The Man in a Case by Anton Chekhov

Name: The Man in a Case
Author: Anton Chekhov

A middle-aged man lives with his wife and daughter in a small apartment. He is a lawyer who has become increasingly isolated from society due to his own eccentricities and strict adherence to routine. The story revolves around the man's obsessive behavior, particularly his fixation on a small case that he carries everywhere with him.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Satire · 6,441 words

First lines

At the furthest end of the village of Mironositskoe some belated sportsmen lodged for the night in the elder Prokofy's barn. There were two of them, the veterinary surgeon Ivan Ivanovitch and the schoolmaster Burkin. Ivan Ivanovitch had a rather strange double-barrelled surname -- Tchimsha-Himalaisky -- which did not suit him at all, and he was called simply Ivan Ivanovitch all over the province. He lived at a stud-farm near the town, and had come out shooting now to get a breath of fresh air. Burkin, the high school teacher, stayed every summer at Count P -- -- 's, and had been thoroughly at home in this district for years.

What this Textopian page supports

The Man in a Case is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Satire, Short Story, Social Commentary
Length: 6,441 words
Structure: 1 section, 93 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Man in a Case?
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 complex themes of isolation, societal norms, and human behavior through character-driven narratives.
Psychological Fiction — It delves into the psychological state of the protagonist, examining his fears and compulsions.
Satire — The narrative critiques societal conventions and the absurdity of human behavior, particularly through the character of Byelikov.
Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story arc within a limited length.