The Crocodile
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Summary
The novella «The Crocodile» by Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of an unusual incident involving a civil servant named Ivan Matveich. He visits a passageway with his wife, Elena Ivanovna, and his friend, the narrator, to see a crocodile on display. Suddenly, the crocodile swallows Ivan Matveich whole. However, he remains alive and begins to adapt to life inside the animal. Ivan Matveich even finds certain advantages in his situation, such as the opportunity to philosophize and reflect on life. While his wife and friend try to find a way to free him, Ivan Matveich gradually becomes accustomed to his new existence. The novella satirizes bureaucracy, societal norms, and human nature, highlighting the absurdity and irony of the situation.
Date of publication: 24 February 2025
———The Crocodile
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Genre: Classical literature