Question

Why does Catherine call Major Petkoff a "barbarian at heart" ?

Answer 1

The Major doesn't believe modern customs of taking bath, according to him, washing can't be good for the health. He cites the example of his father, he never had a bath in his life and he lived to be ninety-eight, the healthiest man in Bulgaria. He himself doesn't mind a good wash once a week to keep up his position, but once a day is ridiculously extreme. Therefore, Catherine says that he is still "a barbarian at heart".