The Bird Market
A day in the life of a Moscow bird market with all its vibrancy and despair.
Some go there to amuse themselves -- others to make a living -- all comes at a price -- a very heavy price if you are a hare or a frog or any other creature being put up for sale.
Chekhov points out how every one plays a role -- how some are respected and honored at the market and others are ignored -- and like similar markets in the world -- there are winners and losers. Aggressors and victims.
Chekhov's artistry and his ability to make us empathize with the victims -- is best on display when he decribes the blackbird:
"A faded old blackbird, with most of its feathers plucked out of its tail, sits on a dirty perch. He is dignified, grave, and motionless as a retired general. He has waved his claw in resignation to his captivity long ago, and looks at the blue sky with indifference, he is considered a sagacious bird."
One cannot help but feel sad for the bird and all other dignified beings who have had their freedom taken away from them, in one way, or another.
At some point in our lives we will be more like that blackbird than we ever wish to imagine.
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