
Understanding Chekhov
A Critical Study of Chekhov's Prose and Drama
Donald Rayfield(Author)
Bristol Classical Press
Published on 24. June 1999
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-85399-426-5 (ISBN)
Description
This work is designed to enhance the understanding of those who read Chekhov's stories or watch his plays. It reveals the levels of meaning and intention, the interpretations that author, reader, theatre director or critic can make, and brings out Chekhov's many connections to European prose and drama. It is a systematic study, in chronological order, showing how Chekhov was formed by his own literary models and cultural background. It places stories and plays in context with each other as well as with Chekhov's reading and his public's and publishers' expectations. Early work receives special attention as the crucible in which later fiction is smelted; each of the major plays has a chapter devoted to it. Chekhov's own elusive intentions are elucidated, as well as the critical reactions of his contemporaries and of posterity. This study concentrates on Chekhov's innovations in both the story and in drama: the use of inconsequentiality, the avoidance of denouements, non-verbal effects (eg. smell and light), intertextuality. Much new archival material, private and family, is drawn on to show the origins of Chekhov's ideas and source of his motifs.
Attention is paid to Chekhov's influence on the short story and on drama in Europe and America, as well as in Russia.
Attention is paid to Chekhov's influence on the short story and on drama in Europe and America, as well as in Russia.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 138 mm
Weight
450 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-85399-426-5 (9781853994265)
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Schweitzer Classification