# III explained — What Is to Be Done?

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

## What happens

Viéra Pavlovna confronts Storeshnikof about his slanderous behavior, refuses the sleigh ride, and locks herself in her room to escape her mother's wrath. Marya Alekséyevna oscillates between anger and cunning, while Julie and Serge arrive.

## Themes in this chapter

### Women's Emancipation

Viéra asserts her autonomy by refusing the arranged sleigh ride and defying her mother's plans.

### Critique of Bourgeois Society

Marya Alekséyevna's mercenary matchmaking and Storeshnikof's dishonorable behavior critique bourgeois values.

## Character check-ins

### Viéra Pavlovna

Confronts Storeshnikof, refuses the sleigh ride, and locks herself in her room.

### Marya Alekséyevna

Tries to force the sleigh ride, becomes furious at Viéra's defiance, then considers compromise.

### Mikhaïl Ivanuitch Storeshnikof

Arrives for the planned sleigh ride, is rebuked by Viéra, and leaves in confusion.

### Mademoiselle Julie

Arrives with Serge at the end of the chapter.

### Serge

Arrives with Julie at the end of the chapter.

## Key lines

> I warn you, if you ever dare to speak to me in the theatre, or on the street, or anywhere else, I shall slap your face.

Viéra threatens to publicly humiliate Storeshnikof if he approaches her again.

_Demonstrates Viéra's defiance and refusal to be objectified._

> If you try to break open the door, I shall open the window and call for help. I will not give myself into your hands alive.

Viéra threatens to scream for help rather than be forced into submission.

_Highlights Viéra's extreme measures to preserve her freedom._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iii
- 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