World Literature Classics Popular Edition -- Modern Heroes

Author: Mikhail Lermontov
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-01
Features: The aristocratic young officer Pyotr Cherevin is fed up with the high society of St. Petersburg. He travels to the Caucasus, hoping to escape his inner boredom and emptiness, but he only seeks excitement in meaningless curiosity and adventures. He becomes obsessed with illusory and base desires, and therefore his selfish love brings no happiness to anyone. He curses life, challenges everywhere, and ultimately falls into deep regret and disillusionment. "The Hero of Our Time" is the long novel by the outstanding Russian poet of the 19th century, Mikhail Lermontov, composed of a series of short stories including "Bella," "Maxim Maximych," "Tamans," "Princess Mary," and "The Fatalist." The protagonist, Pyotr Cherevin, is an aristocratic young officer serving in the Caucasus. He is energetic and intelligent, but he cannot find a purpose in life, leading him to adopt a cynical attitude toward the world. He spends his abundant energy on half-real, half-fictional love games and adventurous actions that bring pain and misfortune to others.