Blog 2 Response to"The Lady With The Pet Dog"

2.  Do you think you would have appreciated “The Lady with the Pet Dog” more or less if Chekhov judged his characters or showed them either being penitent for their "sins", caught by their significant other(s), or suffering the consequences of their actions? Or, do you appreciate it more in the sense that the moralizing is left to you as the author simply develops his characters rather than judging them (this is much like Question 1, but it of course asks you to respond directly to what we're reading than more generally).

 

A: I appreciated how Chekhov allowed the reader to develop our own ideas concerning the affair that took place throughout the course of this novel. Most stories place some sort of downfall or struggle upon the characters that chose to engaging in the act of an affair. By not placing sinful consequences on either character we are able to view the “love” for what it really is. Although, many readers may not approve of an affair the reader was able follow this couple on their journey into love. While reading we were not overwhelmed by the chaos and frustrations of the characters husbands or wives; they were mentioned and talked about but the couple remained the reader’s main focus.  This story was meant to be presented in the most un bias way possible and Chekhov succeeded by permitting the reader to form their own views concerning each character (particularly Gurov since he is the narrator in this version). The uncertain ending permitted the reader to infer what the future held for this forbidden couple. We learn that this was only the “beginning” for this couple but that does not inform us of much. Did they remain married to their partners? Did the ever get caught? Did the run away and elope? These unanswered questions allow the reader to explore the world of possibilities with each character and create their own conclusion that will self-satisfy.

 

3. It’s easy to see why Chekhov might have wanted to allow Gurov alone to reveal himself and his situation to the readers: he didn’t believe fiction is the place for moralizing, and he wanted readers to perhaps draw her own conclusions. Beyond that, though: Do you think he wants us to sympathize with Gurov? Simply understand him? What do you make of point of view in this story, and how does it affect your understanding and opinion of Gurov?

 

A: If Gurov did not personally reveal his past we would know very little about this character. It is because of our knowledge of Gurov we understand why he is engaging in the acts on an affair (whether or not we agree with it is a different story). If we look at the time and place this story was written divorce was a shamed upon act and nearly impossible. Marriage was more often a business arrangement more than an act of love or passion. If we take these factors into account and combine that with our knowledge concerning Gurov it should come as no surprise why he engages in affairs. This point of view allows us to read into the internal thoughts of Gurov. Although, his thoughts may seem dull and unsympathetic we do see a turning point within his personality. After his mistress leaves he finds himself yearning for her affection. He craves to see her and is more often than not haunted by the thoughts of her. Later he admits that he has fallen in love, despite his old age, for the first time ever with his mistress as he fights to try and get her back (get her back meaning re-engage in the acts of an affair). If this story were told in a different narrative we would not be able to witness this internal struggle Gurov faces. Chekhov may want the reader to sympathize with Gurov but this point of view more or less allows the reader to understand the internal mind set and struggles of Gurov.

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