Polzunkov. a Story
The story follows the life of a young man named Polzunkov who struggles with his identity and place in society. He is torn between his desire for wealth and success, and his need to find meaning and purpose in life. Throughout the story, he encounters various characters who challenge his beliefs and force him to confront his own flaws and weaknesses. Ultimately, Polzunkov must decide whether to pursue a life of materialism or to embrace a more spiritual path.
By Fyodor Dostoevsky · First published 1876 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Psychological Fiction · 7,563 words
First lines
I began to scrutinize the man closely. Even in his exterior there was something so peculiar that it compelled one, however far away one's thoughts might be, to fix one's eyes upon him and go off into the most irrepressible roar of laughter. That is what happened to me. I must observe that the little man's eyes were so mobile, or perhaps he was so sensitive to the magnetism of every eye fixed upon him, that he almost by instinct guessed that he was being observed, turned at once to the observer and anxiously analysed his expression. His continual mobility, his turning and twisting, made him look strikingly like a dancing doll. It was strange! He seemed afraid of jeers, in spite of the fact that he was almost getting his living by being a buffoon for all the world, and exposed himself to every buffet in a moral sense and even in a physical one, judging from the company he was in. Voluntary buffoons are not even to be pitied.
What this Textopian page supports
Polzunkov. a Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky, dated 1876 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Date: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama
- Length: 7,563 words
- Structure: 1 section, 147 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Polzunkov. 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 Polzunkov. a Story?
- How does this short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Last Laugh by D. H. Lawrence
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Genres
- Satire — The story uses humor and irony to critique social norms and human behavior, particularly through the protagonist's absurd situations and interactions.
- Comedy — The narrative is filled with humorous incidents and character portrayals, especially the protagonist's antics and the reactions of those around him.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the protagonist's internal struggles, emotions, and motivations, providing insight into his complex character.
- Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on societal structures and human relationships, highlighting issues of class, power, and morality.
Tags
existentialism · Russian literature · psychological drama · social critique · moral ambiguity · poverty · alienation · identity · human nature · despair · redemption · class struggle