A Reckless Character, and Other Stories

"A Reckless Character, and Other Stories" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev, is a collection of short stories that tells of Mísha Pólteff, a charming but rash young man whose life takes a turn after his parents pass away, plunging him into scandalous situations. The book explores what happens when you don't live up to what society expects of you, along with trying to find your purpose, and what happens if you have a wild and unpredictable life. The main story starts with people talking about important issues of the time, which leads an older person to share Mísha's story as an example of a reckless young person. Mísha's early life is strict and controlled by his family's old-fashioned ways, especially his sad and religious father, a landowner. After being so protected, Mísha goes wild after his parents die, ignoring what he should do, and instead gambles, drinks, and unsuccessfully tries to get his life back on track. The beginning sets a sad and ironic mood, suggesting deeper thoughts about what it means to be reckless and the emptiness it can lead to.