Join us on a literary world trip!
Add this book to bookshelf
Grey
Write a new comment Default profile 50px
Grey
Subscribe to read the full book or read the first pages for free!
All characters reduced
Rudin - Enriched edition A Novel - cover

Rudin - Enriched edition A Novel

Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev

Translator Constance Garnett

Publisher: DigiCat

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Summary

In "Rudin," Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev intricately explores the conflict between intellectual ideals and the realities of Russian society in the 19th century. Through the character of Dmitry Rudin, a charismatic but ultimately insubstantial revolutionary, Turgenev captures the disillusionment of the intelligentsia who aspire to effect change yet fail to bridge the gap between ambition and action. The novel employs a rich, lyrical prose style typical of Turgenev's works, allowing for profound psychological insights and the subtle play of societal norms, while also situating itself within the context of the burgeoning debates concerning nihilism and reform in pre-revolutionary Russia. Turgenev, born into a noble family, was deeply influenced by the socio-political climate of his time. His experiences in both Russia and Western Europe fostered a unique perspective on the dichotomy of tradition and progress. "Rudin" emerged during an era of significant change, reflecting Turgenev's own ambivalence towards the social reforms and the intellectual movements sweeping through Russia, which he scrutinized with a keen, yet compassionate, eye towards human fallibility. This novel is highly recommended for readers interested in not only Russian literature but also the philosophical tensions of intelligence and social responsibility. Turgenev's keen observations about the human condition make "Rudin" a timeless reflection on the nature of idealism and consequence, compelling both for its narrative depth and its historical significance.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Available since: 09/04/2022.
Print length: 124 pages.

Other books that might interest you

  • The Piazza - cover

    The Piazza

    Herman Melville

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    The Piazza published by Herman Melville in 1856. The sketch describes Melville's farmhouse, called Arrowhead, in Pittsfield, Mass. Supposedly, the other tales in the collection, including "Bartleby the Scrivener" and "Benito Cereno," were narrated on the piazza of the farmhouse.
    Show book
  • My Confession - cover

    My Confession

    Leo Tolstoy

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    My Confession is a brief autobiographical story of Leo Tolstoy's struggle with a mid-life existential crisis of melancholia. It describes his search for answers to the profound questions "What will come of my life?" and "What is the meaning of life?", without answers to which life, for him, had become "impossible." Tolstoy reflects on the arc of his philosophical life until then: his childhood abandonment of his Russian orthodox faith; his mastery of strength, will, power, and reason; and how, after he had achieved tremendous financial success and social status, life to him seemed meaningless. After despairing of his attempts to find answers in science, philosophy, eastern wisdom, and his fellow men of letters, he describes his turn to the wisdom of the common people and his attempts to reconcile their instinctive faith with the dictates of his reason. The main body of the text ends with the author reaching a compromise: faith, he realizes, is a necessity, but it must be constrained by reason. However, an epilogue that describes a dream he had some time after completing the body of the text suggests that he has undergone a radical personal and spiritual transformation. (Summary from Wikipedia)
    Show book
  • The Warlord of Mars - cover

    The Warlord of Mars

    Edgar Rice Burroughs

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    John Carter returns in this, his most thrilling adventure yet!  
    Continuing where The Gods of Mars left off, we see John Carter, desperately seeking to rescue his lost wife; Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium. To this end, he pursues his two adversaries: Matai Shang, father of Therns, and Thurid the Black Dator, across the entire length of a world.  
    From the under the Mountains of Otz in the South Pole, all the way to the frozen North, where, walled in by the Ice Barrier, the cruel and mysterious Yellow Men of Mars hold sway, ruled over by the Tyrannical Jeddak of Jeddaks: Solensus Oll!  
    Join John Carter once more, as he explores the jungle cities of Kaol, the mysterious and booby trapped Tower of the Sun and foul Carrion Caves!  
    The third book in Edgar Rice Burroughs Barsoom series, The Warlord of Mars largely brings to a close the story of John Carter, afterwards concentrating mostly on other characters, such as Thuvia of Ptarth and John Carters son: Carthoris.  
    Narrated by Michael Ward.
    Show book
  • The Moccasin Maker - From their pens to your ears genius in every story - cover

    The Moccasin Maker - From their...

    Emily Pauline Johnson

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    The bookshelves of Canadian literature are incredible collections that have gathered together centuries of very talented authors.  From this continent their fame spread and whilst among their number many are now forgotten or neglected their talents endure.  Among them is Emily Pauline Johnson.
    Show book
  • Lesley Castle - Full Cast Drama - cover

    Lesley Castle - Full Cast Drama

    Jane Austen

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    In the realm of classic literature, the name of Leslie Castle often occupies a quieter corner, overshadowed by the towering works of authors such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë. However, in the rich tapestry of literary history, Leslie Castle by Anne Isabella Thackeray (later known as Mrs. Ritchie) stands as a charming and insightful novella that deserves recognition for its unique narrative style, character development, and themes that resonate with readers even today. 
     
    First published in 1864 under the pseudonym "Ivan Turgénieff," Leslie Castle presents a fascinating blend of satire and social commentary, wrapped in a narrative that unfolds through a series of letters. This epistolary form allows readers a direct glimpse into the hearts and minds of the characters, shedding light on their innermost thoughts and emotions. Through this intimate narrative technique, Thackeray masterfully paints the vivid personalities of her characters, bringing them to life with remarkable depth. 
     
    At the heart of Leslie Castle are two cousins, Lady Lesley and Lady Theodosia, who serve as the primary narrators. Through their letters, readers gain insight into their contrasting personalities and worldviews. Lady Lesley, the elder cousin, is a sensible and practical woman, often portrayed as the voice of reason. In contrast, Lady Theodosia, the younger and more impulsive of the two, embodies the romantic and whimsical spirit. The dynamic between these two characters offers an engaging exploration of the tension between pragmatism and romanticism, a theme that resonates across generations.
    Show book
  • The Facts in the Case of Monsieur Valdemar - From their pens to your ears genius in every story - cover

    The Facts in the Case of...

    Edgar Allan Poe

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    Edgar Poe was born in Boston Massachusetts on 19th January 1809. His father abandoned his family the following year and within a year his mother had died leaving him an orphan.   
    He was taken in by the Allan family but never formally adopted although he now referred to himself as Edgar Allan Poe.  His father alternatively spoiled or chastised him and tension was frequent over gambling debts and monies for his education.  His university years to study ancient and modern languages was cut short by lack of money and he enlisted as a private in the army claiming he was 22, it is more probable he was 18. After 2 years he obtained a discharge in order to take up an appointment at the military academy, West Point, where he failed to become an officer. 
    Poe had released his 1st poetry volume in 1827 and after his 3rd turned to prose and placing short stories in several magazines and journals.  At age 26 he obtained a licence to marry his cousin.  She was a mere 13 but they stayed together until her death from tuberculosis 11 years after. 
    In January 1845 ‘The Raven’ was published and became an instant classic.  Thereafter followed the prose works for which he is now so rightly famed as a master of the mysterious and the macabre. 
    Edgar Allan Poe died at the tragically early age of 40 on 7th October 1849 in Baltimore, Maryland. Newspapers at the time reported Poe's death as ‘congestion of the brain’ or ‘cerebral inflammation’, common euphemisms for death from disreputable causes such as alcoholism but the actual cause of death remains a mystery.
    Show book