A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov is lauded for its deep psychological insight and the complex, flawed character of Pechorin. Reviews highlight its pioneering narrative structure and rich, evocative prose. Criticisms include dense passages and moral ambiguity that might alienate some readers. Nonetheless, its literary significance and innovative style remain widely respected.

A reader who enjoys A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov is likely fascinated by complex, introspective characters and philosophical inquiries into human nature. Fans of Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground or Tolstoy's Anna Karenina will appreciate Lermontov's exploration of existential themes and societal critique.

A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov follows the experiences of Grigori Aleksandrovich Pechorin, an intelligent but disenchanted soldier navigating personal and social conflicts in the Russian Caucasus, illustrating the “superfluous man” trope through a series of interconnected stories recounted by different narrators including Pechorin himself in "Bela the Heart of a Russian," "Maksim Maksimych," "Taman," "Princess Mary," and "The Fatalist." Contains biased descriptions of women and people of the Caucasus.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Dark

Mikhail Lermontov

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read A Hero Of Our Time | SuperSummary

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Overview

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A Hero Of Our Time Summary and Study Guide

Background

A Hero Of Our Time Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “Bela the Heart of a Russian”

Preface-Book 1

A Hero Of Our Time Preface-Book 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “Maksim Maksimych”

Books 2-3

A Hero Of Our Time Books 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Book 4: “The Second Extract from Pechorin’s Diary: Princess Mary”

Book 4

A Hero Of Our Time Book 4 Summary & Analysis

Book 5

A Hero Of Our Time Book 5 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Hero Of Our Time Character Analysis

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Themes

A Hero Of Our Time Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A Hero Of Our Time Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Hero Of Our Time Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

A Hero Of Our Time Essay Topics

A Hero Of Our Time

Before You Read

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Book Details