Short Fiction · Chapter
Peasant Wives explained
In the village of Reybuzh, a traveler named Matvey Savitch recounts to the innkeeper Dyudya the story of how he came to adopt an orphan boy named Kuzka.
What happens
In the village of Reybuzh, a traveler named Matvey Savitch recounts to the innkeeper Dyudya the story of how he came to adopt an orphan boy named Kuzka. The tale involves a married woman, Mashenka, whose husband Vasya was conscripted into the army. Left alone, she turned to Matvey for help, leading to an affair. When Vasya returned, he forgave them, but Mashenka continued to pursue Matvey, who ultimately rejected her and took in Kuzka after she abandoned the child.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The story explores the conflict between marital duty and personal desire, as Mashenka struggles with her feelings for Matvey despite being married to Vasya.
Hypocrisy and Moral Failure
Matvey's moralizing and self-righteousness contrast with his own role in the affair, highlighting the hypocrisy in his advice to Mashenka.
Suffering and Compassion
Vasya's forgiveness and Matvey's eventual adoption of Kuzka reflect themes of suffering, repentance, and compassion.
Characters to notice
- Matvey
The traveler and narrator, a tradesman who adopted the orphan Kuzka after a complicated affair with Mashenka.
- Anisim Tsybukin
Referred to as Dyudya, the innkeeper who listens to Matvey's story.
- Aksinya
Referred to as Afanasyevna, Dyudya's wife, who listens to the story with the other women.
- Lipa
Referred to as Mashenka, the young wife who had an affair with Matvey while her husband Vasya was away.
- Vassya
Referred to as Kuzka, the orphan boy adopted by Matvey.
Key passages
“I took him for my soul's salvation.”
Matvey adopted the orphan Kuzka as a religious act to save his own soul.
Explains Matvey's motivation for adopting the boy.
“Man and wife are one flesh. We have sinned, you and I, and it is enough; we must repent and fear God.”
Matvey tells Mashenka that they have sinned and must repent, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage.
Reflects the moral and religious framework of the story.
“Better to suffer torments in this world at the hands of your lawful master than to gnash your teeth at the dread Seat of Judgment.”
Matvey advises Mashenka that earthly punishment from her husband is preferable to divine punishment in the afterlife.
Highlights the fear of divine judgment as a motivator for moral behavior.