A Chameleon by Anton Chekhov (1895)

Name: A Chameleon
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young man who returns to his family's estate after being away for several years. He brings with him a new wife and a sense of disillusionment with the societal norms he was raised in. The narrative explores themes of identity, morality, and the tension between individuality and conformity.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1895 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Drama · 1,639 words

First lines

The police superintendent Otchumyelov is walking across the market square wearing a new overcoat and carrying a parcel under his arm. A red-haired policeman strides after him with a sieve full of confiscated gooseberries in his hands. There is silence all around. Not a soul in the square. The open doors of the shops and taverns look out upon God's world disconsolately, like hungry mouths; there is not even a beggar near them.

"So you bite, you damned brute? " Otchumyelov hears suddenly. "Lads, don't let him go! Biting is prohibited nowadays! Hold him! ah. ah!"

What this Textopian page supports

A Chameleon is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Comedy, Drama, Social Commentary, Fiction
Length: 1,639 words
Structure: 1 section, 30 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for A Chameleon by Anton Chekhov
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A Chameleon?
How does this short story by Anton Chekhov fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Satire first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The work critiques social norms and human behavior through humor and irony.
Comedy — The absurdity of the situation and the characters' interactions create a comedic atmosphere.
Drama — The conflict between the characters and the tension surrounding the dog's fate provide dramatic elements.
Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on societal attitudes towards authority, class, and justice.