Bobok

Historical Context and Significance

Fyodor Dostoevsky's story «Bobok», published in 1873, is part of his collection «A Writer's Diary». This work explores themes of morality, death, and human nature through the lens of satire and grotesque. In the story, the main character, a writer, accidentally finds himself in a cemetery and hears the conversations of the deceased, who continue to discuss their earthly affairs and vices. «Bobok» raises questions about the futility of human passions and the illusory nature of moral norms, which is characteristic of Dostoevsky's work. The story influenced the development of Russian literature, especially in the context of philosophical and existential themes, and remains relevant in discussions of morality and human nature.