The Duel

· Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
246
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

The Duel is a novel by Russian author Aleksandr Kuprin published in 1905. It is generally considered his best work; even though Kuprin's 1896 short story Moloch first made his name known as a writer it was The Duel (1905) which made him famous. Because of it "Kuprin was highly praised by fellow writers including Anton Chekhov, Maxim Gorky, Leonid Andreyev, Nobel Prize-winning Ivan Bunin" and Leo Tolstoy who acclaimed him a true successor to Chekhov. The story concerns an intelligent young officer, Second Lieutenant Romashov, stationed at a dull military garrison in southern Russia where he can not stomach his sadistic and stupid colleagues and military life. He falls in love with the wife of a superior officer, a cold and calculating woman whose one ambition is her husband's advancement. The affair leads in the end to the duel of the title, both externally, and figuratively through the young man's naive dreams of grandeur confronting the degeneration of military life and society of the time.

About the author

Aleksandr Kuprin (1870-1938) was a Russian writer renowned for his vivid storytelling and keen observations of human nature. Born in the provincial town of Narovchat, Kuprin's early life was marked by hardship and adventure, experiences that deeply influenced his literary work. He attended military school and served as an officer, but his passion for writing soon led him to abandon a military career.Kuprin's literary contributions are vast and varied, encompassing short stories, novels, and journalism. His works often explore the complexities of Russian society, delving into themes of love, betrayal, and the human condition. One of his most celebrated works, "The Duel," offers a scathing critique of the Russian military, reflecting his disillusionment with the institution.A contemporary of Anton Chekhov and Maxim Gorky, Kuprin was part of the Silver Age of Russian literature, a period marked by artistic experimentation and a flourishing of cultural life. His writing style, characterized by its realism and emotional depth, influenced many later writers and remains compelling to this day.Kuprin's life was not without controversy. His candid portrayal of societal issues and his criticism of the military establishment often put him at odds with authorities. During the Russian Revolution, he initially supported the Bolsheviks but became disillusioned and emigrated to France in 1919. He returned to the Soviet Union in 1937, where he lived until his death the following year.Kuprin's legacy endures through his masterful storytelling and his unflinching examination of the human spirit. His works continue to resonate with readers, offering timeless insights into the struggles and triumphs of life.

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