Allez! by Aleksandr Kuprin (1906)
The novel revolves around the life of a young Russian officer who returns to his homeland after serving abroad and becomes disillusioned with the social and economic conditions in Russia during the late 19th century. He witnesses poverty, corruption, and inequality, which leads him to question the values he was taught as an officer. As he navigates this new reality, he becomes increasingly isolated from society and struggles to reconcile his own sense of morality with the harsh realities of life in Russia. The novel explores themes of disillusionment, alienation, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The protagonist's experiences are contrasted with those of a group of peasants who live on the outskirts of town, highlighting the vast disparities between the lives of the wealthy elite and the poor working class. Through this contrast, the novel critiques the social and economic systems that perpetuate inequality and suffering. Ultimately, the novel presents a bleak portrayal of life in late 19th century Russia, emphasizing the need for change and reform to address the deep-seated problems facing society.
By Aleksandr Kuprin · First published 1906 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Coming-of-Age · 2,279 words
First lines
This jerky, exclamatory order was Melle Nora's earliest memory from the dark monotony of her erring childhood. This word Allez was the very first that her weak, childish little tongue ever framed, and always, even in her dreams, this cry reproduced itself in Nora's memory, evoking in its five letters the chill of the unheated circus ring, the smell of stables, the heavy gallop of the horse, the dry crackling of the long whip and the burning pain of its lash, suddenly deadening the momentary hesitation of fear.
"Allez! ."
What this Textopian page supports
Allez! is listed on Textopian as a short story by Aleksandr Kuprin, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Aleksandr Kuprin
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Coming-of-Age, Romance, Tragedy
- Length: 2,279 words
- Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Allez! by Aleksandr Kuprin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Allez!?
- How does this short story by Aleksandr Kuprin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Legend by Aleksandr Kuprin
- Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- The Farmer by Guy De Maupassant
- The Goose Herd by Hermann Sudermann
- A Slav Soul by Aleksandr Kuprin
- Roach Hole by Aleksandr Kuprin
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, love, and the human condition through rich character development and emotional depth.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense emotional conflicts and personal struggles, characteristic of dramatic storytelling.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood, marked by pivotal experiences and realizations, aligns with coming-of-age themes.
- Romance — The central relationship and its complexities highlight romantic elements, including passion, obsession, and heartbreak.
Tags
Russian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Proletariat · Revolutionary Era · 19th Century Russia · Urban Life · Poverty · Exploitation