A Faint Heart. a Story
A Faint Heart is a short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky that explores the themes of love and jealousy. The story follows the relationship between two characters, Ivan and Liza, who are both in love with each other but unable to express their feelings due to social conventions and personal insecurities. As the story progresses, Ivan becomes increasingly jealous of Liza's interactions with other men, leading him to act out in ways that ultimately damage his relationship with her. The story ends on a bittersweet note, as Ivan realizes too late the depth of his feelings for Liza and the consequences of his actions.
By Fyodor Dostoevsky · First published 1863 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Realism, Drama · 21,803 words
First lines
Under the same roof in the same flat on the same fourth storey lived two young men, colleagues in the service, Arkady Ivanovitch Nefedevitch and Vasya Shumkov. The author of course, feels the necessity of explaining to the reader why one is given his full title, while the other's name is abbreviated, if only that such a mode of expression may not be regarded as unseemly and rather familiar. But, to do so, it would first be necessary to explain and describe the rank and years and calling and duty in the service, and even, indeed, the characters of the persons concerned; and since there are so many writers who begin in that way, the author of the proposed story, solely in order to be unlike them (that is, some people will perhaps say, entirely on account of his boundless vanity), decides to begin straightaway with action. Having completed this introduction, he begins.
What this Textopian page supports
A Faint Heart. a Story is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, dated 1863 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Date: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Realism, Drama, Romance, Tragedy
- Length: 21,803 words
- Structure: 1 section, 435 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Faint Heart. a Story by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- 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 A Faint Heart. a Story?
- How does this novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Gentle Creature by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- The Permanent Husband by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- The Attack by D. H. Lawrence
- The Punisher by D. H. Lawrence
- The Superstitious Mans Story by Thomas Hardy
- The Last Laugh by D. H. Lawrence
Genres
- Psychological Fiction — Explores the inner thoughts and emotional struggles of the protagonist.
- Realism — Depicts everyday life and societal issues with a focus on character development.
- Drama — Centers around intense emotional conflicts and personal dilemmas.
- Romance — Involves themes of love and relationships as central elements of the plot.
Tags
psychological · drama · existentialism · human nature · fear · courage · love · despair · conflict · morality · society · relationships