Panic Fears by Anton Chekhov (1898)

Name: Panic Fears
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who suffers from panic attacks and fears that she will lose her mind. She becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn, unable to cope with the pressures of everyday life. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist's fears are not just about losing her sanity, but also about being trapped in a loveless marriage and living a mundane existence. The story explores themes of anxiety, depression, and the constraints placed on women during this time period. The author portrays the protagonist's inner turmoil with great sensitivity and nuance, creating a sense of empathy for her plight. Ultimately, the story suggests that the protagonist's fears are not unfounded, but rather a manifestation of the societal expectations and limitations placed upon her.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1898 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Horror · 2,635 words

First lines

During all the years I have been living in this world I have only three times been terrified.

The first real terror, which made my hair stand on end and made shivers run all over me, was caused by a trivial but strange phenomenon. It happened that, having nothing to do one July evening, I drove to the station for the newspapers. It was a still, warm, almost sultry evening, like all those monotonous evenings in July which, when once they have set in, go on for a week, a fortnight, or sometimes longer, in regular unbroken succession, and are suddenly cut short by a violent thunderstorm and a lavish downpour of rain that refreshes everything for a long time.

What this Textopian page supports

Panic Fears is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
Language: English
Genres: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Horror, Realism, Short Story
Length: 2,635 words
Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Psychological Fiction — The narrative explores the inner thoughts and fears of the protagonist, delving into psychological terror and existential dread.
Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes character development and thematic depth, focusing on human experiences and emotions.
Horror — The story evokes feelings of fear and anxiety through mysterious and unsettling phenomena.
Realism — The depiction of everyday life and ordinary events reflects realistic settings and situations.