In artistic works, Russian villages and peasant life are usually described from a "top-down" perspective, as most writers were nobles. However, there is a story in Russian literature written by a former serf. Its author, Nikolai Filippovich Pavlov, hails from the village of Penki in the Tambov province.

Nikolai Filippovich was born in September 1803 and served in the lord's house from childhood. According to legend, the nobleman Grushetsky noticed the boy, who skillfully parodied the elders. The nobleman kept him at the serf theater, where Pavlov acted in plays, and then changed into work clothes to serve guests. Perhaps he would have lived his whole life this way, but the nobleman suddenly died, and his son granted Pavlov his freedom. Nikolai Filippovich moved to Moscow, where he continued to engage in theater, studied literacy, sciences, and foreign languages. Soon, he became fascinated with literature and wrote the story "Name Day."

Some researchers consider it partially autobiographical, but the main aspect is the serf's perspective on the serfdom system. From the very beginning of the story, the characteristic features of that time are evident: the main character is not named, and his "surname derives from his first name," indicating peasant origins. He is an officer who received his rank not through staff work but in wars, as evidenced by his numerous scars. The officer is educated. Throughout the plot, the reader learns about his life: he was a serf, performed in the serf theater, was lost to another landowner in a card game, and then was conscripted. In the army, he went through several wars and gained his freedom.

The story was well-received by the public and was reprinted several times. As for Pavlov himself, he lived a long and happy life and passed away in 1864 in Moscow.