Snapper by Leonid Andreyev (1924)
The novel revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after serving time in prison for murder. He seeks revenge against the people he holds responsible for his downfall, but ultimately finds himself trapped by his own emotions and circumstances. The story explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the destructive nature of unchecked emotions.
By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1924 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Animal Fiction · 4 chapters · 3,432 words
First lines
He belonged to no one, he had no name of his own, and none could say where he spent the long, frosty winter, or how he was fed. The house dogs hungry as himself, but proud and strong from the consciousness of belonging to a house, would chase him away from the warm cottages. When driven by hunger or an instinctive need of company, he showed himself in the street, the boys pelted him with stones and sticks, while the grownups gave a merry whoop, or a terribly piercing whistle. Distraught with fear he would dart about from side to side, and stumbling against the fences and people's legs, would run as fast as he could to the end of the village, and hide himself in the depths of a large garden in a place known only to himself. There he would lick his bruises and wounds, and in solitude heap up terror and malice.
What this Textopian page supports
Snapper is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leonid Andreyev, dated 1924 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: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Animal Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 3,432 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 57 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Snapper by Leonid Andreyev
- 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 Snapper?
- 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
- A Present by Leonid Andreyev
- The Wall by Leonid Andreyev
- A Dilemma by Leonid Andreyev
- The Little Angel by Leonid Andreyev
- The Meeting by Vsevolod Garshin
- The Story Of The Snake by Leonid Andreyev
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional themes and character development, focusing on the dog's experiences and perceptions.
- Psychological Fiction — It delves into the psychological state of the dog, illustrating its fears, traumas, and gradual adaptation to human affection.
- Animal Fiction — The narrative centers around a dog, providing insight into its life and struggles, which is a hallmark of this genre.
- Social Commentary — The story reflects on human nature, societal behavior, and the treatment of animals, critiquing social norms and attitudes.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Drama · Existentialism · Absurdism · Russian Literature · 20th Century Literature · Short Story Collection · Literary Fiction · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Human Condition · Moral Ambiguity
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV