Creatures That Once Were Men by Maksim Gorky
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"Creatures That Once Were Men" by Maksim Gorky is a work of fiction written during the late 19th century. The book offers a poignant exploration of the lives of the downtrodden in society, focusing on themes of poverty, desperation, and the remnants of humanity within those who have suffered great loss. The narrative centers around Aristid Kuvalda, a captain who runs a dosshouse inhabited by various destitute characters, each with their own
backstories that reflect the struggles of the lower class. At the start of the story, the setting is vividly described, showcasing a dismal street filled with decaying huts and a dilapidated dosshouse run by Kuvalda. The opening introduces the captain and his unique personality—boisterous and somewhat cynical, yet possessing a certain camaraderie with his lodgers. As he interacts with the "creatures that once were men," their stories unfold, revealing their pasts filled with work, loss, and a desperate search for solace amidst their harsh realities. The atmosphere is heavy, reflecting the bleakness of their existence, yet threaded with moments of humor and philosophical musings about life, survival, and dignity despite their tragic circumstances. This opening sets the stage for a powerful examination of human resilience and social critique that is likely to resonate with readers interested in profound character studies and societal reflections. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Gorky, Maksim, 1868-1936 |
|---|---|
| Author of introduction, etc. | Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith), 1874-1936 |
| Translator | Shirazi, J. K. M. |
| Title | Creatures That Once Were Men |
| Contents | Creatures that once were men -- Twenty-six men and a girl -- Chelkash -- My fellow-traveller -- On a raft. |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 82.5 (6th grade). Easy to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PG: Language and Literatures: Slavic (including Russian), Languages and Literature |
| Subject | Fiction |
| Subject | Short stories, Russian -- Translations into English |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 1466 |
| Release Date | Sep 1, 1998 |
| Last Update | Jun 25, 2015 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 411 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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