Lights by Vladimir Korolenko (1884)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his village after serving in the military and becomes involved with a group of revolutionaries. He witnesses the brutal suppression of their uprising by the authorities and is forced to flee for his life. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and the consequences of violence.
By Vladimir Korolenko · First published 1884 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Symbolism · 384 words
First lines
A long time ago, on a dark autumn evening, I happened to be going in a boat up a gloomy Siberian river. Suddenly, beyond a bend of the river, a tiny speck of light flashed ahead, at the foot of some dark mountains.
It flashed brightly, clearly, as though it were very near.
What this Textopian page supports
Lights is listed on Textopian as a short story by Vladimir Korolenko, dated 1884 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Vladimir Korolenko
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Symbolism, Realism, Short Story
- Length: 384 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lights by Vladimir Korolenko
- 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 Lights?
- How does this short story by Vladimir Korolenko fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Lights by Anton Chekhov
- The Last Ray by Vladimir Korolenko
- The Head Gardeners Story by Anton Chekhov
- The Old Bell Ringer by Vladimir Korolenko
- In Exile by Anton Chekhov
- The Beggar by Anton Chekhov
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of hope and the human condition through a reflective narrative style.
- Philosophical Fiction — It delves into existential themes, contemplating the nature of life and the pursuit of unattainable goals.
- Symbolism — The light serves as a powerful symbol representing aspirations and the elusive nature of fulfillment.
- Realism — The setting and characters are depicted in a realistic manner, reflecting the struggles of life.
Tags
Russian Literature · Short Stories · Realism · Social Commentary · Poverty · Suffering · Human Condition · Existential Crisis · Moral Ambiguity · Philosophical Themes · Psychological Insight · Character Study