Aglaia by Ivan Bunin (1901)

Name: Aglaia
Author: Ivan Bunin

The novel revolves around the life of a young woman named Aglaia, who lives with her family on their estate in Russia. The story explores themes of love, loss, and social change during a time of great upheaval in Russian society. Aglaia's life is marked by a series of tragic events, including the death of her mother and the decline of her family's fortunes. She becomes embroiled in a complicated relationship with a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. Throughout the novel, Aglaia grapples with the changing values and social norms of her time, as well as her own sense of identity and purpose. The story ultimately builds towards a devastating conclusion that highlights the fragility of human life and the inevitability of fate. The novel is characterized by its lyrical prose and nuanced exploration of the human condition, offering a powerful portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of a young woman living through a time of great change and upheaval.

By Ivan Bunin · First published 1901 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Religious Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 4,966 words

First lines

In that community, in that forest village where Aglaia was born and had grown up, she was called Anna. She was bereaved of her father and mother at an early age. The smallpox visited the village one winter, and many of those who had gone to their rest were carted off then to the churchyard in the settlement beyond Sviyat-Oziero.12 Two coffins in one day stood in the hut of the Skuratovs as well. The little girl had experienced neither fear nor pity; she had only come to remember forever that odour which emanated from them, which is like nothing else on earth and is unknown and oppressive to the living, and that winter freshness, that cold of the Lenten thaw before Easter, which had been let into the hut by the peasants who were carrying the coffins out to the wide sledge standing under the windows.

What this Textopian page supports

Aglaia is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ivan Bunin, dated 1901 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Ivan Bunin
Date: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Religious Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction
Length: 4,966 words
Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of spirituality, identity, and the human condition through rich character development and introspective narrative.
Religious Fiction — The protagonist's journey involves significant religious themes, including monastic life, spiritual sacrifice, and the quest for salvation.
Coming-of-Age — The story follows the protagonist's transition from childhood to adulthood, highlighting her internal struggles and growth.
Historical Fiction — The setting and cultural references provide a historical context that reflects the societal norms and religious practices of the time.