The Student by Anton Chekhov (1886)

Name: The Student
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young student who returns to his rural home after being expelled from university for participating in a student protest. He is met with indifference by his family and the community, who view him as a troublemaker. As he tries to adjust to life at home, the student becomes increasingly disillusioned with the societal norms and expectations that have been imposed upon him. He feels stifled by the lack of intellectual stimulation and the narrow-mindedness of those around him. The story explores themes of alienation, rebellion, and the struggle for individuality in a society that values conformity above all else. The student's experiences serve as a commentary on the social and cultural constraints that can stifle personal growth and creativity.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Realism · 1,769 words

First lines

At first the weather was fine and still. The thrushes were calling, and in the swamps close by something alive droned pitifully with a sound like blowing into an empty bottle. A snipe flew by, and the shot aimed at it rang out with a gay, resounding note in the spring air. But when it began to get dark in the forest a cold, penetrating wind blew inappropriately from the east, and everything sank into silence. Needles of ice stretched across the pools, and it felt cheerless, remote, and lonely in the forest. There was a whiff of winter.

What this Textopian page supports

The Student 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, Philosophical Fiction, Realism, Religious Fiction, Short Story
Length: 1,769 words
Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Student?
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 deep themes of existence, human emotion, and the connection between past and present, characteristic of literary fiction.
Philosophical Fiction — It delves into philosophical questions about life, suffering, and the human condition, prompting reflection on the nature of truth and beauty.
Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of rural life, poverty, and the struggles of ordinary people, typical of the realism genre.
Religious Fiction — The story incorporates biblical references and themes of faith, redemption, and the human experience in relation to spirituality.