(342 words) The first literary works of Anton Pavlovich Chekhov were devoted to short prose. The conciseness of the works stood out among the detailed novels of the 19th century. But the writer was popular among contemporaries not only because of the small size of his books. Stories are distinguished by a variety of images and a rich perspective.
Chekhov pays particular attention to the problem of indifference to his neighbor and inability to live. Dr. Toporkov from the story “Late Flowers,” cynical about his patients, does not know how to enjoy life. When he finally understands that the main character loves him, a meaning appears in the hero’s life, but it is too late: Maroussia dies, despite the efforts of Toporkov. Belikov’s gymnasium teacher in the story “A Man in a Case” is even more limited by the scope and rules. It is so closed that it is annoyed by any manifestations of human nature: from harmless jokes to riding a bicycle. He always fears: "No matter what happens."
The heroine of the story “The House with the Mezzanine” Lydia is immersed in worries about Zemstvo affairs, she works as a teacher and deals with social problems. But she is deprived of the ability to enjoy nature, to admire the narrator’s paintings. Because of the views of the girl, the hero has to part with her sister, whom he loves. In the story “Lady with the Dog,” the protagonist experiences forbidden love. He and the lady he meets in Yalta are both unhappy in marriage. The holiday romance gradually develops into secret dates, but these meetings have remained a passing event, which has not changed anything and will not change.
Humorous stories from Chekhov acquire a satirical character. Two old friends from the story “Fat and Thin” parted in embarrassment after a meeting at the station, when it turns out that one rank is much more significant than the other. In Chameleon, police supervisor Ochumelov constantly changes his mind as he guesses to whom the guilty dog belongs. Fear of the highest ranks makes the hero break down on the victim as soon as someone from the crowd suggests that the dog is general. Fear of the highest rank is also sharply manifested in the story "The Death of an Official." The character of the story accidentally sneezes on the bald head of the state general. As a result, this situation brings him to death.
In his stories, Anton Pavlovich addresses the problems of spiritual poverty, the depravity of society and raises the question of the meaning of life. Vivid characters, brevity and simplicity of the language make it possible to place a thought intelligible to readers in each work. The writer masterfully combines typical images with the originality of the plot in a memorable form.
