# XII: Viérotchka’s First Dream explained — What Is to Be Done?

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

## What happens

Viéra Pavlovna dreams of being freed from a damp cellar and cured of paralysis by a mysterious, ever-changing young woman who calls herself Philanthropy. The figure urges Viéra to free and cure other imprisoned and paralyzed girls, and Viéra joyfully does so, leading them into a field of freedom and play.

## Themes in this chapter

### Women's Emancipation

The dream symbolizes the liberation of women from oppressive conditions, with Viéra freeing other girls from cellars and paralysis.

### Freedom and Individuality

Viéra's transition from confinement to open fields represents the pursuit of personal freedom and self-realization.

## Character check-ins

### Viéra Pavlovna

The dreamer who experiences liberation from confinement and paralysis, and is called to free others.

## Key lines

> She dreamed that she was locked up in a damp, gloomy cellar, and suddenly the door opened, and Viérotchka found herself in a field.

Viéra dreams of escaping a dark cellar and emerging into an open field.

_The cellar symbolizes her oppressive home life; the field represents freedom._

> I am your bridegroom’s bride!

The mysterious woman declares herself the bride of Viéra's future husband.

_This figure embodies the ideal of love and liberation that Viéra will pursue._

> You may call me Philanthropy [literally, love for humanity]. This is my real name; not many call me so. But you must call me so.

The woman reveals her true name as Philanthropy, or love for humanity.

_The dream figure personifies the altruistic drive to free and heal others._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xii-vi-rotchka-s-first-dream
- 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