Chekhov Short Story Thread

I read over "The Black Monk" just now, and I think it would be a good read for the next discussion. It's an oddly compelling tale of, um, well, I can't really say without giving it away too much. Then it would be less odd and compelling. The story is very similar to some of the others we've done except that it's much more psychological. I had read this story once before, but I was getting it confused "The Bishop" for some reason. I don't know why. Bishop and monk are both religious figures, I guess. I was a little sceptical of the story at first because I thought we were talking about "The Bishop" which isn't as good of a story. Some people like "The Bishop" and it's in both of my collections, but I've always been underwhelmed by it. "The Black Monk," however, is quite interesting. I have some objections to it--like Janine's reservations about "Sleepy." I'm willing to be a team player for this discussion, though.

The only problem might be the length. It's almost thirty pages long! To make things easier for everyone, I probably won't start the discussion until Sunday or Monday. That way everyone has time to read. We'll go slow during the discussion, too.

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Originally Posted by Janine

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:

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I wouldn't be worried about participation on that thread. We've filled thirty pages with conversation on the current story.

What is the next story, by the way? I know you said before, but now I can't find where.

I will look forward to The Black Monk, and start reading as soon as I can, it sounds compelling

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

"The Black Monk" sounds very good.

Janine hasn't posted the title of the next Lawrence story, Quark. She just posted that she's chosen it. Janine is a woman of mystery. ;)

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:lol: ;) :lol: Good one, Antiquarian! :nod: :cool: :brow:

Thank you Quark!!! :D I am looking forward to reappearing here for this discussion...

I've just been so busy with work and with a couple short outdoor trips, that I haven't had time for almost anything.. but tonight I went to the Debussy's "Pelias et Melisande" which was just wonderful.. so maybe that is a sign of things being less hectic for me, haha... not likely though...

Janine! Congratulations on being a grandmother! I am sorry I didn't get on here to say it sooner... Is it a granddaughter or grandson??

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

And quite true, making the group wait. ;) Everyone will be thumbing threw books or on the Gutenburg site trying to figure out which one it is. :)

So far, I only have one book to thumb through. Makes it easier for me. LOL

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:lol: I love being mysterious...but, Antiquarian, you can get a really good clue (so you can narrow it down) if you check out my post of my recently read list in the thread on this site. I listed that particular story with others, that I read the last few weeks.

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Thank you Quark!!! I am looking forward to reappearing here for this discussion...

I've just been so busy with work and with a couple short outdoor trips, that I haven't had time for almost anything.. but tonight I went to the Debussy's "Pelias et Melisande" which was just wonderful.. so maybe that is a sign of things being less hectic for me, haha... not likely though...

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Wow, I love Debussy. That must have been amazing. I am truly jealous. Sounds relaxing, too.
Glad you are back islandclimber; your so interesting to talk to and discuss with....and you have prior knowledge of this story.

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Janine! Congratulations on being a grandmother! I am sorry I didn't get on here to say it sooner... Is it a granddaughter or grandson??

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Thank you, islandclimber. It has been wonderful being a grandmother so far. I got to see my pretty little sweet granddaughter yesterday and hold her quite a bit. Nice being a grandparent; I get to enjoy her and they get to do all the work! ;) . She is healthy baby, at birth 8lbs 14oz! I am just greatful all is well and baby and mother are doing fine; dad too. She is going to be daddy's little girl. My son adores her already.

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse and answered by Antiquarian:
"I will look forward to The Black Monk, and start reading as soon as I can, it sounds compelling"

You can't resist that title, can you DM?

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That one really made her curious.:lol:
DM's in her glory lately, with the 'witchy' one in L and now this 'darkish' sounding tale in Chekhov.

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It sounds interesting to me, too. I intend to read it tomorrow if I have time.

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Yeah, finally one that I have available in my own book!:thumbs_up Thanks Quark for picking this one; although a little long, that should not pose too much of a problem this month.

LOL, yes it is true

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Originally Posted by Dark Muse

LOL, yes it is true

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Always here to accomodate!:lol:


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I saw your list, Janine, and yes, one can narrow it down quite a bit.

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So you did see it afterall. Yes, easy to guess my mind I suppose. But for the record, it is not 'The Christening' - that story was kind of sad, but we might do it another time, who knows. Wasn't as bad as 'Sleepy'.

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I just got back from Barnes and Noble, where I got three inexpensive books with a gift card and from the video store, where we rented four movies: "National Treasure 2" (brother and husband's rental), "Away From Her," "The Devil Wore Prada" (in the mood for some comedy) and "The Jane Austen Book Club."

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I saw "National Treasure 1" so I know what you mean - entertaining I guess. I saw "Devil Wears Prada" - got a kick out of that film; I want to rewatch "Jane Austen Book Club" - got a kick out of that, too. I will have to see if my library has "Away From Her". Going there tonight probably. Enjoy your films!

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Very interested in starting the new Chekhov and Lawrence stories.

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Yes, always fun to start in with a new story. It will be soon. Just have to finish up the L story for now....we will get there.:)

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Janine hasn't posted the title of the next Lawrence story, Quark. She just posted that she's chosen it. Janine is a woman of mystery. ;)

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Oh, I guess I wasn't missing it. There isn't any rush for Janine to pick since we're not even close to starting another story, yet.

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Originally Posted by islandclimber

Thank you Quark!!! :D I am looking forward to reappearing here for this discussion...

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I'm glad we're getting one of favorites this time. You know that means you have to be here for the discussion, right?

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Originally Posted by Janine

DM's in her glory lately, with the 'witchy' one in L and now this 'darkish' sounding tale in Chekhov.

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Yes, DM must be reveling in the recent choices. To get even we're going to have to do some unbearable warm and fuzzy stories soon.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Yeah, finally one that I have available in my own book!:thumbs_up Thanks Quark for picking this one; although a little long, that should not pose too much of a problem this month.

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I thought this story might be a stretch for you, but it sounds like it will work out. We'll go slowly to make sure we don't lose anyone. Also, I won't open the discussion for few days. That should give everyone time to read over the story.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

Quark lacks your mystery. He just came right out and told us the next story would be "The Black Monk." ;)

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I was just responding to public pressure. It sounded like this was the favorite. Once I read it, I knew this one would be excellent for discussion, and there wasn't any need for mystery.

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Originally Posted by Quark

Oh, I guess I wasn't missing it. There isn't any rush for Janine to pick since we're not even close to starting another story, yet.

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Thanks, Quark. I was going out, but then decided to stay close to my house tonight because I don't feel particularly well - stomach; so hopefully, I can post some more of the text tonight. That way we can move closer to that dramatic ending.

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I'm glad we're getting one of favorites this time. You know that means you have to be here for the discussion, right?

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I hope you can also, islandclimber. The story sounds real good. Somehow this title interests me; don't ask me why, but it does. I liked the other monk one I read; I forget the name now but islandclimber, you suggested that one to me I believe. It was on audiofile set.

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Yes, DM must be reveling in the recent choices. To get even we're going to have to do some unbearable warm and fuzzy stories soon.

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I have to see this to believe it - DM reading warm and fuzzy stories.:lol: She will lose her mirth.

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I thought this story might be a stretch for you, but it sounds like it will work out. We'll go slowly to make sure we don't lose anyone. Also, I won't open the discussion for few days. That should give everyone time to read over the story.

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Oh, I think I can fit it in somewhere, Quark. I haven't deserted your thread yet, have I? I usually stick with things when I get involved. Some might just call that getting in a rut.:lol:

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I was just responding to public pressure. It sounded like this was the favorite. Once I read it, I knew this one would be excellent for discussion, and there wasn't any need for mystery.

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Yes, there did seem to be a general consensius here, that this should be the next story. Well that made it easy for you for once, Quark. Oh can't wait to see what you come up this time for the opening page and the nice illustration/painting. This one should be interesting to come up with something great. I will keep that inmind while reading it; maybe give you some suggestion.

The photo you came up with with swans for that poetry thread was really nice. You intro page was a good one. Made me interested in reading the poem.

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I want to watch "The Jane Austen Book Club"

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...oh yeah I am sure they will; not sure the 'guys' will like that film - it might be too warm and fuzzy for them; I got a kick out it though. It is amusing, especially since we all know what book clubs can be like.

So Antiq, you can speak French? If so that is really cool. I wish I could speak it; only had it in HS and can't recall a thing now....well, maybe a few common phrases and that is it! I don't have a talent with other languages at all.

Enjoy "National Treasure 2" - it will no doubt be fun and if it is silly, you can all laugh at those parts together.

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Originally Posted by Janine

I have to see this to believe it - DM reading warm and fuzzy stories.:lol: She will lose her mirth.

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The horror! The horror!

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The horror! The horror!

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What did I tell you, Quark.;) I knew this would be your reaction, DM! :lol:

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

I'm getting better and better at French, Janine. I can now read and write very well, but sometimes the native French just speak way too fast for me.

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Antiquarian, I would think so, with a French husband, but I am not even sure that would help me much. I just can't grasp a second language. I wish that I could. I can see some words written and recognise the meaning, in the French language, but forget about me pronouncing it correctly. I am awful at that.:( The French do speak fast in my opinion.

That film you mentioned I looked up online; sounds great; the one with Julie Christie. I like her.

I don't feel well tonight; it's my stomach. I ate out last night and something did not agree with me. Hope I am better tomorrow. Until then, see you all tomorrow in here. We are in-between stories now, am I right?

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

My husband is very, very good with English, though his English is heavily accented. He prefers to speak English rather than French here, so I don't get a lot of practice time in.

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It is good he is, because it would be a bit difficult to communicate. I can see, on the other hand, how you would get no practice. When you go back to France, to visit his family next, I would make him speak French for a month before you go....so you can practice.

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Yes, I'm sure we're between stories here. I started reading "The Black Monk" tonight, but I didn't get too far.

I hope you feel better tomorrow. :)

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I started reading the story last night, also. I was going to read "The Virgin and the Gypsy" instead, from where I broke off. My book is an older version than yours I believe, Antiquarian. It has this interesting composite drawing on the cover - very 'illustrationy' looking - hey, is that even a word? I think it is a Bantam book.

Anyway, the monk story was indeed in my collection - halaluah! I was going to read one page; before I knew it, I read a few chapters; I would have read more, but my eyes would not stay open. It was really good so far, and I loved the poetic prose, more so than any of the stories we have read before this.

Thanks for suggesting it, islandclimber; and for chosing it, Quark! I will be anxious to see what photo you come up for for this unique tale. It is a very visually rich story with many little details. I like that and it is very nice for spring. In fact it seems to have started out in May.

Antiquarian, thanks for asking; trying to get myself together to go out soon. I better depart from this computer if that is to happen.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Oh, I think I can fit it in somewhere, Quark. I haven't deserted your thread yet, have I? I usually stick with things when I get involved. Some might just call that getting in a rut.:lol:

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I didn't think you deserted us. If anything, I've deserted the Lawrence thread. The last few days of furious posting have left me behind. Hopefully, I can catch up tonight.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Oh can't wait to see what you come up this time for the opening page and the nice illustration/painting. This one should be interesting to come up with something great. I will keep that inmind while reading it; maybe give you some suggestion.

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Everyone's been so gaga over the pictures I've posted that I don't know whether I can live up to expectations. I'm sure I'll come up with something. You're right that this story does give me some options. With the Yeats discussion I didn't have so many choices. There it was just a matter of finding the right group of swans. If I had shown a picture of anything else, I would have gotten a bunch of confused posts saying "Where are the swans!" and "You're 59 swans short!" or "Gimme more swans!" A story like "The Black Monk" is a little bit more open-ended for illustrations. I could do the garden or some of the characters. It can't be that hard to find pictures of black monk.

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Originally Posted by Janine

...oh yeah I am sure they will; not sure the 'guys' will like that film - it might be too warm and fuzzy for them; I got a kick out it though. It is amusing, especially since we all know what book clubs can be like.

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I actually saw that chick-flic the other day. My step-mom was watching it, and it eventually clicked that it was the same movie you guys were talking about. It was a tolerable movie. I didn't find it competely repulsive. The spandex guy was endearing, and the women characters were sort of interesting. What was with the French teacher character? They made her more and more insane as the movie went on.

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Originally Posted by Janine

Anyway, the monk story was indeed in my collection - halaluah! I was going to read one page; before I knew it, I read a few chapters; I would have read more, but my eyes would not stay open. It was really good so far, and I loved the poetic prose, more so than any of the stories we have read before this.

Thanks for suggesting it, islandclimber; and for chosing it, Quark! I will be anxious to see what photo you come up for for this unique tale. It is a very visually rich story with many little details. I like that and it is very nice for spring. In fact it seems to have started out in May.

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Originally Posted by Antiquarian

I finished reading "The Black Monk" today and I must say, I really loved it. It's beautiful, poetic, tragic. I think it will give us a wealth of things to discuss and I'm anxious to begin.

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So, that's two thumbs up. It is a good story. I think the discussion will be even more interesting. I'm curious to see which direction you guys take this.

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Originally Posted by Quark

I didn't think you deserted us. If anything, I've deserted the Lawrence thread. The last few days of furious posting have left me behind. Hopefully, I can catch up tonight.

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Really? I thought I slacked off a bit last week, but then I was a little preoccuppied in real life;) - this emoticon :blush: looks the closest to a baby, but ours has some dark hair on her head. Now I did manage some posts in the Lawrence thread but that is more interesting sometimes with loose corsets, bare limbs, phallic symbols, etc...the ones you just mentioned in your last post over there.;) :lol:

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Everyone's been so gaga over the pictures I've posted that I don't know whether I can live up to expectations. I'm sure I'll come up with something. You're right that this story does give me some options. With the Yeats discussion I didn't have so many choices. There it was just a matter of finding the right group of swans. If I had shown a picture of anything else, I would have gotten a bunch of confused posts saying "Where are the swans!" and "You're 59 swans short!" or "Gimme more swans!" A story like "The Black Monk" is a little bit more open-ended for illustrations. I could do the garden or some of the characters. It can't be that hard to find pictures of black monk.

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Haha:lol: I did wonder about those swans, but I understood the two did represent the lot, so I didn't ask any dumb questions, such as 'where are the other 59 swans, Quark?':lol: I keep thinking of this really cool artwork, I saw online by this artist, who is an illusionistic painter; this one is monks and they change into something else, when you look at it for a time. It would be so cool to post for this story but of course, it is under copyright laws so not sure we can on here; although you can copy it from online in a certain size; so maybe we could use it; I hunt for it. If I find it might fit I send you the link for consideration or go look for some monk type images - something mysterious, also. This painting I was thinking back to, is very mysterious looking. It is mirage like and erie I believe.

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I actually saw that chick-flic the other day. My step-mom was watching it, and it eventually clicked that it was the same movie you guys were talking about. It was a tolerable movie. I didn't find it competely repulsive. The spandex guy was endearing, and the women characters were sort of interesting. What was with the French teacher character? They made her more and more insane as the movie went on.

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Well, that sounds like a fair assessment, from a male point of view. I don't think this film would particularly appeal to males; although some may like it, who knows? How many males are really into Jane Austen books, to begin with? I laughed when I got to the part, where you said the 'spandex guy was endearing'. I thought so too, because he reminded me of my son, at that point in the film - my son mountain bikes and he wears a similar spandex body suit. But Quark, I know you like girls; you just told us recently; so what were you doing looking at Hugh Darcy's spandex? :lol:

When you say the French teacher, was she the one who had the weird mother - the latent hippie who almost burned her house down, played by Lynn Redgrave? She was a case, wasn't she? The dark haired daughter was so stuck up and proper when she joined the group and she was so funny with her above-it-all, know-it-all comments on the Austen text. I found her one of the most interesting of the characters, actually. She was so awful in the beginning, but she did make one laugh. I thought that actress did an admirable job of her acting. Boy, Jimmy Smitts (sp?) sure digressed to overweight and homely in his middle age; he used to be kind of cute. Well, it was one of those ensemble casts and I did enjoy it. At least, I did not fall asleep, like the other night while watching a play on DVD.

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So, that's two thumbs up. It is a good story. I think the discussion will be even more interesting. I'm curious to see which direction you guys take this.

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It should be a great discussion this time around!

I just finnised The Black Monk, and I loved it. It definitely had some Poe like elements within it, and well to be honest I could not help but to find it quite humurous in its own way.