The Story "The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov
The story "The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov, published in 1899, describes an adulterous affair between a married Moscow banker and a young married woman who are both on a vacation in Yalta. Though both are unhappy with their marriages, they find a way to have fun by having an affair.
Gurov's Relationship with the Lady with the Dog
Gurov is a middle-aged successful man, married with children, but feels unfulfilled and unhappy. He begins an affair with a married woman named Anna Sergeevna. Initially, the two have a strictly physical relationship, with no emotional bond. However, as time passes and Gurov becomes protective of Anna, he realizes that he loves her deeply.
As Gurov is confused about the nature of his own relationship with Anna, he sets out to find a resolution. Although Anna is aging, Gurov recognizes that she still loves him. He concludes that the most complex part was just beginning. But the question remains, "Does Gurov really love Anna?"
The Lady With the Dog - A Third-Person Narrative
The Lady With the Dog is narrated in third-person by the narrator. As the male protagonist, he recounts major events in the story and relates his inner thoughts and emotions. At the same time, he discovers that he has never truly loved anyone. In the end, Gurov realizes that he loves Anna deeply, despite her aging.
This relationship is an opportunity for Gurov to reflect on his own life. As the relationship develops, he begins to open up emotionally to Anna and begins to realize that relationships with women are not temporary flings but rather the beginning of a new phase in life. Gurov also recognizes that he is reaching his middle age, and that the monotony of his Moscow life has rendered his life unfulfilling.
Chekhov's Short Story
Chekhov's "The Lady with the Dog" is a short story that examines the complexities of relationships. It follows the story of a married man and a young woman who fall in love with each other. Both characters are attracted to one another due to a shared ennui and physical attraction. As the story progresses, however, they grow to admire each other's innocence and begin to feel a genuine affection for one another. Despite their growing love, however, they must keep their relationship a secret.
The story takes place in the nineteenth century during the Russian Empire's last period of Tsar rule. In Chekhov's time, industrial production increased the number of people living in Russian cities. However, the social problems that would later lead to the October Revolution were already in the making. While Chekhov didn't live to see the fall of the Russian Empire and the onset of the early twentieth century crisis, he did witness the rise of a middle class and the beginning of a nationalist movement.
"The Lady with the Dog" is one of Chekhov's best-known stories. It perfectly exemplifies his subtle yet powerful style. His sparse language carries huge emotional complexity and reveals his characters' deep feelings. As the story progresses, readers are led to wonder what happened in the characters' lives outside of the story's boundaries.
Anna Sergeyevna's Attitude towards the Lady with the Dog
The story follows the relationship between an older married man and a young girl whose family is on the verge of divorce. Dmitri Dimtritch, who has a habit of engaging in casual relationships with numerous women, has an interest in Anna Sergeyevna, who is innocent and wants to leave her husband. But she feels trapped in her marriage and feels guilty for doing so.
She stood with an air of diffidence and consternation, like she was nervous or unsure. She sniffed the flowers and looked around without looking at him. Gurov kissed her on the lips, and they stood together in the street until it was dark and no one could see them. Gurov looked around to see if anyone had noticed them. Then, he turned to her and whispered, "I'd like to take you back to your hotel."
Anna Sergeyevna's marriage to Dmitritch Gurov is fraught with difficulties. He is a disloyal banker who has a difficult time letting go of his wife. He finds Anna's attitude towards him unnerving and is attracted to her.
Chekhov's "Anna" is an interesting example of how the point of view changes. In Chekhov's novel "Anna", the woman who is supposedly dead is not dead, but she is alive and well. Chekhov uses a third-person perspective to tell the story. Because the reader cannot see the woman directly, she can only read what Gurov is thinking and feeling. Chekhov's approach to the story teaches us about human nature, allowing us to understand Anna Sergeyevna.
