The Slanderer (ePub)

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860-1904) was a preeminent Russian playwright and master of the modern short story. Born in Taganrog, to a family of modest means, Chekhov's early life and education significantly shaped his worldview and literary voice. He attended Moscow University to study medicine, a profession that informed his writing with a compassionate and clinical perspective of human nature (Rayfield, 1997). Often imbued with a spirit of medical ethics, his literary style is noted for its concision, objectivity, and subtlety. Chekhov practiced as a physician throughout his life, which he famously quoted as his 'lawful wife', while literature was his 'mistress' (Chekhov, Letters). His writing straddled the genres of farce, tragedy, and comedy, capturing the complexity of Russian society during the late 19th century. His most renowned works include 'The Seagull', 'Uncle Vanya', 'Three Sisters', and 'The Cherry Orchard', which have left an indelible mark on modern theatre. 'The Slanderer', one of his lesser-known works, reveals his prowess in prose, delivering a powerful examination of human behavior and morality. Chekhov's literary style is characterized by the use of a 'stream of life' narrative, sparse detail, and what has been termed 'Chekhovian', a method tempting readers to delve beyond the text to understand the depths of his characters (Pritchett, 1988). His legacy endures, influencing countless writers and the evolution of both the short story and playwriting.