A Chekhov Circus

A guide to the short stories of Anton Chekhov

Tag: Mothers

  • No. 13 – Betrothed

    This was Chekhov’s final story, published about a year before he died. Death hovers over the story: One of the characters is in poor health and ultimately dies of tuberculosis, the disease that felled Chekhov himself. The story: Nadya is engaged to be married to a well-off local man, but as the wedding day approaches,…

  • No. 9 – The Bishop

    This beautiful, brief portrait is one of Chekhov’s best stories. Bishop Pyotr is someone who has “risen above his station,” transcending his modest roots. He is a good man, caring, modest, and cautious.  There is not much in the way of plot. His mother comes to visit him and he is filled with joy; he…

  • No. 97 – In the Ravine

    A family saga of a thieving, conniving clan of merchants in a factory town.

  • No. 153 – A Classical Student

    A young man must bear the wrath of his angry mother when his studies go poorly.