Short Fiction · Chapter
Oh! The Public explained
Podtyagin, the head ticket collector, resolves to work diligently and begins inspecting tickets late at night.
What happens
Podtyagin, the head ticket collector, resolves to work diligently and begins inspecting tickets late at night. He wakes a rheumatic passenger who had taken morphia to sleep, leading to a confrontation. The passenger and other travelers criticize Podtyagin's persistence. Despite bringing the stationmaster to justify his actions, Podtyagin is further rebuked. Two gentlemen demand he apologize, but when he attempts to do so, the invalid reacts with distress. The public condemns him, and Podtyagin, feeling hopeless, turns to drink.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Failure
Podtyagin's initial resolve to work honestly crumbles under public pressure, leading him back to drinking.
Suffering and Compassion
The invalid passenger's suffering from rheumatism and sleep deprivation is met with insensitivity from Podtyagin and the public.
Isolation and Loneliness
Podtyagin feels isolated and misunderstood, unable to satisfy either the public or his own sense of duty.
Characters to notice
- Podtyagin
The head ticket collector who tries to fulfill his duty but is met with public outrage.
- The Stranger
The rheumatic invalid passenger who is repeatedly disturbed while trying to sleep.
- The Policeman
The stationmaster who is brought by Podtyagin to justify the ticket inspection.
Key passages
“Here goes, I’ve done with drinking! Nothing… n-o-thing shall tempt me to it. It’s time to take myself in hand; I must buck up and work… You’re glad to get your salary, so you must do your work honestly, heartily, conscientiously, regardless of sleep and comfort.”
Podtyagin resolves to quit drinking and commit to diligent, honest work.
Podtyagin's internal monologue sets up his initial determination.
“My God! I’m suffering from rheumatism.… I haven’t slept for three nights! I’ve just taken morphia on purpose to get to sleep, and you… with your tickets! It’s merciless, it’s inhuman!”
The invalid passenger pleads for mercy, explaining his medical condition and need for rest.
Highlights the conflict between duty and compassion.
“Oh, the public! There’s no satisfying them! It’s no use working and doing one’s best! One’s driven to drinking and cursing it all.… If you do nothing—they’re angry; if you begin doing your duty, they’re angry too. There’s nothing for it but drink!”
Podtyagin laments that the public is impossible to please, leading him to abandon his work ethic and return to drinking.
Concludes the chapter with Podtyagin's defeat and moral collapse.