What Is to Be Done? · Chapter
XIII explained
Lopukhóf visits Mrs.
What happens
Lopukhóf visits Mrs. B. to arrange for Vera Pavlovna to become a governess in her household. Initially, the arrangement seems promising, but when Lopukhóf reveals that Vera is fleeing a forced marriage to a wealthy suitor, Mrs. B. becomes hesitant due to the legal and social complications that might arise from the mother's opposition. The chapter ends with Lopukhóf leaving in despair, realizing that this escape route has failed.
Themes in this chapter
Women's Emancipation
Vera's attempt to escape an arranged marriage and gain independence through work as a governess highlights the limited options for women seeking autonomy.
Critique of Bourgeois Society
Mrs. B.'s hesitation, despite her sympathy, reveals how social conventions and legal structures hinder even well-meaning individuals from helping those in need.
Characters to notice
- Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf
Arranges for Vera to become a governess with Mrs. B., but the plan falls through when the mother's potential legal action is considered.
- Viéra Pavlovna
The subject of the arrangement; her difficult home life and forced marriage are discussed.
- Marya Alekséyevna
Vera's mother, who is forcing a wealthy suitor on her and would likely oppose the governess arrangement.
Key passages
“It was very possible, nay, even probable, that through her position in society, through her husband's quite important official connections, if she had seriously desired Viérotchka to live with her, Marya Alekséyevna would not have been able to tear Viérotchka from her hands, without causing serious trouble for herself and her husband...”
Mrs. B. likely had enough social influence to resist Vera's mother, but the effort and risk were more than she was willing to undertake for a stranger.
The narrator reflects on the practical obstacles to Vera's escape.
“But now what can I tell her?”
Lopukhóf is at a loss for how to explain to Vera that the plan has failed.
Lopukhóf's despair after Mrs. B. withdraws her offer.