The Marseillaise by Leonid Andreyev

Name: The Marseillaise
Author: Leonid Andreyev

The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after serving in the military and becomes disillusioned with the social and economic conditions of the working class. He joins a group of revolutionaries and participates in a violent uprising, but ultimately realizes that the revolution has failed and that he is now a fugitive. As he flees from the authorities, he reflects on the futility of his actions and the emptiness of his ideals. The story explores themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The narrative is characterized by its stark realism and philosophical introspection, which creates a sense of claustrophobia and desperation. The protagonist's inner turmoil is mirrored in the bleak and impoverished surroundings of the working-class neighborhood, where he finds himself trapped. Throughout the story, the author critiques the social and economic systems that perpetuate poverty and inequality, highlighting the ways in which they crush individual freedom and creativity.

By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1905 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Political Fiction · 1,199 words

First lines

He was a nonentity: the spirit of a rabbit and the shameless patience of a beast of burden. When fate, with malicious mockery, had cast him into our somber ranks, we laughed with insane merriment. What ridiculous, absurd mistakes will happen! But he -- he, of course, wept. Never in my life have I seen a man who could shed so many tears, and these tears seemed to flow so readily -- from the eyes, from the nose, from the mouth, every bit like a water-soaked sponge compressed by a fist. And even in our ranks have I seen weeping men, but their tears were like a consuming flame from which savage beasts flee in terror. These manly tears aged the countenance and rejuvenated the eyes: like lava disgorged from the inflamed bowels of the earth they burned ineradicable traces and buried beneath their flow world upon world of trivial cravings and of petty cares. But he, when he wept, showed only a flushed nose, and a damp handkerchief. He doubtless later dried this handkerchief on a line, for otherwise where could he have procured so many?

What this Textopian page supports

The Marseillaise is listed on Textopian as a short story by Leonid Andreyev, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Political Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
Length: 1,199 words
Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional themes, character introspection, and societal critique, typical of literary fiction.
Tragedy — The narrative centers on suffering, loss, and the tragic fate of the protagonist, embodying elements of tragedy.
Political Fiction — The story addresses themes of authority, oppression, and the struggle for freedom, reflecting political issues.
Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the treatment of individuals within a collective, highlighting social issues.