (3). (2) repeats while suppressing (delaying) (4).