# XI explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Fyodor Sologub.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se/chapters/xi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se/chapters