II -The witch and other Stories

In Ukleevo, the life of the Tsybukin family and their interactions with the community are marked by a blend of business and personal affairs, underscoring the melding of work and leisure in rural society. The Tsybukins, divided into the Seniors and Juniors, frequently quarreled, leading to temporary shutdowns of their factory but providing gossip and entertainment for the townsfolk. These conflicts seemed to draw the community together, creating a social fabric woven with disputes, reconciliations, and public spectacles, such as horse races and festive gatherings that momentarily uplifted the spirit of Ukleevo from its monotonous existence.

Anisim, the elder son, rarely visited home but maintained communication through formal letters filled with uncharacteristic expressions, signaling his attempts to bridge his rural upbringing with his urban experiences. His letters, filled with a mix of emotional detachment and financial support, puzzled and touched his family, hinting at a life distanced from their simpler, more direct way of living. When Anisim unexpectedly returned, his presence brought an air of unease, his free and easy demeanor contrasting sharply with his inner anxiety and hinting at potential undesirable changes in his circumstances.

Varvara, sensing an opportunity or perhaps seeking to anchor Anisim to familiar grounds, initiated a plan to marry him off, aligning with the family tradition of securing advantageous matches for the Tsybukins. Despite Anisim’s unremarkable appearance and dubious habits, the family’s prestige and wealth ensured he would be paired with a beautiful bride, emphasizing the social expectations and perceived benefits of advantageous marital alliances in their community.

As preparations for Anisim’s marriage begin, the narrative shifts to Torguevo, introducing a widow and her poor sister, hinting at their upcoming significance in Anisim’s story. This chapter deftly captures the intricate interplay between individual desires and communal expectations, the clash between rural and urban identities, and the persistent undercurrents of change that threaten to disrupt the established social order in Ukleevo.