# II: The First Consequences of the Fool’s Deed explained — What Is to Be Done?

> Chapter companion for What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky.

## What happens

Vera Pavlovna receives a letter from Lopukhof announcing his departure and apparent suicide, believing he has sacrificed himself for her happiness with Kirsanov. Overcome with guilt, she resolves to leave Petersburg and part from Kirsanov forever, though a passionate farewell kiss reveals the depth of her anguish.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter explores the consequences of a love triangle and the ideal of self-sacrifice in marriage, as Lopukhof's apparent suicide is framed as an act of love for both Vera and Kirsanov.

### Freedom and Individuality

Vera's decision to leave Petersburg and seek independence through singing lessons reflects her struggle for personal freedom and moral integrity in the face of guilt.

## Character check-ins

### Viéra Pavlovna

Sews and sings a French song about work and enlightenment, but is overcome with melancholy upon receiving Lopukhof's farewell letter; she blames herself for his death and decides to leave Petersburg.

### Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf

Sends a brief letter stating he has left to disturb their peace, expressing love for both Vera and Kirsanov; his action is the catalyst for the chapter's emotional turmoil.

### Aleksandr Matvéitch Kirsánof

Finds Vera in distress after reading the letter; he is pale and trembling, and later tries to comfort her, but she accuses him of being stained with Lopukhof's blood.

### Masha

The young servant girl who brings the letter to Vera and is mentioned in relation to her upcoming wedding.

## Key lines

> We are poor, but we are working people; we have strong hands. We are obscure, but we are not dull, and we want light. Let us learn; knowledge will give us freedom.

Though we are poor and unknown, we are hardworking and seek enlightenment; education is the path to liberation.

_Vera's song encapsulates the novel's progressive ideals of self-improvement and social uplift through knowledge and labor._

> I have disturbed your peace of mind. I leave these scenes. Don’t grieve; I love you both so much that I am very happy at my decision.

I have upset your tranquility by departing; do not mourn, for my love for you both makes my choice a joyful one.

_Lopukhof's letter is a cryptic farewell that Vera interprets as a suicide note, driving the chapter's emotional crisis._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii-the-first-consequences-of-the-fool-s-deed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters