The Lie by Leonid Andreyev (1906)

Name: The Lie
Author: Leonid Andreyev

The story revolves around a man who discovers that his wife has been having an affair with another man. He becomes obsessed with the idea of revenge and deceit, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The narrative explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive nature of unchecked emotions. The protagonist's actions are driven by a desire for revenge, which slowly consumes him, leading to a downward spiral of chaos and destruction. Throughout the story, the author highlights the devastating effects of unchecked emotions on individuals and relationships. The Lie serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing jealousy and anger to consume us, ultimately leading to our own downfall.

By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1906 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Philosophical Fiction · 6 chapters · 4,180 words

First lines

"You lie! I know you lie!"

"What are you shouting for? Is it necessary that everyone should hear us?"

What this Textopian page supports

The Lie is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leonid Andreyev, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Philosophical Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Gothic Fiction
Length: 4,180 words
Structure: 6 chapters, 74 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Lie 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 Lie?
How does this short story by Leonid Andreyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the protagonist's psyche, exploring themes of love, deception, and existential despair.
Tragedy — The story embodies tragic elements, focusing on the protagonist's emotional turmoil and ultimate downfall due to his obsession with truth and lies.
Philosophical Fiction — The text raises profound questions about the nature of truth, existence, and the human condition, prompting readers to reflect on these themes.
Romantic Fiction — The central relationship and the protagonist's feelings for the woman drive the plot, highlighting the complexities of love and betrayal.