Naive Chekhov Reader

Ok, so don't pelt me with stones. I've heard of Chekhov but I simply haven't been engaged much in reading lately. So I have bought a book of selected stories by Anton Chekhov. The titles are:

Overseasoned
The Night before Easter
At Home
Champagne
The Malefactor
Murder Will Out
The Trousseau
The Decoration
The Man in a Case
Little Jack
Dreams
The Death of an Official
Agatha
The Beggar
Children
The Troublesome Guest
Not Wanted
The Robbers
Lean and Fat
On the Way
The Head Gardener's Tale
Hush!
Without a Title
In the Ravine

I must admit, I like how Chekhov plunges straight into a story, without any real deliberation. Bang! first couple of lines and I'm already in there. Does anyone have a particular favourites among these titles and would you like to discuss the elements of Chekhov so I can develop a greater appreciation.

Don't be shy Chekhov fans....

You really must read some of his plays. I highly recommend The Seagull. I'm not sure about his short stories but certainly in the plays, there is tragicomedy (most apparant in The Seagull). Bunches of eccentric people are unhappy. Their lives are unfulfilled and their love is unrequited, yet they battle on because they must. A gun often comes into it somewhere too.

Thanks Kelby. I will do that.

A Dreary Story and the Proposal are some great ones to start with. They are some of his most well known stories. But I agree, read the plays as well. Go see them if you can!

Chekhov is one of the authors I chose for the 11 authors in 2011 challenge.
Apparently he cranked out many short stories given the number of titles you listed and yet I do not see any that I read.
I just finished "Ward No. 6", "On the Road" and I am currently reading "Rothschild's Fiddle".

His plays intrigue me as well.


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Originally Posted by Gilliatt Gurgle

Chekhov is one of the authors I chose for the 11 authors in 2011 challenge.
Apparently he cranked out many short stories given the number of titles you listed and yet I do not see any that I read.
I just finished "Ward No. 6", "On the Road" and I am currently reading "Rothschild's Fiddle".

His plays intrigue me as well.


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I am also a fan of Chekhov; his plays and short stories. He always leaves me feeling melancholic but that's OK. Just going over some of his plays and short stories again and thinking of ordering some more shorts. Apparently though there are stacks of them, with not all of them translated into English.

Delta, I think I have that book you mentioned at the start of this thread (I realise it is an old one/thread) what did you think of it, if you can remember? I remember that I have used "Overseasoned" once with a group of kids but I don't think it was too successful, might try it again sometime though when I get the chance, or something similar.

will you help me analyse the dreams by chekhov, please?

Right into the story from the first paragraph!! Yes, that's Chekhov. And every subject he touches he knows well.