A Present by Leonid Andreyev (1909)

Name: A Present
Author: Leonid Andreyev

The story revolves around a young man who receives a mysterious gift from an unknown sender. The gift is a small, exquisite music box that plays a haunting melody. As the protagonist delves deeper into the mystery of the gift, he becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the identity of the sender and the meaning behind the music box. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, as the protagonist's obsession grows and his relationships with those around him begin to deteriorate. The story builds towards a tragic conclusion that highlights the destructive power of unchecked emotions and the devastating consequences of allowing oneself to become consumed by obsession. Throughout the narrative, the author employs a range of literary techniques, including symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing, to create a sense of tension and foreboding that propels the reader towards the story's tragic conclusion.

By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1909 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Realism · 4 chapters · 3,725 words

First lines

"So you'll come, won't you? " Senista repeated this for the third time, and for the third time Sazonka answered hastily:

"Sure I'll come, sure I'll come. Why shouldn't I? Sure I'll come."

What this Textopian page supports

A Present is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leonid Andreyev, dated 1909 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Leonid Andreyev
Date: 1909 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
Length: 3,725 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 67 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for A Present by Leonid Andreyev
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A Present?
How does this short story by Leonid Andreyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional themes, character development, and the human condition, typical of literary fiction.
Tragedy — The narrative centers on loss, regret, and the tragic consequences of neglect and addiction.
Realism — The portrayal of everyday life, social issues, and the struggles of the characters reflects a realistic approach.
Psychological Fiction — The internal conflicts and emotional struggles of the characters are explored in depth, focusing on their psychological states.