A Christmas Tree and a Wedding

When the narrator comes across a wedding, it reminds him of an event five years ago where he found himself, completely by chance, at a children's Christmas party. At the time, he did not know any of the guests, and so he opted to sit in silent to observe the situation.

As he recalls, his gaze fell upon a small rich girl and a poor boy, children unaffected by the social machinations of their parents, who still displayed genuine innocence. He soon saw, however, how the twisted schemes of upper-crust adults could nonetheless bend that sweet illusion to their advantage.

Through an exchange of gifts Dostoevsky pulls the rug from under the readers and paints a picture of inequality and social injustice. The unexpected conclusion to the past events back at the wedding is presented as a gripping warning, and makes for a tale suitable for readers of all ages.