A House of Gentlefolk · Chapter
XXXVI explained
Lavretsky attempts to visit the Kalitins but is turned away, leading him to travel to Vassilyevskoe.
What happens
Lavretsky attempts to visit the Kalitins but is turned away, leading him to travel to Vassilyevskoe. Upon returning home, he is confronted by his wife Varvara Pavlovna, who has returned with their daughter Ada, pleading for forgiveness and a place in his life.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The return of Varvara Pavlovna forces Lavretsky to confront the broken bonds of marriage and the impossibility of reconciliation.
Duty and Morality
Lavretsky's sense of duty is tested as he faces his wife's plea for forgiveness, while Varvara Pavlovna manipulates moral sentiment to regain his favor.
Characters to notice
- Fedor Ivanitch Lavretsky
Visits the Kalitins but is denied entry; travels to Vassilyevskoe; returns home to find his wife Varvara Pavlovna has arrived.
- Varvara Pavlovna Lavretsky
Returns unexpectedly to Lavretsky's house, pleading for forgiveness and bringing their daughter Ada.
- Lisa Mihalovna
Not at home when Lavretsky calls; her absence contributes to his melancholy.
- Marya Dmitrievna Kalitin
Claims a headache and refuses to receive Lavretsky.
- Anton
Converses with Lavretsky at Vassilyevskoe, sharing gloomy reflections about Glafira Petrovna's death.
Key passages
“Théodore, do not repulse me!”
Varvara Pavlovna begs Lavretsky not to reject her.
She uses French and emotional appeal to soften his reaction.
“I have no commands to give you; you know, all is over between us … and now more than ever; you can live where you like; and if your allowance is too little—”
Lavretsky tells his wife that their relationship is definitively over and he will not dictate her actions, though he offers financial support.
He maintains emotional distance while acknowledging practical obligations.
“In such a melodrama must there really be a scene like this?”
Lavretsky mutters in disgust at the theatrical nature of the reunion with his wife and child.
He perceives Varvara Pavlovna's actions as insincere and staged.