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"The Lower Depths" is a play written by Maxim Gorky in 1902 and produced by the Moscow Arts Theatre. It portrays the lives of impoverished Russians living in a shelter near the Volga. Initially criticized for its pessimism, the play is now considered a masterwork of Russian social realism. The theme of harsh truth versus comforting lies runs throughout the play, as characters choose to deceive themselves rather than face their bleak reality. The plot revolves around the interactions and struggles of various characters, including a thief, a vendor, a policeman, and a dying woman. The play explores themes of poverty, deception, and the human condition. It has been adapted into several films and has influenced other works, such as Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh.