A Lear of the Steppes, etc.

"A Lear of the Steppes, etc." by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a story set in the late 1800s, focusing on Martin Petrovitch Harlov, a remarkable man tied to his family and town. The novel explores life, death, and complicated relationships through many character interactions that show how complex people can be; it begins with friends discussing Shakespeare when one shares memories of Harlov, a neighbor. The descriptions paint a picture of Harlov's strong presence and personality based on the narrator’s experience. The story sets up deeper themes related to legacy and family responsibilities as Harlov deals with his own mortality and future decisions.