The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories


google search for The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories

Return to Master Book Index.

Page
26 27 28 29 30

Quick Jump
1 73 145 218 290

regarded THIS FREEDOM as a merit. I remember that I once tortured myself  
exceedingly for having forgotten to pay a woman who probably had given  
herself to me through love. I only became tranquil again when, having  
sent her the money, I had thus shown her that I did not consider myself  
as in any way bound to her. Oh, do not shake your head as if you were  
in agreement with me (he cried suddenly with vehemence). I know these  
tricks. All of you, and you especially, if you are not a rare exception,  
have the same ideas that I had then. If you are in agreement with me, it  
is now only. Formerly you did not think so. No more did I; and, if I had  
been told what I have just told you, that which has happened would not  
have happened. However, it is all the same. Excuse me (he continued):  
the truth is that it is frightful, frightful, frightful, this abyss  
of errors and debaucheries in which we live face to face with the real  
question of the rights of woman." . . .  
"
"
What do you mean by the 'real' question of the rights of woman?"  
The question of the nature of this special being, organized otherwise  
than man, and how this being and man ought to view the wife. . . ."  
2
8


Page
26 27 28 29 30

Quick Jump
1 73 145 218 290