Poor Folk

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

2302

Title

Poor Folk

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A poignant epistolary novella by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 'Poor Folk' chronicles the tender yet desperate correspondence between Makar Devushkin, a humble, aging clerk, and his beloved neighbor Barbara. As Barbara prepares to marry a wealthy but cold merchant, Makar's devotion spirals into madness and despair. The work's intimate, confessional tone and exploration of poverty, love, and social hierarchy offer a timeless appeal to readers of psychological realism.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the chaotic tenements of St. Petersburg, Fyodor Dostoyevsky's *Poor Folk* unfolds as a poignant exchange of letters between Makar Devushkin, an elderly, impoverished clerk, and Barbara Alexievna, a young widow. Their correspondence reveals a deep, tender bond forged through shared suffering and mutual affection. Makar, living in squalor yet finding comfort in his proximity to Barbara, writes with profound self-deprecation and unwavering devotion. He details his meager existence, his recent obsession with a famous actress that has led him into debt, and his deep resonance with the themes of suffering found in the book Barbara sent him. Conversely, Barbara responds with gratitude but growing concern for Makar's financial instability. She reveals her acceptance of a proposal from Monsieur Bwikov, a wealthy merchant who intends to take her to the harsh Russian steppes. Makar is devastated, viewing this marriage as a betrayal that will leave him destitute and alone. He pleads with her to stay, arguing that her delicate nature cannot withstand the countryside and that their bond is her only protection. As the wedding day approaches, Makar's mental state deteriorates rapidly. He becomes frantic, imagining Barbara's departure as a death sentence, and resolves to follow her carriage even if it means his own demise. The narrative culminates in a tragic climax where Makar, overwhelmed by grief and hopelessness, contemplates suicide. The story ends with Barbara's final letter, written from her new home, expressing her sorrow and enduring love, while Makar's last desperate pleas hang in the air. The novella serves as a powerful critique of social inequality and a testament to the destructive power of unrequited love and societal pressure.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2302.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg2302.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-07 12:35 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Russia
• Social Life