# May 20th: My Dearest Little Barbara explained — Poor Folk

> Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/may-20th-my-dearest-little-barbara
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters