Subject
Turgenev, Ivan Sergeevich, 1818-1883 -- Translations into English Books
Best books
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
The Jew and Other Stories
"The Jew and Other Stories" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a collection of short stories written in the mid-19th century. The stories delve into themes of love, morality, and societal issues, with a particular focus on the experiences of Jewish characters in Russia. The opening story, "The Jew," introduces Nikolai Ilyitch, a soldier, and his encounter with a Jewish man named Girshel during the Napoleonic Wars, setting the stage for a complex exploration of human relationships and societal prejudices. The opening of "The Jew" presents Nikolai Ilyitch, an officer in the military, as he recounts a time of boredom while besieging the city of Dantzig. During this time, he encounters Girshel, a Jewish man who tends to the needs of the soldiers. Their interaction quickly unfolds into a mix of tension, intrigue, and personal desires, as Nikolai is both entertained and frustrated by Girshel's obsequiousness and opportunism. The story takes a darker turn as it leads to the introduction of Sara, a beautiful young Jewess brought into the tent by Girshel, highlighting themes of exploitation, innocence, and moral dilemmas that resonate throughout Turgenev's work. As the narrative progresses, it becomes evident that the characters are trapped within the confines of societal expectations and their own choices, creating a rich tapestry for readers to reflect upon.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
First love, and other stories
"First love, and other stories" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a collection of short fiction first published in 1860. The title novella tells the story of a sixteen-year-old boy's infatuation with a capricious twenty-one-year-old neighbor. Turgenev considered it his most autobiographical work, drawing from a youthful episode involving a young princess who captured his heart. The tale explores the complexities of passion when Vladimir discovers unexpected truths about Zinaida's affections, creating a narrative that divided critics yet captivated readers, including the Russian emperor himself.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
A Desperate Character and Other Stories
"A Desperate Character and Other Stories" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The stories reflect Turgenev's keen observations on Russian society and deep psychological character studies, particularly focusing on themes of desperation, dissatisfaction, and the quest for meaning. The opening tale introduces Misha Poltyev, a seemingly aimless young man who spirals from a sheltered upbringing into a life of reckless abandon, showcasing his transformation from a well-mannered boy to a desperate adult seeking solace in self-destructive behavior. At the start of the story, the narrator recounts a discussion about the nature of desperation among contemporary individuals, leading to the tale of Misha Poltyev told by an older relative, referred to as P. Misha begins as a delicate boy raised under strict parental guidance, but following the death of his parents, he rapidly descends into a life marked by debauchery and capricious whims. As an adult, this character embodies the chaos and disillusionment of youth, as he spends extravagantly and engages in reckless behaviors, including heavy drinking and even mocking his own nobility. Misha's frequent wild adventures and self-destructive impulses create a poignant portrait of a desperate character burdened by the weight of societal expectations and personal failures.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
Rudin: A Novel
"Rudin: A Novel by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev" is a novel first published in 1856. It explores the "superfluous man"—a brilliant, eloquent intellectual incapable of translating words into action. When the educated nobleman Rudin arrives at a country estate, his powerful speeches captivate everyone, especially the intelligent seventeen-year-old Natalya. As their relationship deepens, the central question emerges: can this man of magnificent ideas overcome his paralyzing inability to act? Set during Russia's reformist awakening, the novel examines a generation caught between grand ideals and practical impotence.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
Dream Tales and Prose Poems
"Dream Tales and Prose Poems" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a collection of narrative prose works written in the late 19th century. The stories delve into the realms of dreams, emotions, and complex human relationships, often highlighting the struggles of individuals caught between their desires and societal expectations. The opening tale, "Clara Militch," focuses on Yakov Aratov, a young man living in Moscow, and his interactions with his overprotective aunt and a mysterious Georgian princess, setting the stage for themes of unrequited love and artistic aspiration. The beginning of "Clara Militch" introduces us to Yakov Aratov, who leads a reclusive life under the guardianship of his elderly aunt, Platonida Ivanovna. Yakov is characterized by his delicate health and introspective nature, ensnared in a solitary existence amidst his studies and dreams. His world shifts when he is persuaded by his friend Kupfer to attend a musical matinée hosted by the intriguing Georgian princess, where he encounters Clara Militch, a passionate but troubled young actress. Despite being immediately drawn to her, Yakov battles with conflicting feelings of admiration and discomfort as he attempts to navigate a world of art and social interaction that feels foreign to him. Clara's enigmatic presence profoundly impacts Yakov, foreshadowing the emotional turmoil that follows in their lives.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
A Reckless Character, and Other Stories
"A Reckless Character, and Other Stories" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The primary narrative introduces us to Mísha Pólteff, a young man whose reckless behavior and charm lead him into disreputable situations following the death of his parents. Turgenev explores themes of societal expectations, the search for meaning, and the actions and consequences of living a capricious lifestyle. At the start of the book, we are introduced to a group discussing contemporary matters, where an older character begins recounting Mísha's story as an example of reckless youth. Mísha grows up in a stifling environment, shaped by the rigid traditions of his family, particularly by his father, a pious and melancholic landowner. After a sheltered upbringing, Mísha's life spirals out of control following the loss of his parents, distancing himself from duty and responsibility, culminating in a capricious and dissolute existence marked by gambling, drinking, and failed attempts at reform. The opening portion sets a tone of tragic irony and hints at deeper reflections on the nature of recklessness and the emptiness it can lead to.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
Knock, Knock, Knock and Other Stories
"Knock, Knock, Knock and Other Stories" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The book introduces the themes of fate, character complexity, and the intricacies of human relationships through various narratives that revolve around compelling individuals, notably focusing on Lieutenant Ilya Tyeglev, who embodies a mix of romantic fatalism and tragic self-awareness in his life experiences. At the start of "Knock, Knock, Knock," we are introduced to the narrator and his reflections on the character of Lieutenant Tyeglev, described as a man marked by a sense of "fatality" despite his ordinary exterior. The opening vignette revisits Tyeglev's past experiences, detailing his ambiguous reputation and unique interactions that hint at deeper emotional currents. As the narrator recalls Tyeglev’s interactions with friends and his own inner complexities, he begins to unravel Tyeglev's heavy heart, ultimately leading up to a mysterious, haunting night where strange knocking sounds begin to echo and lead to deeper revelations about destiny and love, setting a contemplative and eerie tone for the reader.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
The diary of a superfluous man, and other stories
"The Diary of a Superfluous Man" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a collection of semi-autobiographical stories written during the late 19th century. The central narrative follows the life of the main character, Tchulkaturin, as he grapples with his impending death and reflects on his own existence and perceived uselessness in society. At the start of the story, we meet Tchulkaturin, a man who is near death and begins writing a diary to explore his past and feelings. He delves into his family life, discussing his father's gambling issues and his mother's virtuous but stifling demeanor. Tchulkaturin describes his upbringing and his feelings of inadequacy, labeling himself as "superfluous." As he recounts anecdotes about his childhood, his relationships, and his emotional struggles, he reveals a complex character marked by feelings of joy and despair, particularly regarding his unrequited love for Liza, a charming girl he encounters later in his life. The opening lays a foundation for deep existential musings, highlighting themes of love, identity, and the human condition.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
The diary of a superfluous man, and other stories
"The Diary of a Superfluous Man and Other Stories" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a collection of short stories written in the mid-19th century. Centering on themes of existential ennui and societal critique, the titular story introduces Tchulkatúrin, a man confronting his own superfluity and alienation in Russian society. This collection delves into the emotional and psychological landscapes of its characters, reflecting on the depths of human experience and the complexities of love and life. At the start of the titular story, we meet Tchulkatúrin, who begins his diary anticipating his imminent death. He reflects on his past and the feelings of uselessness that have defined his existence. His upbringing in a dysfunctional family—marked by a father’s gambling addiction and a mother’s oppressive virtue—shapes his perceptions of relationships and life. As he revisits the memories of his youth, he grapples with feelings of inadequacy and longing, setting the stage for a profound exploration of identity in a society that seems indifferent to his struggles. Tchulkatúrin's musings reveal the depth of his melancholy, leading readers into a contemplative narrative about what it means to feel superfluous.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
A Lear of the Steppes, etc.
"A Lear of the Steppes, etc." by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the character of Martin Petrovitch Harlov, a giant of a man with a colorful personality, whose life is intertwined with his family and local community. Turgenev delves into themes of life, death, and the complexity of personal relationships, presenting a rich tapestry of character interactions that reveals the intricacies of human nature. At the start of the novel, a group of friends gathers to discuss Shakespeare, and one of them recounts memories of Martin Petrovitch Harlov, a neighbor from his childhood. Through vivid descriptions, we learn about Harlov's imposing physical presence, his personality, and how he is perceived by others, especially the narrator. The narrative sets the stage for exploring Harlov's life, his daughters, and the surrounding community, hinting at deeper themes of legacy and familial duty as Harlov confronts his own mortality and the decisions he must make for his family. This opening promises an in-depth character study intertwined with broader reflections on life and the inevitable passage of time.
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