"The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" is the last short story that Dostoevsky wrote before his death. It's steeped in his religious worldview and wisdom. Dostoevsky is taking aim at the pervading nhillism that was influencing Russia in the 19th century that he foresaw would be a problem for his country. In this short story he offers a solution to the problems of human pride, vanity, and cruelty.