Hi there,
Last time, I confessed to you that my first literary love was Peter Pan.
Today, I would like to share with you my second literary love. Anton Chekhov.
I think I am improving. My first love was a character. My second love is dead, but at least he was a real person.
The thing I loved about Chekhov was his dark humour.
The Bear: A Joke in One Act won me over. Here’s a scene between Popova (the grieving widow) and Smirnov (the creditor):
SMIRNOV.
We'll fight it out! I'm not going to be insulted by anybody, and I don't care if you are a woman, one of the
"softer sex," indeed!
POPOVA.
[Trying to interrupt him] Bear! Bear! Bear!
SMIRNOV.
It's about time we got rid of the prejudice that only men need pay for their insults. Devil take it, if you
want equality of rights you can have it. We're going to fight it out!
POPOVA.
With pistols? Very well!
SMIRNOV.
This very minute.
POPOVA.
This very minute! My husband had some pistols.... I'll bring them here. [Is going, but turns back] What
pleasure it will give me to put a bullet into your thick head! Devil take you! [Exit.]
Isn’t this GREAT! A dual between a man and a woman.
But, how will it end. Hmm? Come to think of it, Chekhov may have invented the Romantic Comedy genre. (Not sure how I feel about him right now, but I will soldier on.)
The thing about Chekhov’s writing is that it is so real. Characters interact with each other without even really listening to what the other character is saying.
HELENA. What a fine day! Not too hot. [A pause.]
VOITSKI. A fine day to hang oneself.”
And, what is Helena’s response. She continues feeding the chickens.
Of the man. Chekhov wrote: "My holy of holies is the human body, health, intelligence, talent, love and the most absolute freedom imaginable, freedom from violence and lying, whatever form they may take. That's the programme I would follow if I were a great artist."
Who is your literary love?
Until next time,
Ellie