Measles by Aleksandr Kuprin (1908)
The story revolves around a young doctor who contracts measles while treating patients and becomes increasingly isolated from society due to his illness. As he struggles with the physical and emotional toll of the disease, he reflects on his life choices and relationships. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, mortality, and the human condition.
By Aleksandr Kuprin · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Drama, Social Commentary · 4 chapters · 11,003 words
First lines
It was before dinner and Dr. Iliashenko had just finished bathing with a student named Voskresenski. The warm, southeast wind had whipped the sea into eddies. Close to the shore, the water was murky and had a sharp smell of fish and sea-plants. The hot, swinging waves did not cool and refresh one's body, but on the contrary, fatigued and unnerved it still more.
"Come on out, my colleague," the doctor exclaimed as he splashed a handful of water over his own large white stomach. "We shall get faint if we go on bathing like this."
What this Textopian page supports
Measles is listed on Textopian as a short story by Aleksandr Kuprin, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Drama, Social Commentary, Romance, Realism
- Length: 11,003 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 161 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Measles by Aleksandr Kuprin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Measles?
- 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?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, morality, and societal critique through character interactions and introspection.
- Psychological Drama — The narrative delves into the psychological struggles of the characters, particularly the protagonist's internal conflicts and emotional turmoil.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques social norms, class distinctions, and cultural attitudes, particularly regarding Russian identity and nationalism.
- Romance — The story includes romantic elements, particularly the complex relationship between the protagonist and Anna Georgievna.
Tags
Medical Fiction · Russian Literature · Short Story Collection · Social Commentary · Realism · Psychological Insight · Morality Tale · Childhood Trauma · Family Dynamics · Societal Critique · Class Struggle · Poverty