Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Uncle's Dream Fyodor Dostoyevsky

First published in 1859, this novella by Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky is laced with deceit and greed. Maria and her daughter Zina decide to deceive an elderly and senile prince who comes to visit their town. The mother attempts to manipulate the prince into marrying her daughter by getting him drunk and arranging a commitment to marry. She also tries to manipulate others to her own advantage but, among a small crowd of people, her carefully contrived plans for her daughter's marriage to the Prince, all comes crashing down and with great tragedy and humor.