Son by Ivan Bunin (1908)
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 own sense of inadequacy and moral decay. The story explores themes of identity, morality, and the decline of traditional values in pre-revolutionary Russia.
By Ivan Bunin · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Romance · 5,804 words
First lines
Madame Maraud was born and grew up in Lausanne, in a strict, honest, industrious family. She did not marry young, but she married for love. In March, 1876, among the passengers on an old French ship, the Auvergne, sailing from Marseilles to Italy, was the newly married couple. The weather was calm and fresh; the silvery mirror of the sea appeared and disappeared in the mists of the spring horizon. The newly married couple never left the deck. Everyone liked them, everyone looked at their happiness with friendly smiles; his happiness showed itself in the energy and keenness of his glance, in a need for movement, in the animation of his welcome to those around him; hers showed itself in the joy and interest with which she took in each detail. The newly married couple were the Marauds.
What this Textopian page supports
Son is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ivan Bunin, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Ivan Bunin
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Romance, Colonial Literature, Tragedy
- Length: 5,804 words
- Structure: 1 section, 60 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Son by Ivan Bunin
- 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 Son?
- How does this novel by Ivan Bunin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Gentle Breathing by Ivan Bunin
- A Short Trip Home by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- A Fallen King by Selma Lagerlof
- The Birthplace by Henry James
- Proctor The Drunkard by Louis Becke
- The Olive Orchard by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of love, identity, and existential reflection through nuanced character development and rich prose.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the psychological states of the characters, particularly Madame Maraud and Emile, revealing their inner conflicts and emotional struggles.
- Romance — The story centers around the emotional and romantic tension between Madame Maraud and Emile, highlighting themes of unfulfilled desire and maternal affection.
- Colonial Literature — The setting in Algeria and the depiction of colonial life provide a backdrop that influences the characters' experiences and relationships.
Tags
Russian Literature · Autobiographical Fiction · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Nostalgia · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Identity Crisis · Moral Ambiguity · Psychological Insight · Realism · Symbolism