Books matching: russian society's outcasts
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The Lower Depths by Maxim Gorky is a dark drama that delves into the lives of Russian society's outcasts living in poverty and despair. The play portrays the struggles and interactions of characters such as a thief, a prostitute, and other criminals, highlighting their daily dramas, fights, and moments of counsel. The arrival of Luka, an idealistic figure spreading a message of hope, adds a layer of spirituality and hope to the otherwise bleak setting. Gorky's writing style captures the gritty realism of the characters and their streetwise dialogue, making the play feel modern despite its 1902 publication date.
The central theme of The Lower Depths revolves around the total annihilation of human personality by misery and the harsh struggle for life that leads individuals to degrade themselves. Despite the bleakness, the play also conveys a message that even in the depths of despair, there remains a glimmer of humanity and a dream to overcome misery, offering a sense of shared warmth and hope amidst the darkness.
A cellar resembling a cave. The ceiling, which merges into stone walls, is low and grimy, and the plaster and paint are peeling off. There is a window, high up on the right wall, from which comes the ...