Sorrow by Anton Chekhov (1889)

Name: Sorrow
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a middle-aged man who has been living with his wife and daughter for many years. He is struggling to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer young and that his life is slowly slipping away from him. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the man's sense of purpose and identity have been eroded by his mundane routine and lack of meaningful relationships. His wife has grown distant and cold towards him, and their daughter is now a young woman who barely acknowledges her father's existence. The story explores themes of loneliness, regret, and the human search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The protagonist's struggles to find connection and purpose serve as a poignant commentary on the fragility of life and the inevitability of decline and mortality.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1889 · Genre: Tragedy, Realism, Psychological Fiction · 2,726 words

First lines

The turner, Grigory Petrov, who had been known for years past as a splendid craftsman, and at the same time as the most senseless peasant in the Galtchinskoy district, was taking his old woman to the hospital. He had to drive over twenty miles, and it was an awful road. A government post driver could hardly have coped with it, much less an incompetent sluggard like Grigory. A cutting cold wind was blowing straight in his face. Clouds of snowflakes were whirling round and round in all directions, so that one could not tell whether the snow was falling from the sky or rising from the earth. The fields, the telegraph posts, and the forest could not be seen for the fog of snow. And when a particularly violent gust of wind swooped down on Grigory, even the yoke above the horse's head could not be seen. The wretched, feeble little nag crawled slowly along. It took all its strength to drag its legs out of the snow and to tug with its head. The turner was in a hurry. He kept restlessly hopping up and down on the front seat and lashing the horse's back.

What this Textopian page supports

Sorrow is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
Language: English
Genres: Tragedy, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Short Story
Length: 2,726 words
Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Tragedy — The narrative centers on the turner's profound loss and regret, highlighting themes of sorrow and the consequences of neglect.
Realism — The story presents a stark portrayal of everyday life, focusing on the struggles of a peasant and the harsh realities of existence.
Psychological Fiction — The internal conflict and emotional turmoil of the turner are central to the plot, exploring his thoughts and feelings in depth.
Social Commentary — The work critiques social hierarchies and the treatment of the lower class, reflecting on the dynamics between the peasant and the gentry.