A Chekhov Circus

A guide to the short stories of Anton Chekhov

Category: First appeared in print in 1884

  • No. 46 – In the Graveyard

    As early as 1884, Chekhov was busy hating on actors, or at least finding their profession miserable. It’s really a wonder to me that he ever wanted to be a playwright. This story, about a miserable and basically pathetic little actor at the end of his life, was published well before Chekhov was deeply involved…

  • No. 160 – Minds in Ferment

    A small town erupts in a panic for no reason.

  • No. 32 – Choristers

    Choirmaster Alexey Alexeitch works for weeks to prepare his singers for a visiting dignitary, only to have his hopes dashed at the last moment. This story is another example of Chekhov’s general admiration for people doing their jobs. Alexey Alexeitch is not necessarily a very good musician, and he certainly doesn’t have a gentle touch…

  • No. 66 – Oysters

    A recollection of a painful moment of childhood poverty.

  • No. 111 – The Album

    A rich man is touched when his staff at work present him with an album, but he is unconcerned the next day when his children rip it to pieces.

  • No. 201 – The Swedish Match

    A man disappears and a detective must solve the mystery.