Rudin

Summary

"Rudin" is a novel by the renowned Russian writer Ivan Turgenev, first published in 1856. The main character, Dmitry Rudin, is an educated, intelligent, and eloquent man, yet unable to bring his ideas to life. The events unfold at the estate of the elderly lady Darya Mikhailovna Lasunskaya, where Rudin arrives at the invitation of one of the guests. He quickly wins over the company with his discussions and reflections on freedom, truth, and love, becoming the life of the party. Among the admiring youth is Natalia, the hostess's niece, who soon falls in love with Rudin. A romance develops between them, but when it comes to marriage, Rudin reveals his inability to take decisive action and chooses to leave the estate, leaving Natalia heartbroken. This characteristic image of the 'superfluous man' of the 1850s, constantly dreaming and philosophizing but incapable of action, became a key figure in Russian literature. The novel impresses with its depth of psychological insight and the relevance of the issues it raises.