Creatures that once were Men
Creatures That Once Were Men (Russian: Бывшие люди, literally, "former people") is a novella, by the Russian writer Maksim Gorki. It is considered socialist realism, and depicts the bottom social classes of Russian society. Gorki wrote it, in 1897.[1]
| Creatures That Once Were Men | |
|---|---|
| by Maxim Gorky | |
| Original title | "Бывшие люди" |
| Country | Russia |
| Language | Russian |
| Publication date | 1897 |
Gorky is well known for his grimy depictions of life in pre-revolutionary Russia. In his novella Creatures That Once Were Men, he conveys a portrait of people crushed by the motions of a social system far more powerful than themselves.[2]
The term "former people" developed other meanings, relating to Russian society.
Plot
In the short version of the plot, Creatures that Once Were Men is a novella about residents of a doss house who start a conflict with their landlord, which leads to an inhumane outcome.[3]
Towards the end, there is the memorable exchange
"What are you? Who are you?" shouted Petunikoff.
"A man . . ." he answered in a hoarse voice.
References
- Forget, André (September 20, 2019). "Creatures that Once Were Men".
- "Creatures That Once Were Men by Maxim Gorky G. K. Chesterton". Retrieved 2022-02-12.
- "Creatures That Once Were Men". Retrieved 2022-02-12.