In E major, 2/2 time. It is in ternary form. A scherzo movement with a gavotte-like rhythm. The cheerfulness and elegance characteristic of court dances are transformed into Prokofiev's unique, boldly sardonic expressions.

Meno mosso and slightly slower in tempo, the gavotte rhythm disappears, and expressive emotions fully emerge. The tonality and harmony are unstable and enigmatic, distorting the cheerfulness of the main section, as if dark clouds are gathering. After stabilizing in B-flat major, the main section returns. This recapitulation is brief, and the register gradually ascends to higher pitches, leading towards the conclusion.