What are Chekhov's short stories? Which one was the best?

Well, Chekhov's best short stories typically have a very vivid setting. For instance, he can paint a small Russian town so clearly that you feel like you're there. His stories also tend to have a lot of subtext. The characters might not say everything directly, but there are a lot of underlying emotions and thoughts. And his endings are often open - ended, leaving the reader to think about what might happen next.

The themes of melancholy and the passage of time are quite common. His characters often face a sense of loss or the realization that time is slipping away. In stories like 'Gooseberries', the character's pursuit of a simple pleasure is tinged with a kind of sadness as he reflects on his life and how it has turned out. Also, the theme of unfulfilled dreams can be seen throughout many of his works.

There are several excellent translations of Chekhov's short stories. Constance Garnett's translations are quite well - known. Her versions were among the first to introduce Chekhov to the English - speaking world in a comprehensive way. Another good one could be the translations by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. They are known for their meticulous and faithful translations, often bringing out the nuances of Chekhov's Russian prose more vividly.

Some of the best Chekhov short stories include 'The Lady with the Dog'. It's a great exploration of love and human relationships. The story delves into the complex emotions of two people in an extramarital affair.

The Norton Critical Editions of Chekhov's short stories are also excellent. They often include useful annotations, critical essays, and different translations for comparison, which can enhance the understanding of Chekhov's complex and nuanced stories.

A relatively new and excellent translation is by Peter Constantine. His translations are praised for their modern sensibility while still remaining true to Chekhov's original voice. He pays great attention to the cultural and historical context of the stories, which helps to bring out the full meaning of Chekhov's short stories in English.

Some of the well - known ones are 'The Lady with the Dog', 'The Bet', 'Gooseberries'. 'The Lady with the Dog' is great as it delves into the complex nature of love and infidelity. The characters are very realistically portrayed and the emotions are palpable.

One of the best is 'The Lady with the Dog'. It beautifully portrays an affair between a married man and a married woman. The characters are complex and the emotions are subtly depicted.

First, read them slowly and carefully. Notice the details of the characters and the settings. For example, in 'The Lady with the Dog', the descriptions of the two lovers' meetings add depth to their relationship.

To fully appreciate the best Chekhov short stories, start by reading them slowly. Notice the details of the characters, like their mannerisms and speech patterns. For example, in 'The Lady with the Dog', the way the two main characters interact subtly reveals their growing affection.