This short atmospheric story by Anton Chekhov tells of the relationship between two brothers torn by suspicions about moneyThe Murder [1895] – ★★★★1/2
This short atmospheric story by Anton Chekhov tells of the relationship between two brothers torn by suspicions about money, pride and religious fanaticism. Matvey is an ex-factory worker who struggles with his health and is forced to live at the inn run by his brother, merchant Yakov and his family. In the midst of one snowy winter, the family feels particularly claustrophobic in their house, and in no time Yakov and Matvey’s discord comes to its climax. This is a vivid tale of the price of faith, and the thorny path to it, a story of the ultimate crime and the ultimate punishment....more
This novella by Chekhov is set in the Caucasus, near the Black Sea, and tells of Laevsky, a lazy, egoistic, good-for-nothing goThe Duel [1891] - ★★★★★
This novella by Chekhov is set in the Caucasus, near the Black Sea, and tells of Laevsky, a lazy, egoistic, good-for-nothing government official who spends his days playing cards, swimming, drinking, arguing with his mistress and getting deeper into debt. Laevsky is increasingly tired of and frustrated by his mistress, Nadezhda Fedorovna, the wife of another man, and decides "to get rid" of her by going away. However, he starts to understand that he is both out of money and out of friends. On his path then appears Von Koren, a scientist and a man of principles, who does not think twice about challenging Laevsky to a duel.
Chekhov had this incredible talent of conjuring up deep and unforgettable character studies/insights in a very few words and paragraphs, and The Duel is a classic tale of disillusionment, crushed ideals, deceiving appearances and humanity caught in an endless cycle of other people's opinions and judgement. Everyone "has their own truth" in the story, especially Laevsky, who finds himself at the biggest crossroad in his life, facing the possibility of the weight of harsh reality crushing him. The largest sorrow in life may consist in the actual realisation of the truth of one's existence and past actions, as well as in the process of brutal self-confrontation. With humour and wit, Chekhov takes a penetrating look at the human nature in The Duel, trying to answer the question whether even self-acknowledged scoundrels like Laevsky could hope for forgiveness and redemption; whether even these people are deserving of hope; and whether even they could also find their place among the virtuous and the good, mending their ways....more
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