The Schoolmistress by Anton Chekhov

Name: The Schoolmistress
Author: Anton Chekhov

A middle-aged schoolteacher lives alone with her mother and a young nephew. She is strict and demanding but also kind and caring towards the children in her care. The story revolves around her relationships with her family members, particularly her nephew, who is struggling to adjust to his new life after being orphaned.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama · 4,127 words

First lines

At half-past eight they drove out of the town.

What this Textopian page supports

The Schoolmistress 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, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
Length: 4,127 words
Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Schoolmistress by Anton Chekhov
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Schoolmistress?
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, duty, and the human condition through detailed character development and introspective narrative.
Realism — The story presents a realistic portrayal of the life of a schoolmistress in a rural setting, highlighting social issues and everyday struggles.
Drama — The narrative contains dramatic elements, focusing on the internal conflicts and emotional experiences of the protagonist.
Social Commentary — The text critiques societal structures, particularly in education and gender roles, reflecting on the protagonist's frustrations with her environment.