The Meeting by Vsevolod Garshin
The story revolves around a meeting between two former friends who have been estranged for many years. The narrator, a middle-aged man, reflects on his past and the events that led to their separation. As he recalls, they were once close friends, but their friendship was disrupted by a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications. The narrator's wife had died, and his friend had not been supportive during this difficult time. The meeting takes place in a small town where the narrator has moved to escape his past. His friend arrives unexpectedly, and they engage in a tense conversation that reveals the depth of their emotional wounds. Throughout the story, the narrator grapples with feelings of guilt, regret, and resentment towards his friend. He struggles to come to terms with the fact that their friendship was not as strong as he had thought it was. Ultimately, the meeting ends in disappointment and disillusionment for both characters. The narrator is left to ponder the what-ifs of their past and the consequences of their actions.
By Vsevolod Garshin · First published 1884 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary · 8,860 words
First lines
A broad, trembling silvery band of moonlight stretched away for tens of versts. The remaining expanse of the sea was black, and the regular dull noise of the waves as they broke and rolled along the sandy shore reached the person standing on the cliff high above. Even more black than the sea itself were the gently rocking silhouettes of the vessels in the roadstead. One huge steamer ("Probably English," reflected Vassili Petrovich), within this bright strip of moonlight, was noisily blowing off steam in a series of small clouds, which dissolved as they lightly rose into the air. A moist, brine-laden breeze was coming from the sea. Vassili Petrovich, who had seen nothing of this kind previously, gazed rapturously at the sea, the moonlit strip, the steamers and sailing vessels, and, for the first time in his life, with a feeling of pleasure inhaled the sea air. He long gave himself up to the delights of this new sensation, turning his back on the town to which he had only this day come, and in which he was to spend many, many years. Behind him a heterogeneous crowd were promenading along the boulevard, whence could be heard scraps of Russian and other languages, the decorous, subdued conversation of local dignitaries mingling with the chatter of young girls, and the loud, merry voices of grownup schoolboys, as they strolled past together in knots of twos and threes. A burst of laughter from one of these groups made Vassili Petrovich turn round. As it passed him, one of the youths was saying something to a young girl, whilst his comrades noisily interrupted his passionate and apparently apologetic speech.
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The Meeting is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Vsevolod Garshin
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 8,860 words
- Structure: 1 section, 189 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Meeting?
- How does this novel by Vsevolod Garshin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of morality, personal ambition, and societal expectations through character-driven narratives.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the inner thoughts and conflicts of the protagonist, revealing his struggles with ideals and reality.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals within a specific cultural context.
- Drama — The narrative is rich in dialogue and character interactions that create tension and emotional depth.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Russian Literature · Short Story Collection · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Absurdism · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Human Nature · Morality · Ethics · Free Will vs Determinism