Nikolai Gogol, in his era, carved a niche as a fearless critic of Russia's tangled bureaucracy. Today, this literary genius is celebrated as the Father of Russian realism, wielding his pen with unparalleled skill. His short story, "The Overcoat," first graced the world in 1840, showcasing his masterful grasp of realism.

Hedda Gabler unfolds the dramatic tale of a powerful aristocratic woman trapped in the confines of an unfulfilling marriage, yearning for happiness. This compelling play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen made its debut in 1890, capturing the complexities of the human heart.

Explorations of Life and Disillusionment

Delving into the essence of a life well-lived, Leo Tolstoy's short story "The Death of Ivan Ilych," published in 1886, offers a profound meditation on mortality. Tolstoy, revered as one of Russia's literary titans, is renowned for his epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Meanwhile, across the cultural landscape, French novelist Gustave Flaubert, a contemporary of Turgenev, weaves a poignant tale in Madame Bovary. Released in 1856, Flaubert's narrative explores disillusionment through the lens of a woman's adulterous escapades.

Themes of Love and Rebellion

The tender themes of love, youthful dreams, and fleeting happiness blossom in Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard. Penned in 1903 and brought to life at the Moscow Art Theater in 1904, this play captures the essence of human emotion with a delicate touch.

In Fathers and Sons, Turgenev tackles the topic of generational strife with remarkable insight. Regarded by many as one of his crowning achievements, this 1862 novel fearlessly examines the rejection of tradition and authority through the eyes of its protagonist, Bazarov.