The Schoolmaster by Anton Chekhov

Name: The Schoolmaster
Author: Anton Chekhov

A retired schoolteacher returns to his hometown and takes up a position at the local school. He struggles with the incompetence of the students and the apathy of the community. The story explores themes of disillusionment, frustration, and the decline of traditional values in rural Russia during the late 19th century.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1888 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy · 3,311 words

First lines

Fyodor Lukitch Sysoev, the master of the factory school maintained at the expense of the firm of Kulikin, was getting ready for the annual dinner. Every year after the school examination the board of managers gave a dinner at which the inspector of elementary schools, all who had conducted the examinations, and all the managers and foremen of the factory were present. In spite of their official character, these dinners were always good and lively, and the guests sat a long time over them; forgetting distinctions of rank and recalling only their meritorious labours, they ate till they were full, drank amicably, chattered till they were all hoarse and parted late in the evening, deafening the whole factory settlement with their singing and the sound of their kisses. Of such dinners Sysoev had taken part in thirteen, as he had been that number of years master of the factory school.

What this Textopian page supports

The Schoolmaster is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Character Study, Realism
Length: 3,311 words
Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Anton Chekhov fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Drama first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The narrative focuses on character interactions and emotional conflicts, typical of dramatic literature.
Social Commentary — The story critiques educational practices and societal norms, reflecting on the roles and expectations of teachers.
Tragedy — The protagonist experiences a profound personal crisis, culminating in despair and emotional breakdown.
Character Study — The work delves deeply into the psyche of the schoolmaster, exploring his motivations and insecurities.