A Defenceless Creature by Anton Chekhov

Name: A Defenceless Creature
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who lives with her husband and their two children in a small village. She is struggling to cope with the harsh realities of poverty and the emotional toll it takes on her family. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the woman's life is marked by desperation and hopelessness. Her husband is often absent, leaving her to care for the children alone. The villagers are also unsympathetic, viewing her as a burden rather than a member of their community. The story explores themes of poverty, isolation, and the struggles faced by women in rural Russia during this time period. Through the woman's experiences, Chekhov sheds light on the harsh realities of life for those living on the margins of society.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1887 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Realism · 2,246 words

First lines

In spite of a violent attack of gout in the night and the nervous exhaustion left by it, Kistunov went in the morning to his office and began punctually seeing the clients of the bank and persons who had come with petitions. He looked languid and exhausted, and spoke in a faint voice hardly above a whisper, as though he were dying.

"What can I do for you? " he asked a lady in an antediluvian mantle, whose back view was extremely suggestive of a huge dung-beetle.

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A Defenceless Creature is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1887 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Anton Chekhov
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Social Commentary, Realism, Tragedy, Satire
Length: 2,246 words
Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Drama — The work explores interpersonal conflicts and emotional struggles, characteristic of dramatic literature.
Social Commentary — It critiques societal structures and the bureaucratic system, highlighting the plight of the individual within it.
Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of everyday life and the struggles of ordinary people.
Tragedy — The protagonist's helplessness and the absurdity of their situation evoke tragic elements.