Hero Of Our Time Lermontov

In the novel “Hero Of Our Time” Lermontov explores the inner soul of a human being. Rather than focusing on different personages, their actions and events, he centers the plot around Pechorin’s personality and his spiritual life. “The story of a man’s soul, even the pettiest, can be more interesting and instructive than the story of a whole nation…” writes Lermontov in the foreword (55). Thus, as you read through the short stories in the novel, the contradictive nature of Pechorin’s character slowly emerges. The pattern that becomes clear in all of the Pechorin’s actions and deeds is that after accomplishing something he does not get satisfied and always wants more, which in turn makes him an unhappy person. The problem with Pechorin that Lermontov

He talks about himself: “There are two men within me – one lives in the full sense of the world, the other reflects and judges him.” (134). Why is there so much duplicity within one person? “Fearing ridicule, I hid my best feelings deep within me, and there they died. I spoke the truth, but no one believed me, so I took to deceit…” confesses Pechorin to princess Mary. The time and society in which Pechorin lives developed qualities in him such as secretiveness, vindictiveness, irritability and arrogance making him a moral invalid. Moreover, he is extremely selfish and does not have any sense of compassion to other people. By creating such profile of Pechorin Lermontov also implies the problem of morality in the entire society of that

He has an analytical mind, and his judgments of other people and other people’s deeds are very accurate. Furthermore, not only does he criticize others, but also himself. He does it by writing a diary where he exposes the inner side of self. “Like an engine of execution, I’ve descended on the heads of the destined victims, often without malice, but always without pity,” reflects Pechorin on himself. (131). Also, reading his diary we can see that while Pechorin hides his emotions under the mask of indifference, he does actually have some deep feelings to Vera and is capable of caring about others. His nonchalance and rigidity are his means of self-defense in the society. Nevertheless, Pechorin is a sturdy, extremely intelligent and active man who has a strong will inside of him. Yet, his actions do not benefit anyone and only have negative and destructive effect on people he encounters throughout his