# XXIII explained — What Is to Be Done?

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

## What happens

Marya Alekséyevna initially plots revenge against Lopukhóf and Vera, but after realizing Vera has taken only a few items, she shifts to practical concerns about lawsuits and retaining Vera's belongings. Lopukhóf visits, calmly outmaneuvers her attempts to quarrel, and negotiates a peaceful separation, leaving Marya Alekséyevna to dream of future wealth from Lopukhóf's hypothetical monopoly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Bourgeois Society

Marya Alekséyevna's focus on material loss, lawsuits, and propriety satirizes bourgeois values of self-interest and social pretense.

### Freedom and Individuality

Vera's marriage without consent represents a break from parental authority, asserting individual choice over familial obligation.

## Character check-ins

### Marya Alekséyevna

Plots revenge, then pragmatically assesses her losses and negotiates with Lopukhóf, ultimately dreaming of his wealth.

### Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf

Visits Marya Alekséyevna, calmly asserts his position, and arranges a peaceful separation regarding Vera.

### Pavel Konstantinuitch Rozalsky

Present during Lopukhóf's visit, used as a foil by Lopukhóf to manage Marya Alekséyevna's outbursts.

### Viéra Pavlovna

Referenced as having married Lopukhóf and left home; her belongings are inventoried by Marya Alekséyevna.

### Mikhaïl Ivanuitch Storeshnikof

Mentioned as the failed suitor whose case is now beyond recall.

## Key lines

> She has robbed me!

Marya Alekséyevna feels that Vera's marriage has deprived her of financial gain.

_Highlights her materialistic view of her daughter's elopement._

> What is to be done [ tchto dyélat ]?

Marya Alekséyevna ponders her limited options for retaliation.

_Echoes the novel's central question, here applied to pragmatic scheming._

## Links

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