
A Pink Stocking by Anton Chekhov
The story revolves around a young woman who receives a pink stocking from her lover, but it's clear that their relationship has ended. The narrator reflects on the significance of the stocking and how it serves as a reminder of past love and loss.
By Anton Chekhov · First published 1908 · Genre: Drama, Comedy, Social Commentary · 1,683 words
First lines
A dull, rainy day. The sky is completely covered with heavy clouds, and there is no prospect of the rain ceasing. Outside sleet, puddles, and drenched jackdaws. Indoors it is half dark, and so cold that one wants the stove heated.
Pavel Petrovitch Somov is pacing up and down his study, grumbling at the weather. The tears of rain on the windows and the darkness of the room make him depressed. He is insufferably bored and has nothing to do. The newspapers have not been brought yet; shooting is out of the question, and it is not nearly dinnertime.
What this Textopian page supports
A Pink Stocking is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Comedy, Social Commentary, Slice of Life, Romance
- Length: 1,683 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Pink Stocking 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 Pink Stocking?
- 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 explores interpersonal relationships and emotional conflicts between characters, typical of dramatic literature.
- Comedy — The dialogue contains humorous elements and irony, particularly in the interactions between Somov and Lidotchka.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms regarding education and gender roles, reflecting on the expectations placed on women.
- Slice of Life — The story captures a mundane moment in the characters' lives, focusing on their everyday experiences and emotions.
Tags
Short Story · Russian Literature · Realism · Satire · Social Commentary · Marriage · Love · Disillusionment · Middle Class · Bourgeoisie · Critique of Society · Irony
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