The Question and Answer section for Vanka is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
I assume you are referring to the apprentices. Vanka is driven by a rather straightforward scenario: Vanka is tormented by his lifestyle as one of Alyakhin's apprentices, and longs to escape back into a more welcoming and nurturing community....
Vanka was an orphan, and his parents had been peasants. During this time, children were expected to work as soon as they were old enough to be productive. Even had his parents lived, Vanka would have been expected to help support the family.
Check this out:
https://www.gradesaver.com/vanka/study-guide/imagery
