The story follows a young man named Ivan, who is a gossip and a slanderer. He is constantly spreading rumors and lies about people in his small town, and his behavior has caused him to be ostracized by the other villagers. One day, Ivan meets a stranger who tells him a story about a man who was falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to death. Ivan is moved by the story and decides to change his ways. He begins to spread only the truth and to help those in need. The story ends with Ivan being accepted back into the village and becoming a respected member of the community. He is no longer a slanderer, but a man of integrity and honor.
By Anton Chekhov · First published 1901 · Genre: Drama, Comedy, Realism