Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov Biography

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (January 29, 1860 – July 15, 1904) was a Russian playwright, short-story writer, and physician, celebrated for his profound impact on modern literature and drama. Born in Taganrog, Russia, Chekhov was the third of six children in a family that had recently gained freedom from serfdom. His father, Pavel, was a grocer and devout Orthodox Christian, while his mother, Yevgeniya, was known for her storytelling, which inspired Chekhov's literary inclinations.

In 1879, Chekhov moved to Moscow to join his family and pursue medical studies at Moscow University. To support his education and family, he began writing short stories and sketches, often under pseudonyms, for various magazines. Despite the demands of his medical career, Chekhov became a prolific writer, gaining recognition for his keen observations of Russian society and the human condition.

Chekhov's early plays, such as Ivanov (1887), met with mixed reviews, but he achieved critical acclaim with The Seagull (1896), Uncle Vanya (1899), Three Sisters (1901), and The Cherry Orchard (1904). These works are renowned for their subtle characterization, exploration of complex human emotions, and departure from conventional theatrical norms, contributing significantly to the development of modern drama.

Throughout his life, Chekhov balanced his medical practice with his literary pursuits, often stating, "Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress." His health began to decline due to tuberculosis, leading him to seek treatment in various locations. Chekhov passed away on July 15, 1904, in Badenweiler, Germany. His legacy endures through his influential works, which continue to be studied and performed worldwide.

Trivia About Anton Chekhov

• Chekhov was also a practicing physician and often treated patients for free, stating that medicine was his "lawful wife" and writing his "mistress."
• He wrote over 500 short stories, many of which are considered masterpieces of the form.
• Chekhov's play The Seagull was initially a failure, but its revival by the Moscow Art Theatre was a significant success.
• He was known for his principle of "Chekhov's gun," emphasizing that every element in a story should be necessary and irrelevant elements should be removed.

Famous Quotes by Anton Chekhov

• "Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass."
• "Any idiot can face a crisis; it's this day-to-day living that wears you out."
• "Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Anton Chekhov?

Anton Chekhov was a Russian playwright, short-story writer, and physician, renowned for his contributions to modern literature and drama, with works like The Seagull and The Cherry Orchard.

What is 'Chekhov's gun'?

'Chekhov's gun' is a dramatic principle that states every element in a story must be necessary; irrelevant elements should be removed. Chekhov illustrated this by saying that if a gun is shown in the first act, it must fire by the last act.

What are some of Chekhov's most famous works?

Some of Chekhov's most renowned works include the plays The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard, as well as short stories like "The Lady with the Dog" and "The Bet."

Related Literary Movements

Anton Chekhov is associated with the realism movement in literature, focusing on everyday life and complex character development. His works also influenced modernist literature and drama, emphasizing subtlety and internal conflicts over overt plot actions.

Explore more about Anton Pavlovich Chekhov on eBookTakeAway