The story revolves around a young officer who witnesses the execution of a group of peasants by his comrades during a civil war. The incident leaves him shaken and questioning the morality of the actions he has been a part of. As the officer reflects on what he has seen, he begins to realize that the violence and bloodshed are not just random acts, but rather a symptom of a larger societal problem. He starts to see the world in a different light, and his own role within it becomes increasingly ambiguous. The story explores themes of morality, guilt, and the psychological effects of trauma on individuals who have witnessed or participated in violent events.
By Vsevolod Garshin · First published 1881 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Tragedy · 4 chapters