Poor Folk · Chapter
June 28th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna explained
Makar writes to Barbara, urging her to abandon melancholy and dismiss her thoughts of leaving.
What happens
Makar writes to Barbara, urging her to abandon melancholy and dismiss her thoughts of leaving. He insists she is healthy and blooming, and he will sacrifice his own comfort rather than see her in want. He defends his friend Rataziaev's literary merits and thanks her for sending a volume of Pushkin, promising to visit her soon.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Deprivation
Makar's willingness to sell his frockcoat and walk in shirt sleeves underscores the material deprivation that defines his existence.
Isolation and Loneliness
Makar's desperate plea for Barbara not to leave reveals his deep fear of abandonment and the loneliness that would follow.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
Writes a passionate letter to Barbara, pleading with her not to leave and defending his friend Rataziaev.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
The recipient of Makar's letter; she is contemplating a journey and has sent Makar a book of Pushkin.
- Thedora
Makar blames her for influencing Barbara's decision to leave, calling her a foolish old woman.
- Rataziaev
Makar defends him as a splendid writer, praising his ornate and imaginative style.
- Pushkin
Makar thanks Barbara for sending a volume of Pushkin, which he plans to read.
Key passages
“I will sell my frockcoat, and walk the streets in my shirt sleeves, rather than let you be in want.”
Makar declares he would sacrifice his own clothing and dignity to prevent Barbara from suffering any lack.
Illustrates Makar's extreme devotion and the depth of his poverty.
“Ah, but you should read him sympathetically, and, best of all, at a time when you are feeling happy and contented and pleasantly disposed — for instance, when you have a bonbon or two in your mouth.”
Makar advises Barbara to read Rataziaev's works when she is in a good mood, perhaps while enjoying sweets.
Shows Makar's naive and affectionate defense of his friend's literary talent.