The Queen of Spades

Interesting Facts

• The main character, Hermann, is an engineer of German descent, which was unusual for Russian literature of that time.
• The plot of the book is based on a true story that Pushkin heard from his friend, Prince Golitsyn-Kutuzov.
• The Queen of Spades symbolizes a fatal woman and destiny, reflecting the popular Romantic motifs of the time.
• The card combination «three, seven, ace» became a catchphrase and a symbol of luck and mysticism.
• The work contains elements of the Gothic novel, such as mysticism, secrets, and supernatural events.
• Pushkin wrote the novella in just a few days, highlighting his literary genius and skill.
• The ending of the work leaves open the question of whether Hermann went mad or truly encountered mystical forces.