Darkness by Anton Chekhov (1902)

Name: Darkness
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who lives with her husband and their two children in a rural village. She is struggling to cope with the harsh realities of poverty and the emotional distance between herself and her family. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the woman's life is marked by desperation and isolation. Her relationships with her loved ones are strained, and she feels trapped in a cycle of despair. The story explores themes of loneliness, poverty, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of existence and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1902 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Realism · 1,985 words

First lines

A young peasant, with white eyebrows and eyelashes and broad cheekbones, in a torn sheepskin and big black felt overboots, waited till the Zemstvo doctor had finished seeing his patients and came out to go home from the hospital; then he went up to him, diffidently.

"Please, your honour," he said.

"What do you want?"

The young man passed the palm of his hand up and over his nose, looked at the sky, and then answered:

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Darkness is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1902 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Anton Chekhov
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Social Commentary, Realism, Tragedy, Character Study
Length: 1,985 words
Structure: 1 section, 49 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional exchanges and conflicts between characters, highlighting personal struggles and societal issues.
Social Commentary — The story critiques social injustices, particularly the plight of the peasantry and the failures of authority figures.
Realism — The depiction of everyday life and the struggles of common people reflects a realistic portrayal of society.
Tragedy — The themes of despair and helplessness in the face of systemic injustice contribute to a tragic atmosphere.