The story of Alexander Kuprin "Duel" was published in 1905 in the collection "Knowledge". It is dedicated to Maxim Gorky. This work did not go unnoticed and in a very short period it became very popular in the society. To expose the military life of soldiers and officers of the early twentieth century - that's why Kuprin wrote the "Duel". The brief content of the story allows the reader to look closely at the insignificant existence of the army, which rested only on the brutality and cruelty of officers and the humiliation of soldiers.
"Duel", the brief content of which acquaints the reader with the barracks life of ordinary soldiers, the officer's environment and personal relationships of heroes, became a revealing story about the rotten army system. The main character is Lieutenant Romashov - a kind, honest and right person, but his environment leaves much to be desired. He has no one to communicate with, because there are only cruel and vulgar people around. On their background stands out only a decent, educated, intelligent and pretty Shurochka, the wife of Lieutenant Nikolaev. Her image is very well characterized Kuprin.
"Duel", the brief content of which shows the opposition of the rudeness of officers to the kindness and softness of Romashov, tells of the main character secretly in love with Alexander Petrovna. This woman is not so innocent as it seems. A woman is ready to lie if it is profitable for her, she does not love her husband, but for her sake left her lover just because she wanted a better life. She likes Romashov, but Shurochka understands that he is an unfavorable party for her.
After the lieutenant threw his mistress, Alexandra Petrovna began to pour on them the defamatory anonymous letters. Nikolayev forbade Romashov to come to visit them, so as not to compromise Shurochka. Very accurately and thoughtfully described the feelings of the main character Kuprin. "Duel", the summary of which shows how bad and lonely was the lieutenant, at the same time describes the life of ordinary soldiers. Looking at the suffering of the humiliated and beaten Khlebnikov, Romashov understands that his personal problems are negligible.
The lieutenant treats his soldiers well, but nothing can be done about the cruelty of the other officers, and his feelings are clearly conveyed by Kuprin. "Duel", the summary of which shows the inhumanity of people, characterizes Romashov as a romantic and a dreamer. But this is a passive person, because he does not seek to change anything, but lets everything go by itself, runs from reality. He is unable to re-educate the officers, to protect the unfortunate soldiers.
The final chord was a duel between Nikolaev and Romashov. So, as a second lieutenant, it is very difficult to live on this land - that's what Kuprin wanted to say. "Duel", the summary of which shows all the sincerity and honesty of the protagonist, points to a new stage in Romashov's life, which goes to a duel with the injustice and cruelty of this world. In reality, he is too weak and lonely. The Second Lieutenant believed his Shura and did not load the gun, believing that Nikolayev would not shoot at him, but the beloved turned out to be selfish, ready for anything for her own benefit. Romashov perishes, having proved nothing to this cruel and unjust world.