Old Woman Izergil

Historical Context and Significance

«Old Woman Izergil» is a story by Maxim Gorky, first published in 1895. The story is part of a series of works by the author dedicated to describing the lives and morals of the lower classes in Russia at the end of the 19th century. The work is significant for its deep philosophical content and its depiction of the mythology and folklore of the peoples of the Black Sea region. Maxim Gorky intertwines themes of fate, choice, and moral responsibility in the story, which contributed to the popularization of realistic literature in Russia and worldwide, raising pressing questions of human existence and cultural heritage.