# Love and Marriage in What Is to Be Done?

> Theme guide for What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [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): 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): The chapter highlights marriage as a transactional arrangement, with Marya Alekséyevna treating it as a financial negotiation.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/viii): 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): 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.
- [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iii): 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): 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): 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): The chapter explores the dynamics of a marriage based on mutual respect and equality, as Lopukhóf worries about Viéra's potential feelings of indebtedness.
- [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xx): The chapter centers on Vera's marriage to Lopukhóf as a liberating act, contrasting with the conventional arranged marriage her mother would have chosen.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxi): The chapter depicts a marriage based on mutual respect and freedom, contrasting with traditional arranged marriages.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxii): The chapter focuses on the aftermath of Vera's secret marriage, highlighting marriage as a site of conflict between individual choice and familial/social control.
- [Part III: Marriage and Second Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-iii-marriage-and-second-love): Explores the transition from a rational marriage of convenience to a marriage based on mutual love and respect.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/i): Vera and Lopukhóf's marriage is based on mutual respect and deliberate formality, challenging conventional notions of marital intimacy and aiming to preserve love through decorum.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/v): Depicts a harmonious, egalitarian marriage where Vera and Lopukhóf share domestic duties and intellectual companionship.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vii): Viéra's intense devotion to her husband during his illness reflects the ideal of mutual care and emotional intimacy in marriage.
- [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xii): Kirsánof's internal conflict highlights the tension between romantic love and marital fidelity, as he respects Viéra Pavlovna's devotion to Lopukhóf.
- [XIV: Nástenka’s Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiv-n-stenka-s-story): Nástenka's narrative explores the transformative power of love, emphasizing emotional peace and mutual respect over physical passion.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xv): Nástenka's deep love for Kirsánof and the emotional reunion in her final days highlight the theme of personal affection and sacrifice.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvi): Kirsánof's rekindled love for Viéra Pavlovna and the evolving domestic arrangements challenge conventional marital boundaries.
- [XIX: Viéra Pavlovna’s Third Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xix-vi-ra-pavlovna-s-third-dream): Viéra's dream interrogates the nature of her love for Lopukhóf, distinguishing between gratitude and genuine romantic passion.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xx): Explores the transformation of Vera and Lopukhóf's relationship from a platonic arrangement to a deeper, more passionate love.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxi): The chapter explores the complexities of love within marriage, as Lopukhóf confronts the possibility that Vera's love has transferred to another man.
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxiii): Explores the subtle dynamics and unspoken tensions within the Lopukhófs' marriage as Kirsánof's return introduces emotional complexity.
- [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxiv): Vera's confession and Lopukhóf's response explore the complexities of love within a marriage based on freedom and rationality.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxv): The chapter explores the tension between marital duty and emerging romantic feelings, questioning the nature of love and sacrifice.
- [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxvi): Vera's confession of love for another man while married to Lopukhóf highlights the tension between personal desire and marital commitment.
- [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxvii): The farewell scene highlights a marriage based on mutual affection and respect for each other's autonomy.
- [Part IV: Second Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-iv-second-marriage): Vera's second marriage to Kirsanov is portrayed as a union based on rational love, equality, and mutual respect, contrasting with traditional bourgeois marriage.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii): The chapter explores Vera's emotional attachments and her marriage to Kirsanov following Lopukhov's staged suicide.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/v): Vera's internal conflict over whether to follow Lopukhóf explores the tension between personal desire and marital duty.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vii): Vera re-evaluates her past marriage to Lopukhov, distinguishing between friendship and true love, and discusses the nature of her current relationship with Kirsanov.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xi): The chapter depicts a harmonious marriage based on mutual respect, shared routines, and emotional intimacy.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiii): The chapter presents an ideal of marriage based on honesty, liberty, and enduring love, contrasting with conventional transient romance.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiv): The chapter explores the deepening of love over time in marriage, portraying it as a source of mutual growth and independence.
- [XV: Viéra Pavlovna’s Fourth Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xv-vi-ra-pavlovna-s-fourth-dream): The dream redefines love as a union of equals, where both partners are free and neither is property of the other.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii): Despite numerous suitors drawn by her father's wealth, Kátya remains uninterested in love, and her physical decline hints at the tension between societal expectations and personal desire.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iii): The central conflict revolves around Katerina's forbidden love and her father's refusal to consent to the marriage, highlighting societal and familial obstacles to romantic unions.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iv): Katerina's secret love for Sólovtsof conflicts with her father's authority, highlighting the tension between personal desire and familial duty in marriage decisions.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiii): Beaumont's careful actions signal his intention to marry Kátya, highlighting marriage as a strategic and practical union.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiv): Beaumont and Katerina Vasílyevna's developing friendship hints at potential romantic connection, reflecting the novel's exploration of relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xv): The chapter explores Katerina's evolving feelings for Beaumont and her reflections on the Kirsánofs' happy marriage.
- [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvi): Katerina's visit to Beaumont hints at developing romantic interest, though the interaction remains decorous.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xviii): The chapter extensively critiques the lack of experience girls have in choosing husbands, advocating for longer trials and personal knowledge as prerequisites for a happy marriage.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xix): Katerina's marriage to Beaumont is discussed as a rational and affectionate union, intertwined with Vera and Aleksandr's relationship.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxi): The arrangement of adjoining flats and the wedding journey motif highlight the harmonious domestic lives of the couples.
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxiii): The chapter explores love and marriage through the ballad of the brigand lover and the idyllic portrayal of the couples, emphasizing choice and honesty.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/themes/love_and_marriage
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/themes