Anton Chekhov and the Lady with the dog

by Ali Smith

Genres: Short Stories

249 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved both stories, but found "The Lady with the Dog" more fascinating. "The Darling" made me pity Olenka a little and reminded me of people who change everything about themselves to fit their partner's ideal. She also reminded me of people who must always be in a relationship and I have never liked how many women are portrayed in this way. "The Lady with the Dog", in my opinion is more interesting to me. I love the details of Chekhov and he writes an immersive experience. Gurov's internal conflict is truly engrossing and how he despises women but can't live without them.

Tolstoy suggests that although Olenka's character could be easy for another author to target her for her simple mindedness, Chekhov portrays her as admirable. Tolstoy declares that despite the disconnect between the intention of the author and the outcome, it makes it a better story. It would be easy to make fun of Olenka for dimwitted, but Tolstoy thinks that Chekhov depicted her devotion and unadulterated love as something to aspire to.