What Is to Be Done? · Chapter
Chapter XII explained
Kirsánof reflects on the danger of his growing feelings for Viéra Pavlovna while helping her nurse the ill Lopukhóf.
What happens
Kirsánof reflects on the danger of his growing feelings for Viéra Pavlovna while helping her nurse the ill Lopukhóf. He recalls his earlier success in suppressing his passion three years ago and now faces a greater risk due to Viéra's moral and physical development. Despite the danger, he decides it would be dishonorable to abandon them for his own peace of mind, so he continues his visits, gradually reducing their frequency to avoid suspicion.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Kirsánof's internal conflict highlights the tension between romantic love and marital fidelity, as he respects Viéra Pavlovna's devotion to Lopukhóf.
Freedom and Individuality
Kirsánof's decision to act according to his own moral code, prioritizing honor over personal comfort, exemplifies individual freedom and self-determination.
Characters to notice
- Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf
Lopukhóf is ill, prompting Viéra Pavlovna's constant watch and Kirsánof's visits.
- Viéra Pavlovna
Viéra Pavlovna shows extraordinary attachment to her husband during his illness; Kirsánof notes her moral and physical development over three years.
- Aleksandr Matvéitch Kirsánof
Kirsánof struggles with his renewed passion for Viéra Pavlovna, recalls his earlier self-restraint, and decides to continue visiting despite the danger.
Key passages
“He knew that he was stepping in a dangerous path, when he decided to spend whole nights with them, in order to take away Viéra Pavlovna’s watch.”
Kirsánof was aware that staying overnight to relieve Viéra Pavlovna from her nursing duties was risky for his emotions.
Illustrates Kirsánof's awareness of the romantic danger.
“How happy and proud he had been when, three years ago, having noticed in himself some signs of passion, he had so strenuously succeeded in doing all that was necessary for the interruption of its development.”
Three years earlier, Kirsánof had successfully suppressed his budding feelings for Viéra Pavlovna, which gave him a sense of pride.
Highlights Kirsánof's past self-discipline.
“It was a great danger, but only for him, Kirsánof. What danger could there be for Viéra Pavlovna? She loves her husband.”
Kirsánof believed the emotional risk was solely his, since Viéra Pavlovna was devoted to Lopukhóf.
Shows Kirsánof's rationalization of the situation.