Drunk by Anton Chekhov (1905)

Name: Drunk
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young man who has been drinking excessively and is now facing the consequences of his actions. He is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality and the emptiness of his life. The narrative explores themes of existential crisis, moral decay, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1905 · Genre: Drama, Tragedy, Social Commentary · 2,771 words

First lines

A manufacturer called Frolov, a handsome dark man with a round beard, and a soft, velvety expression in his eyes, and Almer, his lawyer, an elderly man with a big rough head, were drinking in one of the public rooms of a restaurant on the outskirts of the town. They had both come to the restaurant straight from a ball and so were wearing dress coats and white ties. Except them and the waiters at the door there was not a soul in the room; by Frolov's orders no one else was admitted.

They began by drinking a big wineglass of vodka and eating oysters.

What this Textopian page supports

Drunk is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Realism
Length: 2,771 words
Structure: 1 section, 66 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work explores intense emotional conflicts and character interactions, typical of dramatic literature.
Tragedy — The protagonist's internal struggles and existential despair reflect tragic themes.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms, class dynamics, and human behavior.
Psychological Fiction — The focus on the protagonist's mental state and emotional turmoil aligns with psychological exploration.