Chekhov Short Story Thread

[Dark Muse]

DarkMuse what do you have to read for those courses???

The Brit Lit. Class I do not know, the teacher has not posted the syllabes online for the class, or any info about it, so I will have to wait tell I go to class which will be Thursday to find out.

The American Fiction class, we are reading short stories by:

Poe
Melville
Henry James
Stephen Crane

and two novels

The House of Mirth, By Edith Wharton
The Blithedale Romance By Nathaniel Hawthorne

Well I know we have not offically started dicussing it yet, but sense some people have already finnished About Love, there was one thing I noticed in the story that I was currious about, that I do not think really has so much to do with the content of the story, but I just found it odd, so it was nagging at me. So I was wondering if anyone could explain.

When Alehin was telling his story, within the story he is refered to as Parvel Konstantinovitch

So I was wondering where did the name Alehin come from?

[Quark]

When Alehin was telling his story, within the story he is refered to as Parvel Konstantinovitch

So I was wondering where did the name Alehin come from?

The friends refer to him as Alekhin, but the characters in the his story call him Pavel Konstantinovitch because it's more formal. I'm not sure which name Alekhin is, though. I've talked/complained about this earlier in other discussions on Russian Lit. The characters have four names and you never know which they're going to use. There's first, middle, and last, but then there's also a nickname. So who knows which Alekhin is?


Oh, and I can't possible comment on everything that was said last night--so many posts. I would just say that if you're going to read Notes from the Underground let me know so we can make a thread. Also, I would suggest any Monty Python fans to youtube it. There are some great bits online. Hope the classes go well, DM. With a name like American Fiction to 1914, though, you don't really know what you're going to get. Hopefully you'll do Moby Dick so we can talk about it. I wrote my grad writing sample on it, and it's still on my mind.

[Dark Muse]

The friends refer to him as Alekhin, but the characters in the his story call him Pavel Konstantinovitch because it's more formal. I'm not sure which name Alekhin is, though. I've talked/complained about this earlier in other discussions on Russian Lit. The characters have four names and you never know which they're going to use. There's first, middle, and last, but then there's also a nickname. So who knows which Alekhin is?

Ahh ok, thanks for clearing that up for me

[Janine]

Hello Everyone!

SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!! It is me again and I actually read the first story last night 'The Man in the Case'....I surprised myself; ofcourse, I think I got to sleep at 5AM! I seem to think I can do it all, but then I sleep super late - not good.

I have two impressions of the story - won't give anything away at all. Firstly, it is a 'frame story', and now I take it the one we will be discussing is also a 'frame story'? Am I right, DM, Quark?....and second I also noticed the multiple name thing cropping up, as DM did; which also confuses the heck out of me in Russian novels...*groan groan*. Maybe this is why I have avoided some so far; it is sometimes a struggle for me to read them. Some of us just can't process all those names for one person. I personally, can't keep them straight (any suggestions?) so I think I may have difficulty, as well, with all of these stories. Now I am determined to read the second story working up to the one will will discuss; possibly this event will take place tonight or tomorrow night; then onward to the story, we will be offically discussing. I should be able to board the ship by Tues, as I promised. No need to throw me a life preserver!

Ok, I liked that story very much. Only comment - I think the guy was a 'case' himself!

Oh, we have a few Monty Python fans here - cool! After Chekhov we need a bit of humor! I will check out your youtube, Quark. Somehow I had not pictured you as a MP fan. I thought you were too tragic for that. On my, I am already pretty addicted to youtube. It is endless what one can find on there! I love the celebrity interviews and concert clips and trailers and........

Quark, don't worry about answering all those late night posts of ours. Mostly we all were just social i z i n g.....getting to know each other better. Sorry you missed the fun. By the way, I have two of the CD sets made so far; one for you and one for Virgil. I have yet to complete them, adding disc 3. That should be no problem and can complete when watching a DVD. Computer is just a few feet from my TV and couch.

islandclimber I am back again. Hope you did get some sleep, Mr. Insomnia!

I lived only a hundred miles up the coast from Washington... on Vancouver Island... well on a little island called Mistaken Island, off Vancouver Island actually... I've been to Washington State a few times.. if you were by the coast of washington State you would have been in the coastal and cascade mountain ranges which go right through oregon and washington up into british columbia.. the whole pacific coast is so so so beautiful.. the old growth rainforests also add to this...

Oh my gosh! I have not been to Vancouver Island, but close. My friend did Navy training there. He was in the reserves - Navy Air. I guess the furthest north we went was Rialto Beach - I just loved it there and think about it all the time. Although one night we camped right across from Victoria, Canada, that may have been more North. We could see the lights across the harbour - amazing and so beautiful. I never saw so many stars before this. The plan was this: fly into Seattle, visit with friends of his (one weekend) and then take off, with only a two man tent, and tour the Olympic Pennisula. It was amazing crossing the Pudget Sound and the going North. North is always good in my book; well if the weather is not too harsh that time of year. The coastline got prettier and prettier. It is awesome there in Rialto Beach area. I took some great photos of the drift wood (whole trees) and the sea-stakes. I loved those the best and actually brought back some of the rounded stones. On the way back we went to the rainforest and some other beaches and saw the mountains from a distance till we made it to my friend's house in Yakama. Then in the following week we made day trips and to Mt. Rainer - which range is that mountain in? Is that considered the coastal or cascade? While on the Pennisula one outstanding place was this lake - can't recall it's name now (have to review my tourist books) but it was formed by a crater and at one time they did not know the depth of it. All I know is swimming there was mighty frigid....brrrrr So which range of mountains would that be - coastal, I would guess. I better stop this babbling. We may be disrupting this thread too much. I should scan some of my photos (pre-digital days) and post on the photo thread and then we can talk more about the coastline. I have been up and down the whole of West Coast and seen the coastline several times. My sister lived in Northern CA.

so we better arrange this for a tropical place... so you aren't liable to catch hypothermia

No need now; I think I may make it on time to climb the gang-plank (?) to the ship. If not just throw me a rope! I will tread water.

take as long as needed, i am in no hurry... I wasn't trying to suggest we do it soon.. just someday.. even if it's 5 years from now!!!

5 yrs sounds about right! No just kidding; I think I may be able to fit it in, sometime prior to that. I will let you all know......

I'm actually just watching episodes of the show... the movies are amazing, but the show is just so so so good... if your interested in voting in a little poll I put up a Monty Python's Flying Circus thread in General Chat, but no one seems interested... we must have unique taste ... but I love so many of the sketches... The Argument Room, The Ministry of Silly Walks.. my my, how does it get better than john Cleese complaining about how the government spent more on defense than on developing silly walks!!!!!!! Dead Parrot sketch or Four Yorkshire Men, or for those with literary tastes The Oscar Wilde sketch... all the famous sketches you can watch on youtube.. but I found the entire tv series online a couple years ago... so I'm set for life...

Hard to believe we are discussing MP on the Chekhov thread... What a switch! I loved the TV shows - my son and I always watched them together and then later the films. Those are good episodes. I must get back to watching the ones from my library - I better hurry before someone steals them - believe me it happens!

I think it is one of the best parts... it would be no fun discussing with complete strangers... and getting to know everyone is tons of fun...

Well the theory of mine goes: if you have a good friendly atmosphere on these threads, they will ultimately be much better in the discussion period. I think Quark mentioned this to me recently and we agreed upon it. We all need a little 'human' conversation/contact and a chuckle once in awhile. Last night we were in a lull and needed some 'down' time or social time. It was great.

Let me finish the rest of your post later.....

[Dark Muse]

Well if it is any consolation Janine, I read Gooseberries today, and I do not recall that story having multipiles names used within it.

And yes About Love is set up in the same way.

Bascialy each of the three stories, Is a different story told by one of the characters.

The Man in the Case was Burkin's story

Gooseberries was Ivan's story

and About Love is Alekhin's story.

And each of the different stories, seems to me, to tell of a different aspect of human nature

[Janine]

Well if it is any consolation Janine, I read Gooseberries today, and I do not recall that story having multipiles names used within it.

And yes About Love is set up in the same way.

Bascialy each of the three stories, Is a different story told by one of the characters.

The Man in the Case was Burkin's story

Gooseberries was Ivan's story

and About Love is Alekhin's story.

And each of the different stories, seems to me, to tell of a different aspect of human nature

Thanks, Dark Muse, that was really insightful and I liked the way you outlined that for me. I will read "Gooseberries" next. Moving right along.......

[Quark]

SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!! It is me again and I actually read the first story last night 'The Man in the Case'....I surprised myself; ofcourse, I think I got to sleep at 5AM! I seem to think I can do it all, but then I sleep super late - not good.

With everyone reading all three stories we may have to make this discussion longer than just a month. I guess we'll see how it goes. What did you think of "The Man in the Case?"

I have two impressions of the story - won't give anything away at all. Firstly, it is a 'frame story', and now I take it the one we will be discussing is also a 'frame story'?

Yeah, each of them is a story told within a story. The three characters (one of which isn't introduced yet in "The Man in a Case") have their own tale which they tell in the story.

No need to throw me a life preserver!

Well hang in there. Sorry to make you read three stories.

Ok, I liked that story very much. Only comment - I think the guy was a 'case' himself!

I was waiting for someone to make that joke.

Oh, we have a few Monty Python fans here - cool! After Chekhov we need a bit of humor! I will check out your youtube, Quark. Somehow I had not pictured you as a MP fan. I thought you were too tragic for that. On my, I am already pretty addicted to youtube. It is endless what one can find on there! I love the celebrity interviews and concert clips and trailers and........

Oh no, I love Monty Python. It's just out of the Chekhov stories I like the tragic ones. Chekhov did write a lot of goofy, comic stories earlier in his career. In fact, most of his stories probably fall under that category, but the jokes are so topical and Russian that we wouldn't get them. That's why I cleave more to the darker stories.

By the way, I have two of the CD sets made so far; one for you and one for Virgil. I have yet to complete them, adding disc 3. That should be no problem and can complete when watching a DVD. Computer is just a few feet from my TV and couch.

I'm done with my extra Chekhov book, too. I'll email you tomorrow and we can swap.

islandclimber I am back again. Hope you did get some sleep, Mr. Insomnia!

Well it's good that you've met a fellow insomniac in island.

Well the theory of mine goes: if you have a good friendly atmosphere on these threads, they will ultimately be much better in the discussion period. I think Quark mentioned this to me recently and we agreed upon it. We all need a little 'human' conversation/contact and a chuckle once in awhile. Last night we were in a lull and needed some 'down' time or social time. It was great.

Yeah, the story discussion usually doesn't take the whole month, so there's this down time at the end. Some casual chat at the end of the month is a good way to end.

And each of the different stories, seems to me, to tell of a different aspect of human nature

That's an interesting interpretation. You'll have to explain more later.

[Dark Muse]

That's an interesting interpretation. You'll have to explain more later.

When we offically begin disucssion, I shall elaborate more upon my viewpoint

[Janine]

With everyone reading all three stories we may have to make this discussion longer than just a month. I guess we'll see how it goes. What did you think of "The Man in the Case?"

Quark, I had the same thought. I don't know what I think of it tonight. I am too worn out to think (12:27AM here) and I have been going back and forth for hours between this thread and the L thread. Soon I have to head for bed, since I have to get up early tomorrow - something I am not at all used to eek. I should be ironing my clothes now for tomorrow, but I am goofing off on here instead. Not good but more fun!

Yeah, each of them is a story told within a story. The three characters (one of which isn't introduced yet in "The Man in a Case") have their own tale which they tell in the story.

A 'frame-story' like "Ethan Frome"....interesting....and I noticed the first story was not in the present tense, was it?

Well hang in there. Sorry to make you read three stories.

Not complaining because I can see the ship now and I will make it onboard on-time. Ahoy, anchors away!

I was waiting for someone to make that joke.

Figures I would. It seemed to be a 'given'...I was not far into it and thought it. I kept thinking maybe this guy had a disorder, like the one when you can't go out anywhere - forget the name of it - acrophobia, is it? or agoraphobia...something like that? Or maybe he wished to live in an bubble...maybe he was OCD and afraid of germs. At anyrate, I did feel he needed to see a psychiatrist. Something wasn't right there. I felt the poor man needed help. I wonder if Chekhov based the story on a real man? OR, seriously, do you think he fabricated him as a sort of fable type character, not quite real, just to get his idea across? He certainly was eccentric. Of course, the funny part was the thought that he might indeed get married. Also, what woman would go for someone like that? One thing for certain - he did not seem to be a very tolerant or happy man. He seemed terrible strick and stodgy and unreasonable. The bike riding took the cake!

Oh no, I love Monty Python. It's just out of the Chekhov stories I like the tragic ones. Chekhov did write a lot of goofy, comic stories earlier in his career. In fact, most of his stories probably fall under that category, but the jokes are so topical and Russian that we wouldn't get them. That's why I cleave more to the darker stories.

Unbelievable, our tragic Quark loves MP! but then again I have noticed some sick or goofy senses of humor in you at times. Was that when Chekhov was young and really good looking? I have a few photos, I found online, of which, I think the guy is pretty cute. I found this wonderful photo of him, in a book I own of different authors, and I will scan and post soon. He was pretty young in this one, too and looked very moody. You will like it. How can I put it - it is very Russian looking - his clothing and shirt and all.

I'm done with my extra Chekhov book, too. I'll email you tomorrow and we can swap.

Oh good, the one with the interesting coffee stain on it. Maybe it will tell my future - do you read coffee grounds? I can burn that last CD soon and then send them off.

Well it's good that you've met a fellow insomniac in island.

No, I am not one! Hardly. I don't sleep well at night though due to medical problems, but I can fall asleep with no problems. Usually I just don't want to go to bed - too much to see and do - life is too exciting! So much to do so little time. Wish we got an age and we didn't have to sleep or eat. Maybe humans will develop into that state someday. Their brains will take over.

Yeah, the story discussion usually doesn't take the whole month, so there's this down time at the end. Some casual chat at the end of the month is a good way to end.

I like the chit chat sometimes - we are only humans aferall. Nice to end on a pleasant happy note, even if Chekhov is usually tragic.

That's an interesting interpretation. You'll have to explain more later.

Yes, I will wait to hear that also when we begin. The ship leaves the docks on Tues, right?

[islandclimber]

Hi all! So many posts pop up in a day of absence ... I am going to have to see if I can declare abstinence from this site for a whole 24 hours sometime.. with my computer nearby... I think it may be impossible

Yes, the multiple name thing is one of the more confusing parts of Russian lit... but the good thing is that after a thorough grounding in it, and much reading you become very good at following the names... It has taken me awhile though... Almost all of Dostoevsky, alot of Chekhov, of Tolstoy (not my favourite), some Turgenev, Gogol, Kuprin, Pushkin, Lermontov, Bulgakov, Gorky (a great short story writer too), Solzenitsyn, Sholokov(who I despise), Bely, Artybashev, Goncharov, and Bunin (who is probably one of the best Russian short story writers of all and the first Russian to win the Nobel Prize)... but once you're through about all that you finally begin to follow the names without even thinking about it just kidding, it isn't quite that bad,.. I'm sure Quark knows the feeling...

Janine, I'll send you a PM about the pacific coast as it appears we are closing in on the story... *ben zips his mouth shout, and makes a serious face, no more silly talk from him*

I look forward to the discussion of these stories within stories! it is like Anton Chekhov's " The Three Russian Days!!!!" (sorry about the terrible joke)

[Janine]

Hi all! So many posts pop up in a day of absence ... I am going to have to see if I can declare abstinence from this site for a whole 24 hours sometime.. with my computer nearby... I think it may be impossible

Is that really possible? I have tried, but I have not achieved that goal yet. Someone actually emailed Logos and begged her to ban them from the site. They said they were 'helplessly addicted'. She posted some of the funniest email requests she ever received. That one topped them all, but I could relate.

Yes, the multiple name thing is one of the more confusing parts of Russian lit... but the good thing is that after a thorough grounding in it, and much reading you become very good at following the names... It has taken me awhile though... Almost all of Dostoevsky, alot of Chekhov, of Tolstoy (not my favourite), some Turgenev, Gogol, Kuprin, Pushkin, Lermontov, Bulgakov, Gorky (a great short story writer too), Solzenitsyn, Sholokov(who I despise), Bely, Artybashev, Goncharov, and Bunin (who is probably one of the best Russian short story writers of all and the first Russian to win the Nobel Prize)... but once you're through about all that you finally begin to follow the names without even thinking about it just kidding, it isn't quite that bad,.. I'm sure Quark knows the feeling...

Yikes! No wonder I have avoided most of those authors. I have read Turgenev, Tolstoy and now Chekhov. I am impressed with your reading list. You sure do like the Russian novelists. Even after reading all those, I would still have to think hard just who is who, with multiple names....some look entirely different from each other.

Janine, I'll send you a PM about the pacific coast as it appears we are closing in on the story... *ben zips his mouth shout, and makes a serious face, no more silly talk from him*

Good idea. I got a little carried away. Get me talking about my trips West and that is what happens. I also had something to discuss and to ask you. *now ben is super curious*

I look forward to the discussion of these stories within stories! it is like Anton Chekhov's " The Three Russian Days!!!!" (sorry about the terrible joke)

Yes, I am looking forward to them too, but I did make it to the reading of "Gooseberries" last night. Hope I can do that tonight. I was on the computer too late and I woke up super early and could not go back to sleep...*groan...yawn* - I caught you and Quark's insomnia. You two jinks me!

[Quark]

I'm sure Quark knows the feeling...

I'm going through it right now as I'm reading The Possessed. Try to keep Stepan Trofimovich Verkhovensky separate in your mind from Pyotr Stepanovich Verkhovensky. Those two names are pretty tricky, but apart from them you also have to remember Nikolai Vsevolodovich Stavrogin, Maria Timofeevna Lebyadkin, and of course Mavriky Nikolaevich Drozdov. By chapter five, I'm pretty lost. Eventually I get them straight. It just takes much reiteration. I still groan when new characters are introduced, though. I particularly hate it when Dostoevsky tells me the complete name of a character and then gets rid of him. It's a total waste of my nominal memory. At least with Chekhov there aren't so many characters.

I kept thinking maybe this guy had a disorder, like the one when you can't go out anywhere - forget the name of it - acrophobia, is it? or agoraphobia...something like that? Or maybe he wished to live in an bubble...maybe he was OCD and afraid of germs. At anyrate, I did feel he needed to see a psychiatrist. Something wasn't right there. I felt the poor man needed help. I wonder if Chekhov based the story on a real man? OR, seriously, do you think he fabricated him as a sort of fable type character, not quite real, just to get his idea across?

Agoraphobia is the fear of open places, and Belikov--with his umbrellas, upturned collars, and protective layers--may have suffered from it. He isn't obsessive or compulsive, though. He's just defensive. As for where Chekhov came up with the idea, I think you're closer when you call him a fable-type character. He isn't based on any one person. At least I don't think so. Belikov is simply the protagonist of Burkov's story. Chekhov probably came up with him to give Burkov's reflections more focus.

Oh good, the one with the interesting coffee stain on it. Maybe it will tell my future - do you read coffee grounds? I can burn that last CD soon and then send them off.

The stain sort of looks like an inkblot test, so I'm sure your interpretation of it would tell volumes about your psychological state.

Wish we got an age and we didn't have to sleep or eat. Maybe humans will develop into that state someday. Their brains will take over.

Aren't Americans eating more rather than less? Everyone I know seems to be moving toward an increasingly bloated and somnolent lifestyle. In my town a McDonalds opened up, and now the drive-through has a line of cars wrapping around the building at all hours. The late night LitNet habit doesn't appear to be one that's going to catch on--well, not here at least.

[Janine]

I'm going through it right now as I'm reading The Possessed. Try to keep Stepan Trofimovich Verkhovensky separate in your mind from Pyotr Stepanovich Verkhovensky. Those two names are pretty tricky, but apart from them you also have to remember Nikolai Vsevolodovich Stavrogin, Maria Timofeevna Lebyadkin, and of course Mavriky Nikolaevich Drozdov. By chapter five, I'm pretty lost. Eventually, I get them straight. It just takes much reiteration. I still groan when new characters are introduced, though. I particularly hate it when Dostoevsky tells me the complete name of a character and then gets rid of him. It's a total waste of my nominal memory. At least with Chekhov they're aren't so many characters.

Yeah - 'It just takes much reiteration' and perserverance!

Agoraphobia is the fear of open places, and Belikov--with his umbrellas, upturned collars, and protective layers--may have suffered from it. He isn't obsessive or compulsive, though. He's just defensive. As for where Chekhov came up with the idea, I think you're closer when you call him a fable-type character. He isn't based on any one person. At least I don't think so. Belikov is simply the protagonist of Burkov's story. Chekhov probably came up with him to give Burkov's reflections more focus.

Quark, Thanks for clearing that up. I do think he was suffering from that disorder. This story is really funny, near where I live, actually in the suburbs of Philadelphia there was this infamous man who everyone spoke of - instead of covering himself up all the time he wore shorts in all weather, even snow! The said his legs were bright red and it did not seem to bother him one bit -talk about eccentric. Here is the clincher - he always carried an umbrella!...rain of snow or ice or sun...didn't matter. When I started to read this story, I thought of this guy.

Well, my impression of Belikov, is that he was hiding from the world, and did not care to be 'touched' by it, or anyone for that matter, in anyway. He was like someone hiding behind a disguise. I can't concieve of the fact, that he ever could entertain the thought of getting married and having physical contact with his wife, being so protective of his physical self. Maybe he would have married, but remained celebate and distant, who knows? I guess love surpasses all bounds. I still think he might have been hiding an element of 'obsessive compulsive' behavior. They usually form a fear of many things and it sounds like he had that fear. Back then, they did not diagnos these disorders and therefore, there was no drug to help control these symptoms. OCD people do form relationships, unbelievably, and definitely fall in-love.

Because it is a 'frame' story, it certainly does give focus to this odd man and his story, which ends up being a very tragic and sad tale.

The stain sort of looks like an inkblot test, so I'm sure your interpretation of it would tell volumes about your psychological state.

Quark, that is exactly what I was thinking. I might read something 'ominous' in the mark, or something forseeing a good thing to happen to me, soon. I hope it is not so warped it won't fit into my bookcase - of course, that has reached it's maximum, anyway. I am glad to get the book, truly I am, and I appreciate you offering it to me. The one I bought of Lawrence, Volume 2 of short stories, is now in pieces. I wonder if I can sew, glue or punch holes in it and put it back together in a folder. It was thrown in free with the other one, I bought from that seller, so I really can't complain. It still reads - that is all that is important to me

Aren't Americans eating more rather than less? Everyone I know seems to be moving toward an increasingly bloated and somnolent lifestyle. In my town a McDonalds opened up, and now the drive-through has a line of cars wrapping around the building at all hours. The late night LitNet habit doesn't appear to be one that's going to catch on--well, not here at least.

Well, oddly enough, as one ages you seem to eat less. This is true of me, anyway. Yes, as a general rule Americans do eat way, way too much food, especially at restaurants, which serve double portions. I usually bring food home and get two or even three meals out of it. Stay clear of McDonalds! Ever see the calorie/fat count in those burgers? Yikes!!! What is the 'late night Lit Net habit' anyway? For me, if on the computer, I usually don't munch - sticky keys you know...ick. If watching a DVD, I tend to want to eat something though. I try to stick to things not too fattening, but guess what? The less I seem to eat, the more pounds I seem to put on; does that make sense? I guess being a 'computer addict' and a 'couch potato' does not help. Come spring, I swear, I must begin a walking routine. I will start next week, right? Yeah right.....

OK, good news and bad news! First, I did finish reading "About Love" last night, before nodding off. I found the story very sad and depressing, actually; but it was good, very well written, as usual. I hoped to read "Gooseberries" at brunch today, but my eyes were too blurry, from left over sleep. I will try and read it tonight. I need to finish my novel tonight, too - "Camille" before I totally forget what I read so far. I only have two short chapters to go, for heaven sake.

So, considering I finished my reading, of this current Chekhov story, EVERYONE, feel free to post away!
I won't need that life preserver, after all, or the tow rope. The ship can sail! yeah....Bon Voyage!

[Dark Muse]

I just wanted to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this story. In fact I enjoyed all three of the stories, and found that each of them offered a rather interesting persepctive, and I look forwad to this discussion.

[Quark]

It's April 1st, and that means the beginning of another Chekhov discussion. This month we're reading:
"About Love" http://www.online-literature.com/anton_chekhov/1291/

It's the last of a three story cycle which examines similar themes through the stories of each of its main characters. But, like I said before, each story is quite distinct, and you don't have to read all three to understand just one of them. For summary, I'll try to stay vague so as not give anything away. "About Love" is told mostly by Alekhin who is entertaining two guests when the topic of love comes up. The host comments on the mysteries surrounding love and then breaks into a very revealing personal narrative. Alekhin charges his story with both philosophy and feeling to create something that's more than just an answer to questions brought up earlier in the conversation, but also an entertaining and moving experience for the listeners. Beyond that I can't say much without giving it away. If it goes over well, maybe we'll read the other two stories that are linked with this one.

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Introduction out of the way, let's get to the story. Feel free to make any comments you want, but I think I'll start at the beginning. "About Love" starts with Alekhin's description of Pelegea and Nikanor's tempestuous relationship:

Alehin told us that the beautiful Pelagea was in love with this cook. As he drank and was of a violent character, she did not want to marry him, but was willing to live with him without. He was very devout, and his religious convictions would not allow him to "live in sin"; he insisted on her marrying him, and would consent to nothing else, and when he was drunk he used to abuse her and even beat her. Whenever he got drunk she used to hide upstairs and sob, and on such occasions Alehin and the servants stayed in the house to be ready to defend her in case of necessity.

We began talking about love.

"How love is born," said Alehin, "why Pelagea does not love somebody more like herself in her spiritual and external qualities, and why she fell in love with Nikanor, that ugly snout -- we all call him 'The Snout'

What's the purpose of this story? It leads into Alekhin's argument well, but how similar is it really to Alekhin's love affair? Alekhin avers that we should "individualize" each affection, but clearly there's some connection between the two couples. What is the connection?

I just wanted to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this story. In fact I enjoyed all three of the stories, and found that each of them offered a rather interesting persepctive, and I look forwad to this discussion.

Alright, I know I've been holding you guys back for the past few days, but now you can post away. It's good you enjoyed the story, though. It is one of my favorites.

actually in the suburbs of Philadelphia there was this infamous man who everyone spoke of - instead of covering himself up all the time he wore shorts in all weather, even snow! The said his legs were bright red and it did not seem to bother him one bit -talk about eccentric. Here is the clincher - he always carried an umbrella!...rain of snow or ice or sun...didn't matter. When I started to read this story, I thought of this guy.

Every city has its one weather-oblivious guy. I always wonder what these people are trying to prove. That their nerve endings are damaged? Put on some pants!

Well, my impression of Belikov, is that he was hiding from the world, and did not care to be 'touched' by it, or anyone for that matter, in anyway. He was like someone hiding behind a disguise.

Yeah, that's the idea. But, the question is why, and what effect does his hiding have on the people around him.

I am glad to get the book, truly I am, and I appreciate you offering it to me.

Hey, I'm getting something in return, aren't I? Thanks are nice, but I can't put them in my CD player.

The one I bought of Lawrence, Volume 2 of short stories, is now in pieces. I wonder if I can sew, glue or punch holes in it and put it back together in a folder. It was thrown in free with the other one, I bought from that seller, so I really can't complain. It still reads - that is all that is important to me

I've got a book like that. I've found that tape works best for book repairs--particularly electrical tape. For aesthetics, try to find tape that's thin and matches in color.

I try to stick to things not too fattening, but guess what? The less I seem to eat, the more pounds I seem to put on; does that make sense? I guess being a 'computer addict' and a 'couch potato' does not help. Come spring, I swear, I must begin a walking routine. I will start next week, right? Yeah right.....

Or, maybe the lesson from that is to eat more. I devour food ravenously yet I've always been thin as a rail. I sometimes wonder what fat even feels like. Is it like wearing a vest?