In the Court by Anton Chekhov (1885)

Name: In the Court
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who seeks justice for her husband's death at the hands of a corrupt official. She appeals to the court, but the system is rigged against her and she faces numerous obstacles in her pursuit of truth and justice. The narrative highlights the flaws in the Russian judicial system during that time period.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1885 · Genre: Drama, Realism, Social Commentary · 3,124 words

First lines

At the district town of N -- -- in the cinnamon-coloured government house in which the Zemstvo, the sessional meetings of the justices of the peace, the Rural Board, the Liquor Board, the Military Board, and many others sit by turns, the Circuit Court was in session on one of the dull days of autumn. Of the above-mentioned cinnamon-coloured house a local official had wittily observed:

"Here is Justitia, here is Policia, here is Militia -- a regular boarding school of highborn young ladies."

What this Textopian page supports

In the Court is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Realism, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Satire
Length: 3,124 words
Structure: 1 section, 59 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work presents a courtroom setting with intense character interactions and emotional undercurrents, typical of dramatic literature.
Realism — The narrative reflects the harsh realities of life, focusing on the mundane and often bleak aspects of the judicial process and human behavior.
Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the indifference of the legal system, highlighting issues of justice and morality.
Tragedy — The themes of despair, hopelessness, and the mechanical nature of justice evoke a tragic atmosphere.