Poor Folk · Chapter
September 23rd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch explained
Barbara writes to Makar after three days of distress, recounting a visit from Bwikov who proposes marriage to restore her honor and take her to his country estate.
What happens
Barbara writes to Makar after three days of distress, recounting a visit from Bwikov who proposes marriage to restore her honor and take her to his country estate. Despite her anguish, she feels compelled to accept, seeing no other escape from poverty and ill health. She informs Makar of her unalterable decision, asking him not to dissuade her.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Barbara sacrifices her own desires and accepts a pragmatic marriage to Bwikov, believing it is her only option to escape poverty and restore her reputation.
Exploitation and Predation
Bwikov's proposal is transactional: he seeks a legal heir and offers material security, while Barbara feels coerced by her circumstances into accepting.
Characters to notice
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
Writes to Makar, describing her terror at Bwikov's visit and her reluctant decision to accept his marriage proposal.
- Monsieur Bykov
Visits Barbara, proposes marriage, offers money, and speaks of taking her to the Steppes to secure a legal heir.
- Anna Thedorovna
Mentioned by Bwikov as a bad woman who led Barbara's cousin astray and ruined Barbara.
- Thedora
Barbara's companion; she was out during Bwikov's visit and later advises Barbara about happiness.
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
The recipient of Barbara's letter; Bwikov offers to repay him with 500 roubles for his services to Barbara.
Key passages
“I am going to marry this man; I have no choice but to accept his proposal.”
Barbara declares her decision to marry Bwikov, feeling she has no alternative.
This marks Barbara's resignation to a marriage of necessity rather than love.
“If anyone could save me from this squalor, and restore to me my good name, and avert from me future poverty and want and misfortune, he is the man to do it.”
Barbara sees Bwikov as her only hope to escape her current misery and regain her honor.
Highlights the theme of exploitation and the desperate circumstances driving her choice.
“Bwikov is said to be kindhearted. He will at least respect me, and perhaps I shall be able to return that respect.”
Barbara rationalizes that Bwikov may treat her with respect, offering a glimmer of hope for a tolerable marriage.
Reflects her attempt to find some positive aspect in a difficult decision.