Superfluous man
Stock character in mid-19th century Russian literature
Superfluous man
The superfluous man (Russian: лишний человек, líshniy chelovék, "extra person") is an 1840s and 1850s Russian literary concept derived from the Byronic hero. It refers to a man, perhaps talented and capable, who does not fit into social norms. In most cases, this person is born into wealth and privilege. Typical characteristics of the "superfluous man" are disregard for social values, cynicism, and ennui; typical behaviors include gambling, drinking, romantic intrigues and duels. He is often unmindful, indifferent or unempathetic with society's issues and can carelessly distress others with his actions, despite his position of power. He will often use his power for his own comfort and security, and will have very little interest in being charitable or using it for the greater good. The character type originates in Alexander Pushkin's verse-novel Eugene Onegin (1825–1832). This term was popularized by Ivan Turgenev's novella The Diary of a Superfluous Man (1850) and was thereafter applied...
Read on Wikipedia · Image Elena Samokich-Soudkovskaïa, Public domain
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