• Poem Analysis
  • Writers/Poets
  • Literary Theory
  • Short Story
  • Book Review
  • Kid’s Corner
  • Poetic Techniques
  • Phrases and Idiomatic Expressions
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

the lady with the dog essay

Analysis of “The Lady with the Dog” by Anton Chekhov

the lady with the dog essay

Summary of “The Lady with the Dog”

“The Lady with the Dog” is a short story penned by Anton Chekhov in 1899. The story is about a man named Dmitry Gurov and a woman named Anna Sergeyevna who embark on a passionate affair, despite the societal conventions that prohibit their love.

Dmitry is a middle-aged man who is disillusioned with his life and seeks excitement through romantic affairs. Anna is a young woman from a well-to-do family who is married to a wealthy banker but feels trapped in her loveless marriage. The two meet while vacationing in Yalta and begin an affair, even though Dmitry knows that Anna is married.

Despite the danger of their relationship being discovered, Dmitry and Anna continue to meet, and their affair intensifies. They spend time together talking, exploring the town, and having romantic walks. However, despite their happiness, they both acknowledge that their relationship is unsustainable, given their respective social status and the fact that they live in different cities.

However, Dmitry and Anna cannot resist each other, and their love only grows. They both begin to question society’s conventions and the obligations placed upon them. They become lost in their love for each other, despite knowing it is only temporary.

Eventually, Dmitry and Anna must part ways, and both are left feeling empty and heartbroken. Dmitry returns to Moscow, where he tries to forget about Anna and return to his old life. He tries to focus on work but finds that he cannot shake the feeling of emptiness and longing for Anna. Anna returns to her husband, but she, too, can forget about Dmitry and their passionate love affair.

Ultimately, Dmitry and Anna find their way back to each other, and their love is reignited. They both realize that they are willing to risk everything to be together and that their love is more important than the conventions of society. The two begin a new life together, and the story ends with them walking arm in arm, with their pet dog trotting beside them.

Major Themes in “The Lady with the Dog”

The Lady with the Dog by Anton Chekhov is a short story that explores several themes, including love, infidelity, social class, and the human condition. This story reflects Russian society’s changing attitudes and values during the late 19th century and is considered a masterpiece of modern short story writing.

One of the primary themes of the story is love. The story explores the theme of love uniquely and unconventionally. The main character, Dmitry Gurov, is a wealthy, middle-aged man who has been married for several years and has children, but he is not happy in his marriage. He meets a young woman, Anna Sergeyevna, who is also married and unhappy in her relationship. Even though they are both in relationships, they find themselves drawn to each other and fall in love. This love is intense, passionate, and all-consuming. The two share a deep connection, but their passion is also complicated because they are married.

Another theme in The Lady with the Dog is infidelity. This theme is closely related to the theme of love, as the two characters engage in an affair that is both thrilling and dangerous. They are aware of the consequences of their actions but cannot resist the urge to be together. The story explores the idea that people are not always faithful to the people they love and that infidelity can have far-reaching consequences.

Social class is another important theme of the story. The main characters come from different social backgrounds, with Dmitry being a wealthy man and Anna being from a lower-class family. This social divide creates a barrier and tension in their relationship. The story explores the idea that social class can significantly impact people’s lives and create difficult obstacles.

The human condition is also explored in “The Lady with the Dog.” The characters in this story are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives and trying to find happiness. Dmitry is a man who has everything but is still not satisfied, while Anna is searching for a connection that she has been missing. This story highlights that people are all searching for something and that this search for meaning and purpose is a universal human experience.

In conclusion, “The Lady with the Dog” by Anton Chekhov is a complex and multifaceted story that explores several important themes. The themes of love, infidelity, social class, and the human condition are woven together to create a rich and compelling narrative. This story is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to be relevant and meaningful to readers for generations.

Suggested Readings

Analysis of “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry

Analysis of  The Metamorphosis  by Franz Kafka

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Everyday use by alice walker, analysis of “araby” by james joyce, “signs and symbols” by vladimir nabokov, editor picks, why would we consider macbeth a tragic hero, how does shakespeare use foreshadowing in macbeth, how is macbeth relevant today, popular posts, “when i have fears” by john keats, grow old with me by robert browning, what is the theme of ode to a grecian urn, popular category.

  • Poem Analysis 88
  • Book Review 26
  • Writers/Poets 18
  • Short Story 14
  • Literary Theory 9
  • Poetic Techniques 1
  • Phrases and Idiomatic Expressions 1

the lady with the dog essay

the lady with the dog essay

The Lady With the Dog

Anton chekhov, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Dmitri Gurov has been in Yalta for a two weeks when a mysterious woman appears in town with her white Pomeranian . No one knows anything about the woman, and people refer to her simply as “the lady with the little dog.”

Gurov, out of a mix of curiosity, boredom, and the desire for the pleasures of an affair, strikes up a conversation with the woman, whose name is Anna Sergeyevna Von Diderits , one night at dinner. The two trade a little bit about their backgrounds: he’s a banker from Moscow who’s been married with three children for some time, and gave up on his artistic training as a singer; she’s from St. Petersburg, is only recently married, and seems quite disconnected from whatever her husband does for the government. They part, but that evening Gurov has trouble getting Anna out of his thoughts.

A week later, the two go to see a steam ship bring new people to Yalta, and then linger long after the crowds have dispersed. They later return to Gurov’s hotel room, in which he dispels a great deal of fear on Anna’s part that he is losing respect for her. The two consummate their relationship and then drive out to the scenic suburb of Oreanda to watch the sun rise. Both are incredibly moved by the scene, and soon begin a routine of dining together, stealing kisses in the gardens, sleeping together, and driving out late at night to see the natural beauty of the landscape.

Eventually word reaches Anna that her husband is sick, and she returns to St. Petersburg. Gurov goes back to Moscow shortly after, thinking that the affair has run its course. However, Gurov struggles to get Anna off his mind. The world of his wife , children, and Moscow society more generally loses all of its luster for him. In fact, he comes to see it as a hypocritical, shallow farce in comparison to his time full of true and tender emotions with Anna.

Gurov comes up with a pretext to go to St. Petersburg, where he stakes out Anna’s house but doesn’t see her. Later that evening, he attends a premiere at the opera in the hopes of spotting Anna, and in fact does. She appears to him completely unremarkable and lost in the crowd, yet remains the source of all his happiness nonetheless.

Gurov confronts Anna outside of the opera, badly shocking her. Anna confesses that she’s also been unable to put Gurov out of her mind and promises that she will come to Moscow to see him if he will only leave the opera before people spot them together.

Anna is true to her word and begins coming to Moscow semi-regularly. The two rekindle their affair without any real consequences or threats of exposure. The strength of the relationship and the fact that they’ve been able to successfully keep it secret completely changes Gurov’s outlook on life—he is now convinced that people’s personal lives exist in the most secret parts of themselves, and is somewhat amazed he’s able to handle the double-life of his old Moscow relationships as well as his truest, best life with Anna.

Neither Gurov nor Anna, however, is happy that their actual marriages and the geographical distance them are keeping them apart. After some time, the two meet at Anna’s hotel room in Moscow, desperately searching for a solution that will bring them together more permanently. The hardest part of their relationship is just beginning, they realize, but Gurov feels love so strongly for the first time in his life that he is ready to try and surmount those complications.

The LitCharts.com logo.

The Lady With The Dog

Guide cover image

30 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Understatement

Chekhov’s expert use of understatement allows him to highlight a narrative instance and prompt readers to reach their own interpretations of its significance. In the Yalta hotel room scene, the distressed Anna tells Gurov that their adultery is “wrong” and that she deserves his contempt (572). Gurov’s response to Anna’s vulnerability and pathos in this moment is anticlimactic and deflating: “There was a water-melon on the table. Gurov cut himself a slice and began eating it without haste. There followed at least half an hour of silence” (572-73). The silence in this narrative instance emphasizes all the more the jarring contrast between Anna’s emotional state and Gurov’s reaction. This moment also alerts the readers to the crassness and insensitivity of Gurov, who is yet to be tutored by his love for Anna to feel and display more genuine care and compassion.

Point of View

blurred text

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now

Related Titles

By Anton Chekhov

Guide cover image

Anton Chekhov

Guide cover image

Gooseberries

Guide cover image

The Cherry Orchard

Guide cover image

The Darling

Guide cover image

The Death of a Government Clerk

Guide cover image

The Seagull

Guide cover placeholder

Three Sisters

Guide cover placeholder

Uncle Vanya

Featured Collections

View Collection

Loyalty & Betrayal

Valentine's Day Reads: The Theme of Love

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Lady With The Dog — The Theme of True Love and Character Development in The Lady with The Dog by Anton Chekhov

test_template

The Theme of True Love and Character Development in The Lady with The Dog by Anton Chekhov

  • Categories: The Lady With The Dog

About this sample

close

Words: 1624 |

Pages: 3.5 |

Published: Jun 29, 2018

Words: 1624 | Pages: 3.5 | 9 min read

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Literature

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3.5 pages / 1676 words

7 pages / 3276 words

6.5 pages / 3030 words

7 pages / 3092 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

The Theme of True Love and Character Development in The Lady with The Dog by Anton Chekhov Essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

The journey of a fictional character is written to reflect the ways of the author’s culture. The author uses symbolisms of common things to represent or convey a greater message subtly to the reader. Authors such as Anton [...]

In both The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald and The Lady with the Dog by Anton Chekhov the authors use among many others, the significant theme of love. In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby fell in love with Daisy because of [...]

A vacation is the perfect escape from a harsh or dull reality. Anton Chekhov authored the story “The Lady With the Dog”, which introduces two characters who could really use a perfect getaway. Dmitri Gurov is the leading man in [...]

In the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell uses several literary techniques to develop the theme that totalitarianism is destructive. He does so by using extensive imagery, focusing on the deterioration of the Victory Mansions, [...]

Romantic love and intimacy are common features in 1984 by George Orwell. The Party works to eradicate all physical sensations of love and depersonalise sex to the point where is it referred to as a 'duty to the party' for the [...]

The fear of a dystopian future that is explored in both Fritz Lang’s film Metropolis and George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty Four is reflective of the values of the societies at the time and the context of the authors. As [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

the lady with the dog essay

Perspective and Its Influence in “The Lady With the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov Essay (Critical Writing)

Introduction, the function of the narrator in the story, perspective and its influence on the story, the reasons why chekhov chose a definite perspective, works cited.

The Lady with the Pet Dog is a short story written by Anton Chekhov in 1889. The story presents a love affair between Dmitry Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna who met at a sea resort in Yalta. Gurov is depicted as a character that has certain disrespect for women and considers them an inferior race; he is unhappy in his marriage and he seems to be a cynic with no ability to love. Anna, in her turn, is a romantic character; she is also married but her attitude towards marriage is not as biased as that of Gurov. After committing adultery, Anna is rather remorseful of her deed and becomes even more despondent than before taking the vacation (Smith 65). Narration plays a decisive role in this story because it allows discovering the characters’ feelings and emotions, as well as observing the events which unfold in it. The function of the narrator in The Lady with the Pet Dog is to reflect the inner feelings of the characters; in this story, Chekhov chooses a third-person narrative with a limited point of view because using this point of view when describing personal relations is especially convenient.

To begin with, the main function of the narrator in the story under consideration is to inform the readers and to reveal certain feelings and emotions hidden inside the story’s characters. Chekhov’s narration is unobtrusive; his main aim is to inform the readers about the events which unfold in the story without providing any personal opinions or imposing certain ideas on the readers. This is especially evident in the description of Gurov who has “something attractive and elusive which allured women and disposed of them in his favor” (Chekhov 2). Such description is rather vague and abstract, but, “in its abstract and static way, the description is effective in supporting the story of a man who experiences love through intellect rather than emotion” (McClanahan 82). Not only does Chekhov narrate about the events in the story, but he also tells how the characters perceive what is taking place in the story; for instance, he discloses Gurov’s feelings towards Anna by describing how “he thought about her in his room at the hotel – thought she would certainly meet him next day” (Chekhov 3). Thus, apart from informing, the role of the narrator in this story consists in revealing the character’s inner worries and sufferings.

In addition, the third-person narrative with a limited point of view is used by Chekhov in The Lady with the Pet Dog. A third-person narrator uses the pronouns “he”, “she”, and “they” when referring to the characters. At this, however, the point of view is limited because Chekhov presents the events from the perspective of Gurov only. It is seldom that he describes Anna thinking about Dmitry. For example, Chekhov mentions that Gurov was constantly thinking about Anna after they parted: “He would pace a long time about his room, remembering it all and smiling; then his memories passed into dreams, and in his fancy, the past was mingled with what was to come” (Chekhov 10). In contrast, Anna’s feelings are depicted only when she is with Gurov: “She glanced at him and turned pale, then glanced again with horror, unable to believe her eyes, and tightly gripped the fan and the lorgnette in her hands, evidently struggling with herself not to faint” (Chekhov 13). This presents the story purely from Gurov’s perspective, thus affecting its plot and overall meaning.

Finally, there are two main reasons why Chekhov chose namely this point of view. Firstly, using this point of view is quite convenient when depicting personal relations. It allows the author to take a neutral position of an informant who simply shares what is taking place with the readers. And, secondly, third person narration with limited point of view helps the author to avoid responsibility and be objective in presenting the facts. For instance, if there was narration with unlimited point of view, the narrator could seem biased when telling about the characters’ relations. In contrast, when making the readers witness what Gurov was experiencing, the narrator shared with them some intimate details of Gurov’s life, the details which the readers would have never discovered without the narrator. This has added value for the narrator because it allows establishing contact with the readers. Therefore, Chekhov has chosen the third-person narrative with limited perspective to get rid of responsibility, avoid bias, and earn the trust of the readers.

Drawing a conclusion, it can be stated that Chekhov was quite successful when choosing a particular point of view in the story. The narrator in The Lady with the Pet Dog is an informant who, from the third-person narration with limited perspective, informs the readers about the events taking place in the story and, at this, is unobtrusive and objective when describing personal relations between Gurov and Anna. This proves the talent of the author and his desire to present to the readers a decent piece of writing.

Chekhov, Anton P. The Lady With A Dog And Other Stories . Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Publishing, 2004.

McClanahan, Rebecca. Word Painting: A Guide to Writing More Descriptively. Cincinnati: Writer’s Digest Books, 2000.

Smith, Patrick A. Thematic Guide to Popular Short Stories . New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002.

  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 26). Perspective and Its Influence in “The Lady With the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-lady-with-the-pet-dog-by-anton-chekhov/

"Perspective and Its Influence in “The Lady With the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov." IvyPanda , 26 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/the-lady-with-the-pet-dog-by-anton-chekhov/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Perspective and Its Influence in “The Lady With the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov'. 26 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Perspective and Its Influence in “The Lady With the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-lady-with-the-pet-dog-by-anton-chekhov/.

1. IvyPanda . "Perspective and Its Influence in “The Lady With the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-lady-with-the-pet-dog-by-anton-chekhov/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Perspective and Its Influence in “The Lady With the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-lady-with-the-pet-dog-by-anton-chekhov/.

  • Life and Carrier of Dmitry Medvedev
  • Anton Chekhov Literary Works
  • The Truth in Chekhov’s “Lady with the Dog”
  • Chekhov’s vs. Oats’ “The Lady with the Pet Dog”
  • The theme of love in "The Lady with the pet Dog" by Anton Chekhov
  • “The Lady with the Pet Dog”: Oates & Chekhov [Analysis]
  • Women in “The Lady with the Dog” by Chekhov and “The Dead” by Joyce
  • Locations in Chekhov's "The Lady with the Pet Dog"
  • Chekhov and Carver: The Struggle Against Ambiguity
  • The Depth of Chekhov’s Vision in “The Lady With the Dog”
  • Exterminating Bugs in Franz Kafka’s "The Metamorphosis"
  • Analysis of Dante`s Inferno Using Theories of Narratology
  • "The Gift" by Puerto Rican
  • “Guess Who’s Coming for the Dinner” by Roddy Doyle
  • Themes Explored in the Novel "Snow" by Orhan Pamuk

Writing Universe - logo

  • Environment
  • Information Science
  • Social Issues
  • Argumentative
  • Cause and Effect
  • Classification
  • Compare and Contrast
  • Descriptive
  • Exemplification
  • Informative
  • Controversial
  • Exploratory
  • What Is an Essay
  • Length of an Essay
  • Generate Ideas
  • Types of Essays
  • Structuring an Essay
  • Outline For Essay
  • Essay Introduction
  • Thesis Statement
  • Body of an Essay
  • Writing a Conclusion
  • Essay Writing Tips
  • Drafting an Essay
  • Revision Process
  • Fix a Broken Essay
  • Format of an Essay
  • Essay Examples
  • Essay Checklist
  • Essay Writing Service
  • Pay for Research Paper
  • Write My Research Paper
  • Write My Essay
  • Custom Essay Writing Service
  • Admission Essay Writing Service
  • Pay for Essay
  • Academic Ghostwriting
  • Write My Book Report
  • Case Study Writing Service
  • Dissertation Writing Service
  • Coursework Writing Service
  • Lab Report Writing Service
  • Do My Assignment
  • Buy College Papers
  • Capstone Project Writing Service
  • Buy Research Paper
  • Custom Essays for Sale

Can’t find a perfect paper?

  • Free Essay Samples

The Lady With the Dog by Anton Chekhov

Updated 30 September 2022

Subject Books

Downloads 59

Category Entertainment

Topic The Lady With The Dog

Anna's arrival in Gurov's life brings about a major change in his character. He realizes that Anna is very important to him, and he declares this to himself. His relationship with her is a revelation for him, and the two grow to love each other. In the process, they discover that true love is possible, even in a man who's been living a double life for the past decade.The next morning, Gurov wakes up with a headache. He paces his bedroom and contemplates his next move. He is sick of his children and his job at the bank. He has no desire to talk about his problems with his family. Nevertheless, he prepares for a trip to Petersburg to see Anna. He tells his wife that he's going to do something for a young friend. In fact, Gurov wanted to meet Anna Sergeyevna and arrange a meeting.Anna "The Lady with the Dog" is a short story by Anton Chekhov, first published in 1899. It is the story of an affair between a young, married woman and an unhappily married Moscow banker. This relationship begins while the two are alone in Yalta."The Lady with the Dog" emphasizes the goodness and purity of love. Whiteness recurs throughout the story and serves to symbolize the innocence of the relationship. The heroine, Anna, is accompanied by a white Pomeranian dog, who serves as a guardian of her purity.As the story unfolds, the story's emotional arc becomes increasingly complex. Anna's longing for a man who can make her happy will cause her to act irrationally. In "The Lady with the Dog," Gurov introduces us to two new characters who are involved in a secret affair.The dog "The Lady with the Dog" is one of Chekhov's most famous and best-loved stories. It illustrates his subtle yet powerful style of telling a story. He employs a limited vocabulary to convey the depth and complexity of his characters' emotions. The story revolves around the secret love affair between a womanizer and an attractive woman.The story is framed from Dmitri's point of view. His wife has been betrayed and he is looking for new love. He has an unpleasant temper and falls easily for attractive women.Chekhov's real life love for Olga Knipper The relationship between Chekhov and Knipper was quite unconventional, to say the least. The two met during a rehearsing session for The Seagull, and stayed in touch through letters for years. They became friends, and eventually became lovers. Through these letters, Chekhov was able to see her true character. She was a fiery woman, and the correspondences he wrote to her about his life and work kept him on his toes.During the winter, Anton Chekhov and Olga were separated from each other for five months. During that time, Chekhov wrote the first draft of his play, The Cherry Orchard. The play had been on his mind for almost two years. In October 1902, he had finished the play and sent it to Moscow for a first rehearsal.Gurov's relationship with the lady with the dog The lady with the dog is one of the most interesting characters in Gurov's novel. While Gurov has no desire to marry her, he seems to crave the attention of a woman. He is tempted by the prospect of a quick, fleeting love affair. Despite this, however, Gurov cannot seem to forget her.Anna and Gurov meet at noon every day on the seafront, where they have lunch and walk around the town. Sometimes, they kiss passionately, especially when no one is watching. They also constantly praised each other's appearance, as Gurov told Anna how beautiful she was. Eventually, Anna's husband writes to Gurov, telling him about Anna's eye problems. They eventually meet again at the dog park, but not before Gurov sends Anna home with a letter.Gurov's moral compass is also challenged by the encounter with Anna. He realizes that his previous attitudes towards women are incompatible with his newfound respect for her. Until this point, Gurov had always looked down on women and viewed them as inferior to men. But after meeting Anna, he comes to realize that women are not inferior.

Deadline is approaching?

Wait no more. Let us write you an essay from scratch

Related Essays

Related topics.

Find Out the Cost of Your Paper

Type your email

By clicking “Submit”, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy policy. Sometimes you will receive account related emails.

The Lady With the Dog

By anton chekhov, the lady with the dog study guide.

"The Lady with the Dog" was written in 1899 by Russian writer and playwright Anton Chekhov , and was first published in the journal Russian Idea. It has often been deemed by critics to be Chekhov's answer to Anna Karenina ; Lyudmila Parts calls it an "intertextual dialogue" with Tolstoy's work.

Chekhov penned "The Lady with the Dog" while convalescing in Yalta, a port on the Russian coast. He had already been diagnosed with tuberculosis, which would kill him only several years later. Chekhov's illness, however, is not the only prominent influence on this text. After avoiding marriage for most of his life, Chekhov fell in love with actress Olga Knipper. This story was written two years before he would marry her. For this reason, critics have drawn parallels between Gurov, the protagonist, and Chekhov. Biographer Philip Callow comments on their similarity in age—Chekhov wrote "The Lady with the Dog" at age 39, and Gurov is approaching 40 in the text. Both men discovered a beautiful and tender love late in life—for Chekhov, almost too late.

GradeSaver will pay $15 for your literature essays

The Lady With the Dog Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Lady With the Dog is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

After Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna consummate their sexual relationship, when Anna Sergeyvna wants to talk about the morality of what they've done, what is Gurov's response?

According to the text you've provided, the answer would be...

3: He says, "How could I despise you?" after first eating watermelon silently for a half hour.

In context:

"It's wrong," she said. "You will be the first to despise me now."

There was a...

Consider the following assessment of the story: " No excuses can be made for the lover's adulterous affair. They behave selfishly and irresponsibly. They are immoral-and so is the story." Explain what you think Chekhov's response to this view would be, gi

Gurov is less concerned with personal shame than Anna, but he still feels the need to keep the affair secret. Before and after kissing her in public, for example, he looks around furtively to see if anyone is watching.

Anna no longer cries at the...

Please Help me???

Yet as the story progresses,...

Study Guide for The Lady With the Dog

The Lady With the Dog study guide contains a biography of Anton Chekhov, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About The Lady With the Dog
  • The Lady With the Dog Summary
  • Character List

Essays for The Lady With the Dog

The Lady With the Dog essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Lady With the Dog by Anton Chekhov.

  • Perspective and Understanding in Chekhov's "Misery"
  • Character Development and True Love in Anton Chekhov’s “The Lady with the Dog”

Wikipedia Entries for The Lady With the Dog

  • Introduction
  • Interpretations
  • Historical background
  • Publication history

the lady with the dog essay

COMMENTS

  1. A Lady With The Dog English Literature Essay

    A Lady With The Dog English Literature Essay. Anton Chekhov was a Russian writer who was known for his short stories and plays. The Lady with the Dog, written in 1899, is a story that focuses on two lovers that continue to have an affair despite the fact that they are both married. When Chekhov died he was laid in the town of Yalta, whereby the ...

  2. Chekhov Stories "The Lady with the Dog" Summary & Analysis

    A summary of "The Lady with the Dog" in Anton Chekhov's Chekhov Stories. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of Chekhov Stories and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.

  3. Essays on The Lady with The Dog

    The Theme of True Love and Character Development in The Lady with The Dog by Anton Chekhov. 3 pages / 1624 words. In 1899, Anton Chekhov published a short story of two lovers' clandestine affair called "The Lady with the Dog". Dmitri Dmitritch Gurov, the story's main character, sees a young woman walking a dog on the sea-front in Yalta.

  4. "The Lady With the Pet Dog'" by Chekhov

    Many people try to understand why The Lady with the Pet Dog is that unique, and the answer lies in the peculiarities of Chekhov's writing style. Admittedly, he was one of the first artists to understand the strength of realism, as compared to the romantic, depiction of life. Chekhov is a wonderful writer who managed to articulate real-life ...

  5. The Lady With the Dog Study Guide

    Full Title: The Lady with the Dog (Russian: Дама с собачкой) When Written: 1899. Where Written: Yalta, Crimea. When Published: 1899. Literary Period: Russian Romanticism. Genre: Drama/Romance. Setting: The seaside resort town of Yalta, the capital of the Russian Empire Moscow, the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

  6. Analysis of "The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov

    Summary of "The Lady with the Dog". "The Lady with the Dog" is a short story penned by Anton Chekhov in 1899. The story is about a man named Dmitry Gurov and a woman named Anna Sergeyevna who embark on a passionate affair, despite the societal conventions that prohibit their love. Dmitry is a middle-aged man who is disillusioned with ...

  7. The Lady With the Dog

    The Lady With the Dog Summary and Analysis of "The Lady with the Dog" (I) Summary: It was said that a new lady and her dog had arrived in Yalta. Dmitri Dmitritch Gurov had been in Yalta for two weeks by at that point, and he was interested in new arrivals. He noticed this lady walking on the sea-front, in the gardens, and in the square several ...

  8. The Lady With the Dog by Anton Chekhov Plot Summary

    The Lady With the Dog Summary. Dmitri Gurov has been in Yalta for a two weeks when a mysterious woman appears in town with her white Pomeranian. No one knows anything about the woman, and people refer to her simply as "the lady with the little dog.". Gurov, out of a mix of curiosity, boredom, and the desire for the pleasures of an affair ...

  9. The Lady with the Dog Full Text and Analysis

    Anton Chekhov Translated by Constance Garnett. Chekhov's "The Lady with the Dog" offers a snapshot of life without the bias of a moral or narrative. Gurov, a forty-year-old married man who lives in Moscow, meets Anna, a married woman from a town near St. Petersburg, while on vacation in Yalta. The two quickly become friends and then lovers.

  10. The Lady With The Dog Summary and Study Guide

    Summary: "The Lady with the Dog". First published in 1899, "The Lady with the Dog" is one of Anton Chekhov's most well-known stories. The short story examines the conflict between conformity to marital and gender conventions and faithfulness to one's inner principles. Focusing on an adulterous relationship, the story challenges the ...

  11. The Lady With the Dog Summary

    Essays for The Lady With the Dog. The Lady With the Dog essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Lady With the Dog by Anton Chekhov. Perspective and Understanding in Chekhov's "Misery" Character Development and True Love in Anton Chekhov's "The Lady with ...

  12. Gurov's Flights of Emotion in Chekhov's "The Lady with the Dog"

    In Anton Chekhov and the Lady with the Dog [1973], Virginia Llewellyn Smith discusses the importance of this theme: ''In Chekhov's later work, this ideal of love was to become increasingly ...

  13. The Lady With the Dog Essay Questions

    Essays for The Lady With the Dog. The Lady With the Dog essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Lady With the Dog by Anton Chekhov. Perspective and Understanding in Chekhov's "Misery" Character Development and True Love in Anton Chekhov's "The Lady with ...

  14. The Lady With The Dog Essay Topics

    Essay Topics. 1. Select an excerpt from the story where the characters seem to fail at communicating. Rewrite the excerpt with the characters expressing their thoughts and emotions. Feel free to include internal monologue, flashbacks, body language, and other markers of the emotional states of the characters.

  15. The Truth in Chekhov's "Lady with the Dog" Essay

    This essay will be based on Anton Chekhov's story "The Lady with the Dog." In the example of the story's main character, Dmitri Gurov, the problems of moral choices in relation to their marital fidelity and irresistible love will be revealed.

  16. "The Lady With the Dog" by Anton Chekhov

    Fulford, Robert. "Surprised by Love: Chekhov and "The Lady with the Dog." Queen's Quarterly 111.3 (2004): 331-341.. Finally, the basic work for the present research which provides precise but comprehensive information on the short story under discussion revealing some details from the artist's life is the work by Fulford.

  17. The Lady With the Dog Constraints of Society in Chekhov's Russia

    Essays for The Lady With the Dog. The Lady With the Dog essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Lady With the Dog by Anton Chekhov. Perspective and Understanding in Chekhov's "Misery" Character Development and True Love in Anton Chekhov's "The Lady with ...

  18. The Lady With The Dog Literary Devices

    for only $0.70/week. Subscribe. By Anton Chekhov. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "The Lady With The Dog" by Anton Chekhov. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

  19. The Theme of True Love and Character Development in The Lady with The

    In 1899, Anton Chekhov published a short story of two lovers' clandestine affair called "The Lady with the Dog". Dmitri Dmitritch Gurov, the story's main character, sees a young woman walking a dog on the sea-front in Yalta. It is said that everyone calls her the lady with the dog.

  20. "The Lady With the Pet Dog" by Anton Chekhov

    Introduction. The Lady with the Pet Dog is a short story written by Anton Chekhov in 1889. The story presents a love affair between Dmitry Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna who met at a sea resort in Yalta. Gurov is depicted as a character that has certain disrespect for women and considers them an inferior race; he is unhappy in his marriage and he ...

  21. The Lady With the Dog Essay

    The Lady With the Dog Character Development and True Love in Anton Chekhov's "The Lady with the Dog" Anonymous College. In 1899, Anton Chekhov published a short story of two lovers' clandestine affair called "The Lady with the Dog". Dmitri Dmitritch Gurov, the story's main character, sees a young woman walking a dog on the sea ...

  22. The Lady With the Dog by Anton Chekhov

    "The Lady with the Dog" is a short story by Anton Chekhov, first published in 1899. It is the story of an affair between a young, married woman and an unhappily married Moscow banker. ... On our website, students and learners can find detailed writing guides, free essay samples, fresh topic ideas, formatting rules, citation tips, and ...

  23. The Lady With the Dog Study Guide

    "The Lady with the Dog" was written in 1899 by Russian writer and playwright Anton Chekhov, and was first published in the journal Russian Idea. It has often been deemed by critics to be Chekhov's answer to Anna Karenina; Lyudmila Parts calls it an "intertextual dialogue" with Tolstoy's work.. Chekhov penned "The Lady with the Dog" while convalescing in Yalta, a port on the Russian coast.