This part focuses on moral dilemmas, human flaws, and moments of epiphany. The First-Class Passenger presents a dialogue between two men, highlighting contrasting views on life. A Tragic Actor humorously depicts a performer’s downfall due to his exaggerated ambitions. A Transgression narrates the consequences of a minor moral failing. Small Fry portrays the monotonous existence of a petty clerk dreaming of a better life. The Requiem reflects on death and its impact on the living. In the Coach-House delivers a darkly comedic story of jealousy and revenge. Panic Fears explores irrational paranoia in a tense atmosphere. The Bet examines human nature, solitude, and the value of life through a bold wager. The Head-Gardener’s Story and The Beauties offer reflective narratives on beauty, memory, and fleeting emotions, while The Shoemaker and the Devil adds a satirical, fable-like twist to the collection.

TO V. G. KOROLENKO.
TO HIS BROTHER ALEXANDR.
November 24.
TO D. V. GRIGOROVITCH.
TO V. G. KOROLENKO.
TO A. N. PLESHTCHEYEV.
February 9.
March 6.
TO I. L. SHTCHEGLOV.
May 3.
TO A. S. SUVORIN.
TO A. N. PLESHTCHEYEV.
TO HIS SISTER.
July 22.
TO HIS BROTHER MIHAIL.
July 28, 1888.
TO N. A. LEIKIN.
TO A. S. SUVORIN.
MOSCOW,
MOSCOW,
November, 1888.
MOSCOW,
November 11, 1888.
November 15, 1888.
(No date), 1888.
December 23, 1888.
December 26, 1888.
December 30, 1888.
January 7, 1889.
March 5, 1889.