This epistolary novel is about a poor government clerk's love for the daughter of the steward of the Prince of Tula.
The first time that one protagonist of this novel addresses the other as "priceless," he replies to an accusation of ill conduct by the latter and sends a short message, as he must head to the office. That character earlier complains that certain walls are "so greasy that your hand sticks when you lean on them" and presents another character with the terrible writings of a public relations officer. Another character drops a trail of books in the mud, which lead to the cemetery where the son of the elder Pokrovski lay. After the central male character is brought home by the police for getting drunk, he is invited to live with Theodor and the central female, who plans to marry Bwikov and sends the protagonist on many petty errands. This epistolary novel is about a poor government clerk's love for the daughter of the steward of the Prince of Tula. For 10 points, identify this novel about Makar, Barbara, and their destitute friends, a work by Dostoevsky.
The first time that one protagonist of this novel addresses the other as "priceless," he replies to an accusation of ill conduct by the latter and sends a short message, as he must head to the office.
Poor {Folk} [or {Bednye lyudi}]