# August 19th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna explained — Poor Folk

> Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

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 from Emelia, and acknowledges mutual distress and tears, yet wishes for health and happiness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Deprivation

Makar's shame about his worn boots and his attempt to dismiss their importance highlight the material deprivation he experiences and his struggle to maintain dignity.

### Human Dignity and Self-Worth

Makar's defensive tone about his appearance and age, and his effort to rationalize his poverty, reveal his deep concern for how he is perceived and his desire to preserve his self-worth.

## Character check-ins

### Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin

Writes to Barbara, ashamed of his worn boots and appearance, but tries to rationalize his poverty. He defends his age and sends greetings from Emelia.

### Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova

Makar addresses her as his dearest, responding to her letter where she expressed distress and tears.

### Thedora

Makar criticizes her as a 'rubbishy, tiresome, gabbling old woman' in his letter.

### Emelia Ivanovitch

Sends his greeting to Barbara through Makar.

## Key lines

> Yes, I am ashamed to meet you, my darling⁠—I am ashamed. At the same time, what is there in all this? Why should we not be cheerful again? Why should I mind the soles of my feet coming through my boots?

Makar admits his embarrassment about his shabby boots but questions why such trivial things should prevent them from being happy.

_Reveals Makar's internal conflict between shame and a desire for cheerfulness despite poverty._

> The Greek sages used to walk about without them, so why should we coddle ourselves with such things?

Makar invokes the example of ancient Greek philosophers who went barefoot to justify his own lack of proper footwear.

_Shows Makar's attempt to use intellectual reasoning to cope with material hardship._

> Tell Thedora that she is a rubbishy, tiresome, gabbling old woman, as well as an inexpressibly foolish one.

Makar instructs Barbara to convey his harsh opinion of Thedora, calling her foolish and annoying.

_Highlights Makar's frustration with Thedora, possibly for her gossip or interference._

> You write that you are in great distress, and have been weeping. Well, I too am in great distress, and have been weeping.

Makar acknowledges that both he and Barbara are suffering and have been crying.

_Emphasizes the shared emotional pain and mutual sympathy between the two correspondents._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-19th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters