The Village · Chapter
XXI explained
Tikhon Ilitch goes to the railway station to check for letters, but finds none.
What happens
Tikhon Ilitch goes to the railway station to check for letters, but finds none. He avoids a drunken cellarman and returns home, where he overhears Oska telling a humorous story about a peasant who finds gold and tries to bury his dog. Tikhon is amused but also reflects on his own situation, having discharged Chaff and now needing to manage the farm himself.
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
Kuzma’s emotional peak is his sudden, desperate need for his brother Tikhon Ilitch—he rushes to the window wit…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Class and Social Hierarchy
The story about the peasant who becomes rich and loses his head highlights the social dynamics and the precariousness of class mobility.
- Isolation and Loneliness
Tikhon Ilitch's solitary walk home and his reflections on managing the farm alone underscore his isolation.
Characters to notice
- Tikhon Ilitch
Visits the railway station, avoids the drunken cellarman, and returns home to overhear Oska's story. He reflects on his decision to discharge Chaff and his need to manage the farm.
- Oska
Tells a humorous story about a peasant and a dog, which amuses the cook and Tikhon Ilitch.
- Deniska
Gives Tikhon Ilitch a letter describing his way of life, but Tikhon is initially reluctant to read it.
- Chaff
Mentioned as having been discharged by Tikhon Ilitch, but later seen smoking a pipe in the cottage, suggesting he may have returned.
- The Cook
Interacts with Oska during the storytelling, laughing and commenting on the story.
Key passages
“Tikhon Ilitch took the scrap of paper from Deniska's hand, thrust it into his pocket, and strode swiftly homeward through the springy mud, which was beginning to congeal.”
Tikhon Ilitch accepted Deniska's letter, put it in his pocket, and walked quickly home through the muddy, hardening ground.
Shows Tikhon's practical and somewhat dismissive attitude toward Deniska's request.
“After all, 'twas a pity he had lost his temper and discharged Chaff; now he would have to lose his sleep at night.”
He regretted firing Chaff in a moment of anger, as it meant he would have to stay up late to manage the farm.
Reflects Tikhon's pragmatic concerns and his tendency to act impulsively.
