The Dreamer's Relationship with Matrona

The Dreamer's interactions with his landlady Matrona, reflecting his detachment from practical life.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Matrona's Silence

Matrona's Silence A Servant's Routine Matrona is the Dreamer's housekeeper, but she rarely speaks. She cleans and cooks without comment, and the Dreamer often forgets she is there. The Spider's Web When the Dreamer tries to scold her about the cobwebs, she just stares and leaves. The web remains, a symbol of the stagnation in his life. A Comforting Presence Despite her silence, Matrona is a constant. She brings him his pipe and coffee, and her presence prevents total isolation.

Matrona's Simple Comment

Matrona's Simple Comment A Remark on the Cobwebs After the Dreamer receives Nastenka's letter, Matrona announces that she has removed all the cobwebs from the ceiling, so he can now have a wedding or a party. An Unintentional Irony Her comment highlights the Dreamer's shattered hopes. He sees her as old and decrepit, and his room as aging. A Glimpse of Reality Matrona's practical, unromantic view of the world contrasts with the Dreamer's fantasy. She is a reminder of the mundane life he cannot escape.

throughout the story, various times

the morning after the fourth night