The Gambler

Content Warning: The source material depicts addiction to gambling as well as stereotypes and generalizations based on nationality.

The Gambler is an 1866 novel by Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The novel begins as Alexey Ivanovich, the novel’s narrator, returns to the gambling resort town of Roulettenburg, where he has been tutoring for an aristocratic Russian family headed by a former general. Alexey is in love with the general’s stepdaughter, Polina, but believes that he is not wealthy enough to marry her. When the general’s aunt arrives and gambles away Polina’s and the general’s inheritance, Polina’s wealthy suitor, a Frenchman named Marquis des Grieux, abandons her. Trying to seize his chance, Alexey plays roulette, attempting to win enough money for Polina to accept him. Alexey wins huge sums, but Polina believes that Alexey is trying to buy her love, and thus leaves him for a wealthy Englishman, Mr. Astley. Alexey goes to Paris with the general’s fiancée, who spends all his money. The novel ends with Alexey meeting Astley in another German gambling town a year later, where Astley tells him that Polina still loves Alexey. However, Alexey has by now become addicted to gambling and is unable to pursue Polina.