Not Wanted by Anton Chekhov (1903)

Name: Not Wanted
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who has been abandoned by her lover and is struggling to come to terms with the rejection. She is forced to confront the harsh realities of her situation and the societal expectations placed upon her. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the constraints of social class.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1903 · Genre: Drama, Realism, Social Commentary · 2,979 words

First lines

Between six and seven o'clock on a July evening, a crowd of summer visitors -- mostly fathers of families -- burdened with parcels, portfolios, and ladies' hatboxes, was trailing along from the little station of Helkovo, in the direction of the summer villas. They all looked exhausted, hungry, and ill-humoured, as though the sun were not shining and the grass were not green for them.

Trudging along among the others was Pavel Matveyitch Zaikin, a member of the Circuit Court, a tall, stooping man, in a cheap cotton dust-coat and with a cockade on his faded cap. He was perspiring, red in the face, and gloomy.

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Not Wanted is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1903 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Anton Chekhov
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Realism, Social Commentary, Tragicomedy, Slice of Life
Length: 2,979 words
Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Drama — The work explores interpersonal relationships and emotional conflicts, typical of dramatic literature.
Realism — It depicts everyday life and the struggles of ordinary people, focusing on their thoughts and feelings.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social norms and the burdens of societal expectations, particularly regarding family and leisure.
Tragicomedy — It blends elements of tragedy and comedy, highlighting the absurdities of life and human behavior.