Moloch

Summary

In the novella «Moloch», Alexander Kuprin tells the story of engineer Boris Zykov, who works at a large metallurgical plant. Zykov is a talented and passionate individual, dedicated to his work, but he gradually realizes that his labor and efforts serve a soulless machine of capital that consumes human lives and destinies. At the heart of the narrative is the conflict between personal ideals and the harsh reality of industrial society, where people become mere cogs in a vast production mechanism. Zykov experiences a profound internal crisis, realizing that his dreams of progress and prosperity turn into a tragedy for many. The novella raises important questions about the meaning of labor, human dignity, and moral responsibility in a capitalist society.