Alexei Maximovich Peshkov is a fascinating author worth researching. His pen name, Maxim Gorky originated from his ideas and experiences of life. The former meaning a short, concise statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. While the later literally translates to bitter. Bitter; That pretty much sums up all his life experience. Albeit a great storyteller, Maxim endured much hardship during his time. Orphaned at eleven, ran away from his guardians at twelve, and attempted suicide at nineteen. All these experiences shaped his perception of reality and his writing style. When I read his bio, I was fascinated. When you think about it, it's the people who have felt the deepest pain that show the greatest joy. It is the people who have experienced the most hatred that loves the most, etc. Obviously, that is not a standard of life, but it has been the case more often than not.
Vincent Van Gogh, Lane in Autumn, 1884
- Authour - Maxim Gorky
- Title - One Autumn Night
- Originally Published - 20 July 1895
- Genre - Fiction, Short Stories
PLOT
The narrator, who is the protagonist of this story, tells the tale of his ill fated existence. He was at an unpleasant position where he could not afford to eat but scavange for food in the dirt and garbage. He eventually comes across another person, a woman of similar ordeal as his. They both quickly find solace in each others company. The woman goes on lamnenting her ordeal to the narrator, how she suffered, especially in the hands of men and her loathsome disposition towards them, and how she eventually ended up there with him.
CHARACTER(S)
- Narrator - the protagonist
- Natasha - The woman, co protagonist.
SETTING
No location was mentioned, except that the scene was at an autumn night.
PURPOSE
"In our present state of culture hunger of the mind is more quickly satisfied than hunger of the body."
Tis' the kind of story that anyone would want to read and re-read at different points in time. The authors style is quite interesting. I spoke about much about him at the beginning and I honestly cant stop lavishing him with praises. Some way, you could also sense part of him from this story. He extensively potray a women as one who can suffer the most cruel of experneces, and yet be able to show the deepest love and care. The imagery and theme of survival and realism further put home this well conceived tale. One thing I think made this story good, was the unnamed narrator. The whole story was from his perspective and this help give a full perspective of the woman and all her idiosyncracies. People say you can choose a gender, like been a woman and all, but I think it takes a lot to be a woman. Kind, tender, caring, loving, are just but a few virtures they posses. Good Women are like the rope that holds this world together. A gift. The ending was near perfect too. A truly well written story. Fully recommending this one. Also rating it a solid 4.6/5.
Thank you for reading my short story review. I don't think I gave any spoilers, :). Everything said herein is actually my own opinion. If there is anything I might have missed out, misinterpreted, or quoted wrongly, please do point to me in the comment. It's a short free online story on American Literature. Till next time. Cheers.