Beginning of Essay
Mikhail Lermontov’s protagonist, Grigory Pechorin, belongs to that group of literary characters known individually as the “superfluous man.” Generally an intelligent, educated individual, the superfluous man would appear to be one who has been e ....

Middle of Essay
.... in recent years. Who has not heard the excuse, “I did it because my (parents/state representative/dog) (harassed/bit/abused) me when I was a child.” In my opinion, the growing interest in pop psychology and the related fields of social psychology and child psychology have greatly contributed to the decay of moral rectitude and the concept of taking responsibility for one’s own actions. The translator attributes Pechorin’s capriciousness to the lack of employment for his gifts. I do not agree with that assessment, as it has been my experience that only those who have made up their minds to lack direction will be unable to fin ....