A Trifle from Life by Anton Chekhov

Name: A Trifle from Life
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who has been jilted by her lover and is now struggling to come to terms with the rejection. She is forced to confront the reality of her situation and the fact that she was never truly loved by him. As she navigates this difficult time, she begins to see the world in a different light and starts to question her own values and desires. The story explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery as the protagonist grapples with the aftermath of her rejection. Through a series of introspective moments, the narrative delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, revealing the fragility and impermanence of love.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1889 · Genre: Drama, Realism, Psychological Fiction · 2,515 words

First lines

A well-fed, red-cheeked young man called Nikolay Ilyitch Belyaev, of thirty-two, who was an owner of house property in Petersburg, and a devotee of the racecourse, went one evening to see Olga Ivanovna Irnin, with whom he was living, or, to use his own expression, was dragging out a long, wearisome romance. And, indeed, the first interesting and enthusiastic pages of this romance had long been perused; now the pages dragged on, and still dragged on, without presenting anything new or of interest.

Not finding Olga Ivanovna at home, my hero lay down on the lounge chair and proceeded to wait for her in the drawing room.

What this Textopian page supports

A Trifle from Life is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Short Story
Length: 2,515 words
Structure: 1 section, 77 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work explores complex human emotions and relationships, focusing on personal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of everyday life and social issues, reflecting the characters' struggles and societal norms.
Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological aspects of the characters, particularly their inner thoughts and feelings regarding family and relationships.
Social Commentary — The text critiques social structures and familial dynamics, highlighting the impact of societal expectations on personal lives.