# My Dearest Makar Alexievitch explained — Poor Folk

> Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

Barbara writes to Makar, sharing her joy at receiving fifteen roubles from Thedora and giving three back. She is busy making a waistcoat for Makar and sends him a book of stories, including 'The Cloak.' She considers his invitation to the theatre but worries about the cost, as Thedora hints that Makar is overspending. Barbara expresses concern about his financial situation and mentions rumors of unpaid bills to his landlady. She signs off, noting she will wear her new hat and black mantilla if they go.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Deprivation

Barbara's concern over the cost of theatre tickets and Thedora's warnings about Makar's unpaid bills highlight the constant financial strain faced by the characters.

### Love and Sacrifice

Barbara's gift of a waistcoat and her willingness to wear her best clothes for the theatre demonstrate her affectionate care for Makar despite their poverty.

## Character check-ins

### Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova

Writes to Makar, shares financial news, expresses concern over his spending, and plans a theatre outing.

### Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin

Recipient of Barbara's letter; invited her to the theatre but is rumored to be overspending.

### Thedora

Brought Barbara fifteen roubles and warned her about Makar's financial troubles.

## Key lines

> Today Thedora came to me with fifteen roubles in silver. How glad was the poor woman when I gave her three of them!

Thedora brought Barbara fifteen silver roubles, and Barbara was pleased to give three back to her.

_Shows Barbara's generosity and the modest financial transactions among the poor._

> You invite me to go to the theatre with you. But will it not cost too much?

You suggested we go to the theatre, but I worry about the expense.

_Highlights Barbara's practical concern over their limited budget._

> Thedora keeps nodding her head, and saying that you have taken to living above your income.

Thedora hints that you are spending more than you earn.

_Foreshadows Makar's financial troubles and the theme of poverty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/my-dearest-makar-alexievitch
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters