That evening, Pavel knocks on Bazarov’s door to challenge him to a duel. Pavel declines to explain why, but declares, “I despise you. In my opinion, you’re superfluous here” (121). Bazarov mocks, “Further explanations are unnecessary. You’ve decided to test your chivalric spirit on me” (121). They dispense with most of the traditional other aspects of the ritual—such as a physical insult, a public quarrel, and seconds (friends assisting the process)—and agree to meet at dawn in two days. Bazarov suggests Nikolai’s valet Peter serve as their witness so that no one can accuse either party of murder. Pavel loans Bazarov his pistols and departs with formal politeness.

Left alone with his thoughts, Bazarov rebukes for enacting this outmoded social rite, but decides he had no other choice. He realizes the cause of the quarrel must be Fenechka, whom Pavel loves. He laments his situation: “In the first place, I’ll have to risk getting shot and I’ll have to leave […] then there’s Arkady […] and gentle old Nikolai. It’s bad, very bad” (122). Bazarov resolves that he will not die, and arranges for Peter to accompany him to the duel.

At the duel, Peter is horrified, but Bazarov and Pavel are brave.