The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man is a short story written by Fyodor Dostoevsky in 1877.

Set in St. Petersburg, it is narrated by a pessimistic and apathetic man who considers both himself and his life ridiculous.

He sees no purpose in living and decides that the best thing to do is to end his life.

After considering suicide for some time, he decides that one particular night will be his last. However, a frightened little girl begs him for help, and the encounter follows him home into the transformative dream that gives the story its title.

This edition of The Dream of a Ridiculous Man is based on Constance Garnett's translation.

"I am a ridiculous person. Now they call me a madman. That would be a promotion if it were not that I remain as ridiculous in their eyes as before. But now I do not resent it, they are all dear to me now, even when they laugh at me — and, indeed, it is just then that they are particularly dear to me. I could join in their laughter — not exactly at myself, but through affection for them, if I did not feel so sad as I look at them. Sad because they do not know the truth and I do know it."