The story revolves around a man who has lost his faith and sense of purpose after the death of his wife. He becomes obsessed with the idea that he will never be able to finish writing a novel that he had been working on, which serves as a metaphor for the futility of human existence. As the story progresses, the man's mental state deteriorates, and he becomes increasingly isolated from society. His obsession with the unfinished novel takes over his life, and he begins to see himself as a failure. The narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, jumping back and forth between different time periods and perspectives. This serves to highlight the fragmented nature of the man's mind and the way that his thoughts are consumed by his own self-doubt. Ultimately, the story suggests that the search for meaning and purpose is ultimately futile, and that human existence is marked by impermanence and uncertainty.
By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1900 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction