The Schoolmaster and Other Stories

"The Schoolmaster and Other Stories" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a collection of short stories likely written during the late 19th century. This anthology features Chekhov's keen observation of human nature and social commentary, presenting various characters and their circumstances as they navigate the complexities of life, relationships, and societal norms. The opening story, "The Schoolmaster," focuses on Fyodor Lukitch Sysoev, a factory schoolmaster who is preparing for an annual dinner celebration, reflecting on his career and interactions with his colleagues. The opening of "The Schoolmaster" introduces us to Fyodor Lukitch Sysoev as he prepares for the annual dinner held by the factory's board of managers. While Sysoev's students have performed admirably in their examinations, he is unhappy with the minor mistakes made by two of his pupils and vexed by his colleagues' camaraderie, feeling isolated in a landscape marked by envy and competition. As he attempts to present himself well for the dinner, he battles physical weakness and an overwhelming cough, ultimately leading to an emotional climax when he misinterprets a comment about his family's future. This blend of humor and poignancy, alongside Chekhov's trademark exploration of existential themes, sets a rich stage for the following stories in the collection. (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."