The Elephant Page #4

"The Elephant" by Aleksandr Kuprin is a poignant and thought-provoking novella that explores the themes of human emotion, isolation, and the complex relationship between humans and animals. Set in a traveling circus, the story centers around the elephant, a majestic yet tragic creature that becomes a symbol of both beauty and suffering. Through vivid descriptions and deep character development, Kuprin delves into the lives of those connected to the elephant, revealing their struggles, desires, and moral dilemmas. The narrative invites readers to reflect on empathy, the nature of captivity, and the impact of societal indifference towards both animals and individuals in distress.

• Novel

								


The evening came. It grew late, and time for the little girl to go to
bed. But they couldn't get her away from the elephant. She dropped
asleep by his side presently, and then they carried her off to the
nursery. She didn't wake up, even when she was being undressed.

That night Nadya dreamed that she was married to Tommy and that they
had many children, tiny, jolly, little baby elephants. The elephant,
whom they took back at night to the menagerie, also dreamed of the
sweet and affectionate little girl. He dreamt, too, that he had a large
tart with walnuts and pistachios as big as a gate....

Next morning the little girl woke, fresh and healthy, and as she used
to do before her illness, cried out, in a voice to be heard all over
the house, loudly and impatiently:

"I want some milk."

Hearing this cry, in her bedroom mamma crossed herself devoutly.

But the little girl remembered what had happened yesterday, and she
asked:

"Where's the elephant?"

They explained to her that the elephant had been obliged to go home,
that he had children who couldn't be left by themselves, but that he
had left a message for Nadya to say that he hoped she would come and
see him as soon as she was well.

The little girl smiled slyly and said:

"Tell Tommy that I'm quite well now."
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