Uncle's Dream; and The Permanent Husband

"Uncle's Dream" and "The Permanent Husband" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The stories explore themes of social dynamics, personal relationships, and the intricacies of human psychology, typical of Dostoevsky's works. The opening story, "Uncle's Dream," introduces readers to the manipulative and influential figure of Maria Alexandrovna Moskaleva, a woman of high social standing in the town of Mordasoff, who expertly navigates gossip and scandal in her community. At the start of "Uncle's Dream," we meet Maria Alexandrovna, a character whose strong presence demands attention and respect, even if few actually love her. As the tale unfolds, it is revealed that her husband has been sent to the countryside due to his incompetence, allowing her to wield full control over social matters in the town. The story sets the stage for intriguing developments with the unexpected visit of Prince K---, which promises to upend the social order in Mordasoff, igniting Maria Alexandrovna’s ambitions and complicating her relationships with others, including her unmarried daughter, Zina. The opening portrays a blend of humor and social commentary, drawing readers into the complexities of provincial life and the characters’ interactions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, sometimes transliterated as Dostoyevsky, was a Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist and journalist. Numerous literary critics regard him as one of the greatest novelists in all of world literature, as many of his works are considered highly influential masterpieces. Dostoevsky's literary works explore the human condition in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century Russia, and engage with a variety of philosophical and religious themes. His most acclaimed novels include Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869), Demons (1872), The Adolescent (1875), and The Brothers Karamazov (1880). His 1864 novella Notes from Underground is considered to be one of the first works of existentialist literature.