Make Believe by Vsevolod Garshin
The story revolves around a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate after years abroad and becomes embroiled in the lives of the peasants living on the land. He begins to question the morality of the aristocracy and the treatment of the peasants, leading him to make decisions that challenge the social norms of his time. The narrative explores themes of class struggle, moral ambiguity, and the complexities of human relationships. The protagonist's interactions with the peasants reveal the harsh realities of their lives and the ways in which they are exploited by the aristocracy. As the story unfolds, the young nobleman becomes increasingly disillusioned with the social hierarchy and begins to see the world from a different perspective. His experiences lead him to question his own identity and the values he was raised with. The narrative is characterized by its stark realism and its portrayal of the brutal treatment of the peasants at the hands of the aristocracy. The story raises important questions about morality, class, and the human condition, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of the characters' experiences.
By Vsevolod Garshin · First published 1884 · Genre: Fable, Philosophical Fiction, Satire · 2,033 words
First lines
One beautiful June day -- and it was beautiful because there were twenty-eight degrees Réamur10 -- one beautiful June day it was hot everywhere, but on a little plot in the garden, where there stood a mound of recently-mown hay, it was still hotter, because this spot was screened from any breeze by a thick, extremely thick, cherry orchard. Almost everything was sleeping. The men and women, having had their midday fill, were lying on their sides busily engaged in that profound meditation which generally follows the noonday meal. The birds were silent; even numbers of the insects were hiding from the heat, and as regards the domestic animals, "it goes without the saying. " The cattle, large and small, were taking refuge under eaves. A dog which had dug a hole under a barn had betaken himself thither, and with half-closed eyes was stretched out, breathing spasmodically, and showing nearly half an arshin11 of crimson tongue. From time to time, no doubt from boredom caused by the stifling heat, he yawned to such an extent as to give little yelps. The pigs, mamma with thirteen children, had gone off to the river, and were lying embedded in greasy black ooze, showing only a row of sniffling, grunting snouts, long dirty backs, and huge flapping ears. Only the hens, fearless of the heat, were endeavouring to kill time by scratching up the dust opposite the kitchen door, in which there was not, as they well knew, even one single tiny grain, and things must have been going very badly with one of the cocks, because from time to time he assumed a ridiculous attitude, and at the top of his voice called out: "What a scandal!"
What this Textopian page supports
Make Believe is listed on Textopian as a short story by Vsevolod Garshin, 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: Vsevolod Garshin
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Allegory, Children's Literature
- Length: 2,033 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Make Believe by Vsevolod Garshin
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals engaging in philosophical discussions, characteristic of fables that convey moral lessons.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text explores existential themes and the nature of life through dialogues among the characters, reflecting philosophical inquiries.
- Satire — The work critiques societal roles and human behaviors through the lens of animal characters, employing humor and irony.
- Allegory — The characters and their discussions symbolize broader human experiences and societal issues, typical of allegorical storytelling.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Russian Literature · Short Story Collection · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Absurdism · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Morality Tales · Folklore Influences · Symbolism · Allegory