Understanding Chekhov: A Critical Study of Chekhov's Prose and Drama (Critical Studies in Russian Literature S.) - Softcover

Rayfield, Donald

Softcover

ISBN 10: 185399426X ISBN 13: 9781853994265

Publisher: Bristol Classical Press, 1999

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review

"An outstanding book. . . . The best introduction to Chekhov, man and work, today."--Robert L. Jackson, Yale University

About the Author

Donald Rayfield was educated at Dulwich College and Magdalene
College, Cambridge. He is professor of Russian and Georgian at Queen
Mary and Westfield College, University of London, where he has taught
for more than thirty years. A frequent traveller in Russia and Georgia,
he is also the author of numerous publications, including The Cherry Orchard: A Critical Study; The Literature of Georgia: A History; Chekhov's Uncle Vania, The Wood Demon: A Critical Study; and Anton Chekhov: A Biography.

Edition details

• Publisher: Bristol Classical Press
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 185399426X
• ISBN 13: 9781853994265
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 314