The Album
Zhmyhov is a good guy.
In so many of Chekhov's stories -- we meet deeply flawed individuals -- it's nice to find someone who has it all together.
The lavish praise he receives from his workers seems to be well-deserved.
How do we know?
Chekhov the master storyteller waits until the very end to make us truly understand the character of Zhmyhov.
Forget all the speeches -- anybody can get speeches -- most of them are not really sincere or truthful.
When it comes to character it's not words but action that counts. And I think this is the point of Chekhov's story.
When his son shows what he has done to the touching gift that was given to him the night before -- a
vain man would've been really upset but Zhmyov not only doesn't take
offense but caresses the boy and encourages him to show off his talent to his mother.
This small act reveals all you need to know about Zhmyhov.
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