At the Barber'S by Anton Chekhov

Name: At the Barber'S
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a barber who has been married to his wife for over 20 years and has grown tired of her nagging and constant criticism. He feels suffocated by their mundane life together, but is too afraid to leave her. The barber's wife, on the other hand, is unhappy with her husband's lack of ambition and feels trapped in a loveless marriage.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1888 · Genre: Drama, Comedy, Slice of Life · 1,574 words

First lines

Morning. It is not yet seven o'clock, but Makar Kuzmitch Blyostken's shop is already open. The barber himself, an unwashed, greasy, but foppishly dressed youth of three and twenty, is busy clearing up; there is really nothing to be cleared away, but he is perspiring with his exertions. In one place he polishes with a rag, in another he scrapes with his finger or catches a bug and brushes it off the wall.

What this Textopian page supports

At the Barber'S is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Slice of Life, Tragedy, Social Commentary
Length: 1,574 words
Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work explores emotional conflict and interpersonal relationships, focusing on the barber's unrequited love and the tension between social status and personal desires.
Comedy — The absurdity of the barber's situation and the humorous dialogue contribute to a comedic tone, particularly in the barber's reaction to the betrothal.
Slice of Life — The narrative captures a moment in everyday life, highlighting the mundane yet poignant experiences of the characters.
Tragedy — The barber's emotional turmoil and the sense of loss regarding his love create a tragic undertone, despite the comedic elements.