# Chapter V explained — Yama

> Chapter companion for Yama by Aleksandr Kuprin.

## What happens

During a routine medical inspection at Anna Markovna's brothel, Jennka is discovered to have hanged herself in the water-closet. The doctor, indifferent to the tragedy, performs artificial respiration in vain and orders the police to make a protocol. Berkesh is bribed again. Jennka's suicide note blames her infection and the scoundrel nature of people, leaving instructions for Tamara to distribute her belongings. Emma Edwardovna confronts Tamara, who reveals a small metal object. The chapter also includes Jennka's earlier conversation with Tamara about her despair and the doctor's mechanical, dehumanizing inspection of the women.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dehumanization and Commodification

The doctor's mechanical inspection reduces the women to 'naked abdomens, naked backs, and opened mouths,' treating them as faceless cattle rather than human beings.

### Violence and Moral Corruption

Jennka's suicide is a violent act born from moral corruption and despair; the bribery of Berkesh and the callous response of the authorities underscore systemic corruption.

### Female Friendship and Solidarity

Jennka's tender farewell to Tamara and her trust in Tamara to distribute her belongings and care for Liubka highlight the bonds of solidarity among the women.

## Character check-ins

### Jennka

Commits suicide by hanging in the water-closet after discovering she has syphilis; leaves a note blaming her infection and the scoundrel nature of people.

### Tamara

Jennka's confidante; is entrusted with Jennka's final wishes and confronts Emma Edwardovna after the suicide.

### Emma Edwardovna Titzner

Housekeeper who reacts with cold hatred toward Tamara after finding Jennka's note; is stopped by Tamara's firm gaze and a small metal object.

### Anna Markovna

Proprietress of the brothel; present during the inspection and the aftermath of Jennka's suicide.

### Simeon

Gloomy servant who breaks down the water-closet door and assists the doctor with the corpse.

### Doctor Krassov

Official city doctor who conducts the inspection with mechanical indifference; attempts artificial respiration on Jennka but fails.

## Key lines

> Did he ever think that before him were living people; or that he appeared as the last and most important link of that fearful chain which is called legalized prostitution? No!

The doctor never considered that he was dealing with real human beings or that he was the final, crucial component of the oppressive system of legalized prostitution.

_Highlights the theme of dehumanization and the doctor's indifference._

> I am dying because I have become infected, and also because all people are scoundrels and it is very disgusting to live.

Jennka states that her death is due to her infection and her belief that everyone is a scoundrel, making life unbearable.

_Captures Jennka's despair and the moral corruption she perceives._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yama_se/chapters/part-iii-v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yama_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yama_se/chapters