An Original by Leonid Andreyev
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes infatuated with a woman from the lower class. He tries to win her over but ultimately fails due to his own social status and lack of genuine connection with her. The narrative explores themes of class, love, and disillusionment.
By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1905 · Genre: Satire, Social Commentary, Comedy · 4,210 words
First lines
A moment of silence had fallen on the company and amid the clatter of knives on plates, and the confused talk at distant tables, the froufrou of a dress, and the creaking of the floor under the brisk steps of the waiters, someone's quiet, meek voice was heard:
"But I do love negresses."
What this Textopian page supports
An Original is listed on Textopian as a novel by Leonid Andreyev, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Leonid Andreyev
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Social Commentary, Comedy, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 4,210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 80 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Original by Leonid Andreyev
- 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 An Original?
- How does this novel by Leonid Andreyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — The work critiques societal norms and prejudices through humor and absurdity, particularly regarding race and individuality.
- Social Commentary — It explores themes of conformity, originality, and the absurdity of social hierarchies within a bureaucratic setting.
- Comedy — The narrative employs comedic elements, particularly in the interactions and misunderstandings among characters.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's unfulfilled desires and ultimate demise reflect tragic elements, highlighting the conflict between personal longing and societal expectations.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Existentialism · Absurdism · Psychological Insight · Russian Literature · 20th Century Literature · Short Story Collection · Literary Experimentation · Stream-of-Consciousness · Inner Turmoil · Mental Health · Alienation