Poor Folk · Chapter
July 1st: Rubbish, Rubbish, Barbara! explained
Makar responds to Barbara's suggestion of leaving, insisting she stay and dismissing her concerns as rubbish.
What happens
Makar responds to Barbara's suggestion of leaving, insisting she stay and dismissing her concerns as rubbish. He argues that she is safe and loved, and that her departure would ruin him. He praises Pushkin's 'The Station Overseer,' identifying deeply with the character Samson Virin, and urges her to read it. He warns her against the dangers of strangers and pleads with her not to leave.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Loneliness
Makar's fear of being abandoned in his old age and his identification with the lonely, grieving Samson Virin highlight his profound isolation.
Literature and Self-Expression
Makar's emotional response to Pushkin's story shows how literature provides a mirror for his own life and a means of articulating his feelings.
Poverty and Deprivation
Makar's reference to a broken-down hearse and a poor outcast's funeral underscores the material and social deprivation he fears.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
Writes passionately to Barbara, pleading with her to stay and expressing his deep emotional dependence on her.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
The recipient of Makar's letter; she has apparently suggested leaving, which Makar vehemently opposes.
- Rataziaev
Mentioned as the author of 'The Station Overseer' (though actually by Pushkin); Makar quotes his opinion on the book.
- Pushkin
Praised by Rataziaev as a splendid poet who has honoured Holy Russia; his work deeply moves Makar.
- Samson Virin
The protagonist of 'The Station Overseer' with whom Makar strongly identifies, noting his grief and drinking.
- Gorshkov
Compared to Samson Virin as another example of a poor chinovnik suffering a similar fate.
Key passages
“Stay here, rather, and put such thoughts out of your head. None of what you suppose is true.”
Makar urges Barbara to remain with him and dismisses her concerns as unfounded.
Makar's immediate rejection of Barbara's plan to leave.
“I keep wondering how I have hitherto contrived to remain such an owl. For what have I ever done? From what wilds did I spring into existence? I know nothing —I know simply nothing.”
Makar reflects on his own ignorance and lack of education, feeling like an owl who has just awakened.
Makar's self-deprecating realization of his intellectual limitations after reading Pushkin.
“Why, I might almost have written the book myself! Why not, indeed? I can feel just as the people in the book do, and find myself in positions precisely similar to those of, say, the character Samson Virin.”
Makar feels such a deep connection to the story that he believes he could have authored it himself, as it mirrors his own experiences.
Makar's intense identification with the protagonist of 'The Station Overseer.'