Intellectual Versus Physical Labor

One of the main themes in the novella would be the concept of intellectual work versus physical labor. Raised a nobleman and thrown into the world of common laborers, Misail has experience in all kinds of fields. This experience gives him a broad understanding of mankind and makes him alternately inspired and disillusioned.

At the start of the novella, Misail has a limited understanding of what physical labor entails. He says, “For the whole question was simple and clear and only had to do with my means of obtaining a crust of bread…” (437). The way Misail sees it, being able to support oneself is all that really matters. In thus simplifying the question of what to do with his life, Misail disregards all that it as stake for his family: their reputation. Nevertheless, Misail disregards his father’s plea to continue to engage...