The novel revolves around the life of a young nobleman who becomes disillusioned with the social conventions and hypocrisy of his aristocratic circle. He begins to question the morality and values of those around him, leading to a growing sense of outrage and rebellion. As he navigates this inner turmoil, he becomes increasingly isolated from his peers and family, struggling to reconcile his own desires and principles with the expectations placed upon him by society. The story explores themes of social critique, moral ambiguity, and the search for authenticity in a world where appearances often mask reality.
By Aleksandr Kuprin · First published 1906 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Satire