# September 27th: Dear Makar Alexievitch explained — Poor Folk

> Chapter companion for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

Barbara writes to Makar in a state of distress and exhaustion, detailing the frantic preparations for her wedding to Bwikov, which is only five days away. She lists numerous errands for Makar to run, particularly regarding the ordering of linen blouses, lace, and tambour work from Madame Chiffon. Barbara expresses her anxiety about the future, her illness, and the disorder of her new flat, while also noting Bwikov's impatience and temper.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Hierarchy

Bwikov's insistence that his bride must 'put the noses of the great ladies out of joint' underscores the importance of social status and appearance in their marriage.

### Love and Sacrifice

Barbara's reliance on Makar for errands and her expression of shame and depression reveal the emotional cost and sacrifice involved in her impending marriage to Bwikov.

## Character check-ins

### Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova

Barbara is overwhelmed and ill, managing wedding preparations and giving detailed instructions to Makar.

### Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin

Makar is entrusted with multiple errands, including visiting Madame Chiffon and conveying Barbara's specific requests.

### Monsieur Bykov

Bwikov is impatient and angry about the wedding preparations, has trouble with the police, and insists on fine attire for his bride.

### Thedora

Thedora is acting as Barbara's servant during the wedding preparations.

### Madame Chiffon

Madame Chiffon is the seamstress Barbara wishes to contact for the wedding garments.

## Key lines

> Bwikov has just informed me that I must have at least three dozen linen blouses; so I must go at once and look for sempstresses to make two out of the three dozen, since time presses.

Bwikov demands three dozen linen blouses, and Barbara must urgently find seamstresses to make two-thirds of them due to the tight schedule.

_Highlights the pressure and material demands of the wedding preparations._

> I am so ashamed to trouble you with my commissions! This is the third morning that you will have spent in running about for my sake. But what else am I to do?

Barbara apologizes for burdening Makar with errands for three consecutive mornings, but feels helpless due to her illness and the chaos.

_Reveals Barbara's guilt and dependence on Makar amidst her distress._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-dear-makar-alexievitch
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters