Anton Chekhov 1860-1904

Humble beginnings 1860 January 17 Born in Taganrog (small town in S. of Russia) Grandson of serf, born into large family Father a gloomy religious person, becomes a bankrupt Chekhov later wrote how he “squeezed the slave out of himself drop by drop.”

The Chekhovs

To Moscow! 1879 Enters Medical faculty at Moscow University 1880 Begins to publish in humorous magazines under pseudonyms 1884 Graduates from med school Approx now first signs of TB

An omen… 1886 Starts to publish stories under his own name 1887 Writes Ivanov 1888 The Wood Demon 1888 Steppe (long story). 1889 Brother Nikolai dies of TB

Settling down 1890 Journey to penal colony in Sakhalin to conduct a sociological survey returns to Russia via Singapore, Sri Lanka 1892 Buys country estate at Melikhovo outside Moscow.

Melikhovo

Staying alive… 1897 Major signs of tuberculosis, moves to Yalta, travels to Nice, France. 1898 Moscow Art Theatre revives Seagull, it is a hit. 1899 Uncle Vanya

Chekhov’s House in Yalta, Crimea

The last years… 1901 Three Sisters; marries actress Olga Knipper 1903 Cherry Orchard 1904 2 July Dies in Badenweiler in Germany.

Famous sayings “Medicine is my lawful wife and literature my mistress; when I get tired of one, I spend the night with the other.” “Reason and justice tell me there's more love for humanity in electricity and steam than in chastity and vegetarianism.” “Conciseness is the sister of talent.”

Chekhov’s values Modesty – hard work – discretion – respect for others Not a moralist – an ethicist knew Orthodox ritual better than any Russian writer Not a believer – but saw faith as a broad field between two poles of belief and disbelief Not a revolutionary: in his life’s actions showed he believed in gradual progress, not radical solutions