The Peasants · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Boryna, after losing his best cow, seeks advice from the Voyt and his wife about remarrying.
What happens
Boryna, after losing his best cow, seeks advice from the Voyt and his wife about remarrying. They suggest several candidates, eventually proposing Yagna, daughter of Dominik. Boryna, though outwardly indifferent, is inwardly tempted and later walks past Yagna's house, observing her. He returns home, troubled by thoughts of marriage and his children's opposition, and struggles with indecision.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Family
Boryna's search for a wife is driven by household needs and land consolidation, reflecting patriarchal family structures.
Poverty and Survival
The loss of a cow prompts Boryna to consider remarriage as a practical measure to avoid ruin.
Community and Conflict
The Voyt and his wife mediate Boryna's marital prospects, showing community involvement in personal decisions.
Characters to notice
- Maciej Boryna
Considers remarrying after losing his cow; walks past Yagna's house and wrestles with the decision.
- Yagna Borynova
Proposed as a suitable match for Boryna; observed by him while plucking a goose.
- Peter the Voyt
Advises Boryna on remarriage and suggests Yagna as a candidate.
- The Voytova
Participates in the discussion about potential brides for Boryna.
- Dominikova
Yagna's mother, mentioned as the old dame reading aloud in the cabin.
Key passages
“better off with one than without.”
It is better to have a wife than to be alone.
The Voyt's wife argues that Boryna needs a wife for practical reasons.
“When old with young to wedlock fly, the devil is glad, for he profits thereby.”
When an old man marries a young woman, it brings trouble and benefits the devil.
The blind beggar comments cynically on the proposed marriage.
“Betwixt us rolls the flood, O grief! How can I send a kiss from here? I'll float it down upon a leaf And waft my love to thee, my dear.”
A river separates us; I cannot send you a kiss directly, so I will send it on a leaf floating downstream.
A song sung by an unknown voice near the pond, reflecting romantic longing.