Russian Literature - Assignment Example

8 February The Essence of Being a Lover in “The Lady with the Little Dog” In “The Lady with the Little Dog,” Anton Chekhov shows the transformation of Gurov from a womanizer to a loyal lover through the symbols of the dog, searching for acquaintances, and flowers, and through the situational irony of falling in love with an “inferior race,” which actually made him part of the “better” race, because love changes people for the “better.” Chekhov shows the transformation of Gurov from a womanizer to a loyal lover through the symbols of the dog, searching for acquaintances, and flowers.

Gurov has become Anna’s dog, because he turned from a lover to a loyal companion to her. He could no longer leave her side, upon knowing he loves her, and he is willing to risk everything for her. Without love, Gurov is like Anna who is searching for acquaintances every time the steamer arrives. This search symbolizes the dissatisfaction in his life and the craving for someone to complete this search. Furthermore, the fragrance and moisture of flowers signify the freshness of true love. The novelty of these feelings arouses Gurov to new heights of emotions and experiences.

Finally, Chekhov further uses situational irony to show how Gurov changes. Gurov falls in love with who he calls an inferior race, which actually made him part of the better race, because love changed him to become a better person. Gurov sees women as an “inferior race” (362) and his first impression of Anna is that she is pathetic. By being in love with an inferior race, the situational irony is that Gurov has transformed into a “better race,” where he sheds the monotony of his life behind and experiences something so passionate and liberating.

However, it remains ironic that Gurov keeps this life a secret, when it is only the life he ever wanted to live.