Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
- Born:
- January 29, 1860 (O.S. January 17, 1860), Taganrog, Russian Empire
- Died:
- July 15, 1904 (O.S. July 2, 1904), Badenweiler, Grand Duchy of Baden, German Empire
- Nationality:
- Russian
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Short Story Writer, Physician
Early Life and Education
- Born into a merchant family in Taganrog.
- His father's business failures significantly impacted the family's financial stability.
- Attended a Greek school in Taganrog and later the Taganrog Gymnasium.
- Studied medicine at Moscow University, graduating in 1884.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began writing short stories and humorous sketches while studying medicine to support his family.
- Gained recognition for his early short stories published under pseudonyms such as "Antosha Chekhonte".
- Transitioned from predominantly humorous works to more serious and psychologically complex narratives.
- Began writing plays, including groundbreaking works of modern drama.
- Developed a distinctive style characterized by subtlety, understatement, and psychological realism.
- Worked as a physician, famously stating that medicine was his "lawful wife" and literature his "mistress."
Notable Works
- Plays: The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard
- Short Stories: Including "The Lady with the Dog", "The Darling", "Ward No. 6", and "Anton Chekhov the bet summary" which is one of many examples of his insightful narratives, explores themes of human nature and the value of freedom.
Legacy and Impact
Anton Chekhov's works revolutionized modern drama and short fiction. His innovative use of subtext, character development, and psychological realism profoundly influenced subsequent generations of writers and playwrights. He is considered one of the greatest short story writers of all time and a pivotal figure in the development of modern theatre.