In the short story, Dmitri has mixed feelings about women in general. Through Dmitri’s view of women, the story tells us that the author may believe that people don’t always fully understand themselves. On one hand, Dmitri speaks badly of women and refers to them as the “lower race”, but on the other hand he feels free and at ease when he is in their company. It is also mentioned that Dmitri thinks that every intimacy eventually becomes unbearable, however after he departs from Anna, he can’t stop thinking about her and sees her again. Additionally, although he is initially described as a mysoginist, he asks Anna how he could despise her. Later on, Dmitri’s wife tell him that “The part of a lady-killer does not suit [him] at all.” Overall, Dmitri’s negative thoughts of women are contradicted by his actions and feelings towards Anna.
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This response gives an interesting perspective on the capacity people have for self-knowledge. We think we know ourselves well, but are often surprised by the things we do. Life is full of opportunities to grow and change, and to recognize that we are more complex than we thought we were. Dmitri’s abrasive, misogynistic exterior crumbles when he meets Anna and they begin their unexpected love affair. Even when it comes to knowing ourselves, things are not always as they seem.