The Tiny Man by Fyodor Sologub

Name: The Tiny Man
Author: Fyodor Sologub

The novel revolves around a young man who becomes obsessed with the idea of being tiny and shrinking to an infinitesimally small size. He believes this will allow him to escape the constraints of society and experience life in a new, unencumbered way. As he delves deeper into his fantasy, he begins to neglect his relationships and responsibilities, causing tension among those around him. His obsession ultimately leads to a tragic confrontation with reality. The novel explores themes of alienation, the human condition, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

By Fyodor Sologub · First published 1907 · Genre: Fantasy, Satire, Psychological Fiction · 11 chapters · 7,807 words

First lines

Yakov Alexeyevitch Saranin scarcely reached medium size; his wife, Aglaya Nikiforovna, who came of trades-folk, was tall and capacious. Even now, in the first year after their marriage, the twenty-year-old woman was so corpulent that beside her tiny and lean husband, she seemed a very giantess.

"What if she gets still bigger? " thought Yakov Alexeyevitch. He thought this, although he had married for love -- of her and of the dowry.

What this Textopian page supports

The Tiny Man is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fyodor Sologub, dated 1907 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Fyodor Sologub
Date: 1907 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Satire, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction
Length: 7,807 words
Structure: 11 chapters, 342 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements, such as size alteration and a mysterious Armenian character who provides potions, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Satire — The story critiques societal norms, particularly regarding appearance and status, using humor and exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of social expectations.
Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's internal struggles with self-image, societal perception, and personal relationships are central to the plot, exploring themes of identity and existential crisis.
Social Commentary — The work reflects on class dynamics, marriage, and the absurdities of bureaucratic life, providing insight into societal structures and human behavior.