Poor Folk · Chapter
September 3rd: The Reason Why I Did Not Finish My Last Letter, Makar Alexievitch, Was That I Found It So Difficult to Write explained
Barbara writes to Makar explaining why she couldn't finish her last letter, describing her difficulty in writing and her tendency to retreat into memories of her childhood.
What happens
Barbara writes to Makar explaining why she couldn't finish her last letter, describing her difficulty in writing and her tendency to retreat into memories of her childhood. She vividly recalls autumns in the countryside, the pond, the forest, and the comforting home life with her family. These reminiscences leave her depressed and weak. She expresses a premonition of dying this coming autumn and feels ill and lonely, especially when left alone. She mentions that Thedora is out and she is afraid of being by herself. She ends by noting her financial constraints and urging Makar to repair his wardrobe.
Themes in this chapter
Memory and Nostalgia
Barbara's entire letter is a deep dive into her childhood memories, which she finds both attractive and depressing, highlighting the theme of longing for the past.
Isolation and Loneliness
Barbara writes of being alone, afraid, and depressed, especially when left by herself, emphasizing her isolation.
Poverty and Deprivation
Barbara mentions her limited money (only a single rouble left) and the need to repair Makar's wardrobe, reflecting their financial struggles.
Characters to notice
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
The author of the letter, who reflects on her childhood memories and expresses feelings of depression, illness, and a premonition of death.
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
The recipient of the letter; Barbara mentions that she is glad he paid his landlady and urges him to repair his wardrobe.
- Thedora
Barbara's companion who has gone out for the day, leaving Barbara alone and afraid.
Key passages
“There are moments when I am glad to be alone—to grieve and repine without anyone to share my sorrow: and those moments are beginning to come upon me with ever-increasing frequency.”
Barbara admits that she sometimes prefers solitude to grieve without company, and these moments are becoming more common.
Highlights Barbara's growing isolation and melancholy.
“Always in my reminiscences I find something which is inexplicable, yet strongly attractive—so much so that for hours together I remain insensible to my surroundings, oblivious of reality.”
Her memories are both mysterious and compelling, causing her to lose touch with the present for hours.
Illustrates the theme of memory and nostalgia.
“Do you know, I have a feeling, a sort of sure premonition, that I am going to die this coming autumn; for I feel terribly, oh so terribly ill!”
Barbara confides that she has a strong sense she will die this autumn due to her severe illness.
Foreshadows Barbara's declining health and possible death.