The Dreamer's Attachment to the City

The Dreamer's emotional bond with Petersburg, which he personifies as a living being, and his sense of belonging to its streets.

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Knowing Every Face

Knowing Every Face A Familiar Stranger The Dreamer knows the faces of the people he passes daily. He has imagined their lives, and he feels a connection to them. The Old Man on Fontanka He has a silent acquaintance with an old man. They exchange nods, a small but meaningful ritual. The City as Companion Petersburg is his only constant companion. He talks to the houses, and they seem to talk back. His loneliness is shared with the city itself.

The Summer Exodus and Loneliness

The Summer Exodus and Loneliness A Desolate City When the city empties for the summer, the Dreamer feels abandoned. His familiar faces are gone, and the houses seem to have left him. A Search for Connection He wanders the streets, trying to find someone he knows, but there is no one. He feels like the last person in Petersburg. The City's Return When the white nights begin, the city feels alive again. His bond with Petersburg is renewed through the magical atmosphere.

over eight years in Petersburg

first day of the story