ABSTRACT

This introductory chapter discusses the background of duelling and the Russian cultural imagination, as well as listing the aims and research question of the book: that is, how toxic masculinity is connected to (and expressed through) duelling in Russia. Why is duelling coded as admirable, remarkable, or noble? What is so magnificent about men who are unable to resolve conflict by means other than violence? This text uses feminist analysis and textual analysis methodologies. My definition of feminism is one that is intersectional: like much feminist research in the humanities, my study is interdisciplinary, and discussion of ideas and evidence from several fields helps with developing an understanding of the complexities of duelling, toxic masculinity, and Russian cultural identity. There are intersections of class, ethnicity, and privilege in each of the texts that I analyse, and I make every effort to acknowledge these as appropriate. I know that, being from the West, I have my own set of privileges.