Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Name: Poor Folk
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky

"Poor Folk" is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky that unfolds through a series of letters exchanged between two impoverished characters, Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin and Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova. Makar, a low-ranking government clerk, expresses his deep affection for Barbara, a young woman living in similar financial straits. Their correspondence reveals their struggles with poverty, loneliness, and the longing for connection. Makar's letters are filled with warmth and tenderness, as he shares his daily life, thoughts, and feelings, often reflecting on the beauty of nature and his fond memories of Barbara. He sends her small gifts, such as flowers, and expresses concern for her health and well-being. Barbara, in turn, responds with gratitude but also with a sense of guilt for accepting Makar's gifts, as she is aware of his limited means. As their relationship develops, the letters reveal their mutual dependence and emotional support, highlighting the themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of life in 19th-century Russia. The novel explores the complexities of human relationships amidst the backdrop of poverty, illustrating how love can provide solace even in the direst circumstances. Ultimately, "Poor Folk" serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles of the lower class and the enduring power of human connection.

By Fyodor Dostoevsky · First published 1846 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Realism, Epistolary · 55 chapters · 63,887 words

First lines

My dearest Barbara Alexievna -- How happy I was last night -- how immeasurably, how impossibly happy! That was because for once in your life you had relented so far as to obey my wishes. At about eight o'clock I awoke from sleep (you know, my beloved one, that I always like to sleep for a short hour after my work is done) -- I awoke, I say, and, lighting a candle, prepared my paper to write, and trimmed my pen. Then suddenly, for some reason or another, I raised my eyes -- and felt my very heart leap within me! For you had understood what I wanted, you had understood what my heart was craving for. Yes, I perceived that a corner of the curtain in your window had been looped up and fastened to the cornice as I had suggested should be done; and it seemed to me that your dear face was glimmering at the window, and that you were looking at me from out of the darkness of your room, and that you were thinking of me. Yet how vexed I felt that I could not distinguish your sweet face clearly! For there was a time when you and I could see one another without any difficulty at all. Ah me, but old age is not always a blessing, my beloved one! At this very moment everything is standing awry to my eyes, for a man needs only to work late overnight in his writing of something or other for, in the morning, his eyes to be red, and the tears to be gushing from them in a way that makes him ashamed to be seen before strangers. However, I was able to picture to myself your beaming smile, my angel -- your kind, bright smile; and in my heart there lurked just such a feeling as on the occasion when I first kissed you, my little Barbara. Do you remember that, my darling? Yet somehow you seemed to be threatening me with your tiny finger. Was it so, little wanton? You must write and tell me about it in your next letter.

What this Textopian page supports

Poor Folk is listed on Textopian as a novella by Fyodor Dostoevsky, dated 1846 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Date: 1846 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Realism, Epistolary, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy
Length: 63,887 words
Structure: 55 chapters, 287 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The novel explores deep psychological and social themes through character-driven narratives.
Social Realism — It depicts the struggles of the poor in 19th-century Russia, highlighting social issues and class disparities.
Epistolary — The story is told through letters, which is a key structural element of the narrative.
Psychological Fiction — The characters' inner thoughts and emotions are central to the plot, reflecting Dostoevsky's interest in psychology.