検索キーワード： 著者 "Anton Chekhov" すべてのカテゴリー

Anton Chekhov is now justly celebrated as one of Russia’s greatest writers, but this reputation was hard won in his time. His work consistently challenged expectations, and his insights were not always easy to see. The continued relevance of his stories, however, has shown that Chekhov was ahead of his time, and the nine short stories collected here showcase his very best writing.

Considered one of the greatest short story writers of all time, Anton Chekhov heavily influenced the evolution of the modern short story. Most notably, he used a technique that would later be called "stream of consciousness", in which he eschewed the traditional story structure and simply wrote as though he was thinking aloud. Written in that same vein, "The Lottery Ticket" is a story about money, luck, and relationships. Proceeds from sale of this title go to Reach Out and Read, an innovative literacy advocacy organization.

When Ivan Dmitritch's wife, Masha, invests her money in the lottery, he can help but feel it is a foolish waste of time. However, having read through the rest of the paper, he agrees to check the numbers for his wife at her request. To his astonishment, the series number of Masha's lottery ticket matches the winning series number. Without checking the rest of the number needed to win, both husband and wife quickly begin to fantasize about what they would do if they won the lottery.

A master of Russian realism, Anton Chekhov is renowned for his meticulously observed plays and short stories exploring the human condition, in all its joys and sorrows. Included here are six of his best-known dramas, as well as Michael Frayn's adaptation of Wild Honey, drawn from an early, untitled Chekhov play; and one documentary exploring Chekhov's life and work. 

In Moscow an unknown author approaches a publisher (the narrator), asking him to read and publish his manuscript. The narrator agrees to read it before the author returns three months later. At the heart of the story in the manuscript is a love triangle and themes of corruption, concealed love, and fatal jealousy. When one of the central characters is discovered dead, the narrative becomes a murder-mystery as the search for the culprit begins.

Dive into the enchanting world of Anton Chekhovs short stories with this first volume of thirteen, beautifully translated by Constance Garnett. Chekhov, a Russian physician turned literary genius, is celebrated not only for his profound plays like The Cherry Orchard but also for his masterful short fiction that captures the essence of human experience. Constance Garnett, an English housewife who taught herself Russian, played a pivotal role in bridging cultures by introducing Chekhov and other great Russian authors to the English-speaking audience. Her translations, renowned for their clarity ...

In Anton Chekhovs haunting novella, the line between sanity and madness becomes increasingly blurred. Dr. Rabin, a disillusioned idealist, runs a provincial lunatic asylum, where he grapples with dubious policies while overseeing a diverse group of patients—each representing a fragment of Russian society. As he engages in profound dialogues with both staff and patients, Dr. Rabin embarks on a quest for meaning in a life that seems to unravel before him. The story poignantly critiques the dehumanization of those deemed lunatics and serves as a powerful parable about the essence of human ...

In Three Years, Laptev, a wealthy but unappealing heir to a merchant legacy, makes the fateful decision to leave behind his independent and devoted mistress, Polina, in favor of the stunning yet superficial Yulia. As their marriage unfolds, it quickly spirals into a joyless existence, with Laptev desperately searching for meaning while Yulia indulges in the glamour of Moscows elite social scene. The story poses a haunting question can Laptev and Yulia salvage something of true worth from their seemingly hollow union? Chekhov masterfully delves into the intricate dilemmas of contemporary ...

Join little Yegorushka on his first day of school, accompanied by his Uncle Ivan, the local priest Father Christopher, and the cheerful servant Deniska. Together, they embark on a journey filled with encounters with a vibrant cast of characters, including the innkeeper Moisey Moisevitch, the enchanting Countess Dranitsky, the enigmatic Varlamov, the silent singer Emelyan, and the steppe waif Tit, among many others. Yet, the most captivating character of all is the Steppe itself, depicted in all its moods and weathers, brought to life by Chekhov’s masterful strokes, revealing its wild, ...

In My Life, we follow a wealthy provincial youth who defies societal expectations by rejecting the conventional roles assigned to his social class. Labeled a lazy good-for-nothing, he reveals a profound sensitivity to the injustices inflicted by his privilege upon the working classes. Determined to make a stand, he embarks on a journey as a common laborer, taking up work as a house painter and ikon gilder. His revolutionary choice sparks bewilderment and ridicule from all walks of life, even inciting fear among the very laborers he aims to join. This powerful narrative serves as Chekhovs ...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of a Russian literary master with this collection of six enchanting short stories and a thought-provoking novella. (david wales)

Dive into Volume 8 of Anton Chekhovs captivating collection of short stories. This selection features poignant narratives such as The Chorus Girl, A Gentleman Friend, and A Father, among others, each highlighting Chekhovs masterful storytelling. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

Renowned for his brilliant plays and short stories, Anton Chekhov also crafted a series of novellas that delve deeply into the complexities of the human psyche and relationships. In The Duel, the reckless Laevsky escapes to the Caucasus with another mans wife, Nadyezhda Fyodorovna. There, he encounters a vibrant cast of characters, including Von Koren the zoologist, Samoylenko the doctor, and Pobyedov the whimsical deacon. However, Laevsky and his mistress quickly find themselves at odds with local society due to their extravagant lifestyles, leading to a dramatic insult, challenge, and ...

In An Anonymous Story, Chekhov delves into his signature themes of superfluous men, ironic rakes, exploited women, and the perils of societal norms on genuine happiness. The story follows an Anonymous Narrator, a hapless would-be revolutionary who secures a position as a flunky in the household of the ineffectual young aristocrat Orlov, aiming to gather intelligence for the Cause. Orlovs seduction of the beautiful Zinaida Fyodorovna leads to a swift disinterest, leaving her vulnerable. The Narrator, embodying the archetype of the Russian literary superfluous man, becomes complicit in Orlovs ...

In Black Monk, we follow the journey of aspiring academic Andrei Kovrin, who retreats to the countryside for the summer on his physicians advice. There, he encounters a mysterious black monk—an apparition visible only to him—who fuels his intellectual ambitions and challenges his understanding of reality. The monk insists that whether a figment of Kovrins imagination or a genuine entity, he is a part of nature and thus undeniably real. Through this intriguing narrative, Chekhov delves into the gothic themes of scholarly obsession and the thin line between genius and madness. - Summary by ...

In this gripping tale, Laevsky finds himself in a small seaside town in the Caucasus after abandoning his old life for Nadyezhda Fyodorovna, another man’s wife. However, the dreams of a fresh start quickly fade as Laevsky succumbs to a life of idleness, filled with drinking and card games, while Nadyezhda seeks solace in other affairs. As Laevsky devises a plan to escape once more—this time without his mistress—he crosses paths with the rationalist Von Koren, who is a staunch believer in Darwinian principles of natural selection. When tensions rise and Laevskys frustrations boil over, ...

Three Sisters is a poignant exploration of the disillusionment faced by the privileged class in Russia, capturing the search for meaning in an increasingly complex world. The play centers around the Prozorov family, particularly the three sisters—Olga, Masha, and Irina—and their brother Andrei, who grapple with dissatisfaction and frustration in their small provincial town after years of longing for the vibrant life they left behind in Moscow. This city becomes a powerful symbol of their dreams and aspirations, representing happiness and fulfillment that seems perpetually out of reach. As ...

In Swan Song, an aging actor reflects on the highs and lows of his illustrious career, delving into the roles he has played and the sacrifices made along the way. This poignant narrative examines the complexities of ambition and the human experience, showcasing Chekhovs masterful ability to capture the essence of life. (Summary by Lucy Perry)

Step into the world of Anton Chekhovs The Seagull, a poignant exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities of artistic expression. Written in 1895 and first performed in 1896, this timeless play delves into the tumultuous relationships between four central figures the aspiring actress Nina, the fading star Irina Arkadina, her son Konstantin Treplyov, an innovative playwright, and the celebrated author Boris Trigorin. As their lives intertwine, the characters grapple with their dreams and desires, revealing the deep-seated conflicts that arise in the pursuit of both love and art.

In Ivanov, we delve into the life of Nicolai (translated as Nicholas) Ivanov, a disillusioned middle-aged public servant grappling with profound unhappiness. His wife, Anna, has been disinherited by her family due to her conversion from Judaism and is now battling tuberculosis. As he navigates overwhelming debt, the complexities of life take a turn when his best friend’s daughter develops an infatuation for him. A masterful blend of comedy and tragedy unfolds in true Chekhovian style, showcasing themes that would resonate throughout the playwrights oeuvre. (Summary by mb)