# XXII explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Fyodor Sologub.

## What happens

Glasha appears at the garden gate and speaks deferentially with Elena Kirillovna about Sofia Alexandrovna and Natasha. Elena Kirillovna, anxious about Borya's absence, lingers by the gate before returning to the house, where the sounds of Glasha and the old nurse preparing the terrace are heard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Confinement

Natasha's early morning walk and Elena Kirillovna's anxious waiting reflect a tension between personal freedom and domestic confinement.

### Love and Betrayal

Elena Kirillovna's longing for Borya and her concern for Natasha suggest underlying emotional bonds and anxieties.

## Character check-ins

### Glasha

Appears at the garden gate, speaks respectfully to Elena Kirillovna, and is described as looking ordinary with a commonplace dress.

### Elena Kirillovna

Anxiously asks about Natasha and Sofia Alexandrovna, lingers by the gate hoping for Borya's arrival, then returns to the house.

### Sofia Alexandrovna Ozoreva

Mentioned as getting up; Glasha relays her question about laying the table on the terrace.

### Natasha Ozoreva

Reported by Glasha to have gone for an early walk and then fallen asleep; Elena Kirillovna is anxious about her.

### Borya

Absent; Elena Kirillovna recalls seeing him in a half-dream and looks down the road toward the station for him.

## Key lines

> Glasha appeared at the garden gate. She glanced cheerfully along both sides of the road. Walking more slowly she approached Elena Kirillovna deferentially.

Glasha arrived at the garden gate, looked cheerfully up and down the road, then walked more slowly and respectfully toward Elena Kirillovna.

_Introduces Glasha's demeanor and approach._

> Elena Kirillovna said irresolutely: 'Very well. I had better be going. All right, Glasha.'

Elena Kirillovna hesitated and then told Glasha she should go inside.

_Shows Elena Kirillovna's indecision and concern._

> Elena Kirillovna gives a sigh⁠—there is as yet no Borya⁠—and enters the garden.

Elena Kirillovna sighs because Borya has not yet arrived, then goes into the garden.

_Highlights her disappointment and worry._

## Links

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