Poor Folk · Chapter
September 19th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna explained
Makar writes to Barbara with the good news that Rataziaev has found him work copying a manuscript for a writer, offering forty kopecks per sheet.
What happens
Makar writes to Barbara with the good news that Rataziaev has found him work copying a manuscript for a writer, offering forty kopecks per sheet. He expresses hope that this extra income will help them, though he notes the manuscript is poorly written and difficult to decipher.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Deprivation
Makar's urgent need for extra income and the low rate of forty kopecks per sheet highlight his precarious financial state.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
Writes to Barbara with news of new copying work obtained through Rataziaev.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
Recipient of Makar's letter; he shares his hope for extra income.
- Rataziaev
Found Makar the copying job from a writer.
Key passages
“I hasten to let you know that Rataziaev has found me some work to do for a certain writer—the latter having submitted to him a large manuscript.”
Makar excitedly tells Barbara that Rataziaev secured him a copying job from a writer who gave Rataziaev a big manuscript.
Makar's relief and hope for financial improvement.
“I have agreed to do the work for forty kopecks a sheet.”
Makar accepted the job at a rate of forty kopecks per page.
The low pay underscores his economic desperation.