Overview

Lidocka Sarnov writes a letter to her sister in Moscow. Her husband, Vladimir, a history teacher, sees the letter and is appalled at this wife's lack of skill at composition. He criticizes her letter to the point of causing poor Lidocka to break into tears. While he tries to make up with his wife, Vladimir reveals all his weaknesses and insecurities while Lidocka intimates that she will begin an education program for herself that portends trouble ahead for them both.