A Blunder by Anton Chekhov (1891)

Name: A Blunder
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young man who makes a series of poor decisions that lead to his downfall. He becomes infatuated with a woman and tries to win her over by pretending to be someone he's not, but ultimately loses her respect and his own dignity in the process. The narrative explores themes of deception, class differences, and the consequences of one's actions.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1891 · Genre: Comedy, Drama, Satire · 854 words

First lines

Ilya Sergeitch Peplov and his wife Kleopatra Petrovna were standing at the door, listening greedily. On the other side in the little drawing room a love scene was apparently taking place between two persons: their daughter Natashenka and a teacher of the district school, called Shchupkin.

"He's rising! " whispered Peplov, quivering with impatience and rubbing his hands. "Now, Kleopatra, mind; as soon as they begin talking of their feelings, take down the icon from the wall and we'll go in and bless them. We'll catch him. A blessing with an icon is sacred and binding. He couldn't get out of it, if he brought it into court."

What this Textopian page supports

A Blunder is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1891 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Anton Chekhov
Date: 1891 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Satire, Romance, Slice of Life
Length: 854 words
Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Comedy — The work employs humor through misunderstandings and character interactions, leading to a lighthearted resolution.
Drama — The narrative explores emotional themes of love and parental expectations, creating tension among the characters.
Satire — The story critiques societal norms and the absurdity of certain traditions, particularly in the context of marriage.
Romance — The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship and the comedic obstacles that arise.