The Sweet-Scented Name
The novel explores the themes of morality, spirituality, and the human condition through the story of a young woman's journey towards enlightenment. It begins with her marriage to a wealthy man, but she soon becomes disillusioned with the materialism and superficiality of society. She embarks on a spiritual quest, seeking answers to life's mysteries and a deeper understanding of herself. As she delves deeper into the world of mysticism and spirituality, she encounters various characters who challenge her perceptions and force her to confront the darkness within herself. Throughout the novel, the protagonist grapples with the tension between her desire for spiritual growth and her attachment to worldly desires. The novel ultimately presents a bleak view of human nature, suggesting that true enlightenment is unattainable in this world. The narrative is characterized by its use of symbolism, imagery, and philosophical themes, creating a rich and complex exploration of the human experience.
By Fyodor Sologub · First published 1906 · Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Romance · 1,450 words
First lines
The Sweet-Scented Name
A little peasant girl lay ill in her bed. And in heaven God called an angel to His side and bade her go down to earth and dance before the little girl and amuse her. But the angel thought it unbecoming to her dignity to dance before the people of the earth.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sweet-Scented Name is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fyodor Sologub, 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: Fyodor Sologub
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Romance, Allegory, Children's Literature
- Length: 1,450 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sweet-Scented Name by Fyodor Sologub
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Sweet-Scented Name?
- How does this short story by Fyodor Sologub fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Adventures Of A Cobblestone by Fyodor Sologub
- On The Other Side Of The River Mairure by Fyodor Sologub
- He Became Better by Fyodor Sologub
- The Little Stick by Fyodor Sologub
- The Dress Of The Lily And Of The Cabbage by Fyodor Sologub
- Wings by Fyodor Sologub
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves supernatural elements, such as an angel and a quest for a mystical name, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Fairy Tale — The story follows a classic fairy tale structure with a princess, a quest, and moral lessons, typical of the genre.
- Romance — The relationship between the princess and Maximilian develops throughout the story, highlighting themes of love and longing.
- Allegory — The story conveys deeper meanings about identity, memory, and the human experience, functioning as an allegory for personal growth.
Tags
Russian Literature · Symbolism · Psychological Fiction · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Inner Turmoil · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Morality vs Immorality · Free Will vs Determinism · Identity Crisis · Alienation