The Crocodile

Book Review

«The Crocodile» by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a satirical novella that mocks the bureaucracy and social order of the 19th-century Russian Empire. The main character, Ivan Matveich, ends up in the stomach of a crocodile on display in a passageway, yet continues to live and even work from within. This absurd plot allows Dostoevsky to explore themes of human folly, vanity, and the absurdity of the bureaucratic system. Critics note that while the novella is written in a light and humorous style, it addresses serious social and philosophical questions. Dostoevsky uses grotesque and irony to highlight the ridiculousness of a situation where a person becomes a hostage to the system, while simultaneously mocking societal norms and values. «The Crocodile» is considered one of the vivid examples of satire in Russian literature, showcasing Dostoevsky's mastery in creating multilayered and profound works.