A Hero of Our Time

Historical Context and Significance

«A Hero of Our Time» by Mikhail Lermontov, written in 1840, is one of the most significant works in Russian literature and had a considerable impact on the development of the Russian novel and poetry. The book is a psychological novel centered around the character Grigory Pechorin, who embodies the traits of his time and society. The work contemplates and critiques the moral and social norms of the 19th century, particularly the image of the «superfluous man», serving as a mirror for the Russian aristocracy and intelligentsia of that era. The book sparked numerous debates and discussions about morality and individuality, highlighting its importance and influence on Russia's cultural heritage and the world of literature as a whole.