Diary of a Superfluous Man

Written by Ivan Turgenev in 1859, 'Diary of a Superfluous Man' is a novella that explores the life of Tchulkaturin, a quintessential 'superfluous man' in Russian literature. The story unfolds through Tchulkaturin's diary entries over two weeks following his terminal illness diagnosis, revealing his reflections on an unreciprocated love and a futile duel. This work is notable for its introspective examination of existential despair and the aimlessness of life, characteristic of Turgenev's critique of the Russian aristocracy.