A Village Drama

The central square in the village. On the left is the edge of a pond, surrounded by several willows. In front of the viewers stretches a wide street lined with houses on both sides. On the right is the house of grandmother Avdotya, followed by the house of Grigory. On the left bank of the pond stands a large wooden building with an iron roof, with the words “Volost Administration” written on it. Closer to the viewers, on the same side, there is a guardhouse with a sign reading “Parish School.” Behind the volost administration building is Irina’s cottage, and behind it is the house of Andrei. The sun gradually sets, marking a festive day. People have gathered in the square: teenagers, girls, young men; most faces do not look fresh or healthy; the older ones sit on benches near the cottages. On the right side of the square, under a canopy, the merchant’s wife and her son—a teenager—set up a stall. Grandmother Avdotya sits on a bench by her house, while Lyubusha lounges with her head resting in her lap.