# XIX explained — What Is to Be Done?

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

## What happens

Lopukhóf reflects on his engagement to Viéra Pavlovna, grappling with his materialist philosophy and the fear that she might feel a 'pernicious feeling of gratefulness' toward him. He resolves that he has made no sacrifice, but acted for his own best good, and determines to manage their relationship so that she does not feel indebted. The chapter ends with a brief conversation between Lopukhóf and Kirsánof about their work.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rational Egoism

Lopukhóf's internal monologue repeatedly asserts that he acts only for his own best good, rejecting the idea of sacrifice as a false term.

### Love and Marriage

The chapter explores the dynamics of a marriage based on mutual respect and equality, as Lopukhóf worries about Viéra's potential feelings of indebtedness.

## Character check-ins

### Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf

Engaged to Viéra Pavlovna; reflects on his materialist views and worries about her potential gratitude; decides he has made no sacrifice.

### Viéra Pavlovna

Newly engaged to Lopukhóf; he worries she may feel indebted to him for rescuing her from her family.

### Aleksandr Matvéitch Kirsánof

Briefly converses with Lopukhóf about their scientific work and the resolution of Viéra's situation.

### Matrióna

Remains in the dining-room hoping her 'golden one' will continue snoring.

## Key lines

> What does a man need? A man does not need anything. If he has boots, if he is not out at elbows, if he has shchi [cabbage soup], if he has a warm room, what more does he want?

Lopukhóf argues that a man's basic needs are minimal—boots, decent clothing, food, and shelter—and that he himself has all these, so he has made no real sacrifice.

_Reflects Lopukhóf's materialist philosophy and his attempt to rationalize his decision to marry Viéra without feeling he has given up anything._

> I am not a man to offer sacrifices; and there are no such men in existence. It is a false term; a sacrifice is equivalent to such nonsense as 'top-boots with soft-boiled eggs!'

Lopukhóf denies the concept of sacrifice, calling it a meaningless term, and insists that everyone acts according to their own best interest.

_Highlights the theme of rational egoism and Lopukhóf's rejection of altruistic self-denial._

## Links

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