Chekhov Captures Dmitrys example essay topic
Anton Chekhov writes The Lady With the Pet Dog in third person, mainly focusing on the character Dmitry Gu rov and his thoughts regarding his romantic liaison with Anna Sergeyevna. Chekhov sets in the readers mind the nonchalant, arrogant attitude Dmitry feels towards Anna right in the beginning of the story. In his appearance, in his character, in his whole make-up there was something attractive and elusive that disposed women in his favor and allured them (par. 5). Chekhov even goes as far as saying that Dmitry thought of women as the inferior race (par. 4).
The authors bluntness in displaying Dmitrys arrogant character sets the story. Dmitry finds it utterly surprising that he falls in love with what he thought was just another one of his many mistresses. Anton theme of forbidden, yet undeniable love is present throughout the story as the two characters realize their unhappiness without one another. Although both were married, they made sacrifices to find time together and to enjoy their love for each other. Chekhov forbidden theme is portrayed when both people realize that their parting is necessary.
Anna replies We are parting forever - it has to be, for we ought never to have met (par. 57). But their undeniable love is also portrayed as Dmitry flies t Annas hometown to see her and she replies, All this time I have been thinking of nothing but you; I love only by the thought of you (par. 96). The setting that Anton Chekhov chooses for this story is Yalta. It is located in Europe and noted that it is a far away place from Annas husband.
This isolated location gives the readers a perfect view for the setting of the couples romantic liaison. The mention of her dog at first reveals to the readers that she is just an ordinary woman, but later comes into play as a mask or identity to hide behind as she frolics with her new found love. The dog caught the site of Dmitry and in turn brought him and Anna to meet for the first time. He beckoned invitingly to the Pomeranian...
The lady glanced at him (par. 8, par. 9). Anton Chekhov is not against this betrayal Dmitry and Anna are involved with. He illustrates this by allowing them to eventually end up together, and leaves them discussing how they will go about confessing their love. They talked of how to avoid the necessity for secrecy, for deception, for living in different cities, and not seeing each other for long periods of time (par.
120). He portrays the unhappiness that is felt by Anna in her marriage and also portrays Dmitrys unhappiness as well. Dmitry referred to his wife as having limited intelligence (par. 4) and Anna referred to her husband as flunky (par.
36). Chekhov combines this unhappiness into a this forbidden and unexpected love. Dmitry is the one true dynamic character of the story. In the beginning of the story Chekhov portrays him as an arrogant man that consistently cheats on his wife. Even at the beginning of his affair with Anna he discards any real feelings he could have for her.
He imagines that the image of Anna Sergeyevna... would become misty in his memory (par. 63), but in reality everything that surrounds him reminds him of her. This remembrance and realization of his love for her is so strong that it drives him to be by her side. Chekhov captures Dmitrys dynamic character change vividly and evolves him into a loving and compassionate man. The Lady With the Pet Dog is written with extreme lust and passion.
And it is not far fetched from the realities of today. Adultery, although horrible as it seems, is in actuality a reality among married couples. Chekhov captures this forbidden love in a positive way, showing the escape these two characters are aching for. Chekhov doesnt reveal to the readers the spouses feelings, for that would bring a negative drama to the story. This is a love story and Chekhov wanted to show his readers that true love is everywhere, even in the most deniable places. Chekhov, Anton.
The Lady With the Pet Dog. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Eds. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 7th ed. New York: Longman, 1999.434 -.