The gambler

"The Gambler" is a novella written by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. It was first published in 1867. The story revolves around the character of Alexei Ivanovich, a tutor to a Russian general's family, who becomes embroiled in the world of gambling and casinos. Alexei finds himself caught up in a passionate and self-destructive obsession with roulette, leading to financial ruin and moral decay. The novella explores themes of addiction, risk, and the human propensity for self-destructive behavior. Fyodor Dostoevsky, known for his profound psychological insight and exploration of human nature, drew upon his own experiences with gambling and financial difficulties in writing "The Gambler." The novella is considered a precursor to his later masterpieces like "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov" and is recognized for its exploration of the darker aspects of the human psyche.