# June 21st: My Own, My Darling explained — Poor Folk

> Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

Makar writes to Barbara, expressing his joy at living close to her and describing his happiness as if they were a family. He mentions sending her money, his neighbor Rataziaev's literary gathering, and his plan to buy her an embroidered cloak.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Makar's joy in providing for Barbara and his willingness to spend on her needs highlight his selfless love and sacrificial nature.

### Isolation and Loneliness

Makar's intense happiness at living close to Barbara underscores his previous loneliness and the comfort her proximity brings.

## Character check-ins

### Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin

Writes a joyful letter to Barbara, expressing his happiness and plans to buy her a cloak.

### Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova

Recipient of Makar's letter; he refers to her as his little daughter and mentions her need for an embroidered cloak.

### Thedora

Makar mentions learning from Thedora that Barbara needed the money he sent.

### Rataziaev

Makar's neighbor who invited him to tea for a literary gathering.

### Theresa

Delivered Barbara's message about the embroidered cloak to Makar.

## Key lines

> Things are as strange as though we were actually living together. Also I would add that never in my life have I passed such happy days as I am spending at present.

It feels as if we are living together, and I have never been happier than I am now.

_Makar expresses his profound joy and the illusion of domestic intimacy with Barbara._

> Yes, you are my little daughter, beloved.

You are like my own dear child.

_Makar's paternal affection for Barbara is evident._

> I have now reached the sunshine since, in the first place, I am living so close to you as almost to be with you (which is a great consolation to my mind)

I feel like I am in the sunlight because I live so near you, which comforts me greatly.

_Makar's proximity to Barbara brings him emotional warmth and solace._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-21st-my-own-my-darling
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters