Yama · Chapter
XV explained
Likhonin attempts to secure Liubka's freedom from Anna Markovna's brothel, confronting the housekeeper about the account book and rules, paying her debt in cash, and then facing bureaucratic obstacles at the police station with Inspector Be
What happens
Likhonin attempts to secure Liubka's freedom from Anna Markovna's brothel, confronting the housekeeper about the account book and rules, paying her debt in cash, and then facing bureaucratic obstacles at the police station with Inspector Berkesh. The chapter explores his internal turmoil and the dehumanizing system of prostitution.
Themes in this chapter
Prostitution and Exploitation
The account book and rules reveal the systematic exploitation of prostitutes, with debt and medical neglect.
Hypocrisy of Society
Likhonin's rescue attempt is met with bureaucratic hypocrisy, as the system claims to allow freedom but imposes impossible conditions.
Dehumanization and Commodification
Liubka is treated as a commodity, with her earnings tallied and her body inspected, reducing her to a number.
Characters to notice
- Likhonin
Struggles with the bureaucratic and moral challenges of rescuing Liubka, feeling anxious and out of place.
- Anna Markovna
The housekeeper who negotiates Liubka's release, demanding payment and displaying cynical mistrust.
- Liubka
The prostitute Likhonin seeks to rescue; her account book reveals her exploitation and health issues.
- Mr. Berkesh
The district inspector who handles Likhonin's request with bureaucratic indifference and sarcasm.
- Jennka
Mentioned as busy with a guest when Likhonin visits the brothel.
- Tamara
Also mentioned as potentially busy when Likhonin inquires about her.
Key passages
“Received in stamps, 15th of April, 10 roubles; 16th—4 r.; 17th—12 r.; 18th—sick; 19th—sick; 20th—6 r.; 21st—24 r.”
The account book shows Liubka's earnings, with a high number of clients on some nights.
Highlights the commodification and exploitation of prostitutes.
“I will also tell you, that she had to do with the porter, with policemen, with janitors, and with petty thieves. Congratulations on your lawful marriage!”
The housekeeper insults Liubka and mocks Likhonin's rescue attempt.
Reveals the social stigma and contempt faced by prostitutes.
“Every visitor has the right to demand from the prostitute the written certificate of the doctor who has inspected her the last time.”
The rules require prostitutes to provide medical certificates to clients.
Illustrates the dehumanizing medical surveillance of prostitutes.