What Is to Be Done? · Chapter
XXI explained
Viéra Pavlovna and Lopukhóf marry in a simple, secret ceremony.
What happens
Viéra Pavlovna and Lopukhóf marry in a simple, secret ceremony. Lopukhóf arranges the wedding with the help of Mertsálof, a priest. After the wedding, they celebrate at the Mertsálovs' home. Lopukhóf finds a modest apartment for them, and Viéra leaves her family home by confronting her mother at Ruzanof's store.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter depicts a marriage based on mutual respect and freedom, contrasting with traditional arranged marriages.
Freedom and Individuality
Viéra's desire for freedom from her family's control drives the secret wedding and her escape.
Critique of Bourgeois Society
The simple, non-traditional wedding and Lopukhóf's pragmatic approach to marriage critique bourgeois conventions.
Characters to notice
- Viéra Pavlovna
The bride, eager for freedom, marries Lopukhóf and leaves her family home.
- Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf
Arranges the wedding, finds a house, and marries Viéra Pavlovna.
- Aleksandr Matvéitch Kirsánof
Attends the wedding and meets Viéra Pavlovna, who initially disliked him.
- Marya Alekséyevna
Viéra's mother, who is confronted by Viéra at Ruzanof's store.
- Mertsálof
The priest who marries Viéra and Lopukhóf.
- Mrs. Mertsálova
Hosts the wedding breakfast and invites the young couple.
- Alekséi Petróvitch
Mertsálov's first name; he officiates the wedding and escorts the guests.
- Natasha
Mertsálova's first name; she encourages her husband and hosts the celebration.
Key passages
“It does not do to offer a person freedom and then leave him in prison.”
Granting someone freedom while keeping them confined is contradictory.
Lopukhóf reflects on the need to act quickly to free Viéra from her oppressive home.
“I love no one but myself, Viéra Pavlovna!”
I am entirely self-interested.
Kirsánov jokingly claims to be an egoist, aligning with the theme of rational egoism.
“My mílenki , you have saved me!”
My dear, you have rescued me!
Viéra expresses gratitude to Lopukhóf for arranging their marriage and her escape.