What are the most notable features of 'Best of Anton Chekhov Short Stories'?

One notable feature is his in - depth character portrayal. Chekhov has a remarkable ability to create complex and relatable characters in a short span. His characters often have internal conflicts and hidden desires. Another feature is his use of subtle humor. It's not blatant but rather a dry, understated humor that adds depth to the stories. Also, his exploration of the human condition is profound, delving into themes like love, loss, and the mundanity of life.

Well, 'The Chameleon' is great. It shows how people can change their attitudes so quickly depending on the perceived status of others. Also, 'Gooseberries' is a story that makes you think about the pursuit of happiness and how it can sometimes be self - centered.

Anton Chekhov's love stories often feature complex characters. His characters' love is not always straightforward. For example, in some stories, love is mixed with social status concerns. The love might be unrequited, like in stories where one character has deep feelings while the other is indifferent or preoccupied with other things. Also, his descriptions of the settings play an important role in the love stories. The gloomy or idyllic settings can mirror the state of the characters' love.

His best stories often have a deep sense of melancholy. This is reflected in the settings and the fates of the characters. The endings are usually not very optimistic, which makes the readers think about life more deeply.

I also like 'A Day in the Country'. It presents a simple day in the country side but with such detailed descriptions of the scenery and the people. It gives a sense of peace and yet also shows the underlying currents of the characters' lives.

The stories in 'the chekhov collection of short stories' often have a sense of melancholy. Chekhov was good at exploring the unspoken emotions and hidden desires of his characters. Also, his writing style is very concise. He could convey a lot with very few words, making the stories very impactful.

Well, 'The Bet' is among the best. It tells a thought - provoking story about a bet between a banker and a young lawyer. The lawyer agrees to be locked up for 15 years in exchange for a large sum of money. This story delves into the nature of human endurance, the value of life, and the concept of freedom. Also, 'Ivanov' is a notable story that examines the life of a man in a state of moral and emotional turmoil.

One of his well - known horror stories is 'The Black Monk'. It delves into the psychological state of a character who starts seeing a hallucination of a black monk. This apparition drives him to the brink of madness, exploring themes of insanity and the power of the mind over reality.

One common theme is the human condition. Chekhov often explored the quiet desperation and unfulfilled dreams of his characters. For example, in 'The Lady with the Dog', the theme of love and the complications that come with it are central. Another theme is the passage of time and how it affects people. His characters are often in a state of flux, changing as they experience different events. Social class differences also play a role. He shows how people from different classes interact and the misunderstandings that can occur.

The themes of isolation and loneliness are prevalent. Many of his characters seem to be alone in their thoughts and experiences, even when surrounded by others. Additionally, the idea of missed opportunities is a theme. Characters might have had a chance at love or a better life but let it slip away due to various reasons like indecision or social constraints.