# How does What Is to Be Done? develop the theme of Love and Marriage?

> What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky

## Answer

What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky develops Love and Marriage across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The narrative critiques conventional marriage as a form of prostitution and advocates for relationships based on mutual respect, equality, and freedom, exemplified by the characters' unconventional living arrangements and open discussions of love.

The chapter explores the consequences of a love triangle and the ideal of self-sacrifice in marriage, as Lopukhof's apparent suicide is framed as an act of love for both Vera and Kirsanov.

The chapter highlights marriage as a transactional arrangement, with Marya Alekséyevna treating it as a financial negotiation.

Storeshnikof's proposal is driven by infatuation and defiance of his mother, while Viéra's refusal highlights the theme of marriage as a social and familial negotiation rather than a romantic union.

## Evidence

- [ii-the-first-consequences-of-the-fool-s-deed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii-the-first-consequences-of-the-fool-s-deed.md): The chapter explores the consequences of a love triangle and the ideal of self-sacrifice in marriage, as Lopukhof's apparent suicide is framed as an act of love for both Vera and Kirsanov.
- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter highlights marriage as a transactional arrangement, with Marya Alekséyevna treating it as a financial negotiation.
- [viii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/viii.md): Storeshnikof's proposal is driven by infatuation and defiance of his mother, while Viéra's refusal highlights the theme of marriage as a social and familial negotiation rather than a romantic union.
- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter contrasts the old pattern of forced, loveless marriage with a new ideal where marriage is based on mutual respect and choice, as seen in Viérotchka's situation.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iii.md): Vera's cold indifference to her suitor and Lopukhóf's mistaken interpretation of her character set the stage for a marriage based on rational choice rather than romantic affection.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iv.md): Lopukhóf and Viérotchka discuss the nature of love versus passion, and the party itself is a venue for displaying potential marriage matches, reflecting societal norms around courtship and marriage.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vi.md): The chapter contrasts Marya Alekséyevna's view of marriage as a financial transaction with the emerging, more sincere connection between Lopukhóf and Viéra Pavlovna.
- [xix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xix.md): The chapter explores the dynamics of a marriage based on mutual respect and equality, as Lopukhóf worries about Viéra's potential feelings of indebtedness.

## Links

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