Fyodor Dostoevsky’s White Nights is a short story about unrequited love and the power of human connection. I was inspired to read it after it was recommended to me as a brief but impactful story. I also knew that many of Dostoevsky’s other works are much longer (his most acclaimed book, The Brothers Karamazov, has 796 pages) so I decided that starting here would be a manageable entry point. I often gravitate towards shorter books or reading longer books in short segments, so this was something I was able to get through in just a couple of days while taking my time. From reading White Nights, I was able to gain an appreciation for the excellent story that he was able to weave together in its short number of pages.
The story follows a shy, unnamed protagonist, living in Russia, who observes life in an almost ghostly manner. Accustomed to being alone in St. Petersburg, the protagonist has become comfortable with the streets, homes, and faces that he passes. He feels a connection to these people and places, but still lives a solitary life, not interacting with any of it. When these people move for the winter, the protagonist is saddened by the absence of familiarity on the paths he walks, until he has a chance encounter with a young woman, Nastenka, which draws him out of his shell, leading to four nights the two spend together. They bond over shared feelings and dreams as they tell each other stories about their lives. However, as the nights continue, the protagonist learns of another man who had made a promise to Nastenka that upon his return, they would be together. When this man finally arrives after delay, the two go on, as Nastenka leaves the protagonist a letter in the following days. He reflects on the moment of happiness that he had with her, knowing that he cannot love her.
The story is bittersweet and emotionally charged, as Dostoevsky artfully characterizes the two through their heartfelt dialogues. This is what makes it so tragically compelling, as both characters are so well-written to be understandable and sympathetic. The protagonist becomes so dedicated and willing to help Nastenka in a short amount of time. He is still willing to help her write a letter to her lover upon learning of his existence, showing the extent of his attachment to her and longing for an emotional connection. It is understandable for him to become so attached after not experiencing similar feelings prior. However, the protagonist’s idealized version of human connection is clearly at odds with his reality. As people, we often attach ourselves to things or people too quickly, creating a version of them in our minds that precedes their true selves. While this may be common for some, it creates an issue when the two become at odds. Overall, my biggest takeaway from the story is that while attachment leads to suffering, suffering is meaning. Meaning that we would not have otherwise.
