Superfluous Man Essay Example

in her world. Lermontov introduces two additional female characters in Princess Mary, among whom Pechorin's desire for Princess Mary has a twist of irony.

Through the interaction, Lermontov showcases Pechorin's disregard for women by treating them as objects to be conquered. Despite having no real interest in Princess Mary, Pechorin desires to prove that he could have her. As he puts it, "I often wonder why I'm trying so hard to win love of a girl I have no desire to seduce and whom I'd never marry" (102).

Excited by the thought of being loved, Pechorin's pursuit of love only brings misery to those who love him. Although capturing a young heart brings him boundless pleasure, his perception of love is flawed. This flaw becomes apparent when his relationship with Princess Mary fails due to his fear of committing and loss of freedom.

Pechorin declares that the mere expectation of marriage from a woman extinguishes his love for her, regardless of how passionately he felt for her initially (123). Princess Mary fails to evoke genuine love in Pechorin and their relationship remains unsatisfactory. Pechorin's relationship with Vera is the most revealing of his true character, as she understands his challenging nature, which ironically attracts her to him. Vera admits to being Pechorin's slave and acknowledges that she will suffer from loving him since he will eventually stop loving her (100).

Despite comprehending Pechorin's unending yearning for romantic accomplishments and acknowledging his deficiency to love, Vera is unable to resist her feelings for him and pardons him for all the agony she has endured because of him. She persists in loving him, although their union is impossible.

Lermontov's approach to Vera's persona is fascinating as she is likened to Pechorin instead of being juxtaposed against him like the other female characters.

Portraying a distinct contrast to other female characters, Vera intrigues Pechorin, stirring the possibility of finding the woman who can fulfill his heart's desires. Quoting, "She is the only woman in the world, who I will be unable to deceive"(), Pechorin's bewilderment increases further as he fails to comprehend why Vera holds him in such high esteem. "Especially since she’s the only woman who’s properly understood me and all of my petty weaknesses and unhealthy passions" (101), he claims. Vera's uniqueness presents a challenge for Pechorin, captivating him and even generating sincere emotions. However, Lermontov presents Vera to assert that despite her submissive and forgiving nature, she is still inadequate in satisfying Pechorin's wants.

Despite comprehending his true nature and loving him despite his imperfections, it proves insufficient for Pechorin. Lermontov highlights the self-centeredness of his protagonist, his treatment of those who care for him, and his reluctance to relinquish his freedom through the hardships and pain endured by the heroine for her affection towards Pechorin. The excessiveness of Pechorin's character is the ailment that Lermontov strives to diagnose in this novel, resulting in his incapacity to find fulfillment and purpose in life. Though love is the most significant and enduring aspect of life, Pechorin's distorted viewpoint on love limits his ability to perceive it. Despite the numerous opportunities he encounters to experience love, his superfluous tendencies hinder any potential for him to cherish it.

All the women in the novel fail to fulfill his emotionally empty character due to his excessive nature.

Pechorin reveals to Maxim that he indulged in materialistic pleasures as soon as he gained his freedom and soon became disillusioned with them. He then turned to the high society lifestyle and eventually grew tired of it. He also developed feelings for fashionable women who reciprocated his love.

Although the love of others sparked both my imagination and vanity, it did not fill the emptiness within me. I attempted to find satisfaction in reading and studying, but eventually grew weary of those pursuits as well. It became clear to me that knowledge was not a requirement for achieving fame or happiness, as those who are happiest are often the ignorant. Despite constantly searching for fulfillment, Pechorin loses interest in his goals once he achieves them.

His quest for life fulfillment is never-ending, and he can be described as a superfluous man.