Short Fiction · Chapter
The Requiem explained
Andrey Andreyitch, a shopkeeper, attends a requiem for his deceased daughter Mariya, an actress.
What happens
Andrey Andreyitch, a shopkeeper, attends a requiem for his deceased daughter Mariya, an actress. He submits a memorial note referring to her as 'the harlot Mariya,' which provokes Father Grigory's anger. The priest rebukes him for judging his own daughter, while Andrey reflects on her life and their strained relationship.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Failure
Andrey Andreyitch's public piety contrasts with his harsh judgment of his deceased daughter, revealing hypocrisy.
Suffering and Compassion
Father Grigory urges compassion for the dead, while Andrey's memories evoke his daughter's suffering and his own guilt.
Mortality and Legacy
The requiem and Andrey's reflections on Mariya's life explore themes of death, memory, and how the deceased are remembered.
Characters to notice
- Mariya
Deceased daughter of Andrey Andreyitch, referred to as 'the harlot Mariya' in the memorial note; she was an actress.
- Father Anastasy
Father Grigory, the priest who rebukes Andrey Andreyitch for the offensive note.
- Matvey
The verger who sets up the memorial table and assists during the requiem.
- Masha
Mashutka, Andrey Andreyitch's daughter, remembered in his reflections as a child and later as an actress.
Key passages
“For the rest of the soul of the servant of God, the harlot Mariya.”
Andrey wrote a memorial note for his daughter, calling her a harlot.
This note sparks the central conflict of the chapter.
“But you see God has forgiven her—do you understand? He has forgiven, but you judge her, you slander her, call her by an unseemly name, and whom! Your own deceased daughter!”
Father Grigory rebukes Andrey for judging his daughter after God has forgiven her.
Highlights the theme of hypocrisy and moral failure.
“What a lovely place you live in! ... Good heavens, how lovely my native place is!”
Mariya expressed admiration for the natural beauty of her hometown before her death.
Shows Mariya's emotional connection to her home, contrasting with her father's indifference.