Poor Folk · Chapter
August 1st: My Darling Barbara Alexievna explained
Makar writes to Barbara, defending his recent spendthrift behavior and reflecting on the psychological burdens of poverty.
What happens
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 being watched and judged. He confesses his humiliation at work when his ragged appearance was noticed, and suspects his colleague Rataziaev of spreading gossip about him and Barbara. He dismisses novels as worthless, rejecting even Shakespeare as mere fodder for lampoons.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Deprivation
Makar vividly describes the shame and constant scrutiny that accompany poverty, including his ragged boots and unkempt hair, and the feeling of being worth less than a rag.
Human Dignity and Self-Worth
Makar asserts his self-respect despite his poverty, comparing his sensitivity to that of a young girl, and laments that the poor are denied dignity and privacy.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
Writes to Barbara, defending his past actions and expressing deep shame and anxiety about his poverty and appearance.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
The recipient of Makar's letter; he thanks her for a chance to repay good and asks her not to blame him.
- Emelia Ivanovitch
Mentioned as having told Makar about the need for official sanction when collecting subscriptions from the poor.
- Stepan Karlovitch
A colleague who remarked on Makar's appearance, causing him to blush with shame.
- Rataziaev
Suspected by Makar of spreading gossip and planning to write a satire about him and Barbara.
Key passages
“The poor man is exacting. He cannot see God’s world as it is, but eyes each passerby askance, and looks around him uneasily in order that he may listen to every word that is being uttered.”
The poor person is constantly suspicious and anxious, always fearing that others are talking about or judging him.
Makar explains the psychological burden of poverty, where one feels perpetually watched and criticized.
“I declare that the poor man is ashamed of such things with the sensitiveness of a young girl.”
The poor man feels shame about his appearance as acutely as a modest young girl would.
Makar compares his own sensitivity to that of a young girl to emphasize the depth of his humiliation.
“Even should they vaunt Shakespeare to you, I tell you that Shakespeare is rubbish, and proper only for lampoons.”
No matter how highly they praise Shakespeare, I say he is worthless and only good for making fun of people.
Makar dismisses all literature, including Shakespeare, as useless and fit only for satire.