Small Fry by Anton Chekhov (1909)

Name: Small Fry
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young boy who lives with his mother and stepfather on a small farm. The boy's father has abandoned the family, leaving them in poverty. The stepfather is cruel and abusive, making life difficult for the boy and his mother. As the story progresses, the boy becomes increasingly resentful towards his stepfather and begins to plot against him. He sees an opportunity to get rid of the stepfather when he discovers that a wealthy landowner has offered to buy their farm. The boy's plan involves setting fire to the farm in order to collect the insurance money from the landowner. However, things do not go as planned, and the fire gets out of control, causing destruction and chaos. In the end, the boy is left alone, having lost his family and home. The story explores themes of poverty, abuse, and the consequences of one's actions.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1909 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Drama, Social Commentary · 1,560 words

First lines

"Honored Sir, Father and Benefactor! " a petty clerk called Nevyrazimov was writing a rough copy of an Easter congratulatory letter. "I trust that you may spend this Holy Day even as many more to come, in good health and prosperity. And to your family also I."

The lamp, in which the kerosene was getting low, was smoking and smelling. A stray cockroach was running about the table in alarm near Nevyrazimov's writing hand. Two rooms away from the office Paramon the porter was for the third time cleaning his best boots, and with such energy that the sound of the blacking-brush and of his expectorations was audible in all the rooms.

What this Textopian page supports

Small Fry is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Drama, Social Commentary, Short Story, Tragicomedy
Length: 1,560 words
Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for Small Fry by Anton Chekhov
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Small Fry?
How does this short story by Anton Chekhov fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of existential despair, social status, and the human condition, characteristic of literary fiction.
Psychological Drama — The protagonist's internal struggles and thoughts reflect psychological depth and complexity.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social hierarchies and the plight of the lower class.
Short Story — The work is concise and structured as a short narrative, typical of the short story format.