A Country Cottage by Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who lives alone in a country cottage. She is visited by her former lover and his new wife, who are traveling through the countryside. The visit forces the young woman to confront her past and her current isolation.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1886 · Genre: Drama, Realism, Comedy · 839 words

First lines

Two young people who had not long been married were walking up and down the platform of a little country station. His arm was round her waist, her head was almost on his shoulder, and both were happy.

The moon peeped up from the drifting cloudlets and frowned, as it seemed, envying their happiness and regretting her tedious and utterly superfluous virginity. The still air was heavy with the fragrance of lilac and wild cherry. Somewhere in the distance beyond the line a corncrake was calling.

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What this Textopian page supports

A Country Cottage is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Drama, Realism, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
• Length: 839 words
• Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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• Work identity for A Country Cottage by Anton Chekhov
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles

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• A Tragic Actor by Anton Chekhov
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• Agafya by Anton Chekhov
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Genres

• Drama — The work explores interpersonal relationships and emotional conflicts, typical of dramatic literature.
• Realism — The portrayal of everyday life and the complexities of human emotions reflects the principles of realism.
• Comedy — The humorous elements arising from the couple's discomfort with their guests suggest comedic undertones.
• Romance — The central relationship between the young couple highlights themes of love and companionship.

Tags

Realism · Short Story · Russian Literature · Country Life · Simple Living · Nature Description · Human Condition · Social Commentary · Marriage · Loneliness · Isolation · Rural Setting

More by Anton Chekhov

• The Horse-Stealers and Other Stories (1900)
• The Schoolmaster and Other Stories (1900)
• The Party and Other Stories (1900)
• The Cook's Wedding and Other Stories (1900)
• The Bishop and Other Stories (1900)
• The Duel and Other Stories (1900)
• The Schoolmistress and Other Stories (1900)
• The Wife and Other Stories (1900)
• All works by Anton Chekhov