# June 25th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch explained — Poor Folk

> Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

Barbara returns a book to Makar, criticizing it as worthless and urging him not to waste money on such trash. She asks him to send something else to read and offers to share the cost.

## Themes in this chapter

### Literature and Self-Expression

Barbara's critique of the book and her desire for better reading material highlights the role of literature in their lives and the value they place on meaningful self-expression.

## Character check-ins

### Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova

Returns the book to Makar, expresses disdain for it, and proposes sharing the cost of a better book.

### Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin

Recipient of Barbara's letter; he had sent her a book she finds worthless.

## Key lines

> I return you your book. In my opinion it is a worthless one, and I would rather not have it in my possession.

Barbara sends back the book, calling it trash and refusing to keep it.

_Barbara's blunt rejection of the book shows her discerning taste and her willingness to speak honestly to Makar._

> Why do you save up your money to buy such trash?

She questions why Makar would spend his savings on something so poor.

_This reflects Barbara's concern for Makar's financial prudence and her desire for him to invest in better quality reading._

> I will share the cost of it.

Barbara offers to split the expense of a new book.

_Her offer demonstrates her commitment to their shared intellectual life and her willingness to contribute financially._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-25th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters