
A Misfortune by Anton Chekhov (1886)
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security and social status. She becomes pregnant but suffers a miscarriage due to her husband's neglect of her health. The couple's relationship deteriorates further, leading to a tragic outcome.
By Anton Chekhov · First published 1886 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Realism · 6,056 words
First lines
Sofya Petrovna, the wife of Lubyantsev the notary, a handsome young woman of five-and-twenty, was walking slowly along a track that had been cleared in the wood, with Ilyin, a lawyer who was spending the summer in the neighbourhood. It was five o'clock in the evening. Feathery-white masses of cloud stood overhead; patches of bright blue sky peeped out between them. The clouds stood motionless, as though they had caught in the tops of the tall old pine trees. It was still and sultry.
What this Textopian page supports
A Misfortune 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, Psychological Fiction, Realism, Romance, Tragedy
- Length: 6,056 words
- Structure: 1 section, 107 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Misfortune by Anton Chekhov
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Misfortune?
- How does this short story by Anton Chekhov fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Drama — The work focuses on intense emotional conflicts and character interactions, typical of dramatic literature.
- Psychological Fiction — It explores the inner thoughts and emotional struggles of the characters, particularly regarding love and morality.
- Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of human relationships and societal norms.
- Romance — The central conflict revolves around romantic feelings and the complexities of love.
Tags
Tragicomedy · Satire · Social Commentary · Russian Literature · Realism · Short Story · Marriage · Infidelity · Class Conflict · Morality · Moral Ambiguity · Cultural Critique
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