Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev reflects on existence in The Diary of a Superfluous Man, offering poignant insights into the human experience. The Diary of a Superfluous Man, and Other Stories by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev: Immerse yourself in the eloquent prose of Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev through the pages of The Diary of a Superfluous Man, and Other Stories. This collection of poignant tales delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and the inherent struggles of existence. Turgenev's narrative prowess brings to life characters grappling with the intricacies of their own humanity. Why This Book? Turgenev's The Diary of a Superfluous Man, and Other Stories provides a profound exploration of the human experience. These stories serve as a mirror reflecting the universal challenges of love, identity, and the pursuit of meaning. Readers will find themselves captivated by the timeless themes woven into the fabric of these narratives. Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev, a Russian literary giant, is renowned for his insightful portrayal of the human condition. The Diary of a Superfluous Man, and Other Stories stands as a testament to Turgenev's enduring legacy in the world of literature.

When Turgenev published Diary of a Superfluous Man in 1850, he created one of the first literary portraits of the alienated man. Turgenev once said that there was a great deal of himself in the unsuccessful lovers who appear in his fiction. This failure, along with painful self-consciousness, is a central fact for the ailing Chulkaturin in this melancholy tale. As he reflects on his life, he tells the story of Liza, whom he loved, and a prince, whom she loved instead, and the curious turns all their lives took.

Driven to his deathbed by an incurable disease, the thirty-year-old impoverished gentleman Chulkaturin decides to write a diary looking back on his short life. After describing his youthful disillusionment and his family's fall from grace and loss of status, the narrative focuses on his love for Liza, the daughter of a senior civil servant, his rivalry with the dashing Prince N. and his ensuing humiliation. These pages helped establish the archetype of the "e;superfluous man"e;, a recurring figure in nineteenth-century Russian literature.First published in 1850, 'The Diary of a Superfluous Man' was initially censored by the authorities, as some of its passages were deemed too critical of Russian society. This volume also includes two other masterly novellas, also touching on the theme of disappointed love: 'Asya' and 'First Love'.