In the novel, Demons, Fyodor Dostoevsky satirizes the younger generation of radicals as arrogant and disrespectful. Because the author created young characters, including Pyotr and Stavrogin, that represent chaos and disorder, Dostoevsky is able to effectively write a satirical novel on the Russian Revolution.
Throughout the novel, Dostoevsky portrays Pyotr as manipulative and cruel towards others, especially the older generation. For example, in chapter four, Stepan confronts Pyotr for showing his personal letters to Varvara, saying, “But tell me finally, monster, are you my son or not?” Pyotr quickly retorts, “You should know better than I. Of course, father always tend to be blind in such cases…” This scene is a perfect representation of Pyotr’s cruel and disrespectful language towards others. His reversal of the blame onto his father is very manipulative and sneaky, which is how one could characterize the rise of radicalism in Russia. Because Pyotr is one of the main proponents for the revolution in the novel, he is the character the audience would associate the ideals of the revolution with. Therefore, the readers can see how the revolution should not be carried out because of the representation of Pyotr’s character. By creating the character of Pyotr in this manner, Dostoevsky effectively satirizes the revolution and the members who lead it.
Also, we see the most anticipated character, Stavrogin, as a bully and deceitful character as well. In chapter 3, we see Stavrogin’s character earn a better reputation because he chooses not to shoot someone in a duel. However, the only reason the duel was to occur was because Stavrogin insulted the other person father. This effectively shows how appearances can be altered because, while some good things are noticed by the public, most can be hidden and forgotten. This is how most totalitarian rulers come to power, because they only allow the media to report about the good the leader has done. Therefore, this duel satirizes the revolution because we can obviously see how Stavrogin, who is a main candidate for the leader of the revolution, is not a good person with good intentions, but can easily deceive people with charm and wit.