Chekhov Short Story Thread

[Quark]

Borges-- Collected Fictions
Calvino--- Cosmicomics
Pessoa-- The Book of Disquiet
Cortazar --- Blow-up and Other Stories
Gogol-- Collected Tales
Hedayat -- The Blind Owl
Short Stories by the Generation of 1898 (spanish writers like Unamuno, Ibanez, etc...)
Gorky--- Creatures that were Once Men and Other Stories
Sartre--- The Wall
Sartre--- Nausea
Camus--- The Fall
Pelevin--- The Blue Lantern
Fuentes--- forget the name of the book...
and DH Lawrence--- Complete Stories Vol 1

That's quite a list. A few Chekhov short stories and it's complete.

I deleted my blog the other day..

Just to stop me from seeing it?

Quark, I mostly like the chick flicks that kind of transcend the genre to a degree.. the strictly formulaic chick flicks that you outlined the plot for, are generally pretty bad...

When I was talking about chick flicks/lit I was referring to the stories that stick to the form I described. You know, the ones where the woman loses her boyfriend, meets cute X, fights with cute guy X over something, overcome differences with cute guy X, happy ending. Along the way, of course, the woman heals emotionally, there's some quips by the woman's best friend, and there's some camera time for the crazy, embarrassing parents. It's a pretty set routine for most of these movies. Like I said, though, I'm not totally opposed to them. I just don't want the thread being turning it one!

ugh, I do not want to work tomorrow... if you pick a story that I like here... I am going to have trouble staying away as Janine picked my favourite Lawrence story...

Oh, now I'm in competition with Janine. This can't end well.

[Janine]

Janine, the books are

Borges-- Collected Fictions
Calvino--- Cosmicomics
Pessoa-- The Book of Disquiet
Cortazar --- Blow-up and Other Stories
Gogol-- Collected Tales
Hedayat -- The Blind Owl
Short Stories by the Generation of 1898 (spanish writers like Unamuno, Ibanez, etc...)
Gorky--- Creatures that were Once Men and Other Stories
Sartre--- The Wall
Sartre--- Nausea
Camus--- The Fall
Pelevin--- The Blue Lantern
Fuentes--- forget the name of the book...
and DH Lawrence--- Complete Stories Vol 1

Wow, Quark is right - that is quite a list! islandclimber, just what was my original question, anyway? That is a very impressive list. Are you reading those all at once?

And you Missy..(yes I am calling you Missy, Janine) you do not tell me to stop being melancholy haha.. just teasing, but I do love being melancholy.. it is my favourite feeling... such a wonderful emotion to feel in all its power... and having a shattered life makes living so darn interesting.. maybe I can write my bizarre autobiography one day hahaha .. and then burn it before it is too late... or not.. I think I will just leave that idea...

That 'Missy' sounds kind of John Waynish... Oh yeah, well I have to drag you out of the 'down in the dumps' you seemed to have been in lately. What happened to old islandclimber who seemed to be up and cheerful, and up on the rocks climbing to his heart's content; opps I think I see a glimmer of that guy here somewhere... at least, he is kidding around in his post...there is hope afterall. Feel 'melancholy', I, for one, love to feel 'melancholy' often, but leave that deep darker depression behind; it is worthless and such a waste of time..... A shattered life? What? Aren't we being a bit melo-dramatic, a bit Hamletish...for a good looking healthy guy of 25? I would trade ages and bodies with you, if I could and I am not depressed or shattered, yet!!! No sir, it would take a lot to find me that way. I love tragedies, but I am a born optimist! I guess you will have to put up with me.
Yes, I would like to read your bizzare biop someday; NO don't burn it! Will it include you climbing experiences/travels through exotic lands/elicite affairs?

So, I actually have to apologise... I deleted my blog the other day.. I was sick of it.. I seem to do things like that often... so no blog for me anymore.. just in case you have already tried to look Quark. sorry bout that... I may start it up again sometime... but when I have more time...

You do have to apologise. Here I was plugging your beautiful poetry, on this thread....and that it the thanks I get.... just kidding, too. I hope you have copies of those poems, and I hope soon you make a new blog; although I admit, I don't find the time to read very many of those between these two threads and life asside from the computer.

Quark, I mostly like the chick flicks that kind of transcend the genre to a degree.. the strictly formulaic chick flicks that you outlined the plot for, are generally pretty bad... but some so called chick flicks are just amazing... I think guys just label anything sentimental and sad as a chick flick so they get to avoid allowing the possibility that they have a sensitive and emotional side.. us men cannot allow our emotions to run away unrestrained.. no tears here.. I only cry way too often.. is that a bad thing, that movies and books make me cry all too often...

You guys are a riot. But I must tell you I love it, when guys can tap into deeper emotions and cry. Why shouldn't they? Men are human, you know. They should express themselves naturally. Yes, there is a fine line between silly chick flicks and serious good ones. Men labeled them chick flicks I believe, as you said. islandclimber, you can cry on my shoulder any day. I am a good listener.

ugh, I do not want to work tomorrow... if you pick a story that I like here... I am going to have trouble staying away as Janine picked my favourite Lawrence story... oh, why does work have to be my reality?? what seriously messed up god decided to run the world this way.. .I quit!!! work, I mean, not life.. though the ceiling fan looks attractive right now haha... hmm I wonder if it would support my bodyweight.. Hahahahah

Yeah, and tomorrow is only Thursday too...but the weekend is coming soon....hang in there. Yes, and why have none of you raved over my lovely page I made up to announce the new story? I wanted to get all your attentions, so I even made a composite photo to add to the page (tricky, huh?) and I did tons of hours of research. Ok, you can all aplaud me now!

okay enough of suicidal dreams... I will be back soon I think, quite possibly. and do enjoy the teaparty.. oh yeah, Janine, I love wild nootka rosehip tea... I love mint-chamomille tea... jasmine green tea.. rooibos teas... mmmmmm.. so many

Yes, definitely - enough of those. The fan would not support you and it would be a failed attempt. Let's talk about tea instead - wow, those sound so good. I like chamomille-mint too and I love peppermint and cinnamon apple spice tea. Never heard of Nootka tea - heard of nookie but not nootka - is that Alaskian? Humm....jasmine sounds so good. I never tried it. We must talk 'tea' more often.

[Janine]

Just to stop me from seeing it?

Probably just a whim today - don't take it personally, Quark.

When I was talking about chick flicks/lit I was referring to the stories that stick to the form I described. You know, the ones where the woman loses her boyfriend, meets cute X, fights with cute guy X over something, overcome differences with cute guy X, happy ending. Along the way, of course, the woman heals emotionally, there's some quips by the woman's best friend, and there's some camera time for the crazy, embarrassing parents. It's a pretty set routine for most of these movies. Like I said, though, I'm not totally opposed to them. I just don't want the thread being turning it one!

I love your rendition of the cute (girl) X and the cute guy X - therefore, Quark, does X plus Y equal Z? Oh boy oh boy.....that was really bad! Not just chick flicks are formulated these days. Think of all the films of 'disfunctional families', then all the glorified 'serial killer' films, and then the same old plot for all the 'thriller/heist' films. Oh please, can't they come up with something new and different soon?

Oh, now I'm in competition with Janine. This can't end well.

You certainly are. You better work harder at this thread. Did you see my intro page in Lawrence? I am pretty proud of that and it is eye-catching, I think. I am sure newcomers are going to flock there soon. Poor Chekhov may have to take a back seat this month. How can you compete with a title 'Witch a la Mode'?

[Quark]

You certainly are. You better work harder at this thread. Did you see my intro page in Lawrence? I am pretty proud of that and it is eye-catching, I think. I am sure newcomers are going to flock there soon. Poor Chekhov may have to take a back seat this month. How can you compete with a title 'Witch a la Mode'?

With how easy these threads are to run--once they get going, that it--I don't think there's any need for competition. So, I don't see why we need separate seats, or burners, or fiddles. Besides, if we did have them, the Chekhov discussion certainly wouldn't be sitting in the back.

Oh, and in the spirit of promises I hope not to break, I want to announce that the next story will start Monday. This weekend I'll pick one of the options and post an intro to get things going.

[Janine]

With how easy these threads are to run--once they get going, that it--I don't think there's any need for competition. So, I don't see why we need separate seats, or burners, or fiddles. Besides, if we did have them, the Chekhov discussion certainly wouldn't be sitting in the back.

Oh, and in the spirit of promises I hope not to break, I want to announce that the next story will start Monday. This weekend I'll pick one of the options and post an intro to get things going.

Yeah right, stay in your chairs now and get comfortable....oh good, Monday is cool. Quark, will it be one of these choices:

Grief
Agafa
Misfortune
A Boring Story
The Grasshopper
Ward 6
Ariadne
The House with an Attic
Ionych
The Darling

These are in my library book! Of course, some may be too long, like Ward 6 so skip that one. "The House With an Attic" sounds interesting. Also, at your suggestion, I read "The Student" already - I had to print that one out.

[Quark]

"The House With an Attic" sounds interesting. Also, at your suggestion, I read "The Student" already - I had to print that one out.

"The House With an Attic" doesn't sound familiar. If I've read it, it must have been under a different name. I'll look it up and see what it's about. "The Student" is one the stories I'm considering. After the last selection, the two elements of a good story for this month would have to be brevity and an optimistic mood. The whole "About Love" trilogy is rather depressing and long. We should mix it up this time and do something brief and warmer in mood. I'll let you know when I decide on the perfect story.

[Janine]

Alas, our leader, Quark makes an appearance! Yeah - Chekhov was fading into the sunset again.
I thought the one on my CD set was lighter and rather humorous -
"Fat and Thin"
I got a huge kick out of that one and it is not a dismal story, like the last three have been. Also, it is short and light, but witty. Just a suggestion. I remember that Pensive said she liked it, or so I think she did.

[Quark]

Alas, our leader, Quark makes an appearance!

Does that not happen often? Yes, I'm here. When did I leave?

Yeah - Chekhov was fading into the sunset again.

Huh?

I thought the one on my CD set was lighter and rather humorous - "Fat and Thin"

I'm glad you like it, but it's less than a page long. I'm not sure what we would say about it. Our posts would be longer than the story itself. I am looking for a briefer story than the trilogy we just did; but, at the same time, I think we need to keep it at a length that allows for multiple comments.

We are agreed, however, that the next story should have a more hopeful attitude. "About Love", while being clever and moving, is also somewhat depressing, and a brighter story should be welcome after that. Chekhov did write many stories that were warm and fuzzy or goofy and humorous. Finding ones in these categories that are good for discussion is difficult, though, and I've often shied away from picking them. These stories are frequently too short and too simple to sustain much conversation, even though they do make a good break from the poignant stories like "About Love." "Whitebrow" for example is quite warm and fuzzy--almost intolerably so. It tells the story of a cute puppy that finds it's way into a pack of wolves who decide they love it too much to eat it. While, yes, it's in no way depressing, I struggle to find any point of discussion. All we could say is "Isn't the little puppy adorable?" Some of the humorous tales are good for a laugh, but also fail to make a great discussion topic. From this category "On the Road" would make the best discussion, but unfortunately it's too long for this time around.

Besides the warm, fuzzy stories and the goofy, funny stories, there is a third group of Chekhov writings that I think would work best. Those are the stories that explore Chekhov's sympathy with his characters and audience. Two good stories from this group are "The Student" and "At Home." "The Student" considers the value of story-telling when a theology student compares his surroundings with a story from the Bible and then realizes that the story has a power he didn't expect. The ending of the story is very optimistic and poetic, but the middle of the story is once more about anguish and suffering. Does that rule that story out? "At Home", on the other hand, doesn't have any people dying, suffering under miserable conditions, or lovers being separated, so it's not depressing at any point. This one is about education, law, children, and family. I would hope one of the themes would get people talking. I think it's something like seven pages--not too long. I'm going to consider other stories, but these are the two that I'm leaning toward.

Well, that's enough writing for now. I have stories to read. I'll post more tomorrow.

[Dark Muse]

Well now look who is being Mr. Chick-flick talking about being all warm and fuzzy.

I am horrible I know.

But I can go with anything if others want something a bit more light, though considering Poe is one of my faveorite authors, I never really do get tired of the dark, dreary and disturbing.

So I am game for anything.

[Janine]

Does that not happen often? Yes, I'm here. When did I leave?

Not too often...sorry....just kidding with you....don't be so 'touchy'. What type of herb tea did you bring for tonight's teaparty?

Huh?

Well it seemed to be fading and nearly ended up on page two of my search. I keep rescuing it. It heads down the page and I think it will be setting like the sun.

I'm glad you like it, but it's less than a page long. I'm not sure what we would say about it. Our posts would be longer than the story itself. I am looking for a briefer story than the trilogy we just did; but, at the same time, I think we need to keep it at a length that allows for multiple comments.

Get out, is it really that short? I only listened to it on the CD. I think it is a few more pages than one. I will look it up, just for the record.

We are agreed, however, that the next story should have a more hopeful attitude. "About Love", while being clever and moving, is also somewhat depressing, and a brighter story should be welcome after that. Chekhov did write many stories that were warm and fuzzy or goofy and humorous. Finding ones in these categories that are good for discussion is difficult, though, and I've often shied away from picking them. These stories are frequently too short and too simple to sustain much conversation, even though they do make a good break from the poignant stories like "About Love." "Whitebrow" for example is quite warm and fuzzy--almost intolerably so. It tells the story of a cute puppy that finds it's way into a pack of wolves who decide they love it too much to eat it. While, yes, it's in no way depressing, I struggle to find any point of discussion. All we could say is "Isn't the little puppy adorable?" Some of the humorous tales are good for a laugh, but also fail to make a great discussion topic. From this category "On the Road" would make the best discussion, but unfortunately it's too long for this time around.

Ok, now you see the problems, that arise in picking a good story for the thread. I suffered last week over the L decision and today, at first glance in the thread, I thought they were going to hurl rotten tomatoes at me. Just kidding now; it is quite civil in there and everyone agrees that this story is interesting and will make for a good lively discussion.
So, knowing what you are going through, GOOD LUCK, Quark, picking a story.

That is sweet - a story about a puppy and wolves. I must try and read that one.

Besides the warm, fuzzy stories and the goofy, funny stories, there is a third group of Chekhov writings that I think would work best. Those are the stories that explore Chekhov's sympathy with his characters and audience. Two good stories from this group are "The Student" and "At Home." "The Student" considers the value of story-telling when a theology student compares his surroundings with a story from the Bible and then realizes that the story has a power he didn't expect. The ending of the story is very optimistic and poetic, but the middle of the story is once more about anguish and suffering. Does that rule that story out? "At Home", on the other hand, doesn't have any people dying, suffering under miserable conditions, or lovers being separated, so it's not depressing at any point. This one is about education, law, children, and family. I would hope one of the themes would get people talking. I think it's something like seven pages--not too long. I'm going to consider other stories, but these are the two that I'm leaning toward.

Thanks for breaking that down for us. How about the story "Children" - I loved that one, or is it also one page long? It is on my CD set. It is warm and fuzzy, but seems to have some substance and point, as well. Maybe that is really "At Home" with a different title?

Well, that's enough writing for now. I have stories to read. I'll post more tomorrow.

Ok, then enjoy your stories and I want to watch a movie before it gets too late.

[Janine]

Well now look who is being Mr. Chick-flick talking about being all warm and fuzzy.

I am horrible I know.

But I can go with anything if others want something a bit more light, though considering Poe is one of my faveorite authors, I never really do get tired of the dark, dreary and disturbing.

So I am game for anything.

Mr. Chick-flick! That is a good one DM!

Yes, you need some sunlight in your life, DM and warm and fuzzy is just fine with me this month, too. Too much Poe, can make for a dismal existence. We need some cheer in this thread, Quark!

[Dark Muse]

Yes, you need some sunlight in your life, DM

But it burns.......

[Janine]

But it burns.......

Dark Muse, use a good sunblock and an umbrella, or sit in the shade - just be near some sunlight to life your spirits. I know I am craving some right now. I should go to the park tomorrow, or if I had the will and energy, I should start my gardening. Your pictures in the L thread have inspired me! We need some photos in this thread - hey, Quark, any Chekhov stories with flowers in them?

[Dark Muse]

Acutally Sunlight has the oppisite effect on me, and this time I am being serious, no joke. When it is rainy and stormy and overcast I get really hyper and bouncy and happy.

When it is all sunny out, it like weighs me down, and I just turn into a grumpy sloth.

[Quark]

Well now look who is being Mr. Chick-flick talking about being all warm and fuzzy.

I actually don't mind warm and fuzzy. Don't let this get out, but I read a lot of Shelley and Keats poetry--you can't get any more namby-pampy than that. Chick-flicks are a different matter, though. Those are what Janine was bringing up earlier with her "Jane Austen Book Club." You know, those movies about the frazzled female eventually regaining control of her life (and a hot guy). It's the chick-flicks that scare me, not necessarily the warm and fuzziness associated with them.

But I can go with anything if others want something a bit more light, though considering Poe is one of my faveorite authors, I never really do get tired of the dark, dreary and disturbing.

We definitely have to do "Sleepy" later, then. It's very Poe-like.

What type of herb tea did you bring for tonight's teaparty?

Grrrr...

Well it seemed to be fading and nearly ended up on page two of my search. I keep rescuing it. It heads down the page and I think it will be setting like the sun.

Oh, I see what you mean now. Yes, we probably were slipping onto that dreaded second page.

Thanks for breaking that down for us. How about the story "Children" - I loved that one, or is it also one page long? It is on my CD set. It is warm and fuzzy, but seems to have some substance and point, as well. Maybe that is really "At Home" with a different title?

"Children" is certainly warm-hearted, but it doesn't really have a plot. Most of the cute stories are like that. They're just moments in the life of the characters. "At Home" is warm-hearted enough to put it in the cute category, but there is enough plot and conflict to give it some more interest. The themes raised are also very interesting.

When we're between stories one of these times, I might post a story like "Children" or "Whitebrow" just for something different. But, like I say, I probably won't make it the story for the month.