The Crocodile Fyodor Dostoyevsky
2"The Crocodile" is a satirical short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1865 in his magazine Epoch. It humorously critiques the political, social, and economic climate of Russia during that era.
WIKIPEDIA
Synopsis:
The narrative follows Ivan Matveyevich, his wife Yelena Ivanovna, and the unnamed narrator as they visit a German entrepreneur's exhibit featuring a crocodile on Nevsky Avenue. In an unexpected turn, Ivan Matveyevich is swallowed whole by the crocodile. Surprisingly, he remains alive and finds the interior quite accommodating. The German owner refuses to harm the crocodile to free Ivan, citing financial reasons. Meanwhile, Ivan decides to continue his bureaucratic duties from within the animal, leading to absurd and humorous situations.
Accessing the Text:
"The Crocodile" is in the public domain and available through several reputable sources:
Project Gutenberg: Offers the complete text as part of a collection of Dostoevsky's short stories.
Internet Archive: Provides various editions for online reading or download.
LibriVox: Features free audiobook versions read by volunteers.
These platforms allow readers to explore Dostoevsky's satirical take on societal norms and bureaucratic absurdities.