A House of Gentlefolk · Chapter
XLV explained
Lisa, in her private room, prepares her space with solemn care and prays before a crucifix.
What happens
Lisa, in her private room, prepares her space with solemn care and prays before a crucifix. Marfa Timofyevna finds her weeping and confronts her about her distress. Lisa reveals her decision to enter a convent, citing a sense of expiation and a calling away from worldly life. Despite Marfa's desperate pleas and reasoning, Lisa remains resolute, agreeing only to a six-month delay. Meanwhile, Varvara Pavlovna moves to Petersburg with Panshin's help, and Lavretsky spends the winter in Moscow. The following spring, news arrives that Lisa has taken the veil in a remote convent.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Spirituality
Lisa's decision to enter a convent is driven by deep religious conviction, prayer, and a sense of divine calling, highlighting the theme of spiritual devotion and expiation.
Duty and Morality
Lisa feels compelled to atone for her own sins and those of her family, particularly her father's fortune, reflecting a strong sense of moral duty and guilt.
Characters to notice
- Lisa Mihalovna
Lisa is in her room, tidying and praying, then reveals her firm decision to enter a convent, feeling called to expiation and seclusion.
- Marfa Timofyevna Pestov
Marfa Timofyevna discovers Lisa's distress and vehemently opposes her plan to become a nun, eventually agreeing to a six-month delay.
- Varvara Pavlovna Lavretsky
Varvara Pavlovna moves to Petersburg with funds and takes a charming apartment, having enslaved Panshin's affections.
- Vladimir Nikolaitch Panshin
Panshin leaves the O—— district, having lost Marya Dmitrievna's favor, and is completely under Varvara Pavlovna's sway.
- Fedor Ivanitch Lavretsky
Lavretsky spends the winter in Moscow, and later learns of Lisa's entry into a convent.
Key passages
“I want to go into a convent”
Lisa expresses her desire to become a nun.
This pivotal moment reveals Lisa's resolution to leave worldly life behind.
“Happiness was not for me; even when I had hopes of happiness, my heart was always heavy.”
Lisa feels that happiness is unattainable for her, as her heart was burdened even during hopeful times.
Lisa articulates her belief that she is not destined for earthly joy.
“I knew all my own sins and those of others, and how papa made our fortune; I know it all. For all that there must be expiation.”
Lisa acknowledges her own and her family's sins, including the source of their wealth, and feels a need to atone.
This highlights Lisa's moral burden and motivation for entering the convent.