# A Hero of Our Time

> 1840 novel by Mikhail Lermontov

**Wikidata**: [Q1304649](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1304649)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Hero_of_Our_Time)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/a-hero-of-our-time

## Summary
*A Hero of Our Time* is an 1840 novel by Russian writer Mikhail Lermontov, a foundational work of Russian literature that critiques societal norms and advocates for individualism. The novel follows the rebellious protagonist Pechorin, whose disillusionment with conventional values shapes its exploration of self-expression and defiance.

## Key Facts
- **Author:** Mikhail Lermontov
- **Publication Date:** 1840
- **Genre:** Novel
- **Country of Origin:** Russian Empire
- **Inception:** 1838 (writing began)
- **Wikidata ID:** Q7725634
- **ISBN:** 4238843-0
- **Goodreads ID:** 5.0
- **Wikipedia Title:** A Hero of Our Time
- **Open Library ID:** OL32245091W
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /m/040mrc
- **Project Gutenberg URL:** https://www.projekt-gutenberg.org/lermonto/heldzeit/heldzeit.html
- **Genre (Wikidata):** Q101240581
- **Has Parts:** Chapters of the novel (Q94575871, Q94577844, Q94577847, Q94577848, Q94577851)
- **Sitelink Count:** 35 (Wikipedia languages)
- **Wikidata Description:** 1840 novel by Mikhail Lermontov

## FAQs
**What is *A Hero of Our Time* about?**
*A Hero of Our Time* follows the disillusioned nobleman Pechorin, who rejects societal expectations and embraces a life of rebellion, making it a critique of conventional values and a celebration of individualism.

**Who wrote *A Hero of Our Time*?**
The novel was written by Mikhail Lermontov, a Russian writer, poet, and painter, who also served as a cavalry officer, influencing his literary themes.

**When was *A Hero of Our Time* published?**
The novel was published in 1840, marking a pivotal work in Russian literature that shaped later literary movements.

**What themes does the novel explore?**
The novel explores themes of individualism, rebellion, and the struggle for self-expression, contrasting Pechorin’s defiance with the expectations of his time.

**Is *A Hero of Our Time* considered a classic of Russian literature?**
Yes, the novel is a cornerstone of Russian literature, critiquing societal norms and advocating for personal freedom, influencing generations of writers.

**What is the significance of Pechorin in the novel?**
Pechorin is the rebellious protagonist whose disillusionment with conventional values drives the novel’s exploration of self-expression and defiance.

**How does *A Hero of Our Time* relate to Mikhail Lermontov’s other works?**
The novel aligns with Lermontov’s broader literary and poetic themes, including his exploration of war, nature, and the struggle for self-expression in *Verses* and other works.

**What languages is the novel available in?**
The novel has been translated and adapted into multiple languages, reflecting its global cultural significance.

**What is the relationship between *A Hero of Our Time* and the Russian Empire?**
The novel was written during the Russian Empire’s existence, and its themes of rebellion and individualism resonated with the era’s social and political tensions.

**How is *A Hero of Our Time* maintained in cultural archives?**
The novel is preserved in digital archives, including Project Gutenberg, and referenced in academic databases, ensuring its accessibility and scholarly engagement.

## Why It Matters
*A Hero of Our Time* is a seminal work of Russian literature that critiques societal norms and advocates for individualism, shaping the development of Russian literary realism. Its protagonist, Pechorin, embodies a rebellious spirit that challenges conventional values, influencing later literary movements. The novel’s exploration of self-expression and defiance continues to resonate, making it a foundational text in Russian and world literature. Its themes of rebellion and individualism remain relevant, offering insights into the human struggle for personal freedom. The novel’s preservation in cultural archives ensures its enduring legacy and continued study.

## Notable For
- Being a foundational work of Russian literature that critiques societal norms and advocates for individualism.
- Introducing the rebellious protagonist Pechorin, whose disillusionment with conventional values shapes the novel’s themes.
- Influencing later literary movements through its exploration of self-expression and defiance.
- Being preserved in digital archives, including Project Gutenberg, ensuring its accessibility and scholarly engagement.
- Reflecting the social and political tensions of the Russian Empire during its publication.
- Having been translated and adapted into multiple languages, reflecting its global cultural significance.
- Being referenced in academic databases, including Wikidata and Open Library, for institutional recognition.
- Aligning with Mikhail Lermontov’s broader literary and poetic themes, including his exploration of war, nature, and the struggle for self-expression.

## Body
### Literary Context
*A Hero of Our Time* was written by Mikhail Lermontov, a Russian writer, poet, and painter, who also served as a cavalry officer. The novel was published in 1840, marking a pivotal work in Russian literature that shaped later literary movements. Its themes of individualism, rebellion, and the struggle for self-expression resonated with the social and political tensions of the Russian Empire.

### Plot and Themes
The novel follows the disillusioned nobleman Pechorin, who rejects societal expectations and embraces a life of rebellion. Pechorin’s journey critiques conventional values and celebrates self-expression, making *A Hero of Our Time* a cornerstone of Russian literature. The novel explores themes of individualism, rebellion, and the struggle for self-expression, contrasting Pechorin’s defiance with the expectations of his time.

### Influence and Legacy
*A Hero of Our Time* influenced generations of writers, shaping the development of Russian literary realism. Its protagonist, Pechorin, embodies a rebellious spirit that challenges conventional values, ensuring the novel’s enduring legacy. The novel’s exploration of self-expression and defiance continues to resonate, making it a foundational text in Russian and world literature.

### Cultural and Academic Significance
The novel is preserved in digital archives, including Project Gutenberg, and referenced in academic databases, ensuring its accessibility and scholarly engagement. Its themes of rebellion and individualism remain relevant, offering insights into the human struggle for personal freedom. *A Hero of Our Time* is a seminal work of Russian literature that critiques societal norms and advocates for individualism, shaping the development of Russian literary realism.

### Connections to Mikhail Lermontov
The novel aligns with Mikhail Lermontov’s broader literary and poetic themes, including his exploration of war, nature, and the struggle for self-expression in *Verses* and other works. Lermontov’s military service and artistic background influenced his literary explorations, enriching *A Hero of Our Time* with layers of personal and cultural resonance.

### Global Recognition
*A Hero of Our Time* has been translated and adapted into multiple languages, reflecting its global cultural significance. Its themes of rebellion and individualism resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries, ensuring its continued relevance in literary studies. The novel’s preservation in cultural archives and academic databases underscores its importance in the broader field of literature.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File