# XXVII explained — What Is to Be Done?

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

## What happens

Viéra Pavlovna awakens to find her husband Lopukhóf and Masha packing valises for his trip to Riazan. Despite her desire to accompany him, Lopukhóf gently persuades her to wait for a letter from him, emphasizing the importance of freedom and health. At the railway station, they share an emotional farewell, with Lopukhóf reaffirming their mutual love and the principle that happiness requires freedom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Individuality

Lopukhóf explicitly states that happiness requires freedom, urging Vera not to restrain herself for his sake.

### Love and Marriage

The farewell scene highlights a marriage based on mutual affection and respect for each other's autonomy.

## Character check-ins

### Viéra Pavlovna

Emotionally distressed as Lopukhóf departs; she insists on going with him but is persuaded to wait.

### Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf

Packs for his trip to Riazan, calmly manages the farewell, and speaks of freedom and health.

### Masha

Assists with packing the valises and is present during the departure preparations.

## Key lines

> But there is no happiness without freedom. You would not want to restrain me, nor I you. And if you began to use restraint on yourself on my account, you would grieve me; so don’t do it.

True happiness cannot exist without freedom; neither of us should restrict the other, and if you sacrifice your own desires for me, it would only cause me sorrow.

_Lopukhóf articulates the core rational egoist principle that personal freedom is essential for genuine happiness in their relationship._

## Links

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