# The New People in What Is to Be Done?

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

The novel introduces a new type of person—rational, honest, and dedicated to progress—who reject old social norms and live by principles of equality, hard work, and mutual aid, serving as models for social change.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/x): Lopukhóf and Kirsánov's selfless, rational approach to helping Vera without romantic or aesthetic considerations.
- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vi): The picnic exemplifies the new social order where men and women, from various backgrounds, interact freely and engage in intellectual and physical activities.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/viii): The chapter is a direct exposition of the 'new type' of person represented by Lopukhóf and Kirsánov, emphasizing their shared traits of dauntlessness, integrity, and rational practicality.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ix): The discussion of a distinct type of people with unique moral and sensual understandings aligns with the concept of 'new people'.
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/x): Kirsánof embodies the 'new person'—a rational, dedicated scientist who prioritizes research and truth over conventional medical practice and social approval.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiii): The cooperative sewing shop exemplifies the 'new people's' ideals of mutual aid and rational organization, as seen in the care for Nástenka.
- [XIV: Nástenka’s Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiv-n-stenka-s-story): Sáshenka embodies the rational, compassionate 'new person' who rescues Nástenka through education, medical care, and genuine love.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvi): The cooperative sewing shop, shared intellectual pursuits, and egalitarian social circles exemplify the ideals of the 'new people.'
- [XXIX: An Extraordinary Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxix-an-extraordinary-man): Rakhmétof embodies the 'extraordinary man' ideal, living by strict principles of self-denial and dedication to humanity, representing a higher stage of the new people.
- [Rakhmétov's Visit and the Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxx): Rakhmétov embodies the 'extraordinary man' who lives by strict principles, while Vera is held to a high standard of responsibility toward the collective.
- [XXXI: A Colloquy with the Sapient Reader, and His Banishment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxxi-a-colloquy-with-the-sapient-reader-and-his-banishment): The author explicitly describes Vera, Lopukhov, and Kirsanov as 'ordinary decent people of the rising generation,' embodying the new rational and ethical ideals.
- [Part IV: Second Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-iv-second-marriage): Vera and Kirsanov exemplify the 'new people'—progressive individuals who reject societal conventions and strive for personal and social transformation.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiii): Describes the 'people of the new dispensation' who live by these enlightened principles, forming a harmonious social circle.
- [Part V: New People, and the Finale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-v-new-people-and-the-finale): The chapter culminates the portrayal of the 'new people'—rational, enlightened individuals who reject bourgeois conventions and build a cooperative, egalitarian society.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xii): Beaumont's mysterious interest in the Kirsánofs and the cooperative underscores the emergence of a new, rational, and progressive social circle.

## Links

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