Short Fiction · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides explanatory notes on various terms and cultural references used throughout the book, including descriptions of Russian household roles, currency, measurements, and local customs.
What happens
This chapter provides explanatory notes on various terms and cultural references used throughout the book, including descriptions of Russian household roles, currency, measurements, and local customs.
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 Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt is the narrative climax because it marks the psychological breaking point of Bezsonow, where his…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingKey passages
“A yard porter. Each house has one or more dvorniks , whose duties are to cut and carry firewood, etc. They are also responsible for the cleanliness of the street and pavement immediately adjoining the house, and must assist the police.”
A dvornik is a yard porter employed by each house to cut and carry firewood, keep the adjacent street and pavement clean, and assist the police.
Definition of dvornik.
“A squadron of cavalry (applied to Cossack troops only).”
A sotnia is a cavalry squadron specific to Cossack troops.
Definition of sotnia.
“A humble kind of eating-house frequented by the working classes.”
A traktir is a modest eatery popular among the working class.
Definition of traktir.
“A silver coin of the value and size of sixpence.”
A zolotnik is a silver coin worth and sized like a sixpence.
Definition of zolotnik.
“A cabman; used indifferently to mean the man or his conveyance.”
An izvozchik refers to both a cab driver and his vehicle.
Definition of izvozchik.
“A hole cut out in the ice.”
A prorub is a hole cut through ice.
Definition of prorub.
