# XXVI explained — What Is to Be Done?

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

## What happens

Vera Pavlovna, in great emotional turmoil, writes a letter to her husband Lopukhóf confessing her love for another man. Lopukhóf finds the letter, remains calm, and distracts her by discussing his new position as acting manager of a factory with a higher salary. He then announces a planned visit to his parents in Riazan, giving her space. Later, he invites friends over, including Rakhmétof, to ease the tension.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Vera's confession of love for another man while married to Lopukhóf highlights the tension between personal desire and marital commitment.

### Rational Egoism

Lopukhóf's calm, reasoned response to Vera's letter and his focus on practical affairs exemplify the rational egoist approach to emotional crises.

## Character check-ins

### Viéra Pavlovna

In extreme emotional distress, writes and destroys letters confessing her love for another man, then is calmed by Lopukhóf's practical talk.

### Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf

Finds Vera's letter, remains composed, distracts her with news of his promotion, and decides to visit his parents to give her space.

### Rakhmétof

Appears among the guests invited by Lopukhóf to help Vera through the evening.

### Masha

Takes notes from Lopukhóf to invite friends and is mentioned as having been sent on errands.

## Key lines

> My dear, never was I so strongly attached to thee as I am now. If I could only die for thy sake! Oh, how happy I would be to die, if it would only make thee happier! but I cannot live without him.

Vera writes to Lopukhóf that she loves him deeply but cannot live without another man, expressing guilt and helplessness.

_This is Vera's confession of her love for Kirsánov, setting the stage for the central conflict._

> Of course, my dear; your words must not be taken seriously, because you were too much excited. These things are not so easily decided.

Lopukhóf dismisses Vera's letter as a product of excitement, indicating he will handle the matter rationally.

_Lopukhóf's response shows his commitment to rational discussion rather than emotional reaction._

## Links

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