“I am a poor man… my life has been a series of misfortunes.”
Chapter 1
The novel opens with a letter from Makar Devushkin, a low-ranking government clerk, to Varvara Dobroselova, a young orphaned seamstress. Makar expresses concern for Varvara’s health and living conditions while describing his own impoverished circumstances. Their correspondence reveals a tender, protective relationship despite their shared poverty.
Chapter 2
Varvara responds to Makar, thanking him for his kindness but expressing guilt over being a financial burden. She shares details about her difficult life, including her past in the countryside and her current struggles to earn money through sewing. Their letters establish the epistolary format of the novel.
Chapter 3
Makar describes his humiliating experiences at work, where he is mocked by colleagues. He sends Varvara some money despite his own desperate situation. Varvara worries about his health and advises him to spend on himself rather than on gifts for her.
Chapter 4
Varvara recalls her childhood and the death of her parents. She describes being taken in by Anna Fyodorovna, a cruel landlady who treated her poorly. These memories contrast with Makar’s present kindness, deepening their emotional connection.
Chapter 5
Makar shares his joy at finding literary fulfillment through copying documents, though he acknowledges his work lacks creativity. Their correspondence reveals their shared love of literature, with Makar particularly admiring Gogol’s “The Overcoat,” which he sees as reflecting his own life.
Chapter 6
Varvara falls ill, and Makar becomes increasingly desperate to help her. He pawns his uniform to pay for her medicine, leaving himself vulnerable to the winter cold. Their letters show their mutual concern and the sacrifices they’re willing to make for each other.
Chapter 7
A new character, Pokrovsky, is introduced through Varvara’s memories. She recounts the tragic story of this young tutor who died of consumption. This digression reveals Varvara’s capacity for deep emotional attachment beyond her relationship with Makar.
Chapter 8
Makar’s financial situation worsens as he describes his miserable living conditions. He receives an advance on his salary but immediately spends it on gifts for Varvara. Their letters continue to show their different approaches to coping with poverty.
Chapter 9
Varvara considers taking a position as a governess to improve her situation. Makar is devastated by the prospect of losing her but recognizes it might be best for her. Their correspondence becomes more emotional as they face potential separation.
Chapter 10
The novel reaches its climax as Varvara accepts a marriage proposal from Mr. Bykov, her former landlord. Though she doesn’t love him, she sees it as her only escape from poverty. Makar is heartbroken but powerless to stop the arrangement.
Final Letters
In their final correspondence, Varvara prepares to leave with Bykov for his country estate. Makar’s last letter is a desperate, incoherent outpouring of grief. The novel ends abruptly with Varvara’s departure, leaving Makar utterly alone in his poverty.
Key ideas
- The crushing psychological effects of poverty on human dignity
- The redemptive power of human connection in desperate circumstances
- Social inequality in 19th century Russian society
- The contrast between romantic ideals and harsh reality
- The literary form as a means of self-expression for the marginalized
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in early Russian realist literature
- Those who appreciate character-driven, psychological narratives
- Students of Dostoevsky’s literary development
- Anyone exploring themes of poverty and human resilience