Dreams by Anton Chekhov (1904)

Name: Dreams
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who has a recurring dream about being on a train that is traveling to her hometown. In the dream, she sees a man standing on the platform, and when she wakes up, she becomes obsessed with finding out who he is. As she searches for answers, she begins to uncover secrets from her past and confronts the reality of her own desires and fears. The story explores themes of identity, love, and the human condition through the protagonist's inner world and her interactions with those around her. The narrative is a complex exploration of the subconscious mind and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Through the protagonist's dream, Chekhov reveals the underlying tensions and desires that shape her life and relationships.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1904 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Realism · 4,137 words

First lines

Two peasant constables -- one a stubby, black-bearded individual with such exceptionally short legs that if you looked at him from behind it seemed as though his legs began much lower down than in other people; the other, long, thin, and straight as a stick, with a scanty beard of dark reddish colour -- were escorting to the district town a tramp who refused to remember his name. The first waddled along, looking from side to side, chewing now a straw, now his own sleeve, slapping himself on the haunches and humming, and altogether had a careless and frivolous air; the other, in spite of his lean face and narrow shoulders, looked solid, grave, and substantial; in the lines and expression of his whole figure he was like the priests among the Old Believers, or the warriors who are painted on old-fashioned icons. "For his wisdom God had added to his forehead" -- that is, he was bald -- which increased the resemblance referred to. The first was called Andrey Ptaha, the second Nikandr Sapozhnikov.

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Dreams is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy
Length: 4,137 words
Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Anton Chekhov fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, social class, and the human condition through nuanced character interactions and introspective dialogue.
Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the struggles of the lower class, particularly focusing on the tramp's background and aspirations.
Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of life, emphasizing the mundane and often harsh realities faced by the characters.
Psychological Fiction — The inner thoughts and emotional states of the characters, especially the tramp, are explored, revealing their motivations and desires.