Poor Folk · Chapter
June 21st: My Own, My Darling explained
Makar writes to Barbara, expressing his joy at living close to her and describing his happiness as if they were a family.
What happens
Makar writes to Barbara, expressing his joy at living close to her and describing his happiness as if they were a family. He mentions sending her money, his neighbor Rataziaev's literary gathering, and his plan to buy her an embroidered cloak.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Varvara’s desp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Sacrifice
Makar's joy in providing for Barbara and his willingness to spend on her needs highlight his selfless love and sacrificial nature.
- Isolation and Loneliness
Makar's intense happiness at living close to Barbara underscores his previous loneliness and the comfort her proximity brings.
Characters to notice
- Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
Writes a joyful letter to Barbara, expressing his happiness and plans to buy her a cloak.
- Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
Recipient of Makar's letter; he refers to her as his little daughter and mentions her need for an embroidered cloak.
- Thedora
Makar mentions learning from Thedora that Barbara needed the money he sent.
- Rataziaev
Makar's neighbor who invited him to tea for a literary gathering.
- Theresa
Delivered Barbara's message about the embroidered cloak to Makar.
Key passages
“Things are as strange as though we were actually living together. Also I would add that never in my life have I passed such happy days as I am spending at present.”
It feels as if we are living together, and I have never been happier than I am now.
Makar expresses his profound joy and the illusion of domestic intimacy with Barbara.
“Yes, you are my little daughter, beloved.”
You are like my own dear child.
Makar's paternal affection for Barbara is evident.
“I have now reached the sunshine since, in the first place, I am living so close to you as almost to be with you (which is a great consolation to my mind)”
I feel like I am in the sunlight because I live so near you, which comforts me greatly.
Makar's proximity to Barbara brings him emotional warmth and solace.
