Anton chekhov critic - Research Paper Example

While the majority of critics would agree that Anton Chekhov was an outstanding different critics enjoy his work for different reasons. Many of them are drawn to his sense of realism, as he, often times, gives a very grave description of his own circumstances. Others, however, like N. Bryllion Fagin are drawn to his sense of humour, which is extremely underrated. Fagin writes that “Chekhov is essentially a humorist. His is not the quiet, genial humor of an Addison or a Washington Irving nor the more subtle, often boisterous humor of a Mark Twain.

His is rather the cynical chuckle of a grown-up watching a child assume grimaces of deep earnestness and self-importance”. This is a unique type of humor that Chekhov captured masterfully in his early career and it is nice to see it appreciated by critics. This opinion of Chekhov is important because it shows that he did not take life too importantly. Many authors become overly serious about their craft and are unable to look at themselves objectively. This can completely ruin people, as once you begin taking yourself too seriously you lose your edge.

In his earlier stories, Fagin claims that Chekhov had a much better sense of humour and did not take himself too seriously. This made these easier stories much more enjoyable to read, as “his earlier stories the laughable, and it is a more or less cheerful laugh, with little of the serious behind it” (Fagin). As Chekhov’s career carried on, however, Fagin noticed that he began to look at life differently and his stories suffered as a result. This is unfortunate, but it is probably a direct result of his upbringing in Russia and the social landscape during that time period.

Fagin writes, “But as the stories grow more in volume, the undercurrent of gloom and a stifled groan of pain become more and more audible, until, in the later volumes, his laugh quite eloquently suggest the ominous combination of submission to Fate and Mephistophelian despair”. This shows that there was a fair amount of gloom in his life, as he did not know what the future would hold, but he did not believe that it would be positive for him and his country. No one knows for sure why Chekhov’s style of writing changed, but is very likely that the impact of the Russian political system had a major impact on it.

This political system is though to be very dreary and to take a great deal of hope away from people, so it is possible that Chekhov essentially lost hope in life and that his writing shows this. No matter what the reason for this change, it is interesting to note that it was a dramatic change and it occurred as Chekhov aged and became more aware of his surroundings. Works CitedFagin, N Bryllion. "Anton Chekhov: The Master of the Gray Short-Story," Poet Lore, XXXII, Autumn 1921. Viewed 25 March 2009 From http://mockingbird.creighton.edu/NCW/chekcrit.htm