A Novel in Nine Letters
Pyotr Ivanitch writes to his "precious friend" Ivan Petrovitch, complaining he has spent two days chasing him across Petersburg—to the Social Union ball, the Alexandrinsky theatre, and Tchistoganov's—on urgent business, and invites him and his wife Tatyana Petrovna to tea. He also asks Ivan Petrovitch to delicately warn Yevgeny Nikolaitch, whom Ivan Petrovitch had introduced into Pyotr Ivanitch's household, that there are "a great many houses in the metropolis" besides his own. A postscript notes his little boy is ill, cutting teeth. Ivan Petrovitch replies testily: he had gone to Pyotr Ivanitch's house and waited, incurring cab expenses, and been left in the lurch. He is puzzled by the vague hint about Yevgeny Nikolaitch, reports that the young man has five hundred serfs in Yaroslav province and expectations of three hundred more near Moscow, and demands a definite meeting to settle their "agreement." His postscript mentions his wife's pregnancy and nervous disposition. Pyotr Ivanitch excuses his absence: his aunt suffered a stroke and he sat up all night at her bedside, missing Ivan Petrovitch at his own flat, where he instead found Yevgeny Nikolaitch. His postscript reports the sick child worsening, then lisping "papa, mamma, boo." Ivan Petrovitch, writing from inside Pyotr Ivanitch's own room after waiting over two hours, accuses him of dodging their agreement, destroying an incriminating letter, borrowing 350 roubles without a receipt, and slandering Yevgeny Nikolaitch after profiting from gambling with him. He threatens "unpleasant measures" if not answered satisfactorily. Pyotr Ivanitch (November 11) reports his aunt Yefimya Nikolaevna has died; he was occupied with funeral arrangements. He calls the money matter a misunderstanding, insists the 350 roubles were per their agreement, not a loan, and says his wife is now seriously ill. Ivan Petrovitch (November 14) delivers a long, furious accusation: Pyotr Ivanitch fabricated or mistimed the aunt's stroke and death to dodge him, has used sentimental postscripts about his family to manipulate him, stole back an incriminating letter, illegally kept money that should go to Ivan Petrovitch and Yevgeny Nikolaitch, and slandered Yevgeny Nikolaitch while secretly remaining his intimate friend. He demands repayment of 350 roubles plus promised sums, threatening force, the law, and exposure of damaging facts. Pyotr Ivanitch (November 15) responds coldly and briefly, calling the letter "vulgar," declaring Ivan Petrovitch no longer welcome in his house since his wife's health is delicate, sending back Ivan Petrovitch's wife's book *Don Quixote*, and mentioning galoshes left behind that cannot be found. On November 16, Pyotr Ivanitch receives two letters. One, in his own wife's hand, is addressed to Yevgeny Nikolaitch (dated November 2), arranging a secret rendezvous while her husband is away and thanking him for sent "information and correspondence." The other is from Ivan Petrovitch, coldly renouncing further contact, mentioning his move to Simbirsk, and sarcastically wishing Pyotr Ivanitch luck with Yevgeny Nikolaitch, "your precious and beloved friend," dismissing the galoshes. On November 17, Ivan Petrovitch receives two letters. One, in his own wife Tatyana's hand, addressed to Yevgeny Nikolaitch and dated August 4 (before her marriage), is a sorrowful farewell revealing she loved Yevgeny Nikolaitch but was pressured by her aunt into marrying Ivan Petrovitch instead, signed "Tatyana." The second, from Pyotr Ivanitch, coldly informs Ivan Petrovitch that new galoshes will be sent, and mentions Yevgeny Nikolaitch is going to Simbirsk on his grandfather's business and needs a travelling companion—suggesting Ivan Petrovitch accompany him.
By Fyodor Dostoevsky · First published 1846 · Genre: Epistolary, Satire, Comedy · 5,717 words
First lines
I.
(FROM PYOTR IVANITCH TO IVAN PETROVITCH)
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A Novel in Nine Letters is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky, dated 1846 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Date: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Epistolary, Satire, Comedy, Drama, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 5,717 words
- Structure: 1 section, 76 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Novel in Nine Letters?
- How does this short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Epistolary first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Epistolary — The narrative is entirely composed of letters exchanged between two characters, which is a defining characteristic of the epistolary genre.
- Satire — The work uses humor and irony to critique social norms and the absurdity of human behavior, typical of satirical writing.
- Comedy — The misunderstandings and miscommunications between characters create a comedic effect, aligning with the conventions of comedy.
- Drama — The narrative involves personal conflicts and emotional exchanges, elements commonly found in dramatic literature.
Tags
psychology · existentialism · morality · society · human nature · conflict · redemption · suffering · identity · philosophy · alienation · faith