How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Constance Garnett's translation.
Quote #7
They would abandon Zverkov, he would sit on one side, silent and ashamed, while I should crush him. Then, perhaps, we would be reconciled and drink to our everlasting friendship; but what was most bitter and humiliating for me was that I knew even then, knew fully and for certain, that I needed nothing of all this really, that I did not really want to crush, to subdue, to attract them, and that I did not care a straw really for the result, even if I did achieve it. (2.3.40)
Come to think of it, the entire notion of revenge is literary and idealistic to begin with, as we see here.
Quote #8
"I am going there!" I cried. "Either they shall all go down on their knees to beg for my friendship, or I will give Zverkov a slap in the face!" (2.4.99)
The Underground Man suffers from his own extremism: it has to be either forgiveness or revenge; heroism or slavery; best friends or mortal enemies. There's no middle ground.
Quote #9
"Drink your tea," I said to her angrily. I was angry with myself, but, of course, it was she who would have to pay for it. A horrible spite against her suddenly surged up in my heart; I believe I could have killed her. To revenge myself on her I swore inwardly not to say a word to her all the time. "She is the cause of it all," I thought. (2.9.21)
The Underground Man uses notions of blame, spite, and revenge to compensate for his own character flaws and to distract himself from his own failings.