Yama · Chapter
VII explained
Tamara takes charge of arranging Jennie's funeral, seeking help from the singer Rovinskaya and the thief Senka the Depot, while revealing her own secret plans.
What happens
Tamara takes charge of arranging Jennie's funeral, seeking help from the singer Rovinskaya and the thief Senka the Depot, while revealing her own secret plans.
Themes in this chapter
Female Friendship and Solidarity
Tamara's devotion to burying Jennie properly, seeking help from Rovinskaya.
Dehumanization and Commodification
Jennie's body being taken to an anatomical theatre, the threat of dissection.
Characters to notice
- Tamara
Takes initiative to bury Jennie with Christian rites, visits Rovinskaya and Senka the Depot.
- Rovinskaya
The artiste who recalls Jennie and agrees to help Tamara with the funeral arrangements.
- Senka
The thief and gambler who provides money and discusses powders/pills with Tamara.
- Jennka
Deceased; her suicide and funeral are the focus of the chapter.
Key passages
“She had become possessed by a firm and undeviating thought of burying her friend despite all circumstances, in the way that oneвАЩs nearest and dearest are buriedвБ†вАФin a Christian manner, with all the sad solemnity of the burial of secular persons.”
Tamara was determined to give Jennie a proper Christian funeral, regardless of the obstacles.
Highlights Tamara's resolve and the theme of solidarity.
“I want to bury herвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ At my expenseвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ I was attached to her with all my heart during her life.”
Tamara insists on paying for the funeral herself as a personal vow to her friend.
Emphasizes personal sacrifice and friendship.