The Queen Of Spades

“The Queen of Spades” is a short story with a strong moral message. The rise and fall of the protagonist Hermann cautions readers about the perils of greed and the importance of self-restraint. Hermann is well aware of his character. As the narrator explains, he is a natural gambler but, because he is not a wealthy man, Hermann must moderate his impulses. He refuses to indulge in morally questionable activities and saves his money as he hopes to climb the social ladder. By denying his instincts, Hermann exhibits a form of self-restraint that the story frames as commendable. Hermann may never achieve the riches of his friends, but the money he does accumulate will be honorable. Gambling, however, is not honorable as it combines hedonism with greed. In “The Queen of Spades,” gamblers are punished and those who can exercise self-restraint are rewarded.

Hermann’s fall from grace is understandable. He is not a wealthy man, but he is surrounded by aristocrats. He sees men like Tomsky indulge every whim, gambling huge amounts on meaningless card games without any consequence. Hermann had the misfortune of being born to a family of modest means. The more time he spends with people like Tomsky, the more he covets their wealth and good fortune. He is envious not only of their material possessions but of the opportunities their wealth affords them. The countess’s trick is a way for Hermann to acquire wealth without risk, avoiding the typical perils of gambling. Ultimately, Hermann is punished for envying the lives of his wealthier friends and their ability to satisfy their desires in a way that he cannot. Hermann is a victim of fate in that he was born with a gambler’s instincts but to a middle-class family. After a lifetime spent following a slow but moral route to material comfort, he finally snaps. The temptation of the countess’s trick is overwhelming for a man who can no longer tolerate the circumstances fate has thrust upon him.

Like Hermann, Lizaveta is a person of modest means surrounded by the rich and powerful. She lives in the countess’s shadow. As Lizaveta is entirely dependent on the countess, she is forced to endure continual harassment and annoyance. Lizaveta is treated as a servant even though her social class ostensibly raises her above this position. Because she is too poor to be rich and too rich to be poor, she must navigate an awkward position in which she does not quite belong to either social group. At balls and social events, for instance, she is usually ignored. At home, she contends with the countess’s confusing and conflicting instructions, which are typically followed by a baseless insult. She dreams of a better future and, just as the countess’s trick offers Hermann a way to escape his social position, Hermann’s attention gives Lizaveta the hope of breaking free of her difficult position. She welcomes his attention in anticipation that he will help her to be happy.

Unlike Hermann, however, Lizaveta quickly realizes the moral compromises she has made. She demonstrates sincere grief and regret for inviting his attention. As a result, the story rewards her and punishes Hermann. Lizaveta meets a man and marries him. She then welcomes a poor young girl into her life, offering her the opportunities which were denied to Lizaveta. The ward illustrates Lizaveta’s quest for atonement. She is granted her escape while Hermann is left alone and unhinged. The contrasting fates of Lizaveta and Hermann underscore the moral message of the story, showing the perils of greed and the value of self-restraint.