What Is to Be Done? · Chapter
XXIV explained
Vera Pavlovna gradually realizes her growing feelings for Kirsánov, leading to a confession to her husband Lopukhóf.
What happens
Vera Pavlovna gradually realizes her growing feelings for Kirsánov, leading to a confession to her husband Lopukhóf. Lopukhóf responds with calm reassurance, emphasizing her freedom and well-being, and arranges for Kirsánov to stay away temporarily. Vera eventually calms down and falls asleep peacefully.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Love and Marriage
Vera's confession and Lopukhóf's response explore the complexities of love within a marriage based on freedom and rationality.
- Freedom and Individuality
Lopukhóf emphasizes Vera's freedom to choose her own path, reflecting the novel's advocacy for personal autonomy.
Characters to notice
- Viéra Pavlovna
Struggles with her emerging love for Kirsánov and confesses to Lopukhóf.
- Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf
Receives Vera's confession with calmness and reassures her, writing a note to keep Kirsánov away.
- Aleksandr Matvéitch Kirsánof
Receives Lopukhóf's note and agrees to stay away for Vera's rest.
- Masha
Delivers Lopukhóf's note to Kirsánov.
Key passages
“My dear, I love him”
Vera confesses to Lopukhóf that she has fallen in love with Kirsánov.
This confession marks a turning point in the emotional dynamics among the three characters.
“What of that, my dear? Why should you feel disturbed about it?”
Lopukhóf responds calmly, questioning why Vera should be upset about her feelings.
Lopukhóf's reaction exemplifies his rational and supportive approach to Vera's emotional turmoil.
“I want to love thee, my dear, thee alone; I want to love no one else besides thee.”
Vera insists she wants to love only Lopukhóf, despite her feelings for Kirsánov.
This shows Vera's internal conflict between her desires and her commitment to her husband.
