Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Diary of a Madman, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Social Class and Status
Writing, Escapism, and Fantasy
Insanity
Isolation
Summary
Analysis
Poprishchin writes that he has finished his royal clothing. He shows it to his cleaning woman, who “cries out” when he puts it on. He still refuses to present himself “at court” as Spain has not yet sent deputies to see him, thinking it would not be proper.
Poprishchin is entirely divorced from time; there is “no month” at all any more. Fully in the depths of his delusions, Poprishchin finishes his royal attire. When he shows it to his cleaning woman—an emissary from the real world—the sight understandably distresses her. Despite being properly attireda fact that Poprishchin cares deeply about, as he is still obsessed with social classhe refuses to go public with his noble alter ego. Instead, he prefers to be retrieved by deputies, which would befit his royal status.
Themes
