The story revolves around a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate after years abroad. He is disillusioned with the aristocracy and its values, but upon arrival, he finds himself drawn into the social circle of his relatives. As he navigates this world, he becomes increasingly conflicted between his desire for reform and his own sense of identity. The narrative explores themes of morality, class, and personal growth as the protagonist grapples with these internal contradictions. Throughout the story, Korolenko critiques the societal norms of the time, highlighting the tension between tradition and progress. The young nobleman's journey serves as a microcosm for the larger struggle between old and new values in Russian society during this period.
By Vladimir Korolenko · First published 1884 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Realism · 25 chapters