Short Fiction · Chapter
XI explained
Elena Kirillovna wakes and scolds Glasha for being slow to bring her coffee and for forgetting to draw the curtains.
What happens
Elena Kirillovna wakes and scolds Glasha for being slow to bring her coffee and for forgetting to draw the curtains. Glasha responds with deferential tenderness, then hurries to obey, her heavy footsteps provoking further complaint from her mistress.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Control
Elena Kirillovna exerts authority over Glasha through commands and criticism, while Glasha performs subservience.
Characters to notice
- Elena Kirillovna
Awakens early, complains about her sleep and Glasha's service, speaks with a capricious tone.
- Glasha
Servant who feigns astonishment and fear, speaks deferentially, and moves with heavy footsteps.
Key passages
“Glasha, when am I to have my coffee? I ring and ring, and no one comes. You, girl, seem to sleep like the dead.”
Glasha, why isn't my coffee ready? I've been ringing and no one answers. You must be sleeping very deeply.
Elena Kirillovna's irritated complaint about Glasha's delay.
“Forgive me, barinya, it shan’t take a minute. But how early you are awake today, barinya! Did you have a bad night?”
I'm sorry, madam, it will be ready soon. You're up very early today—did you sleep poorly?
Glasha's deferential and tender response to her mistress.