What Is to Be Done? · Chapter
III explained
Viéra Pavlovna confronts Storeshnikof about his slanderous behavior, refuses the sleigh ride, and locks herself in her room to escape her mother's wrath.
What happens
Viéra Pavlovna confronts Storeshnikof about his slanderous behavior, refuses the sleigh ride, and locks herself in her room to escape her mother's wrath. Marya Alekséyevna oscillates between anger and cunning, while Julie and Serge arrive.
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 passage marks the dramatic climax because the speaker articulates a decisive psychological reversal: she…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Women's Emancipation
Viéra asserts her autonomy by refusing the arranged sleigh ride and defying her mother's plans.
- Critique of Bourgeois Society
Marya Alekséyevna's mercenary matchmaking and Storeshnikof's dishonorable behavior critique bourgeois values.
Characters to notice
- Viéra Pavlovna
Confronts Storeshnikof, refuses the sleigh ride, and locks herself in her room.
- Marya Alekséyevna
Tries to force the sleigh ride, becomes furious at Viéra's defiance, then considers compromise.
- Mikhaïl Ivanuitch Storeshnikof
Arrives for the planned sleigh ride, is rebuked by Viéra, and leaves in confusion.
- Mademoiselle Julie
Arrives with Serge at the end of the chapter.
- Serge
Arrives with Julie at the end of the chapter.
Key passages
“I warn you, if you ever dare to speak to me in the theatre, or on the street, or anywhere else, I shall slap your face.”
Viéra threatens to publicly humiliate Storeshnikof if he approaches her again.
Demonstrates Viéra's defiance and refusal to be objectified.
“If you try to break open the door, I shall open the window and call for help. I will not give myself into your hands alive.”
Viéra threatens to scream for help rather than be forced into submission.
Highlights Viéra's extreme measures to preserve her freedom.
