Oblomov

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 edition. Excerpt: ...dawn which, gradually broadening to a sultry, bustling noon, has faded, imperceptibly, naturally, into eventide. No, I began life with a quenching of the light of day, and, from the first moment that I realized myself, realized also that I was on the wane. I realized that fact as I sat at my desk in the chancellory, as" I read, as I consorted with friends, as I squandered my means upon Minia, as I lounged on the Nevski Prospect, as I attended receptions where I was welcomed as an eligible parti, as I wasted my life and brains in fluctuating between town and country. Even my self-conceit--upon what was it flung away? Upon figuring in clothes made by a good tailor, upon gaining the entree, to well-known houses, upon having my hand shaken by Prince P. 1 Yet self-conceit ought to be the very salt of life. Whither is mine gone? Either I have never understood the life of which I speak or it was never suited to me. Oh, that I had never known or seen it, that no one had ever pointed it out to me 1 For yourself, you entered and left my orbit like a bright, swift comet; and when you were gone I forgot everything, and began to fade." As Schtoltz listened to Oblomov's words there was no trace of a contemptuous smile on his features. " Not long ago," resumed Oblomov, " you said that my face had lost its freshness and colour. Yes, that is so. I am like a ragged, cast-off garment--though less from the effect of weather and wear and tear than from the fact that during the past twelve years there has lain within me a light that has ever been seeking an outlet, but has been doomed to illumine only its own prison. Now, therefore, unable to gain its freedom, it is. becoming altogether extinguished. Am I alone in this, however? Look around you. The name of...