# Poor Folk — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

- [April 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara expressing his joy at her signaling him by looping up her curtain, and describes his new, crowded lodgings in a noisy tenement where he lives in a small partitioned room in the kitchen. He shares 
- [April 8th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, gently scolding him for sending her expensive gifts like geraniums and bonbons, which she knows he cannot afford. She expresses concern for his living conditions and health, urging him to visit h
- [April 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, expressing confusion over her teasing and defending his paternal feelings for her. He reflects on his past life in a cozy room with his old landlady and her granddaughter Masha, contrasting it wi
- [April 9th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-9th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, expressing concern that he has taken her previous words as a jest and fallen into despondency. She reassures him of her gratitude for his protection and asks him not to be offended, while also me
- [April 12th: Dearest Mistress Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-12th-dearest-mistress-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, expressing concern for her health and describing his living quarters in detail. He recounts the unpleasant conditions of the house, the gambling habits of the other tenants, and the impoverished 
- [April 25th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-25th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar about a distressing encounter with her cousin Sasha, who has been making inquiries about her and spreading cruel lies. Sasha claims that Makar has no right to be involved in Barbara's family affai
- [May 20th: My Dearest Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/may-20th-my-dearest-little-barbara.md): Makar writes to Barbara, sending grapes and roses for her recovery, reassuring her about his health and finances, and addressing rumors spread by Thedora. He declines frequent visits due to fear of scandal, but promises 
- [June 1st: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-1st-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara sends Makar a manuscript detailing her past life, including her mother, Pokrovski, Anna Thedorovna, and her misfortunes, as a gift to repay his care and love. She expresses weariness and suffering from insomnia.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/i.md): Barbara Alexievna recounts her early childhood in the province of Tula, her family's move to St. Petersburg after her father's dismissal, his subsequent death, and their descent into poverty. She describes her unhappy bo
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/ii.md): Barbara recounts the story of the elder Pokrovski buying books for his son's birthday, their joint gift of Pushkin's works, and the subsequent illness and death of the younger Pokrovski. She describes the old man's grief
- [June 11th: How I Thank You for Our Walk to the Islands Yesterday, Makar Alexievitch!](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-11th-how-i-thank-you-for-our-walk-to-the-islands-yesterday-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara expresses gratitude to Makar for their walk to the Islands, describing the beauty of nature and her mixed feelings of happiness and sadness. She admits to being unwell and asks Makar to visit her often.
- [June 12th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-12th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar responds to Barbara's letter, praising her writing and reflecting on his thirty years of service. He recounts how he became a byword in his department, blamed for every mistake, and criticized for his appearance. H
- [June 20th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-20th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar urging him to buy a cheap uniform from a retired civil servant, scolding him for spending too much on gifts for her instead of on himself. She declines to continue her memoirs, finding the memorie
- [June 21st: My Own, My Darling](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-21st-my-own-my-darling.md): Makar writes to Barbara, expressing his joy at living close to her and describing his happiness as if they were a family. He mentions sending her money, his neighbor Rataziaev's literary gathering, and his plan to buy he
- [June 22nd: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-22nd-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara about the death of Gorshkov's nine-year-old son from scarlatina. He describes the family's dire poverty, the mother's grief, the father's tears, and the thoughtful little daughter standing by the 
- [June 25th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-25th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara returns a book to Makar, criticizing it as worthless and urging him not to waste money on such trash. She asks him to send something else to read and offers to share the cost.
- [June 26th: My Dear Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-26th-my-dear-little-barbara.md): Makar writes to Barbara about his admiration for the writer Rataziaev, praising his literary works and describing the lively discussions at his gatherings. He shares excerpts from Rataziaev's stories, including 'Passion 
- [June 27th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-27th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, seeking his advice on whether to accept a governess position offered through Thedora. She expresses anxiety about entering a strange household, her loneliness, and her declining health. She recal
- [June 28th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-28th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, urging her to abandon melancholy and dismiss her thoughts of leaving. He insists she is healthy and blooming, and he will sacrifice his own comfort rather than see her in want. He defends his fri
- [My Dear Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/my-dear-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, explaining her decision to accept a post away from him, driven by a sense of guilt over being a burden. She reflects on her childhood loneliness at school and argues that her love, though deep, c
- [July 1st: Rubbish, Rubbish, Barbara!](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-1st-rubbish-rubbish-barbara.md): Makar responds to Barbara's suggestion of leaving, insisting she stay and dismissing her concerns as rubbish. He argues that she is safe and loved, and that her departure would ruin him. He praises Pushkin's 'The Station
- [My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, sharing her joy at receiving fifteen roubles from Thedora and giving three back. She is busy making a waistcoat for Makar and sends him a book of stories, including 'The Cloak.' She considers his
- [July 7th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-7th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara recounting his youthful infatuation with an actress, describing how he and his friends would go to the theatre, spend recklessly on perfumes and cabs, and obsessively follow her until he ruined hi
- [July 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar Alexievitch returns a book sent by Barbara and expresses his distress and indignation at its portrayal of a poor clerk. He defends his own thirty years of irreproachable service, his humility, and his acceptance of
- [July 27th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-27th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, expressing shock and dismay upon learning that he has been spending his entire salary and even selling his clothes to support her. She reproaches him for his lack of openness and for his recent d
- [July 28th: My Priceless Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-28th-my-priceless-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara after a period of distress, expressing relief that they are returning to their old relationship. He emphasizes that his self-respect is paramount and that his superiors remain unaware of his misco
- [July 28th: Dearest Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-28th-dearest-little-barbara.md): Makar writes to Barbara, defending his actions after his debauch and public humiliation. He explains that his distress was driven by rumors of an improper suitor visiting her, and recounts being thrown down the stairs by
- [July 29th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-29th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara responds to Makar's letters, expressing concern over his apparent mental distress and his omission of key details about his living situation. She urges him to visit her immediately and dine with her, reassuring h
- [August 1st: My Darling Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-1st-my-darling-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, defending his recent spendthrift behavior and reflecting on the psychological burdens of poverty. He describes the constant shame and suspicion that plague the poor, who feel they are always bein
- [August 2nd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-2nd-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, urging him not to worry and informing him that Thedora has secured work for them both, which may help improve their financial situation. She suspects Anna Thedorovna is behind her recent misfortu
- [August 3rd: My Angel, Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-3rd-my-angel-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, expressing renewed hope despite his dire financial straits. He recounts his failed attempt to borrow money from Peter Petrovitch, who humiliates him by ignoring his request. Emelia Ivanovitch off
- [August 4th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-4th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar in desperation, recounting a visit from an elderly, decorated man who, under the guise of protection, made inappropriate advances and attempted to bribe her with money and promises of gifts. She r
- [August 4th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-4th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara in a state of desperation, expressing his distress over the attacks on her and his own spirit. He vows to help her at any cost, proposing to borrow money and take on extra work, while detailing hi
- [August 5th: Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-5th-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, urging him not to despair and sending him thirty kopecks. She expresses concern that he worries too much about her troubles at the expense of his own well-being, and advises him to be more hopefu
- [August 5th: My Darling Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-5th-my-darling-little-barbara.md): Makar writes to Barbara recounting his failed attempt to borrow money from Monsieur Markov, describing his miserable walk through rain and sleet, his humiliation at Markov's refusal, and his distress over the petty indig
- [August 11th: O Barbara Alexievna, I Am Undone](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-11th-o-barbara-alexievna-i-am-undone.md): Makar writes in despair, feeling that both he and Barbara are ruined. He describes being publicly humiliated when a friend reads his private letter aloud, leading to mockery and the nickname 'Lovelace.' His landlady abus
- [August 13th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-13th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, describing a series of misfortunes: she burned her left hand with an iron, can no longer work, and Thedora has been ill for three days. She sends him thirty kopecks, nearly her last coins, and as
- [August 14th: What Is the Matter with You, Makar Alexievitch?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-14th-what-is-the-matter-with-you-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes a desperate letter to Makar, pleading with him to stop his self-destructive behavior and excessive concern for reputation. She reveals that his drunkenness has led to public shame and gossip, and that she 
- [August 19th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-19th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, expressing shame about his worn boots and appearance, but trying to dismiss their importance by referencing Greek sages. He defends himself against her concerns about his age, sends greetings fro
- [August 21st: My Dear and Kind Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-21st-my-dear-and-kind-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, confessing his guilt and despair after accepting money from her despite her own hardship. He explains his encounter with the destitute Emelia and his feelings of worthlessness, but also expresses
- [September 3rd: The Reason Why I Did Not Finish My Last Letter, Makar Alexievitch, Was That I Found It So Difficult to Write](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-3rd-the-reason-why-i-did-not-finish-my-last-letter-makar-alexievitch-was-that-i-found-it-so-difficult-to-write.md): Barbara writes to Makar explaining why she couldn't finish her last letter, describing her difficulty in writing and her tendency to retreat into memories of her childhood. She vividly recalls autumns in the countryside,
- [September 5th: My Beloved Barbara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-5th-my-beloved-barbara.md): Makar describes a gloomy walk along the Fontanka Canal and Gorokhovaia Street, contrasting the misery of the poor with the luxury of the rich. He reflects on Barbara's misfortune and his own feelings of humiliation. Late
- [September 9th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-9th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara in a state of extreme agitation after a humiliating incident at his office. He had made a serious copying error on an important document and was summoned before his Excellency. In his panic, a but
- [September 10th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-10th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara expresses joy at Makar's good fortune and the kindness of his superior, urging him to live frugally and save for the future. She reassures him that she and Thedora will manage, and she plans to return most of the
- [September 11th: My Darling Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-11th-my-darling-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, imploring her not to leave him now that his fortunes have improved. He describes a change for the better: his landlady is more accommodating, Theresa has recovered, Phaldoni is obedient, and he h
- [September 15th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-15th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar in distress, reporting that Monsieur Bwikov has returned to St. Petersburg and has been inquiring about her whereabouts. Thedora confronted him, but he mocked her and Barbara's situation. Barbara 
- [September 18th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-18th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara about the tragic events of the day. Their neighbor Gorshkov, after being fully exonerated of guilt and having his character restored, returns home in a state of agitation and joy. Despite the cele
- [September 19th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-19th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara with the good news that Rataziaev has found him work copying a manuscript for a writer, offering forty kopecks per sheet. He expresses hope that this extra income will help them, though he notes t
- [September 23rd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-23rd-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar after three days of distress, recounting a visit from Bwikov who proposes marriage to restore her honor and take her to his country estate. Despite her anguish, she feels compelled to accept, seei
- [September 23rd: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-23rd-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar responds to Barbara's news of Bwikov's proposal, expressing astonishment and resignation. He mentions Gorshkov's funeral, acknowledges Bwikov's noble act, and urges Barbara to accept. He worries about their future 
- [September 27th: Dear Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-dear-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar in a state of distress and exhaustion, detailing the frantic preparations for her wedding to Bwikov, which is only five days away. She lists numerous errands for Makar to run, particularly regardi
- [September 27th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, reporting that he has fulfilled her commissions regarding Madame Chiffon and the tambour work, though he is exhausted and did not go to the office. He urges her not to despair, assures her that M
- [September 28th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-28th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes to Makar, instructing him to cancel the order for pearl and emerald earrings from the jeweller, as Monsieur Bwikov has deemed them too expensive and complains of being robbed. Bwikov has lost his temper, t
- [September 28th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-28th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara, reporting that the matter with the jeweller is resolved. He also reveals that he has fallen ill with a chill and cannot rise from bed, just when many things need to be done. Additionally, he note
- [September 29th: My Own Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-29th-my-own-barbara-alexievna.md): Makar writes to Barbara after learning from Thedora that she is to marry Bwikov the next day and leave shortly after. He expresses his sorrow and resignation, assures her of his enduring happiness for her, and describes 
- [September 30th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-30th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch.md): Barbara writes a farewell letter to Makar, informing him that she is leaving with Monsieur Bwikov and that their time together has come to an end. She entrusts him with her book, embroidery frame, and an unfinished lette
- [Beloved Barbara—My Jewel, My Priceless One](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/beloved-barbara-my-jewel-my-priceless-one.md): Makar Alexievitch writes a desperate, heartbroken letter to Barbara upon learning of her impending departure with Monsieur Bwikov. He pleads with her to reconsider, expressing his profound love and fear of losing her, an
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/endnotes.md): This section contains endnotes providing brief explanations of terms referenced in the main text, such as a quarter of St. Petersburg, a secondary school, and a tea-urn.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters