Anton Chekhov explores the pursuit of happiness in his story “The Lady with the Dog.” The plot centers on a married man who violates his marital promises by having an affair with a woman stuck in an unhappy marriage. By employing skillful language and symbolism, Chekhov captivates readers with this simple yet gripping narrative. Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was born on January 17th, 1860, in Taganrog, Ukraine, and grew up in a modest seaport town.
Anton Chekhov is now acknowledged as a prominent playwright and one of the masters in modern short storytelling. Despite his humble beginnings as the son of a grocer and grandson of a former serf who had purchased his freedom almost two decades earlier, Chekhov’s talent has endured. During his youth, he observed his father’s strong religious devotion while also working long hours at their family store. From 1867 to 1868, he studied at a school for Greek boys in his hometown before attending the local grammar school until 1876. However, due to his father’s bankruptcy, the entire family relocated to Moscow.
At the age of 16, Chekhov made the decision to stay in his hometown. He supported himself through tutoring while continuing his education for three more years. Upon completion of grammar school, he enrolled in Moscow University Medical School with the aim of becoming a doctor. His works were greatly influenced by his medical and scientific background, often featuring characters who are indifferent towards tragic events. In 1886, while practicing medicine, Chekhov started writing regularly for the St. Petersburg daily Novoe vremya. It was during this time that he developed his unique style as an author – one characterized by detachment and non-judgmentalness.
Although some critics were disappointed by his lack of social commentary, esteemed authors such as Leo Tolstoy and Nikolai Leskov praised him for it. Descriptions from this period depict the young doctor-writer as modest and serious with occasional bursts of joyfulness – maintaining a down-to-earth demeanor that resonated with his working-class upbringing. With intelligent and kind shimmering blue eyes, Chekhov exuded an unpretentious and sincere manner.
He was a tireless worker, constantly busy with both his patients and his desk. His mind was always active and filled with boundless energy. Sometimes, in the midst of joking and conversation, he would suddenly become lost in thought, his gaze becoming focused and intense as if he were pondering something significant and extraordinary. He would then ask an unexpected question, revealing the extensive wanderings of his mind. When Chekhov penned this story in 1899, he was already suffering from advanced tuberculosis, leaving him unable to breathe properly.
At his doctor’s orders, Chekhov had spent the winter of 1898-99 in the mild climate of Yalta and was on the brink of permanently relocating there. Additionally, Chekhov had developed romantic feelings for Olga Knipper, an actress whom he would eventually wed in 1901. It is tempting to interpret the affectionate bond between Gurov and Anna through the lens of Chekhov’s own blossoming love. Within each conversation between the protagonist, Dmitri, and his mistress, Anna, Chekhov specifically highlights moments of silence. In every instance, these silences between the characters intensify the already tense atmosphere.
During their initial encounter, Anna and Dmitri engage in small talk about Anna’s pet dog. Dmitri, who has been observing Anna for a few days, realizes that she is alone. Curious about her stay in Yalta, he poses the question to her. In response, Anna discloses that she has been in the city for approximately five days and is already feeling weary by the start of her second week there. Rather than addressing Anna’s boredom, Dmitri remains silent for a period of time, as noted by Chekhov.
In the text, Chekhov recounts how Chekhov responds to Dmitri’s comment and notes that thereafter, they ate together in silence, almost as if they were strangers. However, after the meal, they walked together and engaged in a lighthearted conversation. This conversation was reminiscent of carefree individuals who were content and unconcerned about their destination or topic of discussion. Surprisingly, these silences in their initial conversation not only highlighted the awkwardness that often accompanies the efforts of newly acquainted individuals to connect but also served as a precursor to a recurring pattern of tense silences that would signify a deepening complexity in their relationship.
After a week of daily meetings, the relationship between Dmitri and Anna transitions from casual to physically intimate. While standing at a jetty observing the sea and boats, Dmitri closely watches Anna as she talks aimlessly. He notices her movements and the shine in her eyes, which generates tension. This tension reaches its peak during a moment of silence when Dmitri remarks on the improved weather and suggests going for a drive. However, Anna remains silent, intensifying the tension. In response to her silence, they share a sudden embrace, followed by a passionate and romantic kiss marked by nervousness due to their public setting. Dmitri then softly proposes going to Anna’s place to consummate their relationship. They both quickly walk towards their destination.
The relationship between the two characters in the story escalates after a period of silence. Chekhov employs this device multiple times as Anna’s guilt causes the couple to fracture and go their separate ways. The prolonged silence during their separation ultimately leads Dmitri to realize his love for Anna, reigniting their affair. Chekhov’s story is narrated by both an omniscient narrator and the internal thoughts of the protagonist. In a specific passage, the musings of the omniscient narrator and the protagonist intertwine.
Chekhov employs an omniscient narrator in an intriguing way, as they offer a broader philosophical perspective on the story’s events and characters. The narrator seamlessly integrates their philosophy into the protagonist’s thoughts, effectively immersing the reader in the narrative. However, the narrator’s voice fades away once Anna reminds us that Dmitri Gurov is present, allowing Dmitri to carry on and conclude the narrator’s train of thought.
The concept of a storyteller who interrupts with philosophical insight is a captivating technique. It momentarily shifts the reader’s focus from the plot to ponder deeper matters. This technique enriches a potentially uninteresting plot and story. Chekhov presents his tale sequentially, introducing one idea after another. For instance, Gurov encounters Anna and develops romantic feelings for her.
At first, Gurov approached his relationship with Anna in the same manner as any other. However, he eventually acknowledges his past errors (focusing solely on the physical aspects without emotional depth). Eventually, they part ways and pursue their individual paths. Nonetheless, Gurov comprehends that he has discovered genuine love for the very first time in his life. This narrative follows a chronological sequence of events: Gurov encounters Anna, they develop their initial love and spend quality time together before returning to their respective homes. Following a period of separation, they reunite and establish an affair that matures into a fully-fledged relationship.
Chekhov employs a straightforward linear approach that permits no deviation, as if he were constructing a logical proof. The plot devices in “The Lady with the Little Dog” are skillfully crafted and subtle, resulting in a captivating narrative that leaves the conclusion open to interpretation. By utilizing literary techniques, Chekhov creates a vivid and fantastical imagery in the readers’ minds. What sets Chekhov apart is his ability to seamlessly merge the theme of disunity with a harmonious authorial style. Throughout the text, readers remain fixated on the central focus, which revolves around the ever-changing fortunes and emotions of the characters.
