The Gambler

“Nothing could be more absurd than moral lessons at such a moment! Oh, self-satisfied people: with what proud self-satisfaction such babblers are ready to utter their pronouncements! If they only knew to what degree I myself understand all the loathsomeness of my present condition, they wouldn't have the heart to teach me.” - Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Gambler

Alexei Ivanovich is in love with cruel and cold Polina and swears to her eternal love and obedience. Polina asks him to go to a casino and place a wager for her