In a remote church hut during a fierce snowstorm, Savely Gykin, the sexton, suspects his young, attractive wife Raissa of being a witch who can control the weather to lure men to their dwelling.
Anton Chekhov
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian physician, dramatist, and author who is considered to be one of the greatest writers of short stories in history. He was born in Taganrog, a port town on the Sea of Azov in southern Russia, into a family of a grocery store owner.
Chekhov attended Moscow University, where he studied medicine. During his university years, he began writing humorous short stories and sketches to support his family financially. He continued writing even after graduating and becoming a practicing physician.
In the late 1880s, Chekhov began to produce more serious works, which established him as a leading figure in Russian literature. Some of his most famous short stories from this period include “The Steppe,” “The Duel,” and “Ward No. 6.”
Chekhov was also an accomplished playwright. His most celebrated plays include “The Seagull” (1896), “Uncle Vanya” (1897), “Three Sisters” (1901), and “The Cherry Orchard” (1904). These works are characterized by their subtle, impressionistic depictions of Russian life and their profound insights into the human condition.
Throughout his life, Chekhov struggled with tuberculosis, which ultimately claimed his life at the age of 44. Despite his short life, he left an indelible mark on world literature. His works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be widely read and performed around the globe.
Chekhov’s writing style is noted for its restraint, objectivity, and deep understanding of the complexities of the human psyche. He often depicted everyday situations and ordinary people, focusing on the details of their lives and the moral ambiguities they faced. His influence on the development of the modern short story and drama is immeasurable, and he remains an iconic figure in Russian literature.
A Nightmare by Anton Chekhov
Kunin, a wealthy landowner and member of the Rural Board, invites Father Yakov, the young village priest, to discuss opening a church school. Kunin is shocked by Father Yakov’s shabby appearance and lack of dignity, seeing him as unfit for the priesthood.
About Love by Anton Chekhov
About Love by Anton Chekhov AT lunch next day there were very nice pies, crayfish, and mutton cutlets; and while we were eating, Nikanor, the cook, came up to ask what the visitors would like for dinner. He was a man of medium height, with a puffy face and little eyes; he was close-shaven, and…
AT CHRISTMAS TIME by Anton Chekhov
AT CHRISTMAS TIME by Anton Chekhov I “WHAT shall I write?” said Yegor, and he dipped his pen in the ink. Vasilisa had not seen her daughter for four years. Her daughter Yefimya had gone after her wedding to Petersburg, had sent them two letters, and since then seemed to vanish out of their…
Difficult People by Anton Chekhov
YEVGRAF IVANOVITCH SHIRYAEV, a small farmer, whose father, a parish priest, now deceased, had received a gift of three hundred acres
THE BET by Anton Chekhov
IT WAS a dark autumn night. The old banker was walking up and down his study and remembering how, fifteen years before, he had given a party one autumn evening
The Lady With The Dog by Anton Chekhov
Intro to The Lady with the Dog by Anton Chekov by Richard Everywriter (Editors note, this story was first published 2/21/2010 and updated 4/12/2025) We first published “The Lady with the Dog” on our website about 15 years ago. It was one of the earliest digital versions of this classic that subsequently spread across the…