At Christmas Time by Anton Chekhov

Name: At Christmas Time
Author: Anton Chekhov

"At Christmas Time" is a short story written by Anton Chekhov in 1887. The story follows the lives of several characters during the Christmas season in Russia. The main character, a young man named Ivan, is feeling lonely and disillusioned with his life after his fiancée leaves him. He spends Christmas alone, reflecting on his past mistakes and contemplating his future. Meanwhile, other characters in the story are also dealing with their own personal struggles, including a poor family who is struggling to make ends meet and an elderly man who is feeling nostalgic for his lost youth. Through these characters and their experiences, Chekhov explores themes of loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning in life during the holiday season.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1887 · Genre: Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Holiday Fiction · 2,241 words

First lines

"What shall I write?" asked Yegor, dipping his pen in the ink.

Vasilissa had not seen her daughter for four years. Efimia had gone away to St. Petersburg with her husband after her wedding, had written two letters, and then had vanished as if the earth had engulfed her, not a word nor a sound had come from her since. So now, whether the aged mother was milking the cow at daybreak, or lighting the stove, or dozing at night, the tenor of her thoughts was always the same: "How is Efimia? Is she alive and well?" She wanted to send her a letter, but the old father could not write, and there was no one whom they could ask to write it for them.

What this Textopian page supports

At Christmas Time is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Holiday Fiction, Literary Fiction, Classics
Length: 2,241 words
Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Short Stories — The book is a collection of brief fictional stories making it fit under the 'Short Stories' genre.
Historical Fiction — As the stories take place in the past, the genre 'Historical fiction' is applicable.
Holiday Fiction — The title suggests that the stories revolve around the holiday season, hence the inclusion of 'Holiday Fiction' as a genre.
Literary Fiction — As Anton Checkov is a highly respected author known for his literary contributions, the 'Literary Fiction' genre is fitting.