The Schoolmaster and Other Stories (eBook)

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860–1904) was a renowned Russian playwright and master of the modern short story. His literary production encompasses a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the Russian society of his time. Born in Taganrog, the son of a grocer and grandson of a serf, Chekhov's early life experiences significantly shaped his thematic focus on everyday lives, social and economic struggles. After obtaining a medical degree, he continued to practice medicine, famously stating, 'Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress.' Despite his medical career, Chekhov's passion for writing prevailed, leading to an illustrious literary career. His narratives often weave a fabric of realism, sprinkled with satire, and an underlying commentary on human folly and the complexity of life. In 'The Schoolmaster and Other Stories', a collection that showcases his short story prowess, Chekhov presents a mosaic of human characters, each struggling with their desires, regrets, and the irrevocable passage of time. Chekhov's style, characterized by an economy of language, subtle irony, and a focus on internal rather than external action, revolutionized the short story form. His works, including 'The Cherry Orchard', 'The Seagull', and 'Uncle Vanya', remain integral to the canonical narratives of not only Russian but global literature. He passed away from tuberculosis at the age of 44, but his literary legacy continues to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration and study.