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This is a masterpiece, a marvelous work written so beautifully, and thought of with meticulous care that shows through the manner in which its title character makes his progress among people, tainting all with an invisible strain of nihilism. The author of the story was a leading figure of Russian expressionism. This was a movement that originated in northern Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, and which sought identity, freedom, and action as a solution to the existential problem. Its complete opposite was Nihilism, which had totally abnegated the self, its logic, and its efforts to create meaning. In his story, Andreyev had brought these two schools of thoughts together in a fierce battle for life. Lazarus who was brought back to life from the ranks of the dead after being one of them for three days, had carried with him the dreadful secret of that realm. Whenever he was asked of what he saw and experienced during these three days, he would simply stare with saddened eyes and say not a word. This meant that he saw nothing; that there was nothing more for Mankind after death. This is one of the main traits of nihilism, for life under such a dark promise of nothingness is merely a drag through a purposeless universe. Lazarus had soon communicated his secrets to those around him, and to any who encountered him. The artists lost interest in their art, the lovers lost the fervor of their love, and people simply sank into the gloom of such a dreadful realization. Emperor Augustus was the man to break this vicious cycle of nothingness. Even though he was chilled and horrified at what he saw in the eyes of Lazarus, he fought his way back into sanity and purpose. "Thus pondering and oscillating between the poles of Life and Death, he slowly came back to life, to find in its suffering and in its joys a shield against the darkness of the void and the horror of the Infinite."Augustus was then the man sought after by the impressionists; a being who made of his freedom, actions, and identity shields against the vortex of nihilism. Instead of being depressive, Andreyev's story is thus a very inspiring piece that prompts Man to go on even when there is no promise of an afterlife.