A House of Gentlefolk · Chapter
XIV explained
Lavretsky is introduced to the Korobyin household by Mihalevitch.
What happens
Lavretsky is introduced to the Korobyin household by Mihalevitch. He overcomes his initial timidity, charmed by Varvara Pavlovna's grace, intelligence, and musical talent. He becomes a frequent visitor and, after six months, proposes to her. The proposal is accepted, motivated in part by Lavretsky's wealth.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Lavretsky's sudden infatuation and proposal to Varvara Pavlovna, blending romantic desire with practical considerations of wealth.
Social Class and Identity
The Korobyins' interest in Lavretsky's serf count highlights the role of social standing and wealth in marriage arrangements.
Characters to notice
- Fedor Ivanitch Lavretsky
Visits the Korobyins, falls under Varvara Pavlovna's spell, and proposes marriage.
- Varvara Pavlovna Lavretsky
Hosts Lavretsky, displays her charm and musical skill, and accepts his proposal.
- Mihalevitch
Introduces Lavretsky to the Korobyin family.
- Pavel Petrovitch Korobyin
The general, father of Varvara Pavlovna, displays geniality and inquires about Lavretsky's wealth.
Key passages
“It seemed to him that now for the first time he understood what made life worth living; all his previous assumptions, all his plans, all that rubbish and nonsense had vanished into nothing at once; all his soul was absorbed in one feeling, in one desire—in the desire of happiness, of possession, of love, the sweet love of a woman.”
Lavretsky felt he finally grasped life's purpose, discarding his former plans and focusing entirely on the desire for love and possession of a woman.
Lavretsky's romantic epiphany and shift in priorities.
“the general had long before, almost on the eve of Lavretsky’s first visit, inquired of Mihalevitch how many serfs Lavretsky owned; and indeed Varvara Pavlovna, who through the whole time of the young man’s courtship, and even at the very moment of his declaration, had preserved her customary composure and clearness of mind—Varvara Pavlovna too was very well aware that her suitor was a wealthy man”
Before Lavretsky's first visit, the general asked Mihalevitch about Lavretsky's serfs, and Varvara Pavlovna, remaining calm throughout, knew he was rich.
The pragmatic, wealth-conscious motives behind the marriage acceptance.