A summary of "The Last Victim" by Alexander Ostrovsky

This book is a profound social comedy, written in 1877. The plot revolves around a young and wealthy widow, Yulia Tugina. Her blind love for a frivolous rake threatens her with ruin and shatters her illusions. Alexander Ostrovsky masterfully portrays the mores of merchant Moscow. Sincere feelings often become the subject of banal bargaining, and financial considerations easily overshadow basic human decency.

In 1975, the play was successfully adapted into a full-length feature film by director Pyotr Todorovsky. In 1982, Mikhail Kozakov created the television play "The Trustees," based on the same story.

Young widow Yulia Pavlovna Tugina lives secluded in a luxurious apartment. Her distant relative, Glafira Firsovna, often visits her. The elderly woman acts as an informal advisor and trusted intermediary in a variety of matters. Glafira Firsovna informs Yulia of a visit from a wealthy and respectable merchant, Flor Fedulych Pribytkov. The respectable man is very interested in the young widow and is ready to become her reliable patron. Yulia is completely consumed by her feelings for Vadim Grigorievich Dulchin. She regularly gives him enormous sums of money, which he cynically gambles away at clubs or carelessly spends on dubious entertainment.

Soon Dulchin himself appears, acting self-assured and languid. Vadim persistently complains about his gambling woes and asks Yulia for another large sum. For his sake, she is ready to sacrifice her last resources. She naively believes his promises to one day reform and marry her. Yulia Pavlovna gives him all her cash, leaving herself practically penniless. Dulchin accepts this act as a matter of course. He feels no remorse.

Dulchin tirelessly seeks new sources of funding for his whims. He strikes up a frank conversation about wealthy brides and learns about Irina Lavrovna. The young woman is the daughter of Lavr Mironych Pribytkov, Flor Fedulych’s nephew. Vadim Grigorievich immediately decides to court her. He hopes to receive a substantial dowry and resolve his disastrous financial difficulties at once. Vadim begins actively courting Irina, using all his charm and social graces. The girl was raised with strict principles, but secretly dreams of romantic love. She quickly succumbs to his charms. Yulia Pavlovna is completely unaware of these intrigues. She continues to suffer and faithfully awaits her beloved. Her devotion seems boundless. Clouds are gathering over her future.

Flor Fedulych manages the affairs of his carefree and frivolous nephew, Lavr Mironych. Flor Fedulych is a practical and prudent man. Lavr Mironych enjoys living in style. He hosts lavish receptions and shows off his wealth in every way possible. His actual financial situation leaves much to be desired. During one of these grand receptions, Dulchin openly flirts with Irina Lavrovna. Glafira Firsovna, also present, watches the proceedings with undisguised interest. She enjoys gossiping with her guests.

Flor Fedulych understands Dulchin’s true selfish intentions perfectly well. He treats him with open contempt. Flor sees right through this polished, socialite coxcomb. He wants nothing to do with him. Yulia gradually learns terrifying rumors about Vadim’s behavior. She desperately refuses to believe his betrayal. She tries to find any justification for his cruel actions.

Yulia Pavlovna painfully awakens to the truth. She learns irrefutable facts. Dulchin is brazenly deceiving her with Irina Lavrovna. He seriously plans to marry her for her money. This revelation comes as a crushing blow to the unfortunate young woman. She realizes that her sincere love, boundless devotion, and constant self-sacrifice have been trampled. In utter despair, she demands an honest explanation from Vadim. A harrowing scene ensues. Dulchin shows no remorse whatsoever. He cynically declares his plans. He is ready to sever their relationship without hesitation if she can no longer provide for him financially at the same high level. Insulted and humiliated, Yulia Pavlovna makes a firm and final decision. She resolves to forever erase this vile man from her life. Yulia categorically forbids him from entering her home. She permanently refuses any further financial support.

Dulchin suddenly loses Yulia’s constant financial support. He instantly finds himself in dire straits. His numerous creditors demand immediate payment of their debts. They threaten him with debtors’ prison. All his rosy hopes for a saving marriage with Irina Lavrovna are rapidly dashed. The false fortune of her father, Lavr Mironych, is revealed. He himself is on the verge of complete bankruptcy.

The stern Flor Fedulych flatly refuses to pay his irresponsible nephew’s debts. He especially refuses to provide Irina with a dowry. Vadim Grigorievich is left with absolutely nothing. Flor Fedulych comes to the exhausted Yulia Pavlovna. He nobly offers her his hand and heart. He sincerely promises care, deep respect, and complete financial stability. Yulia accepts his proposal. She has learned from bitter and cruel experience. She finally understands a simple thing: true love is not expressed in beautiful and empty words, but in reliability, loyalty, and responsibility. The pathetic Dulchin learns of the upcoming wedding. In desperation, he asks Glafira Firsovna to urgently arrange a match for him with the wealthy widow Pivokurova. He naively hopes to climb out of debt. Vadim hastily and pitifully runs to a new potential victim of his base, mercantile interests.