Pushkin and Irina open the collection with their story of moving to Moscow and New York City, and they act as foils to one another. Pushkin appears to be a Romantic in the opening of the story, relishing the fields and atmosphere of pastoral Russia and expressing distaste at the industrialism of the city. However, after some time in Moscow, he begins to appreciate architecture, community, and service, highlighting his simplicity and tranquility. Though Pushkin appears lazy and unmotivated to Irina, he finds the path of least resistance in any situation, concluding his story in a line at a soup kitchen. Pushkin’s role in the story is to show the reader how any situation can be endured with a pleasant attitude and overwhelming kindness.

Irina is a direct contrast to Pushkin, displaying a political fervor in the opening of the story that quickly adapts into a sturdy work ethic and cunning mindset, allowing her to rise through the ranks at the biscuit factory with ease. However, just as Pushkin becomes more enamored with tranquility in Moscow, Irina becomes more enamored with her political ideals, allowing her to be swayed by Pushkin’s visa. In New York City, while Pushkin waits for her, Irina finds a new job, which happens to be the same as her job in Moscow, implying that Irina is about to use her work ethic to succeed in New York City, as well.