# June 22nd: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna explained — Poor Folk > Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky. ## What happens Makar writes to Barbara about the death of Gorshkov's nine-year-old son from scarlatina. He describes the family's dire poverty, the mother's grief, the father's tears, and the thoughtful little daughter standing by the coffin. Makar expresses his deep pity and helplessness at their suffering. ## Themes in this chapter ### Poverty and Deprivation The Gorshkov family's extreme poverty is highlighted: they live in a single room with a screen, the father wears a dirty frockcoat, and the children suffer. ### Human Dignity and Self-Worth Makar's visit of condolence and his emotional response underscore the dignity of the grieving family despite their destitution. ## Character check-ins ### Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin Narrates the sad event of Gorshkov's child's death, expressing pity and helplessness. ### Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova Recipient of Makar's letter describing the tragedy. ### Gorshkov Father of the deceased child, seen in dire poverty, weeping and thin. ## Key lines > I have been to pay the parents a visit of condolence, and found them living in the direst poverty and disorder. Makar visited the grieving parents and saw their extreme poverty and chaotic living conditions. _Illustrates the theme of poverty and deprivation._ > Though not weeping, the mother, poor woman, looked broken with grief. The mother was not crying but appeared shattered by sorrow. _Highlights the emotional impact of the child's death._ > How painful to see these suffering children, and to be unable to help them! It is heartbreaking to witness the children's suffering without being able to assist. _Reflects Makar's empathy and helplessness._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-22nd-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters