# Endnotes explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Ivan Bunin.

## What happens

This chapter provides endnotes and translator's annotations clarifying cultural, historical, and literary references within the book, including explanations of Russian terms, folktales, and proper names.

## Key lines

> Blind Alley would be the nearest English equivalent.

The phrase 'Blind Alley' is the closest translation in English.

_Translator's note on the meaning of a Russian term._

> The reference here is to a famous folktale—best known in Pushkin's version, 'The Little Gold Fish.'

This alludes to a well-known folktale, most famously retold by Pushkin as 'The Little Gold Fish.'

_Explanation of a literary allusion in the text._

> A verst is about two-thirds of a mile.

One verst is approximately 0.66 miles.

_Conversion of a Russian unit of measurement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_30_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_30_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_30_se/chapters