Battles of Love

Journal 2: The Battle of Love

Today I roamed the streets of Petersburg, finding pleasure in the city and soon returned to where I was staying around supper. I had given in to the General’s request of staying at Ganya’s place, the overly-vain, stuck up, conceited, aid to General Yepanchin. As I made my way to the room, Ganya’s father, General Ivolgin approched me, began to question me and even told me bogus stories about him and my father. As I deftly combated them off, I came downstairs only to overhear a frightening conversation between Ganya and his family. Ganya’s family, (especially Varya,) disliked the potential of Ganya and Nastassya Filippovna. But the real chaos happened when Nastassya came bursting in the door. She thought I was a servant, and ordered me to announce her arrival!!! Little did she know that I was a prince. So I got up, and announced her, and boy what a scene it was. As soon as the cloud of awkwardness vanished, General Ivolgin began with his usual stories, and again, told stories filled with lies. It was rather hard to watch such a scene, as it is difficult for me to even record such matters. Anyways the scene was chaos, because as soon as Nastassya embarrassed the General, Rogozhin, of all people showed up! He asked Nastyassa if she was going to marry Ganya who then replied she was not! Ganya was furious at that time, he stormed and raved, and yet never said a word during this whole outbreak. Rogozhin continued even further…and tried to bargin for Nastyassa by putting 18,000 ruples on the table, which turned to be a promise of 40,000 total later, and ultimately raised the amount to 100,000! The whole room was nearly shaking when these words were gasped! As bad as I feel for Ganya, I really think the whole scene was good for him. I mean he learned that if he wants to play the money game, there is always someone else that can join him too. An important lesson was learned about Rogozhin too, for I understood for the first time that although Rogozhin was a loud-talking, drunk, and a bum, he could come through with his promises, which will be interesting to see if that plays out with his relationship with Nastyassa. Seems like tides are starting to turn for several people. The whole aristocratic society of Petersburg seems to know what is going on. Not sure how this will all work out. I must admit, I think Nastyassa is one of the most beautiful ladies in the whole world, I just don’t know whether to admit anything and put myself in this whole mess. As for now, its just journal that will see these words uttered.

Conclusions, My love for Nastyassa has grown, I see her more as a lover than friend, Ganya might go insane, Rogozhin is one cheeky, sly fellow who can successfully pry his way into things, General Ivolgin talks way too much (and lies!)

All is well,

Signed, Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin