At a Country House by Anton Chekhov

Name: At a Country House
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around the lives of the aristocratic family and their guests at a country estate. The narrative explores themes of social class, morality, and the decline of the Russian nobility. The protagonist, a young woman, becomes infatuated with a man who is engaged to be married. This sets off a chain of events that exposes the hypocrisy and superficiality of the aristocratic society. Throughout the story, Chekhov critiques the societal norms and expectations placed on women, highlighting their limited options and lack of agency in a patriarchal society. The narrative also touches on the theme of love versus social obligation, as the protagonist struggles with her feelings for the engaged man.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1903 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Tragicomedy · 3,936 words

First lines

Pavel Ilyitch Rashevitch walked up and down, stepping softly on the floor covered with little Russian plaids, and casting a long shadow on the wall and ceiling while his guest, Meier, the deputy examining magistrate, sat on the sofa with one leg drawn up under him smoking and listening. The clock already pointed to eleven, and there were sounds of the table being laid in the room next to the study.

What this Textopian page supports

At a Country House is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Social Commentary, Tragicomedy, Realism, Character Study
Length: 3,936 words
Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work focuses on character interactions and dialogue, exploring complex social themes and personal conflicts.
Social Commentary — It critiques social hierarchies, class distinctions, and the nature of aristocracy versus the common people.
Tragicomedy — The narrative blends elements of tragedy and humor, highlighting the absurdities of human behavior and societal norms.
Realism — The portrayal of everyday life and realistic characters reflects the social conditions of the time.