Short Fiction · Chapter
Polinka explained
Polinka, a young dressmaker, visits a drapery shop where she interacts with the shopman Nikolay Timofeitch.
What happens
Polinka, a young dressmaker, visits a drapery shop where she interacts with the shopman Nikolay Timofeitch. Their conversation reveals her romantic involvement with a student, which Nikolay Timofeitch criticizes, warning her that the student will not marry her and will only exploit her. Polinka is emotionally conflicted, and the chapter ends with her in tears, seeking comfort from Nikolay Timofeitch.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Polinka's romantic involvement with a student is contrasted with Nikolay Timofeitch's pragmatic warnings about marriage prospects and social compatibility.
Social Class and Inequality
Nikolay Timofeitch highlights the class divide between the educated student and the uneducated dressmaker, suggesting the student will exploit and discard her.
Illusion vs. Reality
Polinka's idealized view of her relationship with the student is challenged by Nikolay Timofeitch's harsh reality about the student's likely dishonorable intentions.
Characters to notice
- Polinka
A thin fair young woman, daughter of a dressmaking establishment head, who is in love with a student and seeks advice from the shopman.
- Nikolay Timofeitch
A graceful dark young shopman who is fond of Polinka and warns her about the student's intentions.
Key passages
“What is your pleasure, madam?”
A shop boy asks Polinka what she wants to buy.
Opening of the shopping scene.
“And why did you leave us so early on Thursday, Nikolay Timofeitch?”
Polinka asks why the shopman left her company early on Thursday.
Reveals their personal relationship.
“You are in love with him; there's no one to beat him in your eyes. Well, all right, then, it's no good talking.”
Nikolay Timofeitch accuses Polinka of being in love with the student and says further discussion is pointless.
Key moment of confrontation.
“Do you imagine he'll marry you—is that it? You'd better drop any such fancies.”
Nikolay Timofeitch dismisses the idea that the student will marry Polinka.
Highlights the theme of social class.
“He'll call you 'my dummy of a wife.' You wouldn't know how to behave in a doctor's or lawyer's circle.”
Nikolay Timofeitch predicts the student will be ashamed of Polinka's lack of education.
Illustrates class prejudice.
“I must talk to you, Nikolay Timofeitch. Come today!”
Polinka pleads for a private conversation with the shopman.
Shows her emotional dependence on him.