The Friend by Leonid Andreyev (1909)
The novel revolves around the life of a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes infatuated with a woman named Vera. He begins an affair with her, but their relationship is complicated by her marriage to a wealthy and influential man. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Vera's husband is not what he seems, and the young man becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering his true nature. Meanwhile, Vera's own motivations for pursuing the affair are revealed to be driven by a desire for excitement and escape from her mundane life. The novel explores themes of love, deception, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Through its portrayal of the complex relationships between the characters, it raises questions about the nature of morality and the consequences of one's actions.
By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1909 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy · 3,224 words
First lines
When late at night he rang at his own door, the first sound after that of the bell was a resonant dog's bark, in which might be distinguished both fear that it might have been a stranger, and joy that it was his own master, who had arrived.
Then there followed the squish-squash of goloshes, and the squeak of the key taken out of the lock.
What this Textopian page supports
The Friend is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: Leonid Andreyev
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Drama, Animal Fiction
- Length: 3,224 words
- Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Friend 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 The Friend?
- How does this novella by Leonid Andreyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional themes, character introspection, and the complexities of human relationships.
- Psychological Fiction — It delves into the protagonist's mental state, loneliness, and existential struggles.
- Tragedy — The narrative presents a tragic arc, focusing on loss, regret, and the consequences of one's actions.
- Drama — The story unfolds through intense emotional exchanges and character interactions, highlighting personal conflicts.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Drama · Existentialism · Russian Literature · 19th Century Setting · Friendship · Loneliness · Isolation · Mental Health · Suicide · Death · Afterlife