Chekhov Short Story Thread

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Thank you, Quark. I agree with everything in your post as well. I'm beginning to appreciate Chekhov even more. :)

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Thanks, that's always what I want to hear. You do know how to flatter, Antiquarian!

Now, let's finish this story. There is one last thought that I wanted to get out. Dark Muse and I already argued about this a little, but I like to take this a little deeper and get some other people involved. Chekhov refers to the camp fire many times and the story I'm curious to know what effect that has--why he does it. It's first brought up as an incidental piece of ambiance. The student surveys the ground and sees

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a camp fire was burning brightly with a crackling sound

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Then he notices Vasilisa staring at it

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Vasilisa...was standing by and looking thoughtfully into the fire

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This perhaps centers our attention on the fire, but it doesn't do anything particularly important yet. Ivan actually points out it's importance before Chekhov does. It's the student who says

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At just such a fire the apostle Peter warmed himself

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The fire links Ivan with the past and the human spirit, and I think this is the purpose of the fire. The fire makes a sort of portal through which the student can generalize and talk about humanity in general. In an optimistic way, though. The cold wind has a similar effect on Ivan, but it makes him feel pessimistic about the peasants and the universe. The fire and cold wind are opposites in this story that fight with one another for control of Ivan's world-view. This split is rather common in Chekhov stories. Usually, it's snow that represents the negative, hopeless view of the world, however. I'm thinking of "In Exile," in particular, where there is another set of characters around the fire telling stories. The cold snow contrast with the warmth of the fire much more explicitly in that one. "Misery" also has these two symbols. The driver is oppressed by the snow, but looks for companionship by the fire. In any case, I thought I should point this out before we move on.

Good to see you all awake in here and keeping this thread active. I thought the forum was a bit of a ghost-town today. Poor Lawrence is fading into the sunset again. I will have to go and make a comment to get everyone back on-track.
I am sorry, Quark, I am behind on this thread. I have been trying to read the posts since I last posted. They kind of got away without me. I hope I can catch up soon.
I did post more text, for the Lawrence story, with some comments and questions of my own; I thought you all wanted to comment on that part of the story, as well; it begins with entering into Winifred's parlor/house. Was it the red anemones that you wanted to post something about, Quark?

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Could the fire also symbolize the interconnectedness of all life?

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That is an interesting thought, Antiquarian. For centuries man has gather around fires and in a way this connects them. Is that what you meant, when you said that? Many time stories are woven while sitting around a fire or fireplace/hearth. Fire has a mystical and magical significance. One seems to 'open-up' around a fire and connect with others. Fire seems to bring out deeper profound thoughts.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Yes, that's what I meant, I guess. LOL Fire was invented by cavemen, right? So in a way, fire is one of the few constants in life.

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Yes, Antiquarian, I think that was my idea basically.

Hehe well not to be nit-picky but they did not really invent fire, just figured out how they could contain it and start it on thier own.

hehe yeah, I presumed that is what you really ment. I mostly said that in jest

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Originally Posted by Janine

Good to see you all awake in here and keeping this thread active. I thought the forum was a bit of a ghost-town today. Poor Lawrence is fading into the sunset again.

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As I was saying to Anti earlier, this has been a tough month for everyone. We've been stretched a little thin with me doing five discussions, DM at school, Anti starting the "A Rose for Emily" thread, and the long Lawrence story. Eventually, I'm sure, we'll get back on track. It always seems to come and go.

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Originally Posted by Janine

I did post more text, for the Lawrence story, with some comments and questions of my own; I thought you all wanted to comment on that part of the story, as well; it begins with entering into Winifred's parlor/house. Was it the red anemones that you wanted to post something about, Quark?

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I saw that, and I've been meaning to post. I'll try tonight. No, you haven't posted the little bit of dialogue I want to use. It's at the very end, though, so don't feel like you have to rush to get to it. I have plenty to say in the meantime.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Could the fire also symbolize the interconnectedness of all life?

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I agree to a certain extent. I think it does help Ivan reach the conclusion that life is recurring and therefore "interconnected." But, the cold wind does that also. The difference is that the fire makes Ivan realize the beauty of that "interconnectedness" while the cold wind only depresses the student with "interconnectedness."

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

Hehe well not to be nit-picky but they did not really invent fire, just figured out how they could contain it and start it on thier own.

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Yes, and Newton didn't invent gravity--although it would be weird if he did.

Alright, I'm beginning my search for the next story. Any requests? Should we do a psychological one, a moving one, a poetic one, a funny one? Domestic, fantastic? What do people feel like reading? Chekhov wrote two billion short stories (I believe) and I've read about a billion, so we should be able to find one to fit our mood.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

My vote goes to poetic, Quark. :)

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I'll see what I can do. There are already a few I have in mind for that.

Though I know not everyone will agree with this, but personally I am always up for something dark

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

Though I know not everyone will agree with this, but personally I am always up for something dark

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Janine won't let me do the really dark Chekhov story that I'd like to do, but there are others. Hmm, dark and poetic? I'll have to search to see if I can find the best of those.

Well now I am currious, tell me what it is, so I can read it on my own when I get the time.

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

Well now I am currious, tell me what it is, so I can read it on my own when I get the time.

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I think I brought it up earlier. It's called "Sleepy," and I promised Janine I wouldn't do it on the LitNet discussion for a few months. Once you read it, you'll know why. You would like it, though. The dark, shocking end could be straight out of a Poe tale. I like it because of the masterful use of perspective.

Do you know if by any chance it is also called Sleepyhead? Becasue I have a story called Sleepyhead, in my Chekhov book

OK cool, thank you. I will defininately have to look into that when I have the chance.

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

Do you know if by any chance it is also called Sleepyhead? Becasue I have a story called Sleepyhead, in my Chekhov book

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I believe those are the same stories. It should start with something like this:

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NIGHT. Varka, the little nurse, a girl of thirteen, is rocking the cradle in which the baby is lying, and humming hardly audibly:

"Hush-a-bye, my baby wee,
While I sing a song for thee."

A little green lamp is burning before the ikon; there is a string stretched from one end of the room to the other, on which baby-clothes and a pair of big black trousers are hanging. There is a big patch of green on the ceiling from the ikon lamp, and the baby-clothes and the trousers throw long shadows on the stove, on the cradle, and on Varka. . . . When the lamp begins to flicker, the green patch and the shadows come to life, and are set in motion, as though by the wind. It is stuffy. There is a smell of cabbage soup, and of the inside of a boot-shop.

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Which Chekhov book do you have anyway? I can look it up online and see which stories you have. I try to pick stories that everyone has--no promises, of course, though.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

I've read "Sleepy," Quark. I'd love to discuss it here, but as I said, I understand Janine's sensitivity to it now. Perhaps that will fade with time, though.

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I would like to discuss it at some point, but there's no rush. We have truckloads (SI unit of Chekhov stories) of excellent works left to read. I can rattle off three right now: "A Doctor's Visit," "On the Road," "Ward No. 6." Any of these stories would work. I ask, though, because each story is quite different. I'd like to pick one that fits with everyone's preferences.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

What do you consider Chekhov's greatest story?

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It depends on what I'm interested in reading at that point. I've liked all the ones we've read for the thread so far. "About Love" was probably my favorite from that group, but other people didn't seem to enjoy it as much as I did. Some that we haven't read that are good are "Dreams," "The House with the Mansard," and "At Home." I'm not sure which I would elevate to "favorite" status, but each of those are ones I come back to frequently.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

And do you like Ivan Bunin as well?

I'm very partial to William Trevor, who's often called "the Irish Chekhov," but really, I think that's a disservice to both Chekhov and Trevor. Both are unique.

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I've heard of these people, but not read them. Bunin seems interesting, and I've meant to read more Soviet Lit. I was actually talking Idril awhile ago about my ignorance of 20th century Russian Lit. She suggested some books. I'm not sure if Bunin was an author she mentioned. I suppose I can make my own decisions about what to read, but she's the queen of Russian lit on this forum. When I have a question about it, usually I just ask her.

Yes, no maiming or killing of babies, puppies, of kittens please!!!:bawling:

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Originally Posted by Janine

Yes, no maiming or killing of babies, puppies, of kittens please!!!:bawling:

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Agreed. (Although, I do encourage everyone who's interested in that to read "Sleepy").

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Originally Posted by Quark

Agreed. (Although, I do encourage everyone who's interested in that to read "Sleepy").

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You know, asside from my sensitivity about the subject matter in that story, I really did not like the story at all; the more I thought about it the sillier it seemed to me. How would anyone expect a person to go with no sleep?

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Originally Posted by Quark

Agreed. (Although, I do encourage everyone who's interested in that to read "Sleepy").

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I cannot wait. As soon as I am able to, I shall definately look into it. I need something dreary to get me through the hot summer.

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Which Chekhov book do you have anyway? I can look it up online and see which stories you have. I try to pick stories that everyone has--no promises, of course, though.

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A really old book I got from my grandma. She had a whole collection of volumes of work from varrious authors. I am not sure where she first got them from.

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

I cannot wait. As soon as I am able to, I shall definately look into it. I need something dreary to get me through the hot summer.

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Dark Muse, you need to cheerup, not get drearier.

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A really old book I got from my grandma. She had a whole collection of volumes of work from varrious authors. I am not sure where she first got them from.

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Cool, I got mine from my dad, but so far Quark has not picked one story available in that book, or my two library books.....hey, what is with that Quark,.... are you listening? Oh yes, and I forgot another collection of short stories on 3 CD's (audiobook I bought just for this thread).:(
I will check and see if just maybe, I have that one about 'The Doctor's Visit'. They don't maim/kill any kids in that one, do they?

Geez, 'Ward 6' in my books is 46 pages long, XIX chapters! *moan*groan*sigh*...it is teey tiny type face, too. Yikes, it is a short novel!

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Originally Posted by Janine

You know, asside from my sensitivity about the subject matter in that story, I really did not like the story at all; the more I thought about it the sillier it seemed to me. How would anyone expect a person to go with no sleep?

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Her family and her employer are what's keeping her awake, and they don't entirely succeed. She's drifting in and out the whole time. I didn't find that too much of a stretch.

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

A really old book I got from my grandma. She had a whole collection of volumes of work from varrious authors. I am not sure where she first got them from.

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Well that's no help. Which stories do you have?

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Originally Posted by Janine

but so far Quark has not picked one story available in that book, or my two library books.....hey, what is with that Quark,.... are you listening? Oh yes, and I forgot another collection of short stories on 3 CD's (audiobook I bought just for this thread).:(

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I offered you a book with all the stories we've done so far in it. You haven't seemed too interested in it.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Dark Muse, you need to cheerup, not get drearier.

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Ahh but reading things that are dark is what makes me happy. I enjoy the darkside.

Quark, here is the list of stories I have in my book


The Kiss
The Chorus Girl
La Cigale
Verotchka
The Match
Excellent People
The Black Monk
A Family Council
Woe
Women
A Husk
Anna Round The Neck
The Peasants
A Terrible Night
In Exile
The Proposal
Who To Blame
Rothchild's Fiddle
Sleepyhead
The Princess
Fish
Mass For The Sinner
The Lament
Oysters
Vanka
Zinotchka
The Privy Councillor
The Wager
The Cossack
At the Manor
An Event
Art
The Brids
Ward No. 6
At Home
An Adventure
A Father
Two Tragedies
The Rook
On The Way
Children
Head Garderner's Tale
The Runaway
The Reed
In the Ravine

the black monk... please, please, please.. and I promise i will return to discuss haha... I am just so hectic with work.. but if we read Ward No. 6 or The Black Monk... I would make time... They are long but it is not a big deal.. we can take more time, and go slower.. it wouldn't be the end of the world... haha...

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

Ahh but reading things that are dark is what makes me happy. I enjoy the darkside.

Quark, here is the list of stories I have in my book


The Kiss
The Chorus Girl
La Cigale
Verotchka
The Match
Excellent People
The Black Monk
A Family Council
Woe
Women
A Husk
Anna Round The Neck
The Peasants
A Terrible Night
In Exile
The Proposal
Who To Blame
Rothchild's Fiddle
Sleepyhead
The Princess
Fish
Mass For The Sinner
The Lament
Oysters
Vanka
Zinotchka
The Privy Councillor
The Wager
The Cossack
At the Manor
An Event
Art
The Brids
Ward No. 6
At Home
An Adventure
A Father
Two Tragedies
The Rook
On The Way
Children
Head Garderner's Tale
The Runaway
The Reed
In the Ravine

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Dark Muse, this looks like the same book I have, with the same stories, in the same order - only thing different that I can percieve, is that after 'Anna Round the Neck' I have these 3 stories, also:

The Incubus
Miss N.N.'s Story
The Young Wife

Curious...when you listed those, Dark Muse, did you miss those three, by any chance?

Glad to see you back, islandclimber! Hope you stick around for awhile. Sorry you have been so busy with work. I envisioned you on the side of some beautiful mountain somewhere. Bummer that it was work instead; must be your busy time.
Will you be back in the Lawrence thread, as well? Discussions have been going great this month although I have had to break a lot myself, becoming a first time grandmother a few days ago. :)

I went back to double check with my volume, and no those three are not listed in my book

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Bunin's writing is gorgeous and he's so overlooked in Russian Literature even though he's a Nobel winner. "The Gentleman from San Francisco" is his most famous story, though it's "Sunstroke" that reminds me more of Chekhov.

Trevor is a great Irish writer, whose stories are a lot like Chekhov's.

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I will probably read them eventually--for the sake of Chekhov comparisons if nothing else. When I do, I'll let you know.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

I'm proud to be Russian myself. :)

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I would be, too. They have a great literature tradition. If it wasn't for the weird, Cyrillic alphabet I would try learn Russian.

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

Quark, here is the list of stories I have in my book

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Keep that book because we'll do at least a third of those stories.

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Originally Posted by islandclimber

the black monk... please, please, please.. and I promise i will return to discuss haha... I am just so hectic with work.. but if we read Ward No. 6 or The Black Monk... I would make time... They are long but it is not a big deal.. we can take more time, and go slower.. it wouldn't be the end of the world... haha...

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It's been over a year since I've read either of those stories. Naturally, I'll have to give them another look over before I decide. I remember them being enjoyable, interesting reads, so I definitely will consider them.

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

I went back to double check with my volume, and no those three are not listed in my book

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How strange, DM....hummm... maybe I should read those (out of curiosity) - maybe they were banned from your book.;) I certainly can imagine 'The Incubus' being so.:lol:


Quark I think 'The Black Monk' sounds interesting, and it does seem that it is not that long, either. If we do 'Ward 6' this time around, I don't think I can do it, too. It is too long for me now to fit in. I will be going to see the baby a lot this month; I am sure; so I don't want to commit to too much for the month of May.

Also, the idea of the black monk sounds like something Dark Muse would definitely like - sounds like a dark tale. :lol:

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A really old book I got from my grandma. She had a whole collection of volumes of work from varrious authors. I am not sure where she first got them from.

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Hey, Dark Muse, do your books, from your grandma, have green covers? I bet these are the same books I own, from my dad. They also, are various authors: collections of each. I have about 20 or more of them. They are great; something I feel lucky to have inherited. Publisher is Walter J. Black, Inc. Copyright 1929.

Mine have red covers, but they are from Walter J. Black

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

Mine have red covers, but they are from Walter J. Black

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aha... I think that is the set my library owns. Yes, I had noticed one (the Chekhov) I took out of that set and it was also by Black.

Oh horrors! I could not find the Chekhov thread and had to go looking for it...it had drifted to page two. Are we nearly done or done discussing this story "About Love"? I am trying to get my footing and catch up today.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Janine, we finished "About Love" some time ago. We've been discussing "The Student." I think your mind is just elsewhere today. ;)

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Oops! You are right about that. I was thinking more about 'baby', but now we can't go; the baby kept them up all night long crying. I hope it is nothing. I will tell you more in an email. I am going now to have dinner, etc.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Quark I think 'The Black Monk' sounds interesting, and it does seem that it is not that long, either. If we do 'Ward 6' this time around, I don't think I can do it, too. It is too long for me now to fit in. I will be going to see the baby a lot this month; I am sure; so I don't want to commit to too much for the month of May.

Also, the idea of the black monk sounds like something Dark Muse would definitely like - sounds like a dark tale. :lol:

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I'll reread it tomorrow. Out of all the Chekhov books I own that one is missing from them all, so I have to get the book from the library.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Well, baby was not feeding, so that was a worry; I think what happened was they both went into a panic; lack of sleep did not help. Baby's sense this and they get nervous, too. Now things got back on track and last I heard baby had feed; was sleeping soundly. I am relieved. Yes, I didn't think an over 8 lb baby was going to waste away, in one day's time. They called for some advise and got it all straightened around - new parents! right? Everyday new day should be an adventure.

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I suppose it's natural to be a little over-apprehensive, but let's hope they get some sleep.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Oh, that's too bad. I feel bad for you, but there will be so many more nights with the baby. Try not to worry. New babies often cry most of the night. It's just a normal part of their little world. She was almost nine pounds! :) She's so healthy! :)

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Well, baby was not feeding, so that was a worry; I think what happened was they both went into a panic; lack of sleep did not help. Baby's sense this and they get nervous, too. Now things got back on track and last I heard baby had feed; was sleeping soundly. I am relieved. Yes, I didn't think an over 8 lb baby was going to waste away, in one day's time. They called for some advise and got it all straightened around - new parents! right? Everyday new day should be an adventure.;)

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Originally Posted by Janine

Also, the idea of the black monk sounds like something Dark Muse would definitely like - sounds like a dark tale. :lol:

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Hehe yes, I was intrigued by the titile of that one

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Originally Posted by Quark

I'll reread it tomorrow. Out of all the Chekhov books I own that one is missing from them all, so I have to get the book from the library.

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Hahaha - finally one that you are missing, Quark. I guess we got you back for once!

Quark I am still intersted in that book you offered to me of the 40 stories; but the thing is, I thought you expressed a desire to keep it; that you needed that one. If so, I can order the one online; just let me know, will you?

I have two of your CD's set done and ready to mail, but there is one pending. Shall I send you the two now and then the other when I can get it done?Burner quit on me, but I have to do computer adjustments/figure out how to make it work again. Haven't had time lately. Feel sure it will work fine again; this has happened before.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Hahaha - finally one that you are missing, Quark. I guess we got you back for once!

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It's poetic justice, I know.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Quark I am still intersted in that book you offered to me of the 40 stories; but the thing is, I thought you expressed a desire to keep it; that you needed that one. If so, I can order the one online; just let me know, will you?

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I'm ready to send it to you whenever you want. The only the thing that's slowing shipping is that I don't know where to send it. You have to email me.

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Originally Posted by Janine

I have two of your CD's set done and ready to mail, but there is one pending. Shall I send you the two now and then the other when I can get it done?Burner quit on me, but I have to do computer adjustments/figure out how to make it work again. Haven't had time lately. Feel sure it will work fine again; this has happened before.

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Whenever you get the third disk done send it to me. It doesn't make sense to send two packages.

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Originally Posted by Quark

It's poetic justice, I know.

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So it is, so it is....:lol:

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I'm ready to send it to you whenever you want. The only the thing that's slowing shipping is that I don't know where to send it. You have to email me.

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Just PM'd you - check your box.

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Whenever you get the third disk done send it to me. It doesn't make sense to send two packages.

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Ok, but feel badly about holding up on that. I was so mad when the third one would not burn.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Sometimes I think babies just aren't hungry, like us. And it's normal for them to be up at night and for new parents to lose a lot of sleep in the first few months. It's a hard job, but well worth it. It's nice to read things are fine now.

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Yes, I tried to tell them that but you know, I did mothering so long ago, they don't think now I remember anything...so funny really. I hope we can go there tomorrow sometimes - now he said in the daytime. Thing is he has to go to work on Wednesday. Just pray things stay fine. They are nervous first time parents.

Antiquarian, did you notice when I posted the new segment of type in the short story everyone seems to have vanished? It is like your 'Miss Emily' thread - the contravery stops and everyone departs. I wanted to get back to the text, so we can finish up soon and start something new. It will be good to move onto another story in this thread and in the Lawrence thread, don't you think?

I am taking bets next on who will hate who in the next story! :lol:

I think I may go and watch a movie now....