Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov was born in Russia in 1860 to a religious but violent father and a loving but very unhappy mother. He had a difficult childhood but went on to become a doctor, paying for his studies himself by doing part-time work. All his life, Chekhov, one of the best-known writers of short stories in any language, thought of himself, first and foremost, as a doctor. Chekhov’s plays were never as successful in his lifetime as his short stories, although they are now seen as the first examples of modern drama. In fact, people hated his first play. Even on his deathbed, Chekhov believed his stories would last only seven years after his death. He passed away at the age of forty-four of tuberculosis.

Articles by Anton Chekhov

The Witch

Upper-IntermediateFiction

Chekhov's tale of an unlikely marriage between an older, poorly educated man and the beautiful daughter of a church caretaker who tries to make sure she can stay in her home after his death. The husband is jealous of his attractive wife and convinces himself that she can change the weather to get young men to visit their home. (3,290 words)

A Slander

IntermediateFiction

In this clever little tale, tells describes a misunderstanding at a wedding party, where a guest believes the bride's father has kissed his servant. The father tries to prevent the rumour from spreading but will he succeed? (1,250 words)

Sleepy

IntermediateFiction

This story is about a girl working as a servant. She is too young to work so hard and she is very tired, but she has to look after the baby when she should be playing with her friends or sitting with her family. Tragedy is waiting just around the corner. (1,830 words)

The Horse Thieves

AdvancedFiction

In this classic story of Cossack life in the nineteenth century, Chekhov paints a picture of women and men living wild and carefree lives, while the anti-hero of the story looks on with fear and envy, even while he knows he can never be part of the danger they live and love. (4,860 words)

The Head Teacher

IntermediateFiction

In this wonderful story, the great Russian dramatist takes us into the world of the head teacher of a charity school who is very ill. He is successful and dedicated to his students and his school but believes that his enemies are trying to undermine their achievements. He gives a speech at the school's annual dinner where he appears not to know what the future holds for him. (2,230 words)

The Lottery Ticket

Pre-IntermediateFiction

Chekhov is the greatest teller of short stories in Russian, maybe world, literature. This one is about a happily married couple who have a lottery ticket and (only half-) imagine they have won a lot of money. But their dreams of a rosy future are not as sweet as we might expect (1,600 words)

Small Fry

IntermediateFiction

Chekhov looks at the poverty and ambition of a clerk in this short story. He spends an evening in a depressing office when he should be out in the streets enjoying himself. To pass the time, he writes a letter asking for a slightly better job, complimenting a powerful man he hates and wonders how he can get a better man’s job. At the same time, he looks at an insect running around on his writing table … (1,090 words)