Poor Folk

Poor Folk is an epistolary novel meaning it is composed of a series of letters exchanged between two characters: Makar Devushkin a low-ranking civil servant and Varvara Dobroselova a young woman from a poor family. The correspondence primarily revolves around their daily lives struggles hopes and dreams. The novel explores themes of poverty social inequality and the hardships faced by the working class in St. Petersburg Russia. Dostoevsky portrays the harsh realities of poverty through the characters experiences revealing their limited opportunities and the constant financial strain they endure. Despite their difficult circumstances Makar and Varvara find solace in their friendship and correspondence. Their letters reveal their inner thoughts emotions and desires forming a bond of compassion and understanding. The novel emphasizes the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Poor Folk received critical acclaim upon its publication establishing Dostoevsky as a promising new voice in Russian literature. The novel showcases his keen observation of human nature his ability to depict the psychological nuances of his characters and his empathy for the marginalized and downtrodden.