The Giant by Leonid Andreyev (1916)

Name: The Giant
Author: Leonid Andreyev

The story revolves around a giant who lives in the forest and is feared by the villagers. The giant's existence is a metaphor for the destructive power of nature and the fragility of human life. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the giant is not just a mindless beast, but a complex character with his own motivations and desires. He is driven by a desire to be understood and accepted by society, despite being an outcast. The villagers, on the other hand, are portrayed as cruel and ignorant, who view the giant as a monster to be feared and destroyed. Their actions ultimately lead to tragic consequences for both the giant and themselves. Through this narrative, Andreyev explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the destructive nature of human fear and ignorance.

By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1916 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Allegory · 1,129 words

First lines

. And then there came the giant, the big, great Giant. Such a great, big one. There he came, on and on. Such a funny Giant. His hands are huge and thick, and his fingers are outspread, and his feet are huge, and so thick. That's how thick they are. Then he came. and then, down he fell. You understand, he fell, fell right down. His foot caught on a stair, such a stupid Giant he is, such a funny one. So, you see, his foot caught on a stair. He opened his mouth, and. there he is lying, lying right down, as funny as a chimney-sweep. What have you come here for, Mister Giant? Get out of here, Mister Giant. Sasha is such a dear, such a nice, good little boy; he clings so gently to his mother, to her heart. to her heart, such a dear, lovely little child. He has such dear, fine eyes, clear, clean; and everybody loves him so much. And he has such a nice litle nose, and little lips, and he is not naughty at all. It was such a long time ago that he was naughty; he ran and shouted and rode a hobbyhorse. You know, Giant, Sasha has a horsie, a fine horsie, a big one, with a tail, and he mounts it and rides far, far away, to the little river and to the forest. And down in the little river there are little fishes. Do you know, Giant, what fishes are? No, no, Giant, you do not know, you are stupid, but Sasha knows: they are so little and nice. The sun shines over the water, and they play, little, cunning, lively fishes. Yes, stupid Giant, but you do not know that.

What this Textopian page supports

The Giant is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leonid Andreyev, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Allegory, Drama, Philosophical
Length: 1,129 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The presence of a giant and the whimsical nature of the narrative create a fantastical setting.
Children's Literature — The simple language, themes of childhood innocence, and the focus on a child's perspective make it suitable for children.
Allegory — The story conveys deeper meanings about growth, love, and the human experience through the interactions between the giant and the child.
Drama — The emotional weight of the mother's dialogue and the child's condition adds a dramatic element to the narrative.