Anton Chekhov’s “Anyuta,” “The Darling,” and The Three Sisters: Women Redressing the Concord

• Main Authors: Carme Wu, 吳佳玫
• Other Authors: Prof. James S. Fu
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 1999
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/48149523817499156417

碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 外國語文研究所 === 87 === Abstract Anton Chekhov can be regarded as the greatest Russian novelist and dramatist in the nineteenth century; the great Russian writer Tolstoy ever gives Chekhov such panegyrics “the artist of life” and “the poet of the actual.” Chekhov delineates the facets of life of the Russian people from various ranks in his time with trenchant insight and unprejudiced attitude. Through the representation of his characters, Chekhov probes into the common emotions, anxiety and torture of mankind; the readers are able to meet their minds with the author time and again. Chekhov’s works thus can jump over the barriers of countries and possess a lofty position in the literary field of the world. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the main feminine characters in Chekhov’s two pieces of fine writing “Anyuta,” “The Darling” and his drama The Three Sisters. Limited by traditional ethical education given by family, these women are devoid of farsightedness towards people and things. However, these women transform into an immortal mythological figure ─ Psyche through the severe test of many frustrations. They turn “eros” (love towards their lovers and relatives) into “agape” (love towards the people in the present and the future life.) With selfless love and conviction towards people of the world, these ordinary women belonging to varied ranks finally redress the concord of the family, society and universe. These works of Chekhov reflect the condition of the society and the position of the women in Russia at that time. Through these works, Chekhov also deals with the issues that all mankind have concerned about from the past to the present ─ the value of human existence and the meaning of life. Most Russian people are influenced by the fixed surroundings and driven by interest, and they have lost love and concerns towards other people; therefore, alienation and discord follows. Neglecting contempt of other beings, these feminine characters try to redress the lost concord with love; they gradually move the hearts of the people and the society with their completely selfless dedication and motherly feelings. We observe the greatness of the human beings from these women characters because they can sacrifice themselves for other beings and ideal. Tolstoy ever says: “ . . . love . . . is the chief, grand, unique strength of woman.” Owing to these women’s love and self-sacrifice, the future of the human race is hopeful. If man has love and ideal exhibited by these women, his life will be wonderful and harmonious ─ this is the very conclusion of the thesis.