The Gambler

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

2024年11月 · Namaskar Books

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The Gambler, a gripping novella by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, delves into the tumultuous world of gambling, obsession, and the psychological struggles of its protagonist, Alexei Ivanovich. Set against the backdrop of a Russian spa town, the story unfolds as Alexei, a young tutor, becomes ensnared in the allure of roulette and the intoxicating thrill of chance. Through his experiences, Dostoyevsky explores the themes of addiction, fate, and the moral implications of risking it all for the sake of fortune.

As Alexei grapples with his compulsions, the narrative intricately weaves his personal dilemmas with broader social commentary on wealth, class, and the human condition. The characters surrounding him, from the manipulative Countess to the desperate Gambler, reflect the varied motivations and struggles that accompany the pursuit of wealth and status. Dostoyevsky's sharp psychological insight exposes the inner workings of his characters' minds, revealing their vulnerabilities and desires.

The Gambler is celebrated for its intense emotional depth and the vivid portrayal of the gambling culture of the time. Dostoyevsky's masterful prose captures the chaos and unpredictability of life itself, mirroring the frenetic energy of the casino where much of the action takes place. The novella serves not only as a compelling narrative but also as a profound exploration of the human psyche.

Readers are drawn to The Gambler for its rich characterizations and thought-provoking themes. This book is essential for anyone interested in psychological literature, existential philosophy, or the exploration of addiction. Engaging with Dostoyevsky’s work challenges readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the allure of risk-taking. Owning a copy of The Gambler adds a significant piece to any literary collection, serving as a powerful reminder of the fine line between luck and ruin.

關於作者

One of the most powerful and significant authors in all modern fiction, Fyodor Dostoevsky was the son of a harsh and domineering army surgeon who was murdered by his own serfs (slaves), an event that was extremely important in shaping Dostoevsky's view of social and economic issues. He studied to be an engineer and began work as a draftsman. However, his first novel, Poor Folk (1846), was so well received that he abandoned engineering for writing. In 1849, Dostoevsky was arrested for being a part of a revolutionary group that owned an illegal printing press. He was sentenced to be executed, but the sentence was changed at the last minute, and he was sent to a prison camp in Siberia instead. By the time he was released in 1854, he had become a devout believer in both Christianity and Russia - although not in its ruler, the Czar. During the 1860's, Dostoevsky's personal life was in constant turmoil as the result of financial problems, a gambling addiction, and the deaths of his wife and brother. His second marriage in 1887 provided him with a stable home life and personal contentment, and during the years that followed he produced his great novels: Crime and Punishment (1886), the story of Rodya Raskolnikov, who kills two old women in the belief that he is beyond the bounds of good and evil; The Idiots (1868), the story of an epileptic who tragically affects the lives of those around him; The Possessed (1872), the story of the effect of revolutionary thought on the members of one Russian community; A Raw Youth (1875), which focuses on the disintegration and decay of family relationships and life; and The Brothers Karamazov (1880), which centers on the murder of Fyodor Karamazov and the effect the murder has on each of his four sons. These works have placed Dostoevsky in the front rank of the world's great novelists. Dostoevsky was an innovator, bringing new depth and meaning to the psychological novel and combining realism and philosophical speculation in his complex studies of the human condition.