An Evening Guest by Aleksandr Kuprin
The story revolves around a young woman who is invited by an elderly man to spend the evening with him at his isolated estate. Initially hesitant, she accepts and arrives at the mansion. The old man's intentions are unclear, but it becomes apparent that he has ulterior motives for her visit. Throughout the night, the woman tries to leave, but the old man prevents her from doing so. He reveals a dark secret: he is dying and wants someone to share his final moments with. The woman is torn between her desire to escape and her growing sense of responsibility towards this lonely figure.
By Aleksandr Kuprin · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 2,443 words
First lines
The lamp throws a bright circle of even light on the table at which I am sitting. Everything beyond this circle is dark, empty, lifeless; everything is strange to me, forgotten by me. The whole world is concentrated in this small space, every ink stain of which, every cut and roughness is perfectly familiar to me. I want nothing else. The sheet of paper before me is blindingly white and its edges are sharply outlined against the green cloth. The seconds of the evening run by with gentle, hasteless monotony, and in that circle of light everything is simple, bright, congenial, close, familiar, and dreamy. I want nothing, nothing else!
What this Textopian page supports
An Evening Guest is listed on Textopian as a short story by Aleksandr Kuprin, dated Date unknown.
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: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Short Story
- Length: 2,443 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Evening Guest 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 An Evening Guest?
- How does this short story by Aleksandr Kuprin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep existential themes, the nature of fate, and the human condition.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in detail, focusing on character thoughts and emotions.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's internal monologue reveals complex psychological insights and reflections on life.
- Drama — The tension created by the knock at the door introduces dramatic elements and potential conflict.
Tags
literature · short stories · Russian literature · 19th century · romance · drama · social commentary · human relationships · psychological depth · narrative style · character study · emotional complexity