III -The witch and other Stories

No one kept order, and it seemed that disorder was part of the programme. And as always happens when people do not know what to do, they begin eating, drinking, swearing, and shouting.

The wedding of Anisim and Varvara as described in the text is a vivid illustration of traditional and, to some extent, stereotypical village festivities in Russia, marked by an abundance of food, drink, and a blend of joy and melancholy. Anisim, the groom, appears disconnected and passive, marrying more out of duty and custom than desire or love. His pre-wedding demeanor signals a lack of enthusiasm for the nuptials, a contrast to the bustling preparations and subsequent revelries that surround him. The narrative captures the customs and social dynamics of the village, including the interactions between characters of various social standings and professions. The festivities feature a mix of solemn religious rituals and raucous, even chaotic, celebrations that include the community at large.

Crucially, the text portrays the mixed emotions that underpin many of the characters’ experiences during the wedding. Anisim’s reflective and troubled moments, especially at the church, reveal a depth of character that goes beyond the immediate joy of the celebration. It suggests he is grappling with personal and perhaps moral conflicts, underscored by his somber consideration of past misdeeds and a yearning for redemption or escape from a cycle of wrongdoing. This inner turmoil contrasts sharply with the external vibrancy of the wedding celebrations.

Lipa, the bride, is depicted as overwhelmed and somewhat out of place amid the festivities. Her discomfort with the physical aspects of her attire and her subdued demeanor add a layer of complexity to the event, hinting at her vulnerability and perhaps foreshadowing the challenges she may face in her marriage to Anisim.

The detailed account of the lavishness of the feast, the behavior of the guests, and the overall mood of excessive indulgence serve to highlight the social and personal undercurrents present in such community events. The wedding becomes a canvas through which the author explores themes of tradition, conformity, individual desires, and the tensions between social expectation and personal reality.