The Disciple by Aleksandr Kuprin
The novel revolves around a young man's spiritual journey and his quest for meaning in life. He becomes disillusioned with the materialism of society and seeks enlightenment through various means, including mysticism and asceticism. His experiences lead him to question the nature of reality and the human condition. The narrative explores themes of existentialism, nihilism, and the search for transcendence.
By Aleksandr Kuprin · First published 1906 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Drama, Social Commentary · 4 chapters · 6,278 words
First lines
The great white double-decked steamer, built after an American pattern, was gayly floating down the Volga. It was the time of sultry, languid July days. The passengers passed half the day on the little outside western balcony, and the other half on the eastern -- it all depended on which side the shade was. They got on and clambered off at the intermediate stops, and finally there was formed a permanent complement of travelers, whose faces had long since become mutually familiar and who had grown rather tedious to one another.
What this Textopian page supports
The Disciple 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, Psychological Drama, Social Commentary, Adventure, Crime Fiction
- Length: 6,278 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 125 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Disciple 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 The Disciple?
- 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
- The Birthplace by Henry James
- The American by Henry James
- A Devotee by Mary Cholmondeley
- Proctor The Drunkard by Louis Becke
- Two Wayfarers by Leo Tolstoy
- The Path Of Duty by Henry James
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex characters and themes, focusing on human psychology and social dynamics.
- Psychological Drama — The narrative delves into the inner thoughts and motivations of the characters, particularly the student and his interactions.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms, class distinctions, and moral ambiguities within the context of Russian society.
- Adventure — The setting on a steamer traveling down the Volga River provides a backdrop for various interactions and conflicts.
Tags
Russian Literature · Psychological Fiction · Coming-of-Age Story · Moral Dilemma · Existential Crisis · Philosophical Themes · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Alcoholism · Addiction · Spiritual Struggle · Inner Turmoil
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV