While contemplating his life and deeming himself ridiculous, a man on the verge of suicide is interrupted by a young girl begging for his help. In his dark mood, he brushes her away, but when he returns home to commit the act he cannot move past his feelings of guilt over his treatment of the girl.

"The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" was adapted into a 1990 BBC production entitled The Dream starring Jeremy Irons.

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