Poor Folk · Chapter
April 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna explained
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.
What happens
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 his springtime reflections, quotes from a book about birds and fancies, and sends her geraniums and bonbons, urging her to be happy and to write back fully.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Loneliness
Makar's detailed description of his solitary room in a noisy tenement and his reliance on Barbara's curtain signal to feel connected highlight his deep loneliness.
Poverty and Deprivation
Makar discusses his limited salary, the cost of his room (24 roubles), and his former inability to afford tea and sugar, underscoring his financial struggles.
Memory and Nostalgia
Makar fondly recalls the first time he kissed Barbara and the ease with which they once saw each other, contrasting it with his current obscured view.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
Narrates the letter, describes his new lodgings, his joy at Barbara's curtain signal, and his springtime musings.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
The recipient of the letter; Makar observes her curtain signal and recalls their past intimacy.
- Thedora
Mentioned as living with Barbara; Makar praises her kind heart despite her grumbling.
- Theresa
Mentioned as being shouted at by the landlady.
Key passages
“Why am I not a bird free to seek its quest?”
Makar quotes a book expressing a longing to be a bird, free to fly wherever it wishes.
Reflects Makar's desire for freedom and escape from his constrained life.
“I perceived that a corner of the curtain in your window had been looped up and fastened to the cornice as I had suggested should be done”
Makar notices that Barbara has raised her curtain as he had asked, signaling her attention to him.
Establishes the secret signal between them and Makar's joy at being noticed.
“The dearest room in this house costs, with board, thirty-five roubles—more than my purse could well afford; whereas my room costs only twenty-four”
Makar explains that the most expensive room is 35 roubles, but he chose a cheaper one at 24 roubles to save money.
Highlights Makar's poverty and his careful budgeting.