Bad Weather by Anton Chekhov

Name: Bad Weather
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a group of people who are forced to take shelter from bad weather at an inn. The characters include a young woman, her husband and their child, a middle-aged man, and an old couple. As they wait for the storm to pass, tensions rise among them due to their different social classes and personalities. The young woman is struggling with her marriage and feels trapped by her circumstances. Her husband is cold and distant, while she longs for affection and connection. The middle-aged man is a wealthy businessman who is dismissive of the others and sees himself as superior. Meanwhile, the old couple is kind and gentle, but their presence serves to highlight the differences between the other characters. As the night wears on, the storm rages outside, and the characters' true natures are revealed through their interactions with each other. The story explores themes of class, marriage, and human relationships, ultimately revealing that even in the midst of a natural disaster, people's true selves are often more destructive than any storm.

By Anton Chekhov · Genre: Drama, Realism, Slice of Life · 2,323 words

First lines

Big raindrops were pattering on the dark windows. It was one of those disgusting summer holiday rains which, when they have begun, last a long time -- for weeks, till the frozen holiday maker grows used to it, and sinks into complete apathy. It was cold; there was a feeling of raw, unpleasant dampness. The mother-in-law of a lawyer, called Kvashin, and his wife, Nadyezhda Filippovna, dressed in waterproofs and shawls, were sitting over the dinner table in the dining room. It was written on the countenance of the elder lady that she was, thank God, well-fed, well-clothed and in good health, that she had married her only daughter to a good man, and now could play her game of patience with an easy conscience; her daughter, a rather short, plump, fair young woman of twenty, with a gentle anemic face, was reading a book with her elbows on the table; judging from her eyes she was not so much reading as thinking her own thoughts, which were not in the book. Neither of them spoke. There was the sound of the pattering rain, and from the kitchen they could hear the prolonged yawns of the cook.

What this Textopian page supports

Bad Weather is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated Date unknown.

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: Date unknown
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Realism, Slice of Life, Social Commentary, Tragedy
Length: 2,323 words
Structure: 1 section, 50 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work focuses on interpersonal relationships and emotional conflicts, typical of dramatic literature.
Realism — The portrayal of everyday life and the characters' psychological depth reflects the principles of realism.
Slice of Life — The narrative captures a moment in the characters' lives, emphasizing mundane experiences and interactions.
Social Commentary — The text critiques social norms and expectations, particularly regarding marriage and gender roles.