The translator deceived me with a wonderful preface that attracted me and made me eager to read the play. But I was shocked for the first time as soon as I saw the names of the heroes. And I was even more shocked when I started reading.

There are many characters. The names are difficult. I tried to write down the names with a pen and paper, but I even failed in this. More than one character speaks at the same time on more than one subject. All I felt was a state of extreme confusion.

The name of the play also attracted me a lot and I expected a lot from it. But sometimes I was extremely bored and even a little disgusted. And often I felt a strong desire to sleep whenever I wanted to finish reading.

In the end, I decided to get rid of it immediately and not finish it. It's really a bad play.

Written in 1901, this work holds a significant position. It is potentially the greatest masterpiece of social realism. Social realism was to become the official literary form of the Soviet Union and would spread to all the countries that were won by communism in the 1940s, both in Asia and in Europe.

Reading this book provides a valuable opportunity to better understand what Stalin thought literature should be. The social realism genre, after this work, never truly managed to reach the same level of excellence that was attained in this somewhat tedious, but still remarkable little drama. It serves as a benchmark for this particular literary style, and its influence can still be felt in the literary works of many countries even today.

Despite its initial reception, this work has stood the test of time and continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and literature enthusiasts alike. Its portrayal of social issues and the human condition makes it a relevant and important piece of literature that offers insights into a particular era and ideology.

I imagine that all lefties in The Middle East or any other place in the world have read this play at least once, as a principle. What I remember of the play now seems to me like a light melodrama story.

There was a time when we used to memorize "In the Depths" by Maxim Gorky. Just like we did with "The Mother" and many of his poems, novels, and short stories. I can't believe all the changes that have occurred from then until now.

This play might have held a different significance back then, perhaps touching on deeper emotions and themes. But now, in my memory, it appears as a simple and somewhat sentimental tale.

Maybe it's because our perspectives have changed over the years, or perhaps the passage of time has softened the impact of the story. Nevertheless, it still holds a place in my mind as a piece of literature that I once knew well.

Gorky's flirtation with Stalinism appears to have significantly damaged his global reputation.

He was not only a great memoirist but also a rather good novelist and playwright. Undoubtedly, he was a captivating individual who lived during interesting times.

This particular play, although somewhat didactic, still retained a great deal of humanity. It is a pity that his association with Stalinism has overshadowed many of his other remarkable achievements.

Nevertheless, his works continue to be studied and analyzed for their literary value and insights into the human condition. Perhaps in time, a more balanced view of Gorky will emerge, one that takes into account both his artistic contributions and his complex relationship with the political ideology of his era.

The realistic characters, the believable interactions, and the analysis and criticism of human nature in the worst circumstances.

These elements make the story truly engaging and thought-provoking. It allows readers to immerse themselves in the lives of the characters and experience their emotions and struggles. The author's ability to create such a vivid and realistic world is truly remarkable.

Eventually, I will write a more coherent opinion, but for now, this is what I have. I look forward to further exploring the story and uncovering its deeper meanings.

Joo ja joruta - ära noruta!

This simple phrase seems to carry a certain charm and mystery. It might be an expression in a foreign language that we are not familiar with.

Perhaps it has a specific meaning within a particular culture or context. It could be a command, an exclamation, or even a form of greeting.

As we look at these words, our minds start to wonder and imagine what they could possibly signify.

Maybe it's a phrase that is used to encourage someone to take a step forward or to let go of something.

Or perhaps it has a more profound and emotional connotation.

Without further context, it's difficult to determine the exact meaning of "Joo ja joruta - ära noruta!".

But that's what makes it so interesting and captivating.

It leaves room for our own interpretations and allows our imaginations to run wild.

We can create our own stories and meanings around these words, adding our own personal touch to this mysterious phrase.

So, the next time you come across an unfamiliar expression like this, don't be afraid to embrace the mystery and let your creativity flow.

Who knows what wonderful things you might discover?

The setting and atmosphere of the play are truly very effective.

They manage to draw the audience in and create a vivid backdrop for the events that unfold. The verbal interchange between the parties is also quite good, with the characters engaging in lively and often thought-provoking conversations.

However, there are some drawbacks. The insertion of its messages can be somewhat overly didactic, as if the playwright is trying too hard to make a point.

The juxtapositions that are imposed feel forced rather than flowing naturally from the characters and their situations.

Over the short span of the play, there is quite a lot of tumult. So much so that none of these events have much in the way of individual impact.

Moreover, no characters are enough of a focus for their individual tragedies to have that much import.

The actual drama of the characters' lives takes a backseat to the play's messaging about the inescapable destitution and fickle hopes of the "Lower Depths."

They end up waiting in vain for someone, always someone external, which stems from Gorkii's adherence to the tradition of revolutionary romanticism and his belief in God-Building.

The rabble are shown to have by themselves no agency for change or improvement on their own accord.

This perhaps limits the depth and complexity of the play, as it seems to be more concerned with making a political or social statement than with fully exploring the characters and their experiences.

Nevertheless, the play still has its strengths, and its exploration of the lives of the downtrodden is an important and relevant topic.

In Russian literary history, “The Lower Depths” holds a prominent position as a significant milestone. It is a remarkable work of modern literature that is both realistic and naturalistic, giving a voice to the lower-class and urban milieu of contemporary society.

As the play commences, all the characters are introduced simultaneously, which initially creates a bit of confusion. However, as the story unfolds, one gradually becomes engrossed in the plot.

Each individual in the play embodies misery, loneliness, hopelessness, and despair. In fact, they are all submerged in the dungeons of despondency. This shared despondency among almost all the characters gives rise to a kind of animosity among them.

In the midst of the narrative, a glimmer of hope emerges through the character of Grandfather Luka. With the strength of his unwavering faith, Grandfather Luka offers guidance and support to each person. Through his actions, words, and genuine belief, he becomes a source of inspiration and encouragement for those trapped in darkness, helping them find a way towards renewed optimism and purpose.

Even with his numerous sermons and heartfelt expressions, faith goes beyond mere persuasion. It requires a genuine longing for healing and the ability to embrace change.

As the narrative progresses, the characters reveal their personal stories, thus shedding light on the diverse and often tragic experiences that have shaped their lives. For example, the former aristocrat, who was once part of the aristocracy but has now fallen from grace, his presence highlights the contemporary status, wealth, and privileges. Another character, an actor who formerly enjoyed social status but then descended into poverty, shows the fleeting nature of fame. The thief shares his story marked by illicit activities, offering insights into the struggles of survival in a harsh social environment.

Another character has resorted to prostitution as a means of survival, depicting the desperation and harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals. Most of these characters express regrets and unfulfilled dreams.

Although the play presents the themes of social inequality and the human condition, it does not offer easy solutions or neatly resolve the characters' conflicts, reflecting the complexity of their lives.

In conclusion, “The Lower Depths” serves as a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity, shining a light on the struggles and survival instincts of those living on the margins of society.

In the depths, it can be representative of many societies, not just a picture of Tsarist Russia in the early 20th century.

The beginning of the story was a bit strange, but later the story was completely understandable and had a more or less logical progression.

In the story, there was an interesting conflict between the bitter truth and the sweet lie.

I didn't like the character of Luca very much. According to someone's description, he came with a pleasant smell from his infancy, and in my opinion, he was a person who, after years, could only say beautiful words.

This story seems to explore the complex nature of human beings and the choices they make between truth and falsehood. It also shows how different people can have different perspectives on the same situation.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking story that makes us reflect on our own lives and the values we hold dear.

The setting of the play is rather casual than controversial. As you delve into it, you will come to realize that the core of this play lies in the conditions they are in, the spaces they inhabit, and the filth that surrounds them. It also includes the daily habits they invent to forget their hardships, the glorification of alcohol, the singing, and the jokes.

The Lower Depths is a Russian play that vividly demonstrates the harsh and humiliated life of a group of people living in what appears to be a shelter for the poor. At the beginning, I was confused by the large number of characters in one scene, but eventually, I managed to get over it.

There is both a personal and probably a political message behind the play. Maxim Gorky was raised by his grandmother after the death of his parents. The only display of affection in the play is between Luka and Anna, a grandfather and his granddaughter. Maxim played a controversial role in the Russian revolution. In fact, he was imprisoned before the revolution for his writings that encouraged citizens to overthrow the government. After the revolution, he funded The Social Democratic Party. In the play, there is a song that implies imprisonment: "Though the bright sun may be shining, My dungeon stays as dark as night."

This is a play that I would prefer to watch rather than read. And I agree with Tolstoy that Gorky is "better than his writings."

You know, ever since I can remember,

there's always been a sort of fog in my head. I've never understood anything.

I feel out of place, somehow.

I seem to have done nothing all my life but change one lot of clothes for another. And what for? - I don't understand it!

I went to school, wore the uniform of the Noblemen's Academy,

but what did I study? Don't remember.

Got married - put on a frock coat, then a dressing-gown,

married some nasty female - what was that about? I don't understand.

I went through my fortune, ended up wearing some sort of old grey coat and faded trousers,

and how did I come to be ruined? Never noticed.

I worked in the department of the exchequer, wore a uniform with a cockade on my cap,

helped myself to a bit of public money,

then they dressed me in convict's overalls,

finally put on these things.

And it's all passed like a dream.

Well? Does that seem ridiculous?

It really reminded me of Louis-Ferdinand Céline in a way.

His works also often explore the absurdity and meaninglessness of life,

much like what this person is expressing here.

The constant changing of clothes seems to symbolize the various roles and identities he has taken on,

but without any real understanding or purpose.

It's a rather tragic and yet thought-provoking account.

I decided to read this play because I had recently watched Kurosawa's 1957 film based on it. The film managed to maintain the general plot, but unfortunately, not many of the details were retained. Nevertheless, both the film and the play are very good in their own unique ways.

I was truly surprised by how vibrant this play was, considering it was written in 1901. It features an ensemble cast, a concept that Steppenwolf would later make extremely popular. The characters often speak over one another, a technique that was not commonly used back then.

This play is also known as "Down and Out". I read the 1930's Noyes and Kaun translation.

After reading this play, it might just inspire me to go back and read some of Gorky's autobiographical titles. I last read them about 40 years ago.

Overall, I found this play to be really good. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and showcases Gorky's talent as a writer. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in theater or Russian literature.