The diary of a superfluous man, and other stories

Name: The diary of a superfluous man, and other stories
Author: Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev

A first-person deathbed narrator records his life, confessing a sense of redundancy and tracing youthful hopes, thwarted attachment, family tensions, and participation in a duel, all filtered through self-examination and elegiac resignation. The collection's other pieces range from lyrical travel sketches to concise character studies and an epistolary fragment, together portraying provincial scenes, social manners, and private moral conflicts. Recurring concerns include individual alienation, inertia versus passionate impulse, and the uneasy contrast between outward decorum and inner feeling, rendered in concise, psychologically observant prose.

By Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev

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Russian Literature

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About the Author

Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev

Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev was a prominent Russian novelist, playwright, and poet, known for his profound exploration of social issues and human psychology. Born in 1818, he became a key figure in 19th-century Russian literature, contributing significantly to the development of the modern novel. Turgenev's works often reflect the tensions between the old aristocracy and the emerging middle class in Russia. His most notable novel, "Fathers and Sons," examines generational conflict and the clash of ideologies. Other significant works include "A Month in the Country" and "A Sportsman's Sketches," which showcase his keen observational skills and lyrical prose. Turgenev's literary legacy continues to influence writers and readers around the world.