# August 2nd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch explained — Poor Folk

> Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

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 misfortunes but feels cheerful. She advises Makar against borrowing more money and suggests he come live with them, dismissing his concerns about enemies and ill-wishers. She notes that his writing style varies from letter to letter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Deprivation

Barbara and Thedora take on work to alleviate their financial troubles, and Makar is considering borrowing money, highlighting their ongoing economic struggles.

### Isolation and Loneliness

Barbara invites Makar to live with her, suggesting a desire to overcome isolation and find mutual support.

## Character check-ins

### Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova

Writes to Makar, expressing cheerfulness and concern for his well-being.

### Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin

Recipient of Barbara's letter; she advises him against borrowing money and invites him to live with her.

### Thedora

Obtained work for herself and Barbara, and suspects Anna Thedorovna is behind Barbara's misfortunes.

### Anna Thedorovna

Suspected by Thedora of being connected to Barbara's recent misfortunes.

## Key lines

> Thedora has obtained a quantity of work, both for me and herself, and we are setting about it with a will. Perhaps it will put us straight again.

Thedora has found a lot of work for both of us, and we are starting it eagerly, hoping it will help us recover financially.

_Barbara shares hopeful news about their work prospects._

> So you are thinking of borrowing more money? If so, may God preserve you, for you will assuredly be ruined when the time comes for repayment!

If you are planning to take out another loan, God help you, because you will certainly be ruined when you have to pay it back.

_Barbara warns Makar against further borrowing._

> You had far better come and live with us here for a little while. Yes, come and take up your abode here, and pay no attention whatever to what your landlady says.

It would be much better for you to come and stay with us for a while, and ignore anything your landlady might say.

_Barbara invites Makar to move in with her and Thedora._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-2nd-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters