What Is to Be Done? · Chapter
XXV explained
Vera Pavlovna struggles with her feelings for Kirsanov while trying to maintain her marriage to Lopukhov.
What happens
Vera Pavlovna struggles with her feelings for Kirsanov while trying to maintain her marriage to Lopukhov. Lopukhov gently confronts her, arguing that her suffering is unnecessary and that she should follow her true feelings. They have their first and last quarrel, but reconcile with Lopukhov urging her to prioritize her own happiness.
Themes in this chapter
Rational Egoism
Lopukhov argues that Vera's suffering is pointless and that true happiness comes from following one's genuine feelings, a core tenet of rational egoism.
Love and Marriage
The chapter explores the tension between marital duty and emerging romantic feelings, questioning the nature of love and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Viéra Pavlovna
Struggles with her feelings for Kirsanov, tries to distract herself with work, quarrels with Lopukhov but reconciles.
- Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf
Initiates a conversation about shared living arrangements, reveals his awareness of Vera's feelings, and urges her to follow her heart.
Key passages
“The best distraction for thoughts is work”
Work is the most effective way to take one's mind off troubling thoughts.
Vera tries to cope with her emotional turmoil by immersing herself in work at the shop.
“I shall not allow you to speak to me in dark words. Dare to speak freely what you mean!”
I won't tolerate your hints; say plainly what you intend.
Vera angrily confronts Lopukhov when she suspects he is indirectly addressing her feelings for Kirsanov.
“Does it not consist in the fact that you are happy in the happiness, that you suffer with the suffering, of the one whom you love.”
True love means sharing in the joy and pain of the beloved.
Lopukhov explains his view of love to persuade Vera that her suffering causes him pain too.