Poor Folk · Chapter
May 20th: My Dearest Little Barbara explained
Makar writes to Barbara, sending grapes and roses for her recovery, reassuring her about his health and finances, and addressing rumors spread by Thedora.
What happens
Makar writes to Barbara, sending grapes and roses for her recovery, reassuring her about his health and finances, and addressing rumors spread by Thedora. He declines frequent visits due to fear of scandal, but promises a future rendezvous.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Loneliness
Makar's fear of visiting Barbara due to potential scandal highlights his isolation and the loneliness imposed by social judgment.
Love and Sacrifice
Makar's gifts and reassurances, despite his own hardships, demonstrate his sacrificial care for Barbara.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
Writes a letter to Barbara, sending gifts and reassuring her about his well-being.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
Recipient of the letter; convalescent, urged to eat and regain health.
- Thedora
Mentioned as having spread rumors about Makar; he calls her a vindictive woman.
- Theresa
Trusted by Makar as not talkative, but a scandal has arisen despite her discretion.
Key passages
“I am sending you a few grapes, which are good for a convalescent person, and strongly recommended by doctors for the allayment of fever.”
Makar sends grapes to Barbara, believing they will help her recover from fever.
Illustrates Makar's attentive care for Barbara's health.
“It is not the case that I have gone and sold a new uniform. Why should I do so, seeing that I have forty roubles of salary still to come to me?”
Makar denies selling his uniform, claiming he has enough salary to cover his needs.
Shows Makar's attempt to reassure Barbara about his financial stability.
“I cannot think how I contrived to do the many things that I did. Later, I ceased to visit you at all, for the reason that people were beginning to notice things, and to ask me questions.”
Makar reflects on his past visits during Barbara's illness but stopped because others became suspicious.
Highlights the social pressure and fear of scandal that governs Makar's actions.