The Shoemaker and the Devil

A shoemaker makes a deal with the devil to become wealthy but at a terrible cost: he must give up his soul and his wife's soul in exchange for wealth. The story explores themes of greed, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1904 · Genre: Fantasy, Satire, Fable · 3,174 words

First lines

It was Christmas Eve. Marya had long been snoring on the stove; all the paraffin in the little lamp had burnt out, but Fyodor Nilov still sat at work. He would long ago have flung aside his work and gone out into the street, but a customer from Kolokolny Lane, who had a fortnight before ordered some boots, had been in the previous day, had abused him roundly, and had ordered him to finish the boots at once before the morning service.

"It's a convict's life! " Fyodor grumbled as he worked. "Some people have been asleep long ago, others are enjoying themselves, while you sit here like some Cain and sew for the devil knows whom."

What this Textopian page supports

The Shoemaker and the Devil is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Fantasy, Satire, Fable, Drama, Social Commentary
• Length: 3,174 words
• Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Shoemaker and the Devil by Anton Chekhov
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Shoemaker and the Devil?
• How does this short story by Anton Chekhov fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• How The Wicked Sons Were Duped by Joseph Jacobs
• The Hungry Man Was Fed by Richard Harding Davis
• The Well Of The Saints by J. M. Synge
• The Lion And The Sun by Anton Chekhov
• The Elusive Tenderloin by O. Henry
• A Green Hand by O. Henry

Genres

• Fantasy — The story involves supernatural elements, including the devil and magical transformations.
• Satire — It critiques social class disparities and the nature of wealth and greed.
• Fable — It conveys moral lessons about the consequences of one's choices and desires.
• Drama — The narrative explores the internal conflicts and emotional struggles of the protagonist.

Tags

Folklore · Mythology · Short Story · Russian Literature · Satire · Comedy · Faustian Bargain · Deal with the Devil · Moral Lesson · Cautionary Tale · Supernatural Elements · Humor

More by Anton Chekhov

• The Horse-Stealers and Other Stories (1900)
• The Schoolmaster and Other Stories (1900)
• The Party and Other Stories (1900)
• The Cook's Wedding and Other Stories (1900)
• The Bishop and Other Stories (1900)
• The Duel and Other Stories (1900)
• The Schoolmistress and Other Stories (1900)
• The Wife and Other Stories (1900)
• All works by Anton Chekhov