The Swedish Match by Anton Chekhov

Name: The Swedish Match
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a group of people who gather at a summer resort to socialize and engage in various activities. The main character, a middle-aged man, becomes infatuated with a young woman and begins to pursue her romantically. However, his advances are met with rejection, leading him to reevaluate his own life and relationships. The narrative explores themes of love, loneliness, and the human condition, as the characters navigate their complex emotions and interactions with one another. Through subtle character development and nuanced dialogue, Chekhov creates a sense of realism and depth that draws the reader into the world of the story. Ultimately, the tale is a poignant exploration of the fragility of human connections and the impermanence of relationships.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1888 · Genre: Mystery, Drama, Crime · 2 chapters · 9,512 words

First lines

On the morning of October 6, 1885, a well-dressed young man presented himself at the office of the police superintendent of the 2nd division of the S -- -- district, and announced that his employer, a retired cornet of the guards, called Mark Ivanovitch Klyauzov, had been murdered. The young man was pale and extremely agitated as he made this announcement. His hands trembled and there was a look of horror in his eyes.

"To whom have I the honour of speaking? " the superintendent asked him.

What this Textopian page supports

The Swedish Match is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
Author: Anton Chekhov
Date: 1888 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Drama, Crime, Social Commentary, Tragedy
Length: 9,512 words
Structure: 2 chapters, 237 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around the investigation of a murder, with various suspects and clues leading to the resolution of the crime.
Drama — The story explores complex human emotions, relationships, and moral dilemmas, particularly surrounding the characters involved in the murder.
Crime — The narrative focuses on criminal acts, including murder and the subsequent investigation, highlighting the nature of crime and its consequences.
Social Commentary — The work reflects on societal issues, class distinctions, and the moral decay of individuals within a specific social context.