Gentle Breathing by Ivan Bunin
The novel revolves around the life of a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate after serving in the military. He struggles with feelings of disillusionment and disconnection from society, which are exacerbated by his experiences during the war. As he navigates his relationships with his family members and acquaintances, the protagonist grapples with the tension between his desire for authenticity and his need to conform to societal expectations. Throughout the novel, themes of identity, morality, and the search for meaning are explored in a nuanced and introspective manner.
By Ivan Bunin · First published 1901 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Tragedy · 2,767 words
First lines
In the cemetery above a fresh mound of earth stands a new cross of oak -- strong, heavy, smooth, a pleasant thing to look at. It is April, but the days are grey. From a long way off one can see through the bare trees the tombstones in the cemetery -- a spacious, real country or cathedral town cemetery; the cold wind goes whistling, whistling through the china wreath at the foot of the cross. In the cross itself is set a rather large bronze medallion, and in the medallion is a portrait of a smart and charming schoolgirl, with happy, astonishingly vivacious eyes.
It is Olga Meschersky.
What this Textopian page supports
Gentle Breathing 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, Coming-of-Age, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,767 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Gentle Breathing by Ivan Bunin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Gentle Breathing?
- How does this short story by Ivan Bunin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- I Say Nothing by Ivan Bunin
- Son by Ivan Bunin
- The Choice Of Cyril Harjohn by K. Jerome
- The Disciple by Aleksandr Kuprin
- The Tree Of Heaven by May Sinclair
- Brethren by Ivan Bunin
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of youth, beauty, and the transition to adulthood, characterized by a nuanced writing style.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative centers on the protagonist's development from childhood to womanhood, highlighting her experiences and relationships.
- Tragedy — The story culminates in a tragic event, reflecting on the fragility of life and the consequences of youthful decisions.
- Psychological Fiction — The text delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of characters, particularly the protagonist and her class-mistress.
Tags
Russian Literature · Nobel Prize Winner · Autobiographical Fiction · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Poetic Prose · Lyrical Style · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Moral Ambiguity