# June 26th: My Dear Little Barbara explained — Poor Folk > Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky. ## What happens Makar writes to Barbara about his admiration for the writer Rataziaev, praising his literary works and describing the lively discussions at his gatherings. He shares excerpts from Rataziaev's stories, including 'Passion in Italy' and 'Ermak and Zuleika,' and muses about the possibility of becoming a writer himself, though he worries about his shabby appearance. He sends Barbara bonbons and promises to bring her a more suitable book, cautioning against Paul de Kock's novel. ## Themes in this chapter ### Literature and Self-Expression Makar's enthusiastic praise of Rataziaev's works and his own desire to write illustrate the transformative power of literature as a means of expression and escape. ### Social Class and Hierarchy Makar's anxiety about his patched shoes and his low status as a copyist contrast with the elevated world of writers and countesses, highlighting class insecurities. ### Isolation and Loneliness Despite his admiration for Rataziaev, Makar feels like a 'blockhead' among the literary circle, underscoring his sense of social isolation and inadequacy. ## Character check-ins ### Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin Writes to Barbara, expressing his admiration for Rataziaev and literature, and shares his insecurities about his social standing and appearance. ### Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova The recipient of Makar's letter; he sends her bonbons and promises a book, while cautioning her against unsuitable literature. ### Rataziaev A writer and friend of Makar, praised for his literary talent and generosity; Makar copies documents for him and attends his gatherings. ### Phaldoni Mentioned as someone with whom Makar has discussed Rataziaev's writing style. ### Theresa Mentioned alongside Phaldoni as a listener to Makar's observations about Rataziaev. ### Countess V. Mentioned as a woman of intellect and wit whom Rataziaev visits frequently. ## Key lines > What a splendid thing is literature, Barbara—what a splendid thing! This I learnt before I had known Rataziaev even for three days. It strengthens and instructs the heart of man. Makar exclaims to Barbara that literature is wonderful, having learned from Rataziaev that it enriches and guides the human heart. _Highlights Makar's newfound reverence for literature and its moral influence._ > What, do you think, is an idea that sometimes enters my head? In fact, what if I myself were to write something? How if suddenly a book were to make its appearance in the world bearing the title of The Poetical Works of Makar Dievushkin ? Makar wonders aloud about the possibility of becoming a published poet himself, imagining a book of his own works. _Reveals Makar's secret ambition and his anxiety about social judgment._ > I may say of myself that never, after my book had appeared, should I have the hardihood to show my face on the Nevski Prospect; for would it not be too dreadful to hear everyone saying, 'Here comes the literateur and poet, Dievushkin—yes, it is Dievushkin himself.' Makar fears that if he became a known writer, he would be too embarrassed to walk on Nevski Prospect due to his shabby appearance. _Illustrates the conflict between his literary aspirations and his low social status._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-26th-my-dear-little-barbara - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters