A Hero of Our Time

Russian classic Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov continues the theme of the superfluous man, begun by Pushkin.The charismatic handsome Grigory Pechorin is disillusioned with life. High society has corrupted him, and he no longer finds pleasure in simple human joys. The hero tries to fill his existence with some kind of meaning.But his attempts cause suffering to those around him. His love for the Circassian girl Bela destroys her family. His interference in the quiet life of the village causes turmoil. His refusal to communicate with an old friend leaves the man deeply wounded. Everything Pechorin touches seems to fall apart. He is aware of this himself and suffers even more. After reading the novel, you will see how the vices of society can destroy a person's character.The book includes an essay analyzing the novel by the famous critic Vissarion Belinsky (1840).