The story revolves around a young woman who has been suffering from nightmares and hallucinations after being bitten by a dog. She becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated, unable to distinguish reality from her dreams. Her husband tries to help her but ultimately abandons her due to his own fear of her condition. The woman's mental state deteriorates further, leading to a tragic conclusion.
By Anton Chekhov · First published 1892 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Realism