Identify a Russian story

[June Farris]

I have just received the following reference question and need help 
narrowing it down to possible titles!  I thought SEELANGS would be the best 
possible place to go for help!  So, here's your chance to help a librarian!
My thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Question:
"Please, I need your help. Many years ago a tale (or novel, I don't 
remember well) probably written by a Russian author, moved me deeply but I 
don't remember the author's name. The plot: in a party of soldiers, their 
superior get drunk and humiliates his fellows, but in the end he himself 
becomes a pathetic and ridiculous person that provokes uneasiness and 
compassion. If the plot is familiar to you, I hope you remember who wrote it."

Regards,
June Farris



June Pachuta Farris
Bibliographer for Slavic, East
European and Eurasian Studies and
Bibliographer for General Linguistics
Room 263 Regenstein Library
University of Chicago
1100 E. 57th Street
Chicago, Illinois  60637
jpf3 at uchicago.edu
1-773-702-8456 (phone)
1-773-702-6623 (fax) 

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