The Requiem by Anton Chekhov (1905)

Name: The Requiem
Author: Anton Chekhov

It's a short story about 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 sense of modernity that clashes with the traditional values of her family. The story explores themes of social class, morality, and the changing values of Russian society during the late 19th century.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1905 · Genre: Drama, Literary Fiction, Tragedy · 2,416 words

First lines

In the village church of Verhny Zaprudy mass was just over. The people had begun moving and were trooping out of church. The only one who did not move was Andrey Andreyitch, a shopkeeper and old inhabitant of Verhny Zaprudy. He stood waiting, with his elbows on the railing of the right choir. His fat and shaven face, covered with indentations left by pimples, expressed on this occasion two contradictory feelings: resignation in the face of inevitable destiny, and stupid, unbounded disdain for the smocks and striped kerchiefs passing by him. As it was Sunday, he was dressed like a dandy. He wore a long cloth overcoat with yellow bone buttons, blue trousers not thrust into his boots, and sturdy goloshes -- the huge clumsy goloshes only seen on the feet of practical and prudent persons of firm religious convictions.

What this Textopian page supports

The Requiem is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Religious Fiction, Social Commentary
Length: 2,416 words
Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work explores complex human emotions and moral dilemmas, focusing on the interactions between characters in a church setting.
Literary Fiction — The narrative delves into themes of loss, societal judgment, and personal reflection, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tragedy — The story conveys a sense of sorrow and regret, particularly through the protagonist's relationship with his deceased daughter.
Religious Fiction — The setting in a church and the focus on a requiem service highlight religious themes and moral questions.