In the Dark by Anton Chekhov (1887)

Name: In the Dark
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who lives with her husband and their two children in a small town. She is unhappy in her marriage and feels trapped by the societal expectations placed upon her. As she navigates her daily life, she begins to develop feelings for a man who is visiting from the city. This new relationship brings her a sense of excitement and freedom that she has been lacking in her marriage. However, their social differences and the constraints of their small town make it difficult for them to be together openly. The woman must navigate the complexities of her own desires and the societal norms that govern her life. The story explores themes of love, desire, and the limitations placed on women during this time period.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1887 · Genre: Drama, Comedy, Psychological · 2,100 words

First lines

A fly of medium size made its way into the nose of the assistant procurator, Gagin. It may have been impelled by curiosity, or have got there through frivolity or accident in the dark; anyway, the nose resented the presence of a foreign body and gave the signal for a sneeze. Gagin sneezed, sneezed impressively and so shrilly and loudly that the bed shook and the springs creaked. Gagin's wife, Marya Mihalovna, a full, plump, fair woman, started, too, and woke up. She gazed into the darkness, sighed, and turned over on the other side. Five minutes afterwards she turned over again and shut her eyes more firmly but she could not get to sleep again. After sighing and tossing from side to side for a time, she got up, crept over her husband, and putting on her slippers, went to the window.

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In the Dark is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1887 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Anton Chekhov
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Psychological, Realism, Satire
Length: 2,100 words
Structure: 1 section, 58 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Drama — The work explores interpersonal conflicts and emotional tensions between characters, typical of dramatic literature.
Comedy — The humorous misunderstandings and character interactions provide comedic elements throughout the narrative.
Psychological — The characters' internal fears and anxieties are central to the plot, reflecting psychological themes.
Realism — The depiction of everyday life and ordinary characters aligns with the principles of realism.