Kashtanka by Anton Chekhov (1887)

Name: Kashtanka
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young girl named Kashtanka who lives with her owner, a drunkard and a thief, on the outskirts of Moscow. She is a clever and resourceful dog who navigates the complexities of human relationships and learns to survive in a harsh environment. Kashtanka's life changes when she meets a kind-hearted woman who takes pity on her and tries to improve her circumstances. However, Kashtanka's owner returns, and she is forced to confront the harsh realities of her situation once again. Throughout the story, Kashtanka's character serves as a commentary on the social ills of Russia during this time period, including poverty, alcoholism, and exploitation. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of morality and compassion in a world where cruelty and suffering are rampant. Ultimately, Kashtanka's story is one of resilience and determination, as she adapts to her circumstances and finds ways to cope with the challenges that life throws her way.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1887 · Genre: Fiction, Short Story, Animal Fiction · 9,154 words

First lines

A young dog, a reddish mongrel, between a dachshund and a "yard-dog," very like a fox in face, was running up and down the pavement looking uneasily from side to side. From time to time she stopped and, whining and lifting first one chilled paw and then another, tried to make up her mind how it could have happened that she was lost.

She remembered very well how she had passed the day, and how, in the end, she had found herself on this unfamiliar pavement.

What this Textopian page supports

Kashtanka is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Animal Fiction, Realism, Tragedy
Length: 9,154 words
Structure: 1 section, 137 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fiction — The narrative centers around the life and experiences of a dog, exploring themes of belonging, identity, and the human-animal relationship.
Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story arc within a limited word count.
Animal Fiction — The protagonist is a dog, and the story is told from her perspective, highlighting her thoughts and feelings.
Realism — The story depicts everyday life and the struggles of both humans and animals in a realistic setting.