Poor Folk · Chapter
September 29th: My Own Barbara Alexievna explained
Makar writes to Barbara after learning from Thedora that she is to marry Bwikov the next day and leave shortly after.
What happens
Makar writes to Barbara after learning from Thedora that she is to marry Bwikov the next day and leave shortly after. He expresses his sorrow and resignation, assures her of his enduring happiness for her, and describes his visit to her empty room, where he found remnants of her work and a scrap of a letter. He asks to keep her book, 'The Stories of Bielkin,' for the long winter evenings and mentions his plan to move into her old quarters.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Loneliness
Makar's impending solitude is highlighted by his plan to move into Barbara's old room and his request to keep her book for the long, dreary winter evenings.
Love and Sacrifice
Makar's selfless love for Barbara is evident as he expresses happiness for her despite his own pain, and he refrains from attending the wedding due to his physical ailment.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
Writes a heartfelt letter to Barbara, expressing his sadness and resignation about her upcoming marriage, and describes his emotional visit to her empty room.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
The recipient of the letter; she is to marry Bwikov tomorrow and leave the next day.
- Thedora
Informs Makar of Barbara's impending marriage and departure; Makar plans to rent Barbara's old room from her.
- Monsieur Bykov
Barbara's fiancé, who has ordered a post-chaise for their departure and is reportedly out of humour with Barbara.
Key passages
“Today, dearest, I saw Thedora, who informed me that you are to be married tomorrow, and on the following day to go away—for which purpose Bwikov has ordered a post-chaise.”
Today I learned from Thedora that you are getting married tomorrow and leaving the next day, with Bwikov having arranged a carriage.
Makar conveys the news of Barbara's imminent marriage and departure.
“I should have come to the church tomorrow, but, alas, shall be prevented from doing so by the pain in my loins.”
I would have attended the church ceremony tomorrow, but my back pain prevents me.
Makar explains why he cannot attend the wedding.
“Only your book, The Stories of Bielkin, is left to me. Do not deprive me of it, I pray you, but suffer me to keep it.”
The only thing I have left of yours is the book 'The Stories of Bielkin.' Please let me keep it.
Makar asks to keep Barbara's book as a comfort during the lonely winter.