Coward by Vsevolod Garshin (1884)

Name: Coward
Author: Vsevolod Garshin

The story revolves around a young officer who is struggling with his own cowardice during the Crimean War. He is haunted by the memory of a fellow soldier he failed to save and is unable to muster the courage to face danger. As the war rages on, the officer's mental state deteriorates, and he becomes increasingly isolated from his comrades. His fear of death and failure ultimately leads him to abandon his post, leaving behind his unit and his sense of duty. The novel explores themes of guilt, shame, and the psychological effects of trauma on individuals. It raises questions about the nature of courage and cowardice, and whether it is possible for someone to overcome their own weaknesses and find redemption.

By Vsevolod Garshin · First published 1884 · Genre: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Psychological Drama · 9,704 words

First lines

The war is decidedly giving me no rest. I see clearly that it is dragging, and when it will end is very difficult to foretell. Our soldiers are as splendid as ever, but the enemy has proved far from being as weak as we thought, and now, four months from the declaration of war, no decisive success has been gained by our side. In the meanwhile every extra day claims its hundreds of victims. Is it my nerves which cause the telegrams merely stating the numbers of killed and wounded to affect me far more than those around me? Somebody will calmly read out: "Our losses insignificant; officers, wounded, so many, giving names; rank and file, killed, 50; wounded, 100," and even rejoice that the numbers are so small; but to me the reading of such news immediately brings the whole bloody picture before my eyes. Fifty dead, one hundred maimed -- this is "insignificant! " Why are we so horrified when the newspapers inform us of some murder where the victims are few? Why does not the sight of corpses riddled with bullets lying on a battlefield strike us with the same horror as the interior of a house ransacked by murder? Why does a catastrophe costing the lives of some scores of persons cause all Russia to cry out, whilst nobody pays any attention to advanced-guard skirmishes with "insignificant" losses, also of some scores of men?

What this Textopian page supports

Coward is listed on Textopian as a novel by Vsevolod Garshin, dated 1884 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Vsevolod Garshin
Date: 1884 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Psychological Drama, Existentialism, Tragedy
Length: 9,704 words
Structure: 1 section, 202 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 psychological and philosophical themes, focusing on the internal conflict of the protagonist regarding war and cowardice.
War Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of war, examining its impact on individuals and society.
Psychological Drama — The story delves into the mental and emotional struggles of the characters, particularly the protagonist's fear and moral dilemmas.
Existentialism — The text raises questions about existence, choice, and the meaning of life in the face of death and conflict.