# XXI explained — What Is to Be Done?

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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