Tempting Providence
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who becomes embroiled in a tragic love affair with a charismatic and troubled man. The story explores themes of morality, free will, and the consequences of one's actions. Through the protagonist's experiences, the narrative delves into the complexities of human nature and the destructive power of unchecked emotions.
By Aleksandr Kuprin · First published 1906 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Tragedy · 4,595 words
First lines
You're always saying "accident, accident. " That's just the point. What I want to say is that on every merest accident it is possible to look more deeply.
Permit me to remark that I am already sixty years old. And this is just the age when, after all the noisy passions of his youth, a man must choose one of three ways of life: moneymaking, ambition, or philosophy. For my part I think there are only two paths. Ambition must, sooner or later, take the form of getting something for oneself -- money or power -- in acquiring and extending either earthly or heavenly possibilities.
What this Textopian page supports
Tempting Providence 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: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Realism, Drama
- Length: 4,595 words
- Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tempting Providence 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 Tempting Providence?
- 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?
Similar titles
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- Toine by Guy De Maupassant
- Happiness by Guy De Maupassant
- The Old Man by Guy De Maupassant
- Anathema by Aleksandr Kuprin
- The Last Step by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The text explores deep philosophical themes regarding fate, existence, and the nature of life, making it a prime example of philosophical fiction.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative style and character development focus on the human experience and emotional depth, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Tragedy — The story culminates in a tragic event that highlights the absurdity and cruelty of fate, aligning it with tragic themes.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life, social interactions, and the psychological depth of characters reflects the principles of realism.
Tags
Russian Literature · Classic Novel · Psychological Fiction · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Human Condition · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Morality · Ethics · Free Will vs Determinism · Fate and Destiny