Poor Folk · Chapter
Beloved Barbara—My Jewel, My Priceless One explained
Makar Alexievitch writes a desperate, heartbroken letter to Barbara upon learning of her impending departure with Monsieur Bwikov.
What happens
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, and paints a grim picture of the life awaiting her in the Steppes. He vows to follow her, to write endlessly, and cannot comprehend how she could leave him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Makar's letter is a raw outpouring of love, where he offers to sacrifice his own well-being and even his life to prevent Barbara's departure.
Isolation and Loneliness
Makar foresees a future of utter loneliness without Barbara, equating her absence with his own death.
Exploitation and Predation
Makar views Bwikov as a predator who is taking Barbara against her will, highlighting the exploitative nature of the marriage arrangement.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
The letter writer, expressing desperate love and anguish over Barbara's departure.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
The recipient of the letter, who is about to leave with Monsieur Bwikov.
- Monsieur Bykov
The man Barbara is leaving with, criticized by Makar for his hunting and lack of care.
Key passages
“Would that they had torn my heart out of my breast rather than have taken you away from me!”
Makar says he would rather have his heart ripped out than lose Barbara.
Hyperbolic expression of his emotional devastation.
“I will go with you; I will run behind your carriage if you will not take me—yes, I will run, and run so long as the power is in me, and until my breath shall have failed.”
Makar vows to follow Barbara's carriage on foot if necessary, running until he collapses.
Shows his desperation and willingness to endure physical suffering for her.
“When you are gone, Barbara, I shall die—for certain I shall die, for my heart cannot bear this misery.”
Makar claims that Barbara's departure will literally kill him.
Reinforces his belief that his life is entirely dependent on her presence.