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The content of these stories is edgy, humorous, satirical (unlike this abstract), and generally absurd—all this while retaining elements of realism. “Realism” in the sense that any of these stories could occur; there are no supernatural elements contained. However, the actions and characters are so exaggerated that their purposes are to call attention to the character/societal flaws to which they reflect. The more edgy elements of these stories are not included for shock value; in fact, just the opposite. Their sparse use is purposeful to call extra attention to a certain scene or action. Often a story’s use of crude language is intended characterize these despicable actions as negative—to show that a boss should not be treating those around him like servants, for instance (as is the case in the story Fore!).
Disclaimer aside, the true intention of these stories is simple: to entertain. These are humorous pieces, aimed at poking fun at some typical college, workplace, and neighborhood drama. That’s not to say the pieces are devoid of any deeper meaning, because as described above, they seek to satirize overlooked bits of culture. However, the overarching goal of the Vermillion Comedic Anthology is to entertain readers and provide them much need escape from the stresses of the world.
The Task of the Soul is a novel-length historical fiction manuscript depicting the major events surrounding the murder of the Imperial Romanov family. Set in Revolutionary Russia in 1918, the story follows the spiritual breakdown and moral dilemmas of the impoverished and idealistic laborer Dmitri Durakov as he struggles to support his young family. In an effort to amend his financial failings and to clear his name of an incidental crime, Durakov attaches himself to Isay Rodzinsky, a Cheka officer, under whose influence Durakov becomes embroiled in the historic executions of Tsar Nicholas II and the Imperial Romanov family. The Task of the Soul is a philosophical drama that enters into questions of truth, love, and patriotism in the context of a revolutionary state, with a plot that revolves around the psychological and emotional effects of murder. Additional themes include faith, wisdom, reason, morality, parenthood, and marriage.