The Witch, and Other Stories

"The Witch and Other Stories" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The opening story, "The Witch," introduces us to the sexton Savely Gykin and his wife Raissa as they cope with a snowstorm while reflecting on their lives and relationships. The narrative explores themes of superstition, jealousy, and the complexities of marital dynamics in a rural setting, with a particular focus on the conflicted feelings of Savely regarding his wife’s supposed witchcraft. The beginning of "The Witch" sets a vivid scene as Savely lies in bed, hearing the raging storm outside and suspecting his wife of using witchery to summon chaos and attract unwanted male visitors. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes evident that the couple's relationship is fraught with insecurities and accusations, highlighting Savely’s paranoia and Raissa’s frustration with his suspicions. The arrival of a postman seeking shelter in their home amid the storm precipitates tension and reveals layers of desire and discord within the couple. This opening sets the stage for a blend of humor and drama, reflective of Chekhov's skill in portraying the human condition through everyday situations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was a Russian playwright and short-story writer. His career as a playwright produced four classics, and his best short stories are held in high esteem by writers and critics. Along with Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg, Chekhov is often referred to as one of the three seminal figures in the birth of early modernism in the theatre. Chekhov was a physician by profession. "Medicine is my lawful wife," he once said, "and literature is my mistress."