The Fish by Anton Chekhov (1904)

Name: The Fish
Author: Anton Chekhov

A retired fisherman lives with his wife and son on a small island. He spends most of his time fishing but has become increasingly disillusioned with the lack of success in his life. His wife tries to keep him optimistic, but he feels trapped by his circumstances. The story explores themes of isolation, disappointment, and the human condition.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1904 · Genre: Drama, Realism, Comedy · 2,497 words

First lines

A summer morning. The air is still; there is no sound but the churring of a grasshopper on the river bank, and somewhere the timid cooing of a turtledove. Feathery clouds stand motionless in the sky, looking like snow scattered about. Gerassim, the carpenter, a tall gaunt peasant, with a curly red head and a face overgrown with hair, is floundering about in the water under the green willow branches near an unfinished bathing shed. He puffs and pants and, blinking furiously, is trying to get hold of something under the roots of the willows. His face is covered with perspiration. A couple of yards from him, Lubim, the carpenter, a young hunchback with a triangular face and narrow Chinese-looking eyes, is standing up to his neck in water. Both Gerassim and Lubim are in shirts and linen breeches. Both are blue with cold, for they have been more than an hour already in the water.

What this Textopian page supports

The Fish is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Realism, Comedy, Tragedy, Slice of Life
Length: 2,497 words
Structure: 1 section, 57 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work focuses on character interactions and conflicts, showcasing human emotions and relationships.
Realism — The narrative depicts everyday life and ordinary characters, emphasizing realistic dialogue and situations.
Comedy — The humorous exchanges and absurd situations among the characters contribute to a comedic tone.
Tragedy — The loss of the fish symbolizes missed opportunities and the futility of effort, reflecting tragic elements.