The Village · Chapter
III explained
The chapter contrasts the perpetual enmity between the promontory and Durnovka, focusing on the characters of Odnodvorka and the farmhand Koshel.
What happens
The chapter contrasts the perpetual enmity between the promontory and Durnovka, focusing on the characters of Odnodvorka and the farmhand Koshel. Odnodvorka, a small, dependable woman, serves as a link between the two communities, while Koshel, a former soldier, embodies the superstitious and insular nature of the villagers. The chapter also depicts the quiet autumn atmosphere at the manor-house, where Kuzma reads newspapers and records his observations, particularly about Syery, the Grey Man.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
The enmity between the promontory and Durnovka highlights class distinctions, with Durnovka being 'gentry property' and the promontory dwellers seen as 'boors.'
Isolation and Loneliness
The quiet, isolated manor-house and the solitary figure of Kuzma reading by the window evoke a sense of loneliness and introspection.
Tradition vs. Change
Koshel's adherence to old sayings and superstitions contrasts with Kuzma's reading of newspapers and recording of observations, symbolizing the tension between tradition and modernity.
Characters to notice
- Odnodvorka
A small, dependable woman who serves as a go-between for the villages, known for her thievery of railway snow-screens and her past as a procuress.
- The Farmhand Koshel
A former soldier who repeats old sayings, believes in superstitions like witches, and sings melancholy songs while watching over the manor.
- Kuzma
Spends his days reading newspapers and writing down his observations about village life, particularly focusing on Syery.
- Syery
The Grey Man, who occupies Kuzma's attention and is a subject of his notes.
Key passages
“What could I do? I was dreadfully poor; I had not enough bread even after the new harvest. My good husband loved me, to speak the plain truth, but one has to submit, you know. The master gave three whole carloads of rye for me.”
Odnodvorka explains that her poverty forced her into prostitution, as her husband accepted the master's payment of rye for her.
Highlights the economic desperation and moral compromises of the peasantry.
“He never believed a single rumour—'all lies!'—but he did believe, and swore to it as a fact, that not long ago a witch had rolled in the form of a wheel through the twilight shades near Basovka.”
Koshel dismisses all rumors as lies, yet firmly believes in the supernatural tale of a witch transforming into a wheel.
Illustrates the blend of skepticism and superstition among the villagers.