The Little Angel by Leonid Andreyev
The story revolves around a young boy who dies and is sent to heaven, where he meets an angel who takes him on a tour of the afterlife. The angel shows him various realms, each representing different aspects of human existence, including joy, suffering, and redemption. As they journey through these realms, the boy witnesses scenes from human history, including wars, famines, and natural disasters. He also sees moments of great beauty and kindness, such as acts of love and selflessness. The angel's purpose is to teach the boy about the nature of humanity and the consequences of their actions. The boy learns that even in the midst of suffering and chaos, there are always moments of hope and redemption. Throughout the story, the tone is one of philosophical introspection, exploring themes of morality, free will, and the human condition.
By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1901 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Social Realism · 3 chapters · 6,451 words
First lines
At times Sashka wished to give up what is called living: to cease to wash every morning in cold water, on which thin sheets of ice floated about; to go no more to the grammar school, and there to have to listen to everyone scolding him; no more to experience the pain in the small of his back and indeed over his whole body when his mother made him kneel in the corner all the evening. But, since he was only thirteen years of age, and did not know all the means by which people abandon life at will, he continued to go to the grammar school and to kneel in the corner, and it seemed to him as if life would never end. A year would go by, and another, and yet another, and still he would be going to school, and be made to kneel in the corner. And since Sashka possessed an indomitable and bold spirit, he could not supinely tolerate evil, and so found means to avenge himself on life. With this object in view he would thrash his companions, be rude to the Head, impertinent to the masters, and tell lies all day long to his teachers and to his mother -- but to his father only he never lied. If in a fight he got his nose broken, he would purposely make the damage worse, and howl, without shedding a single tear, but so loudly that all who heard him were fain to stop their ears to keep out the disagreeable sound. When he had howled as long as thought advisable, he would suddenly cease, and, putting out his tongue, draw in his copybook a caricature of himself howling at an usher who pressed his fingers to his ears, while the victor stood trembling with fear. The whole copybook was filled with caricatures, the one which most frequently occurred being that of a short stout woman beating a boy as thin as a lucifer-match with a rolling pin. Below in a large scrawling hand would be written the legend: "Beg my pardon, puppy! " and the reply, "Won't! blow'd if I do!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Little Angel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leonid Andreyev, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Social Realism, Fantasy, Psychological Drama
- Length: 6,451 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 118 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Little Angel by Leonid Andreyev
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Little Angel?
- 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?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional and psychological themes through character development and intricate narrative style.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey reflects the struggles of childhood and the transition into adulthood, highlighting personal growth and self-discovery.
- Social Realism — The narrative depicts the harsh realities of life, including poverty, familial conflict, and societal expectations.
- Fantasy — The presence of the angel introduces elements of the fantastical, symbolizing hope and innocence amidst despair.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Drama · Existentialism · Russian Literature · Short Story Collection · Literary Classic · Symbolic Realism · Moral Ambiguity · Inner Turmoil · Spiritual Crisis · Faith vs Reason · Human Condition