The Little Demon

The Little Demon, published in 1907 by Fyodor Sologub, follows Ardalyon Borisitch Peredonov, a schoolmaster in a small Russian town, as he descends into madness, sadism, and violence. The novel blends dark humor with a critique of societal norms, portraying Peredonov's struggles with personal ambition and his grotesque fantasies. Notable for its exploration of the human psyche and the absurdities of life, it is regarded as a significant work of the Russian Symbolist movement and has influenced the portrayal of moral decay in literature.