The Post by Anton Chekhov (1886)

Name: The Post
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She brings with her a new husband and a child, but the reunion is tense and strained due to unresolved conflicts from the past. The family dynamics are complex, with each member harboring secrets and resentments that threaten to tear them apart. The wife struggles to reconcile her own desires with the expectations placed upon her by her family and society. Throughout the story, Chekhov explores themes of love, duty, and the constraints placed on women in a patriarchal society.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama · 2,861 words

First lines

It was three o'clock in the night. The postman, ready to set off, in his cap and his coat, with a rusty sword in his hand, was standing near the door, waiting for the driver to finish putting the mail bags into the cart which had just been brought round with three horses. The sleepy postmaster sat at his table, which was like a counter; he was filling up a form and saying:

"My nephew, the student, wants to go to the station at once. So look here, Ignatyev, let him get into the mail cart and take him with you to the station: though it is against the regulations to take people with the mail, what's one to do? It's better for him to drive with you free than for me to hire horses for him."

What this Textopian page supports

The Post 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, Realism, Drama, Short Story, Philosophical Fiction
Length: 2,861 words
Structure: 1 section, 55 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Post 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 The Post?
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 human experience, emotions, and social interactions, characteristic of literary fiction.
Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of everyday life and the struggles of ordinary characters.
Drama — The tension and conflict between the characters create a dramatic atmosphere, highlighting their emotional states.
Short Story — The work is concise and focused on a specific incident, fitting the short story format.